The numbers which define England's poor run in Test cricket
England suffered a humiliating defeat to Australia in the fifth Test at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. They faced another batting collapse as the hosts claimed a 146-run victory in the Day/Night fixture. England returned winless, losing the 2021/22 Ashes 0-4. They managed to draw the fourth Test in Sydney. Notably, England haven't won a single Test Down Under since the 2010/11 tour.
Why does it matter?
- England cricket is going through a lean patch in Test cricket.
- The Joe Root-led side went from bad to worse after losing the Ashes.
- They are yet to win a Test series since January 2021 when they beat Sri Lanka 2-0 away from home.
- England are last (ninth) on the ICC World Test Championship table (2021-2023) with just one win.
England lost to India and New Zealand last year
After beating Sri Lanka in January 2021, England lost the Test series 1-3 in India. They were in a commanding position after winning the series opener in Chennai. However, India bounced back in the next three Tests. Thereafter, New Zealand defeated England 1-0 in their own backyard. England are 1-2 behind in the unfinished Test series against India held in August-September last year.
England are winless in 15 Ashes Tests Down Under
England last won an Ashes Test Down Under in January 2011 (at the SCG). They won that series 3-1. England have lost 13 of 15 Tests in Australia ever since (drawn two). They lost 0-5 in 2013/14, 0-4 in 2017/18, and 0-4 in 2021/22.
Unwanted records for England
England suffered nine defeats in Test cricket in 2021, the joint-most Test defeats in a calendar year. Bangladesh also lost as many Tests in 2003. The English batters recorded a record-equaling 54 ducks in 2021. Notably, England registered as many ducks in 1998. Dawid Malan became the 20th England batter to record a duck in the format last year.
England were bundled out for 68 in the MCG Test
England were bundled out for 68 in the final innings of the Boxing Day Test. As per ESPNcricinfo, it was their lowest total in the Ashes Down Under since World War II. It was also their lowest total in Australia since 1904 (61).
A look at other notable numbers
England had a batting average of 19.18 in the 2021/22 Ashes. As per ESPNcricinfo, it is the lowest for any team in a five-match Test series since 2001. England recorded their worst batting average in an Ashes series since 1890. Root has become only the second captain in Ashes history to face 10 or more defeats. Former England captain Archie MacLaren suffered 11 losses.
WTC: England occupy the ninth spot
England, who finished fourth in the WTC cycle 2019-2021, are in shambles at the moment. In the ongoing cycle (2021-2023), they occupy the ninth spot. England have won just one of 10 encounters (Lost: 6, Drawn: 2, NR: 1). They are languishing at the bottom with a points percentage of 9.25. England have been docked 10 penalty points so far.
