MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Mitchell Starc of Australia and Joe Root of England shake hands after day two of the Fourth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Cricket Australia is in crisis mode after the latest Ashes Test ended in a shocking two-day match, leaving fans and officials reeling. The Boxing Day Test last year was a thrilling five-day spectacle, but this year’s event has sparked outrage and concern over the future of the sport.
Since the start of the Ashes series, cricket enthusiasts have been left short-changed. The series, initially expected to last 25 days, has now produced a 3-1 scoreline after just 13 days, with the entire competition projected to wrap up in less than 18 days. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has acknowledged the dire implications of this rapid decline in match duration, marking a significant blow to the organization’s revenue.
The chaotic end to the latest Test, which saw 36 wickets fall in a mere two days, showcased a troubling trend in Australian cricket. While nail-biting finishes can captivate audiences, the lack of sustained batting prowess has left spectators yearning for a display of true skill. The current series has witnessed Australia struggle against England’s aggressive “BazBall” approach, which ultimately proved more effective than traditional strategies.
On day two of the latest Test, England’s Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Jacob Bethell surged ahead, scoring 34 runs in their first five overs and reaching triple digits before the tea break. This swift scoring forced Australia to bowl more aggressively, yet the match still crumbled into an early conclusion.
Such rapid matches pose a nightmare for cricket’s governing bodies, especially given the financial success of last year’s five-day epic, which drew 80,000 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stark contrast in fan engagement between the two formats has raised alarms about the sustainability of the Ashes as a marquee event.
As cricket fans express their disappointment, the sport’s future hinges on the performance of its marquee players. With the series heading towards its conclusion, the prospect of a whitewash is now off the table, leaving many to wonder what comes next for this storied rivalry.
The upcoming matches are critical not only for the teams but for the entire sport. Cricket Australia must act swiftly to restore the integrity and excitement of the Ashes series, or risk losing its status as one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves. The future of cricket, especially the Ashes series, depends on immediate action and a return to thrilling, competitive play.
