Ian Botham's Blog, page 7

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: No passion and no 'over my dead body' attitude - we've gone backwards

I’ve seen some bad days as a watcher of the England cricket team and this one was right up there with some of the worst.

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: Our inability to finish off Australia when they are down is the big difference

What began so well became another tough old day for England and for the first time this tour, I was a little disappointed with the way we bowled.

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: England must act fast and hit the Aussies with pacemen in Perth

There's one question Alastair Cook has to ask himself and his team – do you want the Ashes or not?

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: It shouldn't have taken England four days to show some grit

It only took four days, but England finally showed glimpses of competing with Australia.

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: Hard-nosed Aussies show how England must man up in response

England have been made to suffer by a hard-nosed Australian team – and the only way to deal with it is by being just as tough in return.

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: Alastair Cook impresses as England fight back on second Test's first day

The captaincy of Alastair Cook as the second Ashes Test got underway in Adelaide was some of the best I’ve seen from him.

Ian Botham: Australia beware - there is an English whirlwind heading right for you

Hold on to your hats. There is a whirlwind coming and it is hovering over the new-look Adelaide Oval.

Ian Botham's Ashes verdict: England can't pine for Jonathan Trott, the Ashes continues and we need a No.3

This Ashes contest just got harder for England and they are going to have to dig deep to come out on top – so start digging boys.

England must be brave and go toe-to-toe with Australia if they are to retain Ashes

Welcome to Australia.

England give the Aussies the gift of the Gabba by tossing away promise of victory

What is it about England and the first innings of a Test series?