“There isn’t a lack of professionalism,” says Clare Connor after Ashes whitewash

The Women Ashes, since its inception in 1934 to the most recent 2025 edition, have been a storied cricket rivalry. Australia has consistently dominated the series, turning it into an almost one-sided contest. They have won 11 of the last 13 series since the multi-format system was introduced in 2013. Australia has retained the trophy in five consecutive series since 2014.

"There isn't a lack of professionalism," says Clare Connor after Ashes whitewash
“There isn’t a lack of professionalism,” says Clare Connor after Ashes whitewash

In the 2025 series, Australia achieved an unprecedented 16-0 whitewash over England, winning all matches across formats. England’s struggles began in the ODI leg of the Women’s Ashes, where they suffered a 3-0 clean sweep, failing to chase modest targets and crumbling against Australia’s brilliant bowling attack.

Their hopes of a turnaround in the T20Is were quickly dampened, as rain interruptions disrupted their momentum, leaving them unable to build any rhythm.

With the Ashes already lost, the one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was their last chance to salvage pride. However, batting collapses and missed fielding opportunities allowed Australia to dictate terms, culminating in a crushing defeat that sealed their worst Ashes campaign in history.

England’s recent struggles, including a series of dull performances in the past few months, were compounded by a disappointing group stage exit in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The team’s subsequent loss in the Ashes added fuel to the fire, sparking a series of controversies, criticism and off field drama.

Former spinner Alex Hartley questioned the team’s fitness, drawing comparisons to Australia. Nasser Hussain, former England captain also cast doubts over England’s leadership, particularly coach Jon Lewis and captain Heather Knight. Adding to the scrutiny, Sir Alastair Cook bluntly assessed England’s shortcomings, stating that the team lagged behind Australia by a significant margin in all aspects of the game.

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Following England’s failure to redeem themselves in the Test match and losing it by an innings and 122 runs, which resulted in their 16-0 Ashes whitewash, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s Deputy CEO Clare Connor assured that an ‘honest’ review would take place.

While dismissing claims of unprofessionalism, she acknowledged the team’s deep disappointment and the need for tough conversations. “This group of players care deeply about playing for England and they will be hurting, they are hurting hugely from what’s happened over this last month,” Connor told the BBC.

She also dismissed accusations that the squad had grown complacent, stating, “There isn’t a lack of professionalism, and I don’t recognise a cosiness.” As criticism mounted on both the captain and the coach, Connor responded by emphasizing that no one was more disappointed with the outcome of the tour than Heather and Jon themselves.

However, she admitted that England’s performance had raised serious concerns, and every aspect of the team, including leadership and strategy, would be scrutinized. She reassured fans that the ECB would “hold the mirror up” to assess what went wrong and determine the best path forward, as England prepares to face the West Indies in May and June.

(Quotes sourced from BCC)

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