Full Story Ashes Weekly: will Australia strike again in Brisbane?
Dec 3, 2025
Max Rushden chats with Geoff Lemon, a cricket analyst from Guardian Australia, Emma John, a seasoned commentator, and Sam Perry, a grade cricketer. They critically assess England's recent dismal loss and dissect the tactical implications of playing at the Gabba. The team debates the implications of Ben Stokes' recent interview and reflects on England's aggressive batting strategy. They also explore the challenges of the pink ball and its effect on visibility. Predictions lean towards Australia, but there's a hint of hope for resilient England.
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Loss Fuels Overblown Off-Field Debate
- England's loss in Perth triggered outsized scrutiny because there's little else to fix in the long gap before Brisbane.
- The lull magnified debates about Canberra, tactics and captaincy without changing on-field realities.
Use Gaps To Reset Not Rage
- Avoid obsessing over logistics like going to Canberra when preparation matters more than optics.
- Use long gaps to reset focus rather than amplify public drama, as Emma suggests.
Style Creates Psychological Resilience
- England's playing style can insulate the team from external pressure despite criticism.
- That resilience offers fans cause for cautious optimism ahead of Brisbane.