The Ashes 2025-26: England’s decisions for Adelaide Test against Australia

It’s a move from a possible move to an unlikely move regarding a hugely worrying area of ​​the England squad.

Jamie Smith’s collapse in form has been surprising. After his 12th Test, Smith had a batting average of 58.64 when he hit a magnificent 184 against India at Edgbaston.

There has been excitement as England unveil the next Adam Gilchrist. They might have been better off with Adam Sandler lately.

Smith’s highest score in his last eight Test innings is 33. He failed to reach double figures six times. He looked lethargic behind the stumps, missing a crucial catch and failing to move on to another in Brisbane.

For England, it is worth thinking about the sliding gate moment in the net in Queenstown, New Zealand, a year ago, when Jordan Cox’s thumb was broken by a shot from assistant coach Jeetan Patel.

At this point Cox was England’s reserve wicketkeeper and reserve batsman. Had things gone well for him in New Zealand, it could have been a world where Cox took up the gloves full-time and Smith was unleashed as a specialist batsman.

Instead, Jacob Bethell seized the opportunity to climb the hierarchy. Cox’s versatility is no longer in the England squad.

The indication is that England will remain loyal to Smith. Head coach Brendon McCullum alluded to this when he said the shorter square boundaries in Adelaide would suit Smith’s pull and hook shots.

If England need to get Smith out of the line of fire, the only option is to hand the gloves to Ollie Pope, but Pope has problems of his own…