England’s cricket team has sparked fierce criticism after flying to the Sunshine Coast resort town of Noosa for a mid-Ashes beach break while trailing 2–0 in the 2025–26 series, prompting accusations that Ben Stokes’ side are treating the tour more like a holiday than a high-stakes battle to regain the urn.

Following heavy defeats in Perth and the Brisbane day-night Test, photographs emerged of England players relaxing on Noosa’s beaches, surfing, and enjoying downtime just days before the critical third Test in Adelaide. The timing drew immediate backlash from former players and sections of the British media, who questioned the team’s focus after collapsing spectacularly in both matches despite promising starts.

However, the tourists found an unexpected ally in Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who defended the move as a normal part of managing the mental demands of a long tour. Speaking at a Woolworths Cricket Blast event, Carey said, “It’s a pretty big series with lots of time between games. We get to go home and see family for a few days, so touring teams have to fill those windows somehow. I’m not sure you need to do it, but it’s not a bad time to refresh the batteries.”

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Carey emphasised that constantly thinking about cricket during a six-week Ashes campaign can be counterproductive, adding, “The Ashes is very hotly contested. You don’t want to be thinking of cricket every single day of the tour.” His remarks contrast sharply with criticism from England greats such as Michael Vaughan, who labelled the trip “tone-deaf” given the team’s precarious position.

With Pat Cummins returning from injury for Australia and England still searching for their first win, the Noosa getaway has intensified scrutiny on Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes’ “Bazball” approach Down Under. The third Test begins in Adelaide on December 18 under lights, where England will need far more than refreshed batteries to avoid a series defeat.

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