That sinking feeling when you wake up and check the score. The deflation of seeing stumps shattered before midnight. Another sleepless night, another wave of disappointment.
When those moments come even before England’s flight to Australia, after defeats not to the fiercest rivals but to friendly New Zealand, it’s natural to feel uneasy. Yet, England’s 3-0 loss in the ODI series does not mean the Ashes dream is fading.
Tests a different challenge
From Mount Maunganui to Wellington, England’s batting struggles against New Zealand were obvious. Captain Harry Brook lost all three tosses, often leaving the top order exposed to the toughest conditions. And yes, New Zealand’s dominance at home — winning nearly 93% of their matches since 2019 — makes them a formidable opponent.
But with four established Test players in England’s top five — and Jacob Bethell also in contention — the repeated batting collapses are still worrying. Across three matches, they produced only one score above 34, with nine single-digit dismissals between them.
Coach Brendon McCullum dismissed concerns that the defeats would hurt England’s Ashes preparations. “It’s a different form of the game and a completely different challenge,” he said, pointing out that these ODIs were more about match rhythm than Test readiness.
England’s schedule, packed and dictated by commercial commitments, means they’ve made the best of limited preparation time. And while Steve Smith’s century in domestic cricket for Australia caught attention, even players like Travis Head have struggled for runs in white-ball games.
Had Joe Root dominated in New Zealand, few would say it automatically translated to Ashes success. The same logic applies in reverse — these ODI struggles need not define England’s Test prospects.
Confidence much higher in Test squad
The 50-over struggles cannot be ignored. England have now lost six of their last seven ODI series, dating back to the 2023 World Cup. In each of the three games against New Zealand, they were bowled out completely — part of a wider pattern of 18 such collapses in just 34 ODIs.
But the mood around the Test team is far more positive. Under Brook and McCullum, England’s T20 form has improved sharply — seven wins in their past eight completed matches — and the Test side continues to carry belief and clarity.
“In Test cricket, our confidence levels are very high,” McCullum said earlier this year. “We know how to execute our style of cricket.”
In whites, players like Root, Duckett, and Jamie Smith have defined roles and assurance. Smith, who looked uncomfortable as an ODI opener, should feel more at ease returning to the middle order in Tests, where his controlled aggression suits the format. Duckett, meanwhile, will reunite with Zak Crawley — a pairing capable of reigniting England’s fast-paced Bazball intent.
The Stokes factor
Ben Stokes’ presence could be England’s biggest lift before the Ashes. The all-rounder has been training in New Zealand, away from the ODI squad, focusing on recovery from a shoulder injury. His leadership and presence have often steadied England in tough moments.
Brook has started well as captain, but Stokes’ return brings a sense of familiarity and assurance that few others can match.
England’s time in New Zealand may have been disappointing, but as they head to Perth for the Ashes build-up, there’s reason to stay calm. Surrounded by their captain, with key players regaining rhythm, England have every chance to rediscover their spark.
Now is not the time to lose faith — however tempting that may feel.
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