Michael Atherton fears England will be “haunted” by their latest Ashes failure for years to come.
England lost the series in just 11 days of cricket after an error-strewn first three Tests in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, with their lean preparation and aggressive style of cricket, plus a mid-series beach break in Noosa where they were pictured drinking, criticised.
A two-day victory in the Boxing Day game at the MCG – England’s first Test win in Australia in 15 years – ended any danger of a 5-0 whitewash, but they were then beaten in the series finale in Sydney, as they suffered a 14th defeat in their last 28 matches.
Looking back on the comprehensive 4-1 defeat on the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Atherton highlighted England’s failure to adequately prepare as the primary reason they fell so short of capitalising on Australia’s weaknesses and absentees.
“For me, it’s the magnitude of the errors,” Atherton said.
“I don’t think there is any worse thing for an athlete to feel than not giving yourself the best chance to succeed, whether that is through preparation or how you played.
“England have not given themselves the best chance to be at their best and that will haunt them in years to come.
“Pat Cummins has played one game, Josh Hazlewood none, Nathan Lyon one and a half, plus you have three of Australia’s top five averaging in the mid-20s.”
