England's cricketers were not spared the ridicule of social media after being bowled out for just 67 by Australia at Headingley, with Michael Vaughan and Jonathan Agnew among their critics.
Having bowled Australia out for just 179 England looked to have the weather on their side on day two, but were bowled out after lunch for their eighth lowest Ashes score ever.
Former England bowler and Test Match Special commentator Agnew made his feelings clear on Twitter, posting: "That's one batting collapse too many. Crucial day thrown away. Bowled out in 27 overs simply isn't good enough.
"Will take a miracle for Australia not to retain the Ashes this weekend."
That's one batting collapse too many. Crucial day thrown away. Bowled out in 27 overs simply isn't good enough. Will take a miracle for Australia not to retain the Ashes this weekend. — Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) August 23, 2019
Former England captain Vaughan meanwhile declared the Ashes to be Australia's after the devastating session, as well as pointing to the lack of rest England's bowlers had enjoyed.
"27.5 overs rest for the bowlers .. highest score of 12 .. !! Well done Australia on retaining the #Ashes" he tweeted.
27.5 overs rest for the bowlers .. highest score of 12 .. !! Well done Australia on retaining the #Ashes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 23, 2019
Match of the Day presenter and cricket fan Gary Lineker could only muster a "crikey" after the innings, while Stephen Fry joked that even lunch might fail to stem the flow of wickets.
"Phew ... lunch. Wickets can't fall during lunch. Can they? Surely they can't. Oh. Maybe they can," he tweeted.
Crikey. 67 all out. 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 23, 2019 Phew ... lunch. Wickets can't fall during lunch. Can they? Surely they can't. Oh. Maybe they can. I wouldn't run anything out this summer #Ashes19 — Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 23, 2019
Comedian and cricket enthusiast Andy Zaltzman tweeted "I can smell this batting performance from Edinburgh," while BBC presenter Dan Walker opined: "You could put yesterday's platform in a little urn".
I can smell this batting performance from Edinburgh. — Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) August 23, 2019 Brb, off to watch a YouTube compilation of Jonathan Trott's best leaves. — Andy Ha (@AndyHa_) August 23, 2019 I love England & I love cricket but this has been awful. Hurts so much because there have been far too many reckless shots. You could put yesterday's platform in a little urn⚱️ #TheAshes #ENGAUS #ENGvAUS — Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) August 23, 2019
But not everyone was upset with England's collapse – former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Damien Martyn had their fun, with Warne tweeting "Tough day for England all round @nassercricket" along with a video of him playing golf with the former England captain.
Tough day for England all round @nassercricket Hahaha 😂😂 #thesniff & an Aussie win 3-2 👋👋 pic.twitter.com/KQ4F3yhQZb — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 23, 2019
Martyn meanwhile simply tweeted: "I love test cricket".
I love test cricket #ashes #1-0 pic.twitter.com/m7DSLd12mV — Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) August 23, 2019
Victory in the third Test would ensure Australia retain the Ashes.
