‘India got thumped by South Africa, so that Indian side wasn’t a great side either’: Cook slams England over Ashes debacle

Former England captain Alastair Cook did not hold back while criticising the current England setup after their heavy Ashes defeat. Despite England winning the Melbourne Test, the series had already been lost, and Cook believes the team has lost focus at the wrong time.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cook said there is a disconnect between county cricket and the national side. Cook also questioned the priorities of the current management, led by Brendon McCullum and Rob Key. On England’s drawn Test series against India earlier this year, Cook was critical of how that performance was viewed as a positive.

“There is a massive disconnect at this minute from this England side to county cricket. I do think that needs to be addressed. Because if you are banging out runs in county cricket or wickets in county cricket, there must be a path into the Test team. I think that needs to be looked at,” he said.

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“I like Rob Key; I like McCullum. I like how they think, but I do think they have taken their eye off the ball for the biggest series. They’ve taken their eye off the ball for the biggest series. We talk about India; they lost in India. They drew against them at home, and then, India got thumped by South Africa, so that Indian side wasn’t a great side either. Reality has hit this Test team,” Cook added.

💬 "I think Rob Key has been brilliant since he came into the job - and Baz McCullum."

Graeme Swann and Sir Alastair Cook debate the future of the England team management.

📺 Watch #TheAshes LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/OvH8T7pjKT

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 26, 2025

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England avoid Ashes whitewash

England finally found some relief in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, registering a four-wicket win to avoid a series whitewash. Chasing a modest target of 175, England reached 178 for six before the end of play on Day 2. Josh Tongue was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award as Australia were bowled out cheaply in both innings.

Batters from both sides struggled to spend time at the crease, and the MCG surface drew criticism from players and experts alike. Despite this, England will take confidence from the win as they go into the fifth Test in Sydney, starting January 4.