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England Lost the Ashes after consecutive defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The battle for the Vase is over but there are still two games left, what issues do the defeated Tourists have to address?
Here, the Press Association looks at the most pressing questions.
Are jobs on the line?
Things could hardly have been worse, losing all three live Tests in a span of 11 days. When things go so badly off the rails in Australia, heads spin. Managing Director rob keyhead coach Brendon McCullum and captain ben stokes are in the front row and it seems very unlikely that all three will remain in office. They each have to make their own case to stay, but a change in direction seems inevitable.
Is ‘Buzzball’ dead?
It bears repeating that the nickname for England’s ultra-aggressive playing style is not one they have ever adopted. But it neatly summarized the bullish outlook that has characterized the dramatic turnaround under McCullum and Stokes. On the evidence of the third Test, that moment has passed. England batted cautiously, perhaps sometimes too cautiously, and enjoyed the most success with traditional bowling plans. This was his most competitive performance to date and it would be surprising to see the excesses of his previous game plan come to the fore again.
Who plays in Melbourne?
Boxing Day is an important event in the Test cricket calendar and the tourists will be keen to save face. Ollie Pope There will certainly be all eyes on the dressing room as his inconsistent performance at number three appears to be coming to an end. He averages 17 in Ashes cricket, has no half-centuries in 16 innings and appears to lack confidence. Jacob Bethel is next up and will likely be given the biggest opportunity of his career. Among the bowlers, Gus Atkinson could probably be recalled at the expense of Brydon Carse, while Matthew Potts is also available. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has not been included yet and it is unclear whether England are ready to include the youngster who has struggled in the warm-up.
Did England choose the wrong team?
There were few surprises in the touring party, with England having made a virtue of consistency in selection. But it now seems clear that they have chosen a flawed structure. Ben Duckett is disappointingly out of form but there is no additional opening batsman; Jamie Smith has shrunk behind the stumps but is no match for him as a wicketkeeper; Will Jacks has been pressed into service as a makeshift spinner with reliable hands like Jack Leach and Liam Dawson missing. If England get time again, they will certainly bring a strong, deep group that challenges the first XI.
Are we looking at another 5-0?
Australia eliminated England in 2006–07 and again in 2013–14. It would be a shame to complete a hat-trick here, given the pre-series hype for the nip-and-tuck contest. However, the momentum is hard to stop, and it is entirely up to Australia. He has lived almost every important moment on the way and knows that he has shaken the confidence of tourists. Meanwhile, England know that Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon will be missing from the fourth Test, with no certainty over Steve Smith’s return. Beating a weak Australia is certainly the minimum requirement to save a drop of pride.