England’s best performance of the series was thwarted by the weather at Old Trafford, meaning that Australia’s series lead is now unassailable. That means England will go at least ten years without an Ashes win.
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Normally, Ashes losses are followed by calls for wholesale changes and performance reviews. It’s a reflection on the closeness of this series and the cricket England have played that neither is appropriate here. England have played some brilliant cricket, as have Australia, but both teams have also played some shocking cricket. It so happened that England’s lapses happened at more important times than Australia’s. When the rain came, Australia had their noses in front, that’s the way it goes.
No one individual stands out for England, but a collection of performances that made this series more of a team effort than many. Some have reaffirmed their places in the side, and those who never left. Very few have given such bad showings of themselves that they eliminate themselves from contention for two-and-a-half years time. The main factor for most who won’t make the next series is age, rather than performance.
Stick
Ben Stokes is arguably the most important reason England have had the level of success they have had in this series. While England’s failure to capitalise in key moments, particularly with the bat, could be used to condemn his approach, it’s that approach that meant they ran Australia as close as they did. It’s hard to see them having any chance in Australia playing anything but the brand of cricket they are under him. As for his individual performances, his century at Headingley and near-miracle at Lord’s show he’s in the best Test form in years. Unless his broken body inhibits him from doing so, or he decides he’s had enough, he’s the first name on the team sheet.
Ollie Pope‘s still England’s man at three, once his dislocated shoulder heals. He solved what looked like an unsolvable problem at No.3 14 months ago. While he had a quiet first two Tests, he was battling through injury at Lord’s.
Jonny Bairstow answered his critics yet again with a special 99 not out at Old Trafford, reminding everyone how extraordinary it is he’s even playing after his leg break in the first place. It’s worth remembering most of the debate was never about whether he should be in the side, but whether he should be keeping. While there is an argument that his dropped chances cost England the series, his place as a lower-order chaos-causer is integral to the side.
Harry Brook has done nothing to say he shouldn’t be in the side in 2025. While he started fairly slowly, a couple of fifties in the third and fourth Test (a match-winning one at Headingley) continue the brilliant start to his career.
Ben Duckett was England’s opener before the series and stays as such after it. There will always be questions about his technique and whether it will suit fast, bouncy pitches in Australia, but right now he is the incumbent and has enough credit in the bank to make it hard to see that changing any time soon.
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Ollie Robinson took ten wickets in three matches before Old Trafford. While he wasn’t utilised best by England’s bouncer ploy, with several of England’s key bowlers nearing retirement, he’s set to become a leader of the attack over the next few years. There are questions about his fitness, just as there were when he last toured Australia. Time will tell how his Test role develops.
Joe Root will play for England until his body doesn’t allow it anymore or decides enough is enough. For England’s sake, they’ll need to hope neither is the case before the next Ashes.
Mark Wood was a decisive turning point in the series. When he was fit to play and selected at Headingley, it was almost as if he could single-handedly win England the Ashes. In Australian conditions, they’ll need him more than ever. If they can keep him in cotton wool long enough.
Jack Leach was the incumbent spinner before he was ruled out of the Ashes series. By default of doing nothing to change that himself, and the lack of other options, it’s hard to see that changing. Moeen Ali will be 38 in 2025. Alongside his record in Australia, his recall just about worked for them this time; they most likely won’t get the chance to try it a second.
50/50
Zak Crawley just scored one of the best Ashes centuries you’ll see, but still sits on the 50/50 list. In the most likely scenario, England will continue backing him to the hilt and he will make it through to the next Ashes. Based on what he showed last week, that’s hard to argue with. But, such is his inconsistency and often cavernous gaps between big scores, it’s hard to nail him down as an absolute cert, even if his probability of making it is more likely higher than 50/50.
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Dan Lawrence sits in the middle by virtue of not having got a game in the series. He hasn’t done anything to improve his case or dent it.
Rehan Ahmed is again one who hasn’t done anything to improve or harm his chances. England will need to take a backup spinner, and their tour of India this winter will likely be where he makes his case for that role. Or more.
Matthew Potts has slipped down the pecking order since last winter. He wasn’t selected in any XI’s despite being part of squads, and Josh Tongue has overtaken his place in the seam-bowler standings. Nevertheless, he should still be there or thereabouts when the Ashes come calling again. A quick look at what he’s been doing for Durham is enough to show that.
Josh Tongue is the newest quick on the block. He impressed twice at Lord’s this summer and is another fast option to mitigate for copious numbers of injuries to others. He might be a better fit for Australian conditions than the types of attacks England have sent in recent history.
Twist
Moeen Ali’s return has been everything it promised – erratic, unpredictable and brilliant. However, his age and record in Australia count against him. It’s doubtful he’d want to go on another four-month slog to Australia again anyway.
James Anderson‘s continued Test career defies logic, but it’s almost impossible to see him on another Ashes tour as a 43-year-old. Besides, his performances in this Ashes series haven’t been the Anderson we’re used to. It’s not out of the question he’s already played his last Test.
Stuart Broad is the leading wicket-taker across both sides in this series. He’s built for Ashes contests, but it’s a stretch to see him carrying on for the next one.
Chris Woakes has been resurgent in this series. He bowled impeccably at both Headingley and Old Trafford, but the home vs away argument looms large again. He has a poor record in Australia, where he averages 51.68 with the ball. It’s not impossible to see England turning to him in Broad and Anderson’s retirement, but he’s not the answer to a first away series victory since 2011.
