Former Australian captain Ian Chappell says he “can only see 5-nil” as Australia and England finalise preparations for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Australia has thrashed England in both of the opening two matches, winning by nine wickets in Brisbane and 275 runs in Adelaide.
England’s meek capitulation so far has raised the prospect of a clean sweep, which would be just the fourth time in Ashes history that’s occurred.
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Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Outside the Rope, Chappell said he’s been disappointed by England’s performances to date.
“I thought that England had to show some real fight in, preferably the first one, if not the first one definitely the second one,” he said.
“Having shown very little fight, I can only see 5-nil now. The only reason I was thinking that England might get a victory was weather. I thought they might get the best of the weather, it hasn’t happened, I only see 5-nil now.”
Another former Australian skipper, Mark Taylor, also expressed his disappointment at the tourists’ struggles.
“I’m very surprised to be totally honest, I thought the series would be closer than it is,” he said.
“I’ve been disappointed with the way England have bowled, their tactics have been questionable to say the least, and Australia have played very well, they’ve been consistent, and they’ve kept the pressure on England.
“England haven’t responded at all. I thought Australia would win the series, but I didn’t think it would be 2-nil up with the margins of victory we’ve seen.”
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