Ashes Second Test Wrap with Peter Lalor

Australia are 2–0 up in the Ashes and heading to Adelaide in a position of real authority while England are left searching for answers as Bazball comes under its heaviest scrutiny yet. I sat down with cricket writer and broadcaster Peter Lalor to unpack where the series is really at. We break down Joe Root’s long-awaited century in Australia, why it mattered, and how he’s quietly become the standard-bearer for what Bazball 2.0 might look like. We dive deep into England’s identity crisis: why Bazball can’t simply be abandoned, the growing tension between Brendon McCullum’s messaging and Ben Stokes’ on-field actions, and how falling 2–0 behind leaves almost no margin for error. On the Australian side, we explore why Mitchell Starc is producing some of the best fast bowling of his career - not through chaos, but control - and why he now belongs firmly in the conversation among the greats. We also cover the defining moments that have shaped the series so far: Steve Smith’s influence as captain, Alex Carey’s fearless wicketkeeping masterclass, and why Australia’s ability to limit damage continues to separate the two teams. Plus, Peter shares his thoughts on England’s pace attack, Adelaide’s conditions, selection dilemmas on both sides, and why the third Test looms as a must-win for England in every sense. A sharp, honest assessment of a series swinging fast - and a fascinating look at how philosophy, pressure, and performance collide at the highest level. instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/