'England have had a cockiness about them': Michael Vaughan rips into Ben Stokes and team after Ashes loss

NEW DELHI: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticised Ben Stokes and the England team after they lost the Ashes 2025–26 series to Australia.

England were beaten in the first three Test matches, which meant the series was over within just 11 days. Australia retained the Ashes with ease, while England struggled to compete.



After the third straight loss, Vaughan shared his frustration in his newspaper column.

He said England’s style of play completely failed in Australian conditions and deserved heavy criticism.

Vaughan wrote, "The whole approach of this England side has been badly exposed on this Ashes tour, and you don’t have to look far into history to know that heads will roll after a defeat like this. In the end, with defeat inside 11 days, it’s the worst I can remember in Australia. England have had a cockiness about them for three years, and the entire cricketing world has wanted to shut them up as a result. This tour has been humbling for them.”

He added that Australia are shocked by how weak England have looked despite having good players. Vaughan also questioned England’s aggressive playing style.

He added, "Aussies are laughing. They can’t believe how fragile this team have been given the quality in the side. England have had a message shoved down their throat for four years, that this style would win in Australia. I don’t know where that came from. The only teams I’ve seen win in Australia have been those willing to do the hard yards, grind the opposition down, and have a bowling unit that bowled with great discipline. We have neither.”

In the third Test, Australia chose to bat first but were in trouble at 94/4 due to fast bowling from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.

Usman Khawaja scored a calm 82, while Alex Carey hit his first Ashes century with 106. Australia reached 371, with Archer taking five wickets.

England replied with 286, thanks to a strong partnership between Ben Stokes and Archer. Australia then scored 349 in their second innings, led by Travis Head’s brilliant 170 and another solid knock from Carey.

England were set a huge target of 435 runs. They fought hard with contributions from Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks and Brydon Carse, but were bowled out for 352.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon starred with the ball. Carey was named Player of the Match as Australia took an unbeatable 3-0 lead.


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