The English cricket team has made a sombre exit from Western Australia, licking their wounds after a disastrous start to their Ashes campaign.
A Hellacious Stint in the West
The tourists flew out of Perth on Wednesday following a crushing defeat inside just two days at Optus Stadium. This result has left them trailing 1-0 in the series, a nightmare beginning to their quest to reclaim the coveted urn.
The mood was grim as skipper Ben Stokes, along with teammates Joe Root and Jofra Archer, were spotted at Perth Airport, the scene of a sorry farewell to a state that delivered them a sporting nightmare.
Focus Turns to Brisbane Bounce-Back
Amid a raft of stinging criticism from former English greats, the team's focus has forcibly shifted to recovery. The second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane begins next Thursday, giving the side a week to regroup.
Despite loud calls from a cavalry of English legends for the team to play their star players in a pink-ball practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, the under-fire side has decided against it. They will instead field an understrength team, a decision that is sure to attract further scrutiny.
Stokes Looks Ahead After Perth Drubbing
As the squad departed, Captain Ben Stokes addressed reporters, keeping his comments forward-looking. He emphasised that the past was behind them and all energy was now directed at the challenge ahead in Queensland.
“We’re all focusing on Brisbane now,” Stokes stated. “We’re all thinking about what we need to do in Brisbane.”
This single-minded focus will be critical for England as they attempt to overturn the early series deficit and silence their critics when the action moves to the Gabba.
