Australian media stick knife into England after failed Ashes quest
England star Ben Stokes was unable to guide his side to Ashes glory against Australia
PA
Sections of the Australian media have stuck the knife into England following the hosts' failed attempt to win The Ashes.
Ben Stoke's side dominated the fourth Test at Old Trafford but rain ultimately forced the contest to be called off.
With Australia leading the series 2-1, it means they'll be retaining the urn regardless of what happens in the final Test at The Oval.
And sections of the Australian media have taken aim at England as a result.
Australia retained The Ashes as England fell victim to the rain
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In the Herald Sun, an article read: "It's hard to tell when the rain stopped and the tears started but this much is certain - England's Ashes bellyaching has just become too much.
"The best thing about this enthralling series, by far, has been Baz Ball.
"It is captivating and brilliant. But the most tedious thing has been how in love England are with themselves about Bazball.
"Scoring runs at seven an over is breathtaking to watch, but it's not ending world hunger or reinventing the wheel and at some point England needs to face the fact that for all their trailblazing bravado, they have, for the second time running, failed to win the Ashes on home soil."
A second report in the Sydney Morning Herald, while sympathetic to England, made it clear Stokes' side had only themselves to blame.
"Despite being robbed of victory by the weather, England have only themselves to blame for being on the wrong side of history," it read.
"It could have been so different.
"England were in charge of the first Test at Edgbaston before the cult of Bazball resulted in an overoptimistic declaration and reckless batting.
"This opened the door for Australia to snatch a dramatic two-wicket win and control the series."
Others, however, have praised England for the way they performed during the series and believe the urn should be shared.
Another article in the Sydney Morning Herald read: "Unlike others, I can appreciate the value of a gritty, determined draw that feels as good as a victory.
"This is the unique beauty of Test cricket, and it shouldn't be disturbed.
"But if there is one anachronistic edict that must change, it's retaining a series simply because you've won it before.
"First, it gives the team that won the last series an unfair advantage, prompting the side to play defensive cricket.
"Second, it can kill off the series before it's over, like we've seen this weekend, making Tests later in the series dead rubbers when they should be rubbers full of vim and verve and a whole range of words starting with 'v'."
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Australia were saved by the rain as England's hopes of Ashes glory faded
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Another read: "Perhaps it is time to revisit this custom, to make provision for the Ashes to be shared.
"Looking out over a sad and sorry Old Trafford yesterday, it hardly felt as though Australia had quite 'won' the Ashes this summer, or that England had 'lost' them.
"On the contrary, it's been a series you'd be happy to have had go on forever."
England will have to wait a while before they attempt to get revenge on their opponents and win The Ashes back.
The next tournament won't start until 2025, which will make it the first Ashes series played Down Under in eight years.
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