Ashes 2025-26: Brendon McCullum says England fans must ‘keep the faith’

England were 105 runs ahead for the loss of one wicket in their second innings on Saturday, but exploded for one of their worst defeats in this country.

They lost their last nine wickets for 99 runs, including a match-changing 3-0 spell in six balls.

Australia’s target of 205 looked tough on the tough batting pitch, but Head, who had been promoted to opener, smashed a 69-ball knock – the second-fastest in Ashes history.

England’s defeat is their first two-day Ashes Test since 1921. England’s batting out of 67.3 over the two innings at the Perth Stadium is their lowest Test defeat since 1904.

They also extended their winless run in this country to 16 Tests, including 14 defeats. England have not won a match in Australia since 2011.

The next Test at the Gabba, which starts on December 4, will be a day-night affair. Australia have lost just one of their 14 Tests overnight, and in Mitchell Starc, who took 10 wickets in Perth, they have the best pink-ball bowler in the world.

When asked about his message to England fans, New Zealander McCullum replied: “Keep the faith.

“Sometimes we get beaten and it looks really ugly, but there are times when that kind of mentality allows us to believe in our abilities when we go out to play.

“There are times when we don’t do things right, but we have to believe in what we believe in because it gives us the best chance. Just because we are behind in the series doesn’t change what we believe.

“We have to stay calm, stay together, and chart our way back into this series, like we did before.”