Matt Prior discusses England’s ashes struggles, Wood’s injury, and the impact on the series

The Ashes 2025 series has already seen its fair share of twists, but after England’s disappointing loss in the second Test match at Brisbane, the team faces a monumental challenge ahead. On the latest episode of Stumped, former England wicketkeeper and three-time Ashes winner Matt Prior joins Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon, and Charu Sharma to break down where things went wrong and what needs to change.

The conversation kicks off with Prior reflecting on Brendon McCullum’s controversial comment that England had been “overprepared” for the Brisbane Test. According to McCullum, England’s preparation may have been too focused, but Prior doesn’t completely agree. Instead, he compares the current approach to that of the England team he was part of in the 2010/11 Ashes, a team that went on to claim the series win in Australia.

For Prior, Wood’s absence is more than just a missing bowler; it’s the absence of a crucial psychological weapon in England’s armoury. “When Mark Wood is bowling, he gets under their skin,” Prior explains. “It’s not just the speed; it’s the fear he instills. England will have to dig deep to fill that gap.”

“Back in 2010, we didn’t overthink it. We trained hard, but we kept it simple. We didn’t get bogged down by the pressure,” Prior recalls. “England’s strength back then was their ability to stay calm under pressure. Overpreparing, in my opinion, doesn’t allow for that natural instinct to kick in during a match.”

The conversation then shifts to the current team’s wicketkeeping situation, where the likes of Jamie Smith and Alex Carey are often under the microscope. While Prior is a fan of both, he offers insights into their performances. “Jamie Smith has bags of potential,” says Prior. “But Carey’s experience in Australian conditions gives him the upper hand at the moment. Both have their strengths, but the challenge for Smith is adapting to the pace and bounce of Aussie pitches, which is something Carey has mastered.”

However, the real blow to England’s campaign is the injury setback to Mark Wood, a player whose raw pace and energy have been a key asset for England. Wood, who had already been sidelined due to a recurring knee injury, has now been ruled out for the rest of the series, leaving England with a massive hole to fill in their bowling attack.

Prior does not mince words when describing what the team will miss without Wood. “Mark is a game-changer. His pace, his energy, and his passion are unmatched. He’s the kind of bowler who can change a match in an instant. England will miss him dearly, not just for his ability to bowl fast, but for the way he gets into the heads of the Australian batsmen.”

Looking ahead to Adelaide, Prior remains cautiously optimistic but is aware that England needs to step up in several areas if they are to keep their Ashes hopes alive. “Adelaide is a huge test. England have the talent, but they need to bring their A-game, especially in terms of their mental strength. The Australian crowd is ruthless, and they thrive on the pressure. It’s up to the players to stand tall and not let the setbacks define them.”

Before wrapping up the discussion, the panel also dives into a lighter topic: the quirkiest cricket T-shirt designs. Prior laughs, suggesting that the world of cricket fashion can sometimes offer a bit of comic relief amid the pressure of the sport. “Cricket’s always had its fair share of quirky shirts,” he chuckles. “But honestly, the focus right now should be on the Ashes. The rest can wait!”

As the series continues, all eyes will be on England as they regroup and attempt to bounce back. But one thing is clear: with Wood sidelined, the pressure on the rest of the team to perform has never been greater.