England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach has fallen flat in the ongoing 2025–26 Ashes series, where Australia currently hold a commanding 2-0 lead. After suffering two comprehensive defeats, England have travelled to Noosa for a mid-series break — a move that has triggered sharp criticism from the British media even though the getaway was reportedly pre-planned in coordination with Cricket Australia.
The third Test of the five-match series begins in Adelaide on December 17, and England’s heavy defeats in Perth and the second Test have intensified scrutiny on the visitors’ preparation. While Joe Root’s century in the second Test was a rare highlight, only Zak Crawley and captain Ben Stokes managed notable resistance with the bat.
🏖️ Ben Stokes and England team-mates sink beers and sunbathe after Ashes humiliation
— Telegraph Cricket (@TeleCricket) December 10, 2025
Find out more ⬇️https://t.co/SxGGdVaV0H pic.twitter.com/2zWdoAHznd
Media Outrage in England over Noosa Holiday
Following England’s arrival at the beach retreat in Noosa, UK outlets carried stinging headlines.
The Telegraph wrote: “Ben Stokes and England team-mates sink beers and sunbathe after Ashes humiliation,” criticizing the leisure break coming so soon after their 2-0 deficit. BBC’s headline read: “Sledged on the beach – England’s break in Noosa,” highlighting an unusual moment where two local radio presenters confronted the squad dressed in full cricket whites and holding placards that read “For sale – moral victories” and “Bazballers anonymous – free counselling.”
Carey: Break Could Help England — But Australia Must Stay Alert
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played down the controversy, suggesting that the mid-series holiday might actually help England reset. However, he warned Australia against becoming complacent just because they lead 2-0.
Reflecting on the 2023 Ashes, where Australia failed to convert a similar lead into a series victory, Carey said the team remains cautious:
“We know England are a very good team. We also understand we were in a position like this a couple of years ago in England. We weren’t able to win that series, but we were good enough to retain the Ashes.”
England arrived in Noosa on Tuesday for a four-night break and are scheduled to train three times in Adelaide before the third Test, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Carey added that touring teams often need short mental breaks during long series:
“It’s totally up to the touring groups to find ways to take your mind off cricket for a little bit. The Ashes is very hotly contested. You don’t want to be thinking about cricket every single day of the tour.”
He believes the downtime could help England “refresh the batteries,” but remained firm that Australia’s focus must not waver.
Australia’s Own Time Off
Carey also noted that Australian players took short breaks as well, heading home between matches to be with their families. He said the Noosa stay would likely feel like “a nice holiday” for England but emphasized that both sides need to balance rest and preparation carefully in such a high-stakes series.
With the spotlight now firmly on Adelaide, the rivalry is expected to intensify as England attempt to revive their Ashes campaign while Australia aim to tighten their grip on the series.