The Ashes 2025-26: "This could be.." Michael Vaughan predicts England might get whitewashed

Michael Vaughan fears the worst for England.

After six days of competitive cricket in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26, England are already 0-2 down. After a shock defeat in a close contest in Perth, England looked clueless in Brisbane. Australia handed the visitors a 8-wicket defeat at the Gabba.

While there were some impressive individual efforts, but as a team England failed to challenge the Australians as the home team cruised through to another comprehensive win. The former England skipper, Michael Vaughan, has criticised the team management for the lack of effective preparation and fears the series can end up in a 5-0 rout.

“If England are not careful, this could be 5-0”

In a bold prediction, Michael Vaughan said, “I hate to say it. If England are not careful, this could be 5-0. I have not seen enough from England to suggest that they can win a game yet. They are a good set of players, and it is possible. If they do not improve quickly, this can get a lot worse before it gets better.” 

The whole focus of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been on this series for the last few months, but the English team has failed to live up to the expectations. If the visitors fail to pick up positive results in the last three tests of The Ashes 2025-26, it might confirm McCullum’s departure.

Also Read: [Watch] “Bowl fast when there’s nothing..” Steve Smith brutally sledges Jofra Archer during the Gabba test

Michael Vaughan wants Ollie Pope to be benched

In his interaction with the BBC, Vaughan talked about the team combination that England should try in Adelaide.

The Ashes-winning England captain said, “England will have to make changes going into Adelaide. They have to seriously consider Ollie Pope’s position. He has played plenty of games against Australia. There is a mental scar against Australia for Pope.”

Suggesting personnel changes, Vaughan remarked, “Do you bring in Jacob Bethell? Can Stokes bat at number three and Jacks at number six? It is a big risk bringing Bethell into this series when the team is 2-0 down, and he has not scored a first-class hundred, yet you expect him to perform against this Australia team with Cummins and Lyon back in the side.” 

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