England’s Ashes misery was confirmed overnight as they suffered yet another defeat in the series Down Under, losing the third match against Australia in Adelaide. They were beaten by 82 runs on the fifth day of the third Test, slipping to 3–0 down and stretching their winless streak in Australia to 18 matches.

This had been the most anticipated Ashes series in years, as England had looked to take the chance to show they could compete in Australia. However, Smith fell on 60 when he miscued Mitchell Starc, while Jacks battled past lunch for his 47 before edging the same bowler to first slip, where Marnus Labuschagne pulled off another stunning catch. After Josh Tongue edged Scott Boland to Labuschagne, England were dismissed for 352 and have extended their misery in Australia to 14 years and counting.

This is a remarkable win for Australia, who began the series facing questions over their selections and the age of their squad. Meanwhile, the defeat has now left the futures of captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key in doubt.

They must now get a result in either Melbourne or Sydney to avoid the ultimate humiliation of a 5–0 clean sweep, having surrendered the chance to win the Ashes in just 11 days of cricket. The result has become England’s fourth consecutive Ashes tour in which they have lost the opening three Tests.

By the time Australia return to the UK in 2027, it will have been 12 years since England last won an Ashes series.

Who will be in charge of England by then is set to spark intense debate. Stokes and McCullum are contracted until the end of that series. Although Key technically holds the most influence over their futures, he is likely under greater pressure than either of them.

As for Australia, captain Pat Cummins missed the first two Tests while Josh Hazlewood has been out for the entire series. Lyon was left out of the second Test, and Steve Smith was absent in Adelaide. The Aussies remain too good for England, as they have been on home turf since 2011.

The fourth Test will take place from December 26 to 30 in Melbourne, while the fifth Test is scheduled to take place in Sydney from January 4 to 8.