By Rohan Raj: Arguably one of the most pulsating fixtures in international cricket, The Ashes has a tendency of capturing the imagination of fans and evoking emotions like no other. Whether it is individual battles, verbal duels, or even the fiery rivalry shared by the two teams, the Ashes never seem to disappoint.

However, contrary to popular perception, the ongoing series Down Under has failed to live up to the billing. Thanks to a lacklustre batting performance by England, the much-anticipated Ashes is turning out to be a one-sided affair. The Joe Root brigade was handed a nine-wicket defeat at Brisbane before losing the 2nd Test by a hefty margin of 275 runs.

Trailing 2-0 in the five-match series, the visitors were expected to put their best foot forward in the 3rd Test. But, to no avail.

Boxing Day Test, Day 2: Highlights

In what has been an exhibition of mediocre batting so far, England, once again, found themselves in hot waters as their struggle to stay alive in The Ashes nears the point of no return. To the sheer embarrassment of their fans, England were bundled out for 185 runs in two-and-a-half sessions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Their batting collapse in the first innings followed a script the England loyalists are well-versed with – losing the openers early, pragmatic Root defying all odds, middle-order batsmen falling prey to poor shot selections and tailenders sweating it out to save their team the blushes. England’s Boxing Day fiasco bemused fans and critics alike.

SENIOR PROS FAIL TO STEP UP

While the lack of ownership was quite evident in their first innings debacle, England’s biggest concern has got to be the senior triplet of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. Given their experience on the international circuit, the England trio, capable enough to steer their side to safety, gave away their wickets rather foolishly.

Stokes, having lost Root not long ago, was beginning to ease the nerves of the visiting fans while batting alongside Bairstow. But, just when the visitors were starting to rebuild, the left-hander steered the ball straight to gully where Nathan Lyon completed a regulation catch.

Few overs later, Buttler, who clearly looked out of touch, decided to take Lyon to the cleaners but could only manage to reach as far as Scott Boland at deep midwicket. At a time, when England were reeling at 128/5 and looking for stability, Buttler’s decision to take the aerial route was outright foolish. Even if the ball had gone over the ropes, the six, in that situation, would have irked fans as much as his cheap dismissal.

Unlike Stokes or Buttler, Bairstow wasn’t undone by an attacking shot. In his defense, one might argue that he was batting with the tail. However, the fact that he got out trying to cut the ball bowled on the leg-stump by Mitchell Starc surely sticks out like a sore thumb.

When it comes to talent on paper, the likes of Stokes, Bairstow and Buttler forge a formidable middle-order not many Test-playing nations can boast of. But, on the day, when it mattered the most, the maturity and experience of the three senior players English fans have cherished over the years, eluded them.

ANDERSON GIVES ENGLAND RESPITE AT MCG

After a forgettable outing with the bat, England did find some respite in James Anderson’s mesmerising performance. The veteran seamer, as expected, was the pick of the English bowlers, bagging four wickets for a mere 33 runs. But, even good old Jimmy couldn’t turn the tide against rampant Aussies who reached 267 runs in the first innings.

Mitchell Starc and debutant Boland picked two wickets apiece to take away the momentum and hope Anderson’s handy work had given England. Haseeb Hameed, Zack Crawley and Dawid Malan turned out to be the usual suspects while Jack Leach was sacrificed as the night-watchman.

Well, it does take some effort to make one of international cricket’s biggest clashes feel a bit dull and somewhat inconsequential, but the England batting unit has managed to do it successfully. Has a live series ever felt more dead? For the sake of cricket and The Ashes, let’s hope Root and Stokes, still at the crease, can take England to safety and spark a comeback we’ve been waiting for.