Bangladesh's Darwin upset exposes Australia's Ashes mirage
Australia's nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, but the most uncomfortable reaction may be coming from England. The defeat has reignited a painful debate: that the Australian side beaten at TIO Stadium was nearly identical, or even marginally stronger, than the one that swept the Ashes 4-1 last summer, a result that triggered the sacking of coach Brendon McCullum and the resignation of captain Ben Stokes.
For English observers, the result has become a mirror held up to their own team's failures. Iceland Cricket's social media account, with over 170,000 followers, put it bluntly: “Bangladesh now have the same number of Test wins in Australia as England do in the last 15 years!”
Stuart Broad: 'That could have been us, should have been us'
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, speaking on his For the Love of Cricket podcast, said the result left “a real bitter, sour taste” that had not faded from England's winter work. “That could have been us, should have been us,” he said, adding that Australia's batting line-up was “pretty much hammered” and that changes may be needed to “regenerate” the side.
Broad, who had famously called Australia's Ashes squad its worst in 15 years, stood by his comment. “I never backed down from that, because I genuinely believe it,” he said. “They're coming to a stage where they're going to have to bring some fresh blood in.”
He also took a cheeky dig at Steve Smith, who stood his ground after a reprieved edge on Day 1. “I thought all Australians walked,” Broad laughed. “I thought it was in their DNA.”
Michael Atherton: A missed opportunity that should haunt England
Writing in The Times, former captain Michael Atherton struggled to separate the “glee and schadenfreude” from the “lasting pain and embarrassment” of England's own ineptitude. He argued the result should serve as a warning against viewing cricket through a “Big Three” lens, noting that Bangladesh's competitiveness is a boon for the Test format.
“More and more, England and Australia see their commercial ambitions orbiting around India, but it is a dangerous game to view the cricketing landscape in such a tripartite way,” Atherton wrote.
He pointed out that Australia have played only seven Tests against Bangladesh since 2000, and England just ten, urging the game's powers to provide more opportunity for emerging nations.
Nasser Hussain and Will Macpherson: Australia were there for the taking
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, writing for Sky Sports, lamented “what could have been” last winter. “England aren't even playing at the moment, and it's all about what could have been,” he said. “Bangladesh played proper Test match cricket. That's what infuriates a few England fans.”
Will Macpherson, cricket correspondent for The Telegraph, said the ease of Bangladesh's win should leave England “deeply uncomfortable.” He noted that Australia fielded a full-strength attack, with Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood all playing, and still lost convincingly.
“Not only did Bangladesh beat Australia's best, but they did so in style, controlling the game in a way England never even threatened to,” Macpherson wrote.
Justin Langer: 'You Poms are good, aren't you?'
Perhaps the only light moment came when Australian great Justin Langer, fresh from leading Manchester Super Giants to The Hundred title, was teased by Sky Sports host Ian Ward. Asked how his emotions were, “and I don't mean after what happened at Darwin,” Langer laughed: “You Poms are good, aren't you? Just keep kicking us while we're down.”
What does this mean for the 2027 Ashes?
Lawrence Booth in The Daily Mail suggested one Australian bright spot, Cameron Green's second-innings century, might actually be a disadvantage. Green, who struggled during the Ashes, has now assured his place, but Booth argued England would take “quiet delight” in facing him again in 2027.
As the dust settles on Darwin, the broader question remains: is Australia's Ashes triumph a true reflection of strength, or a papering over of cracks that Bangladesh have now exposed? For England, the answer is as uncomfortable as it is clear.
Frequently asked questions
How did Bangladesh beat Australia in Darwin?
Bangladesh bowled Australia out cheaply in the first innings, then batted through 138 overs to post 426, taking control of the match. They lost the toss but used helpful bowling conditions to skittle Australia and then batted sensibly to secure a nine-wicket victory.
Why is the result significant for England?
The result highlights that Australia, which won the Ashes 4-1, was vulnerable. England's failure to capitalise on that vulnerability, despite bowling Australia out cheaply in the first Test, is now seen as a major missed opportunity.
What changes might Australia make after the loss?
Captain Pat Cummins said nothing is off the table, while coach Andrew McDonald described change as the “easy option.” Stuart Broad believes Australia will need to bring in fresh blood, but the timing remains uncertain.