Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has criticised England’s disappointing start to the Ashes series, describing their performance as “deflating” and claiming that inadequate preparation for Australian conditions is a major reason the visitors trail 2–0. England suffered a heavy defeat in Perth in the opening Test, and things only worsened in Brisbane where Australia comfortably chased a modest target of 65 runs to secure another dominant win.
Speaking to SEN, Healy said the optimism around a competitive series quickly evaporated after England’s back-to-back losses.
“It’s a very deflating performance so far,” he said. “The optimism we had before any contest was very high. We thought this was going to be the close Ashes (in Australia) that we’ve been craving since the ’60s.”
Healy did not hold back, accusing the England setup of mismanagement and a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to succeed in Australia.
“It’s been a monumental fail by England; they have misread everything,” he added. “I don’t know how there could be so many people in decision-making positions in English cricket who don’t know any better and have let this itinerary be approved.”
He argued that England’s struggles stem from insufficient preparation, lack of fitness and declining form.
“They’ve got nothing because they haven’t been training. They are not fit enough, they are not bowling fit enough, and the batsmen haven’t made enough big runs in recent times. So, they are all fresh and green, and they’re not working hard enough. It’s very disappointing that it has been such a farce for them.
McCullum Pushes Back: Says England ‘Over-Trained’ Before Brisbane Defeat
England head coach Brendon McCullum offered a contrasting view, asserting that the team had actually over-trained ahead of the eight-wicket thrashing in the second Test. He stressed that England must operate at their highest level—across batting, bowling, and fielding—to challenge Australia in the remaining three matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Major Injury Blow Ahead of Adelaide Test
England’s troubles intensified ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17, as fast bowler Mark Wood was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes tour due to a knee injury suffered during the first Test in Perth. His absence leaves England short of pace options at a crucial point in the series.