Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a firm stand against England’s Bazball strategy after their humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Australia inside just two days in the Ashes 2025–26 opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth. England, who arrived with the aggressive and often risk-heavy philosophy of Bazball, were outplayed entirely as Ashwin questioned the very foundation of their approach in modern-day Test cricket.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed disappointment not only with England’s batting collapse but also with the glamorisation of reckless strokeplay under the label of “fearless cricket.” According to him, this mentality has now begun to hurt England more than it is helping them. Their downfall in Perth, he believes, is a direct reflection of poor shot selection and misjudged aggression.

England had a disastrous start on Day 1, being bowled out for just 172 after losing five wickets in a shocking collapse in which they scored only eight runs. However, their bowlers showed remarkable fight, skittling out Australia for 132 and securing a 40-run lead. At that stage, England were very much back in the game, and as Ashwin pointed out, the responsibility shifted to the batters to consolidate the advantage.

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He said, “As a batting group, how reckless can you be? You get bowled out for 172, then your bowlers claw you back into the match and give you a lead. As a batting unit, your first job is to give your bowlers enough rest.”

But England wasted the opportunity. From a strong position at 65/1 in the second innings with a 105-run lead and complete control of the game, they collapsed yet again, folding for just 164. Their bowlers, who had expected a long spell of rest after an impressive effort, were forced back on the field within hours to defend a modest 204.

Ashwin further added that England’s approach ignores the fundamentals of the long format. “Rahul Dravid always says—give your bowlers overnight rest and see how they respond. Instead, England had their bowlers back on the field immediately, defending a paltry 200.”

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Australia capitalised ruthlessly. Travis Head smashed a breathtaking 123 off 83 balls, ensuring Australia chased down the target in only 28.2 overs with eight wickets to spare. With this defeat, England trail 0–1 in the five-match Ashes series, and pressure has mounted significantly on captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the day-night Test in Brisbane starting December 4.