Overview
- Australia lead the series 2-0 and need only a draw in the third Test in Adelaide on December 17 to retain the urn.
- Performances from replacements Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have reinforced Australia’s bowling reserves, complemented by strong showings in an Australia A win over England’s second-tier side.
- Former spinner Steve O’Keefe publicly backed Brendon McCullum to remain England coach, citing an improved win rate of roughly 58% compared with one win in the final 17 Tests of the previous regime.
- O’Keefe urged tactical adjustments and criticized McCullum’s post-Brisbane claim that England may have overtrained, which has drawn wider backlash as questions mount over the high-risk ‘Bazball’ approach.
- Australia’s success has been framed against what Greg Chappell called a whole-of-system failure by England, while Steve Smith highlighted Australia’s ability to adapt in real time during matches.