3 h. ago Zak Crawley’s awkward prod sends England down another terminal spiral | Simon Burnton

This team refuse on a point of principle to rein themselves in but latest batting collapse lays bare glaring weaknessesIt is the UK that is living through a cold snap, but in balmy Perth they were playing in a snow globe. The scenery was static, solid, but everything else was constantly getting shaken up, bits flying in unpredictable directions. The crowd roared, commentators gibbered, the glitter never settled.Unlike the first day England were not batting at the start, though they were not long delayed. At which point a pattern quickly emerged, one that almost perfectly repeated that established on the previous day, while also being completely different. The bowler who was useless was good, the marginal, unconvincing snickometer-based review that was not out was now given. Some things were both precisely the same (Australia’s tactics against England’s tail, how the tail reacted to Australia’s tactics) and also, at the same time, completely the opposite (the outcome). Continue readi...

Events

7 h. ago England fans make feelings clear but Zak Crawley's unwanted record sums up Ashes collapse

Day one of the Ashes in Perth was a breath-taking spectacle and day two followed suit as wickets continued to fall, with tourists England still in a dominant position.

Politics

9 h. ago Zak Crawley makes second duck before England take control of first Ashes Test

Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope guided the tourists to a 99-run lead at lunch on day two in Perth.

Politics

10 h. ago Ashes 2025 live score: Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope push lead towards 100 after early dismissal of Zak Crawley

England lead by 94 runs but Mitchell Starc strikes in first over of second innings to dismiss Crawley

Events

11 h. ago Ashes 2025 live score: Zak Crawley dismissed for another duck as England lose early wicket in second innings

England lead by 49 runs but Mitchell Starc strikes in first over of second innings to dismiss Crawley

Politics

23 h. ago England’s fab five bully Australia’s finest with faultless display of raw aggression | Simon Burnton

By the time Mark Wood replaced Jofra Archer the only thing Steve Smith seemed to know for certain was that he wanted to be at the non-striker’s endAfter freewheeling at increasing pace for 16 giddy months, the Ashes hypemobile had to run out of road. But instead of letting it come to a juddering halt, the 22 players somehow managed to conjure a fresh acceleration.It is implausible for something as anticipated as this not to produce disappointment, as anyone who follows England knows far too well. Those memories will have flooded miserably back when Zak Crawley nicked the sixth ball of the day to slip. His wicket marked the start of not only the sudden whoosh of optimism leaking from the English balloon, but of a day of 19 wickets, bowling of impeccable quality (with exceptions) and absurd entertainment. Continue reading...

Events

30 h. ago England’s batting decimated by Mitchell Starc on opening day of the Ashes

The tourists were bowled out for just 172 in 33 overs in Perth.

Politics

40 h. ago England: Elliot Daly sends message to position rivals ahead of injury comeback

Winger is set to make his first start since injury on Lions duty

Events

5 d. ago Sir Jimmy Anderson sends Ashes reality check to England ahead of First Test

England's greatest ever bowler tells Ben Stokes & Co that Australia are in the prime - and should never be underestimated

Politics

6 d. ago Thomas Tuchel sends warning to England players before World Cup: ‘We will talk about it’

The manager does not want a repeat of Wayne Rooney’s mistake before Euro 2012

Events

7 d. ago Thomas Tuchel sends 'angry' message to Jude Bellingham after England benching

England manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the balance between keeping the players happy and ensuring competition for places after Jude Bellingham was left on the bench vs Serbia

Politics

8 d. ago England player ratings vs Serbia as two 8/10 stars send clear message to Thomas Tuchel

England beat Serbia 2-0 in their penultimate World Cup qualifier on Thursday night as Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze both found the net at Wembley Stadium

Sport

1 week ago The Spin | Why the first ball of the Ashes is both an end and a beginning

From Zak Crawley hitting Pat Cummins for four to Rory Burns’ duck, it is seen as a tone-setting prophecyYou always remember the first. Senses heightened, clammy palms, not quite knowing where to look or what to focus on. It is OK to be nervous but is it normal to be this nervous? Castanet heart and goosebumped skin as the moment gets nearer. Just get this one out of the way, don’t put too much pressure on it. Calm down. This is supposed to be fun.Your mind wanders to Zak Crawley lacing Pat Cummins across the Edgbaston turf like a pebble skimmed across a glacier. You really can’t help who pops in at these moments. But who is this now? Oh it’s Rory Burns toppling over, Brisbane rug pulled from underneath him, leg stump knocked back and bails sent upwards like a pair of forlorn eyebrows. What to do now, just lie back and think of English turmoil? Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago The message Marcus Smith’s selection sends ahead of England vs Fiji

Smith is recalled at full-back in a new-look England team as Steve Borthwick continues to build squad depth

Politics

3 w. ago Blair Tickner sends England to another disappointing batting display

England were all out for 175 in 36 overs against New Zealand in the second ODI at Hamilton.

Politics