England’s failure to compete in the Ashes highlights deep issues within their cricket set-up

The England women’s cricket team’s 5-0 defeat in the 2025 Ashes series was a crushing blow, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning where things went wrong. Despite their professional setup, which includes full-time training and the same match fees as the men, they succumbed to Australia’s relentless domination, failing to secure a single point across the multi-format series.

England’s defeat was a harsh reminder of the gulf between the two teams. At Melbourne’s iconic MCG, the team was left chasing shadows as Australia’s batters scored record-breaking centuries, highlighting the stark difference in performance. The series ended with England’s humiliating whitewash, a situation reminiscent of their male counterparts’ disastrous Ashes tours in the past.

This Ashes campaign has exposed England’s inability to rise to the occasion when faced with the world’s best, a theme that has plagued their team for several years. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance against weaker sides, such as their recent mammoth victory over South Africa, they crumble under pressure. The fall to the West Indies in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final exemplified this pattern, leaving many questioning the team’s mentality when under pressure.

Coach Jon Lewis’s bizarre comments only added to the sense of denial surrounding the team’s shortcomings. He suggested that Australia’s superior athleticism was due to their “warmer climate,” an explanation that undermined England’s professional standards and seemed more like an excuse than a diagnosis of the problem. The reality is, that Australia’s women’s team has set a standard of excellence, and England’s failure to match it has exposed deep-rooted issues within their setup.

Professionalism in sports means more than just being paid to play – it requires consistent progress and a commitment to improvement. England’s inability to recognise their own failings and adapt to the demands of international cricket indicates a lack of competition for places and a culture of complacency. This self-delusion is stifling their growth as a team.

The mantra of “inspire and entertain” that the team espouses has not been fulfilled during this Ashes series. Their lacklustre performances have failed to live up to the expectations set by their own mission statement. While support for women’s sport remains vital, it must be based on performance and competitiveness. England’s women’s cricket team must recognise when they need to improve, rather than basking in the comfort of past achievements. Only then can they truly earn the support they deserve.