England blasted as 'brainless'

A STUNNED England woke on Sunday to savage criticism after their meek capitulation in the first Ashes Test, branded “brainless” and “damaged” by former greats after their cavalier approach backfired.

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Ben Stokes’s men lost the opening battle in Perth by eight wickets inside two days on the back of batting collapses and Travis Head slamming a sensational sixty-nine-ball century. Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15-years ago, they have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none Down Under.

England had a perfect opportunity to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the day-night second Test in Brisbane on December 4. But after reaching 160/5, the tourists lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one, before regaining the advantage after dismissing Australia for 132.