Ashes Paper Talk

A round-up of the reaction to Australia's almost certain Ashes defeat from the back pages of Saturday’s newspapers down under.

HERALD SUN

Greg Buckle believes Australia’s displays have shown they have to be more adaptable and he wrote: "It’s time for the death of the Australian concept that attacking cricket is a fix-all.

"That is the lesson Michael Clarke and his team must learn from this nightmare."

The newspaper also predicts far-reaching reverberations off the back of the imminent defeat, adding: "Australia’s pre-Ashes confidence now looks like foolish arrogance.

"The fallout from their almost-certain series demise promises to be enormous."

BRISBANE COURIER MAIL

Robert Craddock believes Australia have been brought down in this Ashes series by their egos.

He wrote: "The sad thing about Australia’s day of shame was that it was not a stunning, unexplainable event.

"In fact it was a very definitive statement about what we have become as a Test batting side – a group of flat-footed, cashed-up, self-indulgent bully boys with big egos who aren’t prepared to be pushed around.

"You may have thought that three losing Ashes tours in a row might prompt the team – or at least one member of the (overrated) coaching staff to have a deep think about how we play the swinging, seaming ball.

"But, hey mate, we’re Australia, we play how we flippin’ like."

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Jesse Hogan has dismissed any notion Australia might at least force England into a second innings.

He wrote: "The visitors will start day three in Nottingham at 7-241, still needing 90 runs to force England to bat again.

"Based on the way Trent Bridge and the preceding Edgbaston Test have progressed, England is favoured to get those final three wickets quickly enough to discount the need for a second innings."

THE AUSTRALIAN

Peter Lalor believes Michael Clarke’s time as captain should come to an end and exclaimed: "The immediate shock worn off, the implications of Australia’s abject first-innings surrender at Trent Bridge are becoming clear.

"They are as ugly as what was witnessed in that 111-ball disaster."

THE AGE

Australia’s batsmen came under fire from columnist Dean Jones.

He said: "Make no mistake, there will be blood spilt for this pathetic effort by the Australian batsmen.

"Australian fans have a long memory and they will not put up with this inept display. Like everyone, I am completely gutted by this insipid  and gutless performance by the Australian top seven.

"It always seems that our batsmen just want to go too hard at the ball and are in too much of a rush.

"They always want to play the ball too far in front of them instead of hitting the ball under their nose. They all seem to be playing too far away from their body and not knowing where their off stump is."