Australia’s media have written off any possibility of an England comeback in the Ashes, with the West Australian proclaiming “Dismal England Ashes hopes over after six days”.
England, who haven’t won a men’s Test in Australia since 2011, trail 2-0 after suffering back-to-back eight-wicket defeats and must win the final three Tests to retake the urn.
The Perth-based newspaper said Ben Stokes’ side are “on the verge of an embarrassing Ashes disaster” while also labelling head coach Brendon McCullum’s claim that England were “over-prepared” for the match as “bizarre”.
The Daily Telegraph referenced the on-field tension between Australia captain Steve Smith and England bowler Jofra Archer, writing “Cop that, champion – Aussies two up as Smith fires back at Archer”.
Meanwhile, the Courier-Mail says Bazball “died at the Gabba”, splashing “Bazball in Ashes” across its front page.
The Brisbane paper also hailed the contribution of Queensland all-rounder Michael Neser, who registered his maiden Test five-wicket haul in England’s second innings.
The “home wrecker” and “Gabba hero” has given Australia a “stranglehold” on the Ashes.
