England’s Bazball failures have been caught drowning their sorrows in Noosa, the only thing fruitier than their bowling being their beer choices.
Despite facing a challenging start to the Ashes series, the England cricket team took a break from their intense competition, enjoying some leisure time at the beach in Noosa on March 5, 2024. After losing the first two Tests against Australia, the team’s players opted for relaxation, soaking in the Queensland sun and enjoying local beers.
Captain Ben Stokes has emphasized that the team would not allow their disappointing performances to overshadow their experience in Australia. Following their losses, England players have switched between golf outings and leisurely activities, now settling on a mid-series retreat. Vice-captain Harry Brook, opener Zak Crawley, and bowlers Brydon Carse, Will Jacks, and Gus Atkinson were spotted at Rococo Bistro & Bar, displaying a light-hearted demeanor despite the series deficit.
The team’s current predicament requires a remarkable turnaround if they are to avoid a potential whitewash. England now trails Australia 2-0 in the five-match series after only six days of cricket. The players seemed in good spirits, although they appeared more reserved when aware of the camera attention, reflecting their challenging circumstances.
In the aftermath of their defeat in Brisbane, coach Brendon McCullum indicated that the team needed a break following claims that they had “overprepared” for the match. England’s loss at the Gabba marked a continuation of their struggles at this venue, where they have not secured a victory in over 40 years.
While Stokes was not seen at the bistro, he was later spotted engaged in conversation with Crawley, who was in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by McCullum. Stokes embraced the spirit of the holiday destination, taking the time to engage with fans and promote his Red Bull sponsorship.
The team also faced setbacks on the injury front. Fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a recurring issue with his left knee. Wood only managed 11 overs in the two-day Perth Test and has been struggling with a knee brace. In a stroke of bad luck for both teams, Australia also announced that bowler Josh Hazlewood would miss the last three matches due to a minor Achilles injury.
As England players enjoy their downtime, they remain aware of the uphill battle they face in the Ashes series, needing to regroup and perform exceptionally in the upcoming matches. The next Test will be crucial if they are to salvage pride and avoid an embarrassing outcome on Australian soil.
