Stokes' Team Crushed: Pietersen Blasts Batters

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has sharply criticized the Ben Stokes-led team after their decisive 82-run loss in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. This defeat allowed Australia to retain the coveted Ashes trophy, establishing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Pietersen took to social media platform X to express his dismay, noting the difficulty in comprehending the loss given Australia's absence of several key players. He also questioned the current approach of batters in the longer format, suggesting a disconnect from Test cricket's demands. Key performances included Usman Khawaja's 82 and Alex Carey's maiden Ashes century (106) for Australia in their first innings, countered by Jofra Archer's five wickets for England. In reply, despite knocks from Ben Stokes (83) and Archer (51), England fell short. Australia's second innings saw Travis Head's powerful 170 and Carey's 72 set England a daunting target of 435. Despite efforts from Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith, England was bowled out for 352, handing Australia a commanding series victory. Alex Carey was named Player of the Match for his significant contributions with the bat.