England have not won an Ashes<\/a> series for a decade and they have not won a single Test match in Australia since 2010\/11. But there was initial optimism that this time might be different, as Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum take their exciting brand of \u2018Bazball\u2019 into the contest. <\/p>\n Stuart Broad<\/a>, who is commentating for Australia\u2019s Channel 7 during the series, has talked up England\u2019s chances, claiming this is the worst Australian team<\/a> since England last won 15 years ago.<\/p>\n But after Ben Stokes\u2019 bowling heroics inspired a promising first day on the Australian west coast, England capitulated on day two as the tourists\u2019 error-prone batting opened the door to a thrashing at the hands of 69-ball centurion Travis Head<\/a>. Australia roared back to crush England by eight wickets in just two days<\/a>, racing to their 205 target in 28.2 overs. <\/p>\n With England licking their wounds, usual first-Test venue The Gabba will stage the second Test, beginning on 4 December, a day-night game under the lights. Few in the world are as good with the pink ball as Mitchell Starc and Australia will most likely be favourites going into the match in Brisbane.<\/p>\n The Adelaide Oval will stage the third Test starting on 17 December, before the traditional Boxing Day match at the giant MCG in Melbourne in front of 100,000 fans. <\/p>\n The fifth and final Test will be held at the SCG in Sydney, beginning on 4 January. <\/p>\n![\"England](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/APTOPIX_Britain_Cricket_World_Test_Championship_Final_97215.jpg\")
England will have to tame Australia\u2019s formidable bowling attack, including Mitchell Starc (AP)<\/p>\n