‘Absolute shambles’, ‘Horrid mess’ - England fans fume at ‘dreadful’ display in Ashes defeat against Australia

England were left red-faced and reeling on the third day of the third Ashes test after yet another substandard batting display saw them surrender the series to Australia.

The hosts now hold a 3-0 lead over Joe Root’s side after a ruthless showing in Melbourne that saw them bowl out their visitors for just 68.

Undeniably, the star of the show was Aussie debutant Scott Boland, who took a remarkable 6-7 on his test bow.

But once again, this was also a tale of England’s ineptitude at the crease, with their defence lasting just 81 minutes at the hands of a jubilant home side.

Tuesday morning’s collapse means that Australia have successfully retained the Ashes in just 12 days - less time than their opponents had to quarantine for upon their arrival Down Under - and Cummins’ side will be eager to compound English misery by completing a 5-0 series rout in the coming weeks.

The fourth Test will begin in Sydney on January 4th.

We’ve gathered some of the best reactions from exasperated England fans below...

@wallyjam tweeted: “Dreadful performance by England. Totally embarrassing to watch.”

@nandbkieren tweeted: “68. Absolute shambles. We can’t go on like this. Aussies brilliant but we are awful. I was a fool to expect any better. 2023 SHOULD be easy. Million miles away from 2015.”

@Jayowen41 tweeted: “Did we even send real cricketers to Australia or were they just 12 random blokes from the pub??”

@MustBeTheJanay tweeted: “It’s a mess a horrid mess. The batting line up need shaking up and selectors need to face some tough questions. Selectors have continually selected players out of form. The lack of domestic red ball cricket for test players also needs addressing at governance level”.

For all of England’s anguish, however, Australian fans were understandably delighted with the result, and wasted little time in voicing their happiness - and a couple of digs at their opponents - on social media...

@imumair10 tweeted: WE HAVE WON THE ASHES YOU BEAUTY AUSTRALIA AND PAT CUMMINS... We have retained the best trophy in world cricket and this was domination of the highest level... Couldn’t be more proud of you lads!!!”

@KeithGeorgeBra1 tweeted: “IMPOSTERS . To call these England players “cricketers” is a stretch, to call them “test cricketers” is a joke, but to say they are playing for “ THE ASHES” is an insult.”

@bloatedsacs tweeted: “Amazing! Aussies win by an innings and 14 runs in only two days and a session! Poms are dreadful.”

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