England’s 2025/26 Ashes campaign has lurched from bad to worse, with off-field drama at Brisbane Airport adding to their woes ahead of a must-win third Test in Adelaide. On Saturday, December 13, tensions boiled over as the embattled tourists prepared to fly from Queensland to South Australia. The episode, caught on camera and widely circulated, has only intensified scrutiny on a squad already battered by poor performances and mounting criticism over their approach to the series.
The day’s trouble began when a member of England’s security detail appeared to physically confront Nick Carrigan, a cameraman from Channel 7, as the team made their way through the airport terminal. The incident, aired by Channel 7, shows the security guard extending his left arm and apparently shoving Carrigan while repeatedly telling him, “Out of my face mate, out of my face.” When Carrigan questioned the guard’s actions, he was met with, “You’re in my face mate, that’s what you’re doing. Don’t be clever mate. Don’t be clever.” Carrigan, clearly taken aback, replied, “What are you doing? Mate you’re assaulting me.”
Speaking to 7News, Carrigan reflected on the sudden shift in attitude from the England camp, noting, “They were friendly with us (in Noosa) and this didn’t happen up there, so it was quite a shock when it happened. I understand he’s got a job to do, but yeah that was totally uncalled for.” Channel 7 later issued a statement defending Carrigan’s conduct and highlighting the seriousness of the altercation: “While conducting routine filming in a public space, the camera operator was physically confronted despite acting respectfully and professionally. The safety and wellbeing of our staff is paramount. This matter is being taken seriously and is now being managed through the appropriate channels.”
But the drama didn’t end there. England captain Ben Stokes soon found himself at the center of a separate confrontation with Code Sports reporter Darren Chaitman. As Chaitman attempted to ask a light-hearted question about sightseeing plans in Adelaide, Stokes responded with visible irritation, turning to his entourage and asking if Chaitman had been recording him the entire time. “He’s just been recording me that whole time without telling me,” Stokes told his crew, according to Chaitman’s account. Chaitman disputed this, insisting he had not been secretly recording conversations. The situation escalated when a baldheaded security officer blocked Chaitman’s path, telling him, “You don’t have to put your phone down, but it’s nice if you did. It’s good that we live in a world these days with these kinds of freedoms, isn’t it?” The exchange ended with the security detail allegedly muttering “prick” as they walked off.
These incidents have only fueled the narrative of a touring party under siege, both on and off the field. England’s Ashes campaign has been nothing short of a disaster thus far. Australia holds a commanding 2-0 lead, having wrapped up the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane in less than five days each. With the third Test set to commence at Adelaide Oval on December 17, England faces the daunting prospect of losing the Ashes urn for a fifth consecutive series unless they can conjure a dramatic turnaround.
Criticism of England’s preparation has been relentless. Instead of heading directly to Adelaide to regroup and train, the squad opted for a mid-series break in Noosa, soaking up the Queensland sun with beers and beach games. The optics of such relaxation, given the team’s dire form, have not played well with pundits or fans. Legendary commentator David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd told BBC Sport, “I don’t think I’d be going to Noosa. I’m a bit old school, it’d be naughty boy nets. There are definite consequences to this. There always has been, there always will be. There will be consequences and those start with those in charge.”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed these concerns in The Athletic, writing, “I can’t understand England’s schedule for the week ahead. England will be going into the third Test without playing a single warm-up game against Australian opposition and that is beyond me. Stokes is not the first captain to come to Australia and struggle — and he won’t be the last. History tells you it’s a hugely difficult place to win and this England team are finding that out themselves in the toughest way imaginable. Stokes and McCullum have tried a different way of doing things, but it’s just not paying off at the moment.”
The relaxed scenes in Noosa—players shirtless on the sand, coach Brendon McCullum joining in beach kickabouts, and fast bowler Mark Wood applying sunscreen to teammates—have become a lightning rod for criticism. Many see the downtime as emblematic of a broader lack of focus and preparation. The absence of competitive warm-up matches has been especially contentious, with observers questioning whether England underestimated the challenge posed by Australia on home soil.
The off-field turbulence at Brisbane Airport now threatens to overshadow even the cricket itself. The confrontations with media—first the physical altercation involving Carrigan, then the terse exchange between Stokes and Chaitman—have raised questions about the squad’s mentality under pressure. For a team already under fire for its on-field failings, these public relations missteps only add to the sense of a group spiraling.
England’s leadership, particularly that of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, is now facing its sternest test. McCullum’s earlier assertion that his side was “over prepared” for the second Test despite not playing a warm-up game has come back to haunt him as critics dissect every decision. The English press and cricketing public are demanding accountability and a renewed sense of urgency as the team heads to Adelaide with the series—and their reputation—on the line.
Australia, meanwhile, sits in the box seat, poised to retain the Ashes urn with a single win in the next three Tests. The hosts have been ruthless, capitalizing on England’s missteps both on and off the pitch. With the third Test looming, the pressure on England to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion has never been greater.
As the Ashes circus rolls into Adelaide, all eyes will be on whether England can regroup and restore some pride, or if the drama at Brisbane Airport will prove a fitting metaphor for a tour gone off the rails. For now, the action—and the controversy—shows no sign of slowing down.
