England are currently placed third in the rankings.
Star England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has recently opened up on England’s disastrous Ashes 2025 campaign down under.
The batter noted that it was a ‘disappointing’ and ‘frustrating campaign’ for the visitors as they lost the five-Test Ashes series by 4-1. Ahead of the tour, many former players and England fans had opined that this was the strongest Ashes squad of recent times. However, they were left disheartened by the abysmal show put on display by the English players throughout the series.
But the gloveman has denied questioning the squad’s preparation and planning for the high-stakes matches, which previously faced severe criticism around the world. Earlier, captain Ben Stokes had also defended their lack of match practice leading up to the tour to oppose legendary player Graham Gooch’s insights.
“I think we all thought this was the time this team going to Australia would have a real, genuine chance of winning. I think when you don’t get the results that you crave, it’s very easy to point fingers at certain things. Your preparation, your planning, a lot of stuff your hands will be tied,” stated Buttler to Sky Sports News.
He also discussed that Stokes and Co. will reflect on the series as the skipper aspires for the side to climb to the top of the ICC Test rankings. Notably, after an underwhelming Ashes 2025, they are currently seated third in the chart.
“I think they’ll just take a bit of time to review it. I know Ben pretty well. I played a lot of cricket with him growing up, and his determination and desire and passion to lead that team forward, improve and take them to be the number one Test team in the world, which is where he will want to take them, will be stronger than ever after this tour,” he added.
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Previously, England had secured the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings for the first time in August 2011. A massive victory over India in the fourth home fixture by an innings and 242 runs saw them get to the throne. The feat was achieved under the captaincy of Andrew Strauss and head coach Andy Flower.
However, after consecutive below-par performances, which also include a series draw against India at home, the side will be eager to make a strong comeback in the format. They are also placed seventh in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table for the 2025-27 cycle with only three wins in 10 matches. Next up, England will take on New Zealand for a three-match red-ball series on home soil in June 2026.
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