Justin Langer has launched a scathing critique of England’s approach to Test cricket after their two-day collapse in the Ashes opener in Perth, accusing Ben Stokes’s side of displaying a “lack of respect” for both the conditions and the format.
England were dismissed twice in just 67.3 overs across two innings, as Australia romped to an eight-wicket victory on only the second evening.
Writing in the West Australian, the former Australia coach and opener claimed that England’s ultra-aggressive style had backfired badly, denying paying spectators the full spectacle of Test cricket.
Langer argued that the premature finish had deprived young fans of formative experiences and undermined the tradition of the five-day game.
“For the England cricket team this is a disaster,” he wrote.
“Having been in front for a lot of the game, their lack of respect for the conditions, their opponent and the game of five-day cricket has cost them in this instance. Missed opportunities tend to keep you awake at night.”
Langer, who oversaw Australia’s 4–0 home triumph in the 2017–18 series and was later head coach during the successful 2021–22 Ashes, suggested that England’s trademark attacking style - often celebrated under Brendon McCullum - was reckless when not tailored to the circumstances.
Justin Langer has explained stories he's heard about 'heartbroken kids' at The Ashes
|GETTY
The visitors’ decision to “hit their way out of trouble”, he argued, played directly into Australian hands on a seam-friendly pitch.
He contrasted their performance with that of Travis Head, whose rapid century guided Australia to victory.
Head, he said, proved that positive play could still be effective but only when “married to game awareness rather than blind persistence.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five things to know about The Ashes | PAThe impact on supporters formed a central part of Langer’s criticism.
He said the abrupt finish, particularly with children scheduled to attend the third day, highlighted the wider consequences of England’s defeat.
“In the bigger picture, it is not only England that bear the cost of a two-day Test match,” he wrote.
“What about the kid who misses the opportunity to watch their first day of Test cricket at Optus Stadium? In the last 24 hours I have heard three stories of heartbroken kids, robbed of the dream of seeing their heroes live.
"The health of the game is inherently linked with kids falling in love with it. Without that, the game is unsustainable.”
Langer also drew attention to the financial fallout.
Travis Head hit 123 as Australia powered their way to victory over England over the weekend
| GETTYThe Perth Test was the second-shortest ever played in Australia, with only 847 balls bowled, surpassed only by a 1931–32 clash in Melbourne.
He noted that many travelling England supporters had paid significant sums to attend a match expected to last at least three days.
“Friends of mine are in that category,” he wrote. “We have been talking about day three of the Perth Test for six months. They are shattered.”
He argued that casual workers and stadium operators were among the biggest losers.
“The 2,000 casual staff who miss out on working a shift on Sunday. Let’s not forget them… most will be disappointed and missing out on their much-needed wages," he continued.
"Their employers at Optus Stadium bear the brunt as much as anyone. They, Cricket Australia and the broadcasters lose millions of dollars. Day three, a Sunday, will cost CA and the stadium around $10 million in ticket and food and beverage sales. That’s a lot of money that goes back into grassroots cricket. The hundreds and thousands of dollars’ worth of wasted food prepared to service the 50,000 patrons is a travesty."