MITCHELL JOHNSON: The Poms like to talk the talk, but slogans aren’t going to save them from what is fast shaping up as an embarrassing Ashes series defeat.
DANE ELDRIDGE: England need to pull off a feat not seen in nearly a century to salvage this bin fire of a tour — and they won’t do it by sunning themselves on the beach.
JUSTIN LANGER: There was a lot not to like about England’s woeful effort in Brisbane, but this is what would have terrified me the most as a coach if I was in charge.
MITCHELL JOHNSON: The English star should watch what he says when talking about Ashes tradition, but there is one thing he and I are in furious agreement over.
JUSTIN LANGER: If the Perth Test wasn’t dramatic enough, the Brisbane Test lead-up is proving just as drama-filled with more questions than answers over the Australian XI.
JACKSON BARRETT: Pat Cummins’ eleventh hour bid to play the second Test means England’s worst nightmare is about to become reality and here is the stat to prove it.
DANE ELDRIDGE: Playing for Australia has become like the Sicilian Mafia - it’s harder to get out than it is to get in, but luckily this tough decision was made for them.
LISA STHALEKAR: There’s been a lot of noise about Usman Khawaja, but another veteran’s future is also being questioned heading into the second Test at the Gabba.
MITCHELL JOHNSON: If the first Test was a blockbuster, the Gabba sequel could be just as wild and potentially over in two days again if the rain stays away after Ben Stokes’ pointed comments.