R Ashwin Slams England's Careless Play Following Ashes Defeat

Post by : Mara Rahim

Former Indian spinner R Ashwin has strongly criticized England following their subpar performance in the opening Ashes 2025 Test against Australia, which concluded in Perth in under two days. The match saw Australia clinching victory with ease, winning by eight wickets as England's batting faltered in both innings, failing to surpass 200 runs. Not one English batsman was able to stay at the crease for more than 61 balls.

Ashwin aimed particularly at England's aggressive playing style, known as Bazball, indicating that their players were engaging in needless risks without a grasp of the game's situation. He remarked that their attacking strategy resembled “reckless cricket” rather than intelligent batting. He noted that labeling their approach as reckless might understate their errors as they kept repeating the same mistakes with every rapid wicket loss.

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin elaborated that many young players tend to take extreme risks even with fielders stationed at the boundary. This tendency is not exclusive to England, as he observed similar habits in some young Indian players opting for lofted shots at inappropriate times. Ashwin questioned how a team could persist with an aggressive batting strategy without proper assessment, especially after they were bowled out for a scanty 172 runs on day one of the Test.

He also highlighted England's missed chance, stating that after their bowlers managed to secure a minimal 40-run lead, the batsmen should have played sensibly. He emphasized that it is vital for the batting lineup to ensure their bowlers receive adequate rest for the subsequent innings. He referenced how India’s head coach Rahul Dravid frequently reminds players to give bowlers the right recovery time. Conversely, England's batsmen crumbled, forcing their bowlers back to the field prematurely.

With England being dismissed cheaply once more, Australia required only about 200 runs to win—a modest target in Test cricket. Ashwin noted that England's bowlers would have preferred a longer break, but instead, they faced immediate re-entry due to the batters’ thoughtless play. This inflicted additional strain on the bowlers and amplified the disappointment of the loss.

Addressing former England captain Michael Vaughan, who suggested that England is skilled in making comebacks, Ashwin voiced his hope for a swift recovery. He cautioned that if their batting issues persist, the Ashes tour could prove lengthy and arduous for them.

Ashwin further discussed the limitations of the modern, fearless batting approach, asserting that while risks are an integral part of the game, it's crucial for a team to discern when to attack and when to defend. He noted that England played with the same mindset regardless of the conditions, showing a marked lack of patience, awareness, and maturity—that was glaringly evident in the first match.

This commanding victory has awarded Australia a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series. Their bowlers adeptly utilized the conditions while their batsmen comfortably chased the modest target. Meanwhile, England must address various issues ahead of the next Test, with Ashwin's remarks echoing the serious concerns held by many former players regarding England’s Bazball methodology under pressure.