Ashes 2025: England Players Slammed for Noosa Break After Going 2–0 Down
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The England Test team has come under heavy criticism after players were seen relaxing at Noosa Heads in Queensland—just three days after suffering an eight-wicket defeat in the second Ashes Test. With Australia leading the series 2–0, England now faces mounting pressure ahead of the third Test in Adelaide next week.
The Ben Stokes-led side was bowled out inside two days in the opening Test and failed to recover in Brisbane, losing again at the Gabba. Despite the high-stakes situation, the squad proceeded with a pre-planned mid-tour getaway. Head coach Brendon McCullum defended the break, stating it would help the team “let the dust settle” and mentally reset before plotting a comeback.
However, former England cricketer David Lloyd criticised the timing, calling it unacceptable given the team’s performance. “I don’t think I would be going to Noosa… there are consequences to this,” he told the BBC.
Some Australian voices, however, urged restraint, noting that mid-tour breaks are routine. Even so, scrutiny intensified after several England players—Brydon Carse, Harry Brook and Zak Crawley—were seen at a Perth café, where a light-hearted incident involving dropped money sparked social media reactions.
With three Tests remaining, England must now regroup quickly to avoid an Ashes whitewash before Christmas.
Our Thoughts
The controversy over England’s mid-tour break highlights the intense scrutiny that comes with the Ashes—arguably cricket’s most emotionally charged rivalry. While rest and recovery are essential in a long Test series, timing becomes crucial, especially when a team is trailing 2–0 and struggling to find rhythm. The optics of players holidaying days after a heavy defeat understandably frustrate fans, who expect urgency and accountability. However, management’s belief in mental reset cannot be ignored; modern cricket demands psychological resilience as much as physical form. What remains clear is that England must show genuine intent and tactical clarity in Adelaide to shift the narrative. A strong performance will silence criticism; another loss will deepen the backlash. At this point, results—not perceptions—will determine how this decision is remembered.