'Simply a shambles' - readers have their say

Chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt painted a bleak picture of England's Ashes hopes following their eight-wicket defeat at the Gabba.

Now trailing 2-0 after losing by the same margin in the series opener in Perth, he wrote: "This is a team battling to avoid the worst England performance on an Ashes tour this century."

And it's fair to say BBC Sport readers have been similarly unimpressed in the comments section.

Numerous readers want to see changes at the top, with head coach Brendon McCullum, Rob Key, and Andrew Strauss under fire. Unhappy Voter called for a "massive culture change", stating the current leadership have instilled a mindset in the players where they "think they have done no wrong".

Mike91 labelled England "overrated" while Tiger Feet said "they're simply a shambles, nothing more, nothing less".

After singling out Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey for praise, Geoffrey added: "Every facet of Australia's game is better."

In response to captain Ben Stokes stating his dressing room is "not a place for weak men", Jontay5 believes England have the "wrong mindset". "Real strength is the ability to take accountability and confront fallibility," they wrote.

As for Andy, he expressed his sympathy for Joe Root, whose maiden Test century in Australia was one of the few bright moments for England with the bat.

"I feel sorry for Joe Root. One of the best batters this country has ever produced and he's stuck with a bunch of muppets that just want to hit out and play golf. This might be his last Ashes down under. Some ending if so!"