England’s Ashes 2025-26 campaign has dived into despair as Australia humiliated them by eight wickets on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Australia’s win helped them take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series.

England's condition prompted a stinging appraisal from veteran Ian Botham, who stated that fans would be right in demanding their money back given the team's lack of preparation.

Australia's opening innings of 511 laid the groundwork, and a harsh time under lights left England reeling at 134/6 on day four.

Stokes and Will Jacks briefly kept England together, giving them a slim lead, but Michael Neser's spectacular burst for 5/42 broke the deadlock. Australia easily achieved the target of 65 runs with nine wickets in hand.

“Well, they missed the trick as well. They could have sent the team that was going to play in this test. They could have gone to Canberra, or wherever it is they were playing. And they could have gone there, and at least they would have had some experience with the pink ball.

What do we do? No, we don't need to. Well, I suggest you do need to. And I think you need to. You dropped five catches the other day, which cost England. They could have been in front of the game,” Botham explained to Australian radio station Triple M Cricket.

Highlighting Australia’s resilience, he added, “Every single player in that Australian side fought to actually be out there and bowl.”

Approximately 40,000 English fans will go to Australia for the Ashes this summer. Many people were left disappointed in Perth after the game concluded in two days, while those in the stands at The Gabba were downcast after Australia swept the floor with their opponents.

“I mean, it just doesn't make a lot of sense. Do you know what? If I were an England supporter and had paid the money to come here, I'd be asking the ECB… for a refund because this team… is not prepared. I don't think the bowlers are fit enough or strong enough,” he added.

Australia and England will play the third Test in Adelaide from December 17 onwards.