England decide to quit playing THESE Test matches in Australia after Ashes 2025-26 debacle

The England Cricket Team suffered a 4-1 thrashing against Australia Cricket Team in Ashes 2025-26.

The Ashes 2025–26 series came to an end with the host nation Australia asserting complete dominance and lifting the trophy with a convincing 4–1 scoreline. The Australian side retained the Ashes as early as the third Test, having won the opening three matches of the series.

England finally found some relief in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where they registered a memorable victory. That win was particularly significant as it marked England’s first Test win on Australian soil since 2011 and briefly restored some pride after a difficult tour.

However, Australia quickly regained control in the fifth and final Test at Sydney, sealing the series. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series for his outstanding bowling display, finishing with 31 wickets across the five matches.

One of the most talked-about moments of the series was the second Test, which was a pink-ball encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia completely outplayed England in that match, winning by eight wickets in a dominant display.

This defeat made headlines and reportedly forced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to decide against playing pink-ball Tests in Australia anymore.

England plans to reject playing day-night test matches

As per BBC Sport, discussions between senior officials of the ECB and Cricket Australia (CA) were focused on maintaining the Ashes as a blue-ribbon series going forward, especially at a time when Test matches were attracting fewer viewers and audiences preferred shorter formats.

The report claims that England plans to reject any proposals to play Test cricket under lights when the side tours Australia for the next Ashes series in 2029–30. This decision comes after the team’s poor performance in the recent pink-ball Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, where they lost the match by eight wickets.

Why does England want to avoid playing pink-ball Tests?

England have a very poor record in pink-ball Tests. They have played eight day–night Test matches and have registered only two victories, which came against New Zealand and the West Indies. They lost all four of their pink-ball Tests against Australia and one against India.

This poor success rate has raised concerns within the ECB about preparation and adaptability. The pink ball tends to swing and seam more during twilight and evening sessions. England’s batting lineup has frequently collapsed during these periods, especially against Australia’s fast bowlers, leading to one-sided contests.

Although Australia and England are scheduled to play a one-off pink-ball Test in 2027 at the MCG to commemorate 150 years of Test cricket, reports claim that a former Australian cricketer has advised Cricket Australia to convert it into a red-ball game.

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