As England begin the fifth and final Ashes Test in Australia, serious questions are being raised about the performance and selection of the national side’s top-order batsmen.

Despite strong individual contributions from senior players such as Joe Root and Harry Brook, England’s opening partnership has once again failed to provide a solid platform. In the latest innings, the first wicket fell with the score at just 35, and England were three wickets down for 57 — leaving the middle order under pressure before the team had even reached 60 runs.

Criticism has focused in particular on openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, whose performances across the series have fallen well short of expectations for Test cricket. An opening batsman is typically expected to average close to 40 runs at Test level; however, both players have consistently failed to reach that standard during the Ashes.

While Ashes debutant Jacob Bethell has been given some leeway due to his limited experience, concerns remain over the repeated selection of players whose returns have not justified their places in the side. England supporters have expressed frustration that changes have not been made despite a pattern of early collapses throughout the series.

There are also wider questions about England’s batting approach. Observers have noted that the run rate and shot selection suggest a one-day mentality being applied to Test cricket — a format that demands patience, discipline, and the ability to bat for extended periods. With Australian bowlers maintaining economy rates that indicate England are playing aggressively rather than building innings, critics argue the fundamentals of Test batting are being overlooked.

With four of England’s top five batsmen also featuring prominently in limited-overs plans, concerns have been raised that the Test side lacks specialist red-ball expertise. While Root, Brook and captain Ben Stokes have shown leadership and resilience, the rest of the batting line-up has struggled to provide consistent support.

As England look beyond the Ashes, calls are growing for selectors to reassess the opening partnership and consider whether changes are needed ahead of future Test series. Many believe new or less experienced players should be introduced gradually against weaker opposition, rather than being thrown into high-pressure contests against Australia.

The debate now turns to accountability — and whether continued selection without improved performances risks undermining England’s chances in Test cricket going forward.