‘Maybe don’t be 2-0 down’ - Damien Martyn hits back at England after Australia retain the Ashes urn

The Ashes 2023 has been full of ups and downs for both England and Australia. After winning the first two Tests of the series, Australia looked in pole position to retain the Ashes and win the series as well. However, the Ben Stokes-led England had different plans. After winning the third Test at Headingley, England put forth an amazing performance in the fourth Test at Manchester as well.

However, just as the hosts were looking to run away with the victory in the fourth Test, the rain gods played spoilsport on Day 5, which resulted in the match being drawn and Australia successfully retaining the Ashes.

After the draw, the English media took centre stage and opined that Australia were only able to retain the Ashes due to rain interrupting play on Day 5 or else the series would have been levelled, and both sides would have all to play for in the fifth Test.

Seeing the comments from the English media, former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn came forward to lambast them over the same. Martyn was of the opinion that such claims are baseless and that Australia retained the Ashes due to their excellent performances in the first two matches of the marquee series.

“Quite funny reading through Twitter and all the complaints about England losing the 5 Test match series because of rain. Just a thought maybe don’t be 2-0 down. Play the long game for a series win,” Martyn tweeted.

England and Australia gear up for fifth Test

With the proceedings of the fourth Test finished, both England and Australia will shift their focus to the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2023. Due to the fourth Test being drawn because of rain, Pat Cummins-led Australia have a 2-1 lead in the series. However, England will be keen on levelling the score in the fifth Test.

It is worth noting that the fifth Test will be played at The Oval in London from July 27, and given the kind of form that England has been in for the last two matches, they will go in as the favourites to win and level the series.