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The Ashes 2025-26: Jobs on the line after England’s Ashes defeat – Jonathan Agnew


Whatever happens there, the one England must keep in place is Ben Stokes as captain.

They cannot afford for McCullum to go and Stokes to follow suit.

Yes, he has been as much part of the mantra as McCullum, but his comments in this series have shown he wants more.

I do not think he has had a great series as captain.

Why Josh Tongue was not given the new ball sooner than the final day of the series I do not know and some of Stokes’ fielding positions or tactical decisions have been off.

But he is the best leader England have. Certainly Brook, Stokes’ vice-captain, has shown he is a million miles from being suitable to lead England’s Test team.

Brook batted irresponsibly from the start, has not learned and now needs to really go away and look at his game.

If he does not, he will fall well short of what he is capable of, which would be a real waste.

When it comes to the other changes, I hope we have not seen the last of Pope because he is a talented batsman.

England have to move on from Will Jacks, who is not a good enough bowler to be the sole spinner in a Test attack.

The real interesting one is wicketkeeper Smith. Who will be behind the stumps for England’s first Test next summer?

The way Smith has shrivelled here, with 211 runs across 10 innings at an average of 23.44, as well as dropped catches, is a matter of serious concern.

In truth, the only players who can leave the tour with their heads held high are Tongue and Jacob Bethell.

Brydon Carse was given the wrong role – he is someone who comes on first change and runs in hard while bowling long spells rather than an opening bowler – but deserves credit for the way he continued to charge in throughout five Tests.

Bethell’s 154 in Sydney was an innings of someone who has played 50 Tests rather than five.

Brook should take a leaf out of his book when trying to work out how to play proper Test innings.

After a tour that began with so much hope, there is very little to cheer.

Jonathan Agnew was speaking to BBC Sport’s Matthew Henry


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