Test Match Special The Ashes: Rob Key ’Sorry’ for England performing at 20%
Dec 23, 2025
Rob Key, Managing Director of England men's cricket, dives into the fallout from the Ashes defeat, admitting the team's performance has been at just 20%. He discusses the implications of past selections and the decision to focus on white-ball cricket in New Zealand. Joined by experts George Dobell and Stephan Shemilt, the trio analyzes England's preparation, on-field errors, and Australia’s bowling strength. Key's candid reflections on leadership and culture spark debate about the future of the team and their approach to upcoming challenges.
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Decision Making Under Pressure
- Rob Key highlights poor on-field decision-making as a root cause, calling some choices "stupid" under pressure.
- He stresses equipping players to make better decisions when the heat is on.
Why The Noosa Break Happened
- Rob Key explains Harry Brook and others need downtime because of packed schedules and franchise cricket.
- He argues players can't fully escape cricket while touring so planned breaks matter for mental health.
Balance Rest With Responsibility
- Allow players structured time away to recover but investigate excessive behaviour when necessary.
- Rob Key says breaks are vital for multi-format players but unacceptable if they turn into heavy drinking sprees.