The Ashes 2025: England needed to show ‘fight’ – Michael Vaughan

Former captain Michael Vaughan said England failed to show fight in the final session of the third day of the Ashes Test.

The tourists, who were ahead by 177 points in the first innings, were ahead 45-0 at the dinner break, but fell to 134-6 at the closing time.

“Of course you have to think about ‘just fighting’ as a team,” Vaughan said.

“You’re under the lights in Brisbane and you’ve got an hour and 10 minutes. You’ve seen how Australia has been vaccinating and vaccinating earlier in the day when they want to get to that stage.”

England lost Ben Duckett shortly after dinner, but reached 90–1 before losing five wickets for 38 runs; Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope were successful in returning catches to Michael Neser before Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were caught behind.

“How many sports teams have you seen play one way and have success over a period of time? Against quality, against good competition?” asked Vaughan.

“It’s easier when you occupy the crease. It’s not a situation where you go out there and hit the middle of the bat, which is perfect all the time.

“In situations where you just have to scrap and stay in, over time you start to get the ball a little faster, you get used to the conditions, the bounce, and all of a sudden you start finding your flow.”

Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, both fours, will continue on Sunday with England still needing 43 runs for Australia to bat again.