England players reportedly sat through a re-run of their Adelaide Ashes horror show, in scenes reminiscent of Australia’s reaction to a shock loss in 2019.
The tourists were thumped by 275 runs in the second Test, slumping to a 2-0 series deficit and almost certainly conceding the Ashes for another two years. Only Don Bradman’s 1936-37 side has come from 2-0 down to win a series.
England was bowled out for 236 and 192 in Adelaide, on the back of their disappointing start to the summer in Brisbane.
READ MORE: ‘Divided’ England in turmoil as Ashes unravels
READ MORE: Gallen’s generous act for two young boxers
READ MORE: Fenech blasts ref as NRL player belted
READ MORE: Garside’s pro debut ends in controversy
Only Dawid Malan and Joe Root are averaging over 30 with the bat, in contrast to Australia, which has three players averaging over 65.
The Guardian reports England coach Chris Silverwood highlighted 14 of the 20 English wickets to fall in Adelaide, pointing out technical failures from the batters.
The Guardian described the session as “intense” with vice-captain Ben Stokes leading the discussion. A number of players were reportedly surprised by the “frank nature” of the session.
Australian coach Justin Langer did a similar thing after Stokes stole the 2019 Test at Headingley, forcing his players to sit through a replay of the final day.
Speaking this morning, Langer wasn’t certain it was the right reaction to the loss.
“We won the next Test at Old Trafford and retained the Ashes, so that’s one way to look at it,” he said.
“The process was tough at the time, but I think, on reflection, would I do it again? I’m not sure. But at the time it seemed the right thing to do.”
Pressed as to why he hesitated, the Australian coach said there were a number of factors at play.
“It was the day after the Test, what you do as the coach is you work things out at the time,” he explained.
“Yeah, I probably would do it again. Who knows? Hopefully we don’t get another situation where you have an incredible innings like Ben Stokes played that game.
“Hopefully we don’t get that. You might, and then you react to that situation when it comes.”
England is expected to make as many as four changes to its side for the Boxing Day Test.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!