The Ashes: England not scarred ahead of Australia after batting woes in New Zealand, says coach Brendon McCullum

England’s ODI Batting Struggles in New Zealand Raise Concerns Ahead of The Ashes

England’s recent 3-0 defeat in the One Day International series against New Zealand has exposed significant frailties in their batting lineup, casting a shadow over their preparations for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

Disappointing Batting Performances Across the Series

The English batsmen faltered repeatedly, posting low totals in all three matches: 223 all out in 35.2 overs in the first game, 175 all out in 36 overs in the second, and 222 all out in 40.2 overs in the final ODI. Despite spirited bowling efforts, England’s batting collapses were a recurring theme throughout the series.

One of the most troubling statistics from the series is the paltry 84 runs scored collectively by England’s top four batsmen over the three matches. This is the lowest aggregate for a top order in a multi-match ODI series in cricket history, narrowly surpassing Bangladesh’s 89 runs during the 1988 Asia Cup.

Top Order Woes: A Closer Look

The top four-comprising Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell (with Harry Brook replacing Bethell at No. 4 in the final match)-all struggled to make meaningful contributions. This is particularly concerning given that these players are expected to form the backbone of England’s batting in the Ashes Tests.

Ben Duckett’s Form and Limited Preparation Time

Opening batsman Ben Duckett’s form has been particularly underwhelming, managing just 11 runs across three innings (scores of 2, 1, and 8). Notably, Duckett has not scored a half-century in his last 14 innings across all formats, including his performances for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. With only a single warm-up match against the England Lions before the Ashes opener on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, opportunities to regain form are scarce.

Brendon McCullum’s Perspective: No Room for Excuses

England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, remains optimistic despite the ODI setbacks. He emphasized that the challenges of Test cricket in Australia differ significantly from limited-overs formats. “We don’t expect to carry any scars into the Ashes,” McCullum stated. “The conditions and demands are unique, and we have a clear strategy for how to tackle them.”

McCullum also highlighted that players like Smith, Root, and Duckett will benefit from the recent match experience, even if the results were disappointing. “They’ve been through the grind and will be better prepared for the Tests. We will have no excuses when we face Australia.”

England’s Ashes Prospects Amidst Challenges

England’s record in Australia has been challenging, with 13 losses and only two draws in their last 15 Tests since their 3-1 series win in 2010/11 under Sir Andrew Strauss. However, the absence of Australia’s captain Pat Cummins for at least the first Test due to a back injury offers a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

McCullum expressed excitement about the upcoming series, acknowledging the formidable challenge Australia presents. “It’s going to take a united and resilient team to succeed. We’re eager to get started and face the challenge head-on.”

Adjustments to England’s Test Lineup

In response to the ODI struggles, England plans to tweak their batting order for the Ashes. Zak Crawley is expected to partner Ben Duckett at the top, while Jamie Smith will move down to No. 7, reclaiming his usual Test position. The return of Ben Stokes will add experience and firepower to the middle order. Ollie Pope is also likely to feature, as Jacob Bethell has yet to firmly establish himself as the red-ball side’s No. 3.

McCullum reiterated that England’s Test approach is well-defined: “We have a clear template for how to play Test cricket, and we understand the conditions we’ll face in Australia.”

Recent New Zealand vs England Match Outcomes

• First T20 (Christchurch): Match abandoned due to weather
• Second T20 (Christchurch): England won by 65 runs
• Third T20 (Auckland): Match abandoned due to weather
• First ODI (Mt Maunganui): New Zealand won by 4 wickets
• Second ODI (Hamilton): New Zealand won by 5 wickets
• Third ODI (Wellington): New Zealand won by 2 wickets

Schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes Series in Australia

All times are UK and Ireland local time.

• 1st Test: Friday, November 21 – Tuesday, November 25, 2:30am – Optus Stadium, Perth
• 2nd Test (Day/Night): Thursday, December 4 – Monday, December 8, 4:30am – The Gabba, Brisbane
• 3rd Test: Wednesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 21, 12:00am – Adelaide Oval
• 4th Test: Thursday, December 25 – Monday, December 29, 11:30pm – Melbourne Cricket Ground
• 5th Test: Sunday, January 4 – Thursday, January 8, 11:30pm – Sydney Cricket Ground