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Ashes Quality Plummets: Past Greats Slam Series
30 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Darren Gough criticizes the low quality of the current Ashes series.
- Only two players average over 35 in the series so far.
- Test matches are concluding unusually quickly, often before scheduled.
Darren Gough, a celebrated figure in English cricket, has expressed disappointment with the current Ashes series, labeling it as one of the poorest in recent memory. He highlighted the unusually short duration of matches, with several Tests concluding well before their scheduled completion. This premature ending is compounded by a noticeable decline in batting quality, a sentiment echoed by series statistics.
Statistical analysis reveals a significant drop in batting standards compared to previous Ashes encounters. Currently, only two players have maintained an average above 35. This contrasts sharply with the 2010-11 Ashes, which saw nine players achieve similar averages. The series has also produced a considerably lower number of centuries and half-centuries, further underscoring the perceived decline in performance.
The debate surrounding the reasons for this deterioration in batting prowess is ongoing, with many believing Test cricket has fundamentally evolved over the past decade. However, whether this evolution signifies progress remains a contentious issue, with former players like Gough likely to continue questioning the current standard of Ashes cricket.
