England cricket fans turn on team over shameful Ashes loss to Australia

A key Barmy Army figure has delivered a scathing assessment of England's Perth capitulation, declaring he “can't handle that perceived lack of effort”.

A key figure in England’s iconic Barmy Army supporters group has revealed he is “furious’’ over the side’s shameful disappearing act in the Perth Test.

Recruiting agency director George Gallantree, 47, an Englishman who moved to Australia 20 years ago and the founder of the Army’s Brisbane branch, the Brisbane Barmys, is renowned for being one of the group’s most passionate fans and dedicated fundraisers.

But, as former Test captains Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton correctly predicted, the Perth loss to Australia inside two days would trigger a fan fall-out entering next week’s second Test in Brisbane.

“I’m furious,’’ Gallantree said.

“It was bitterly disappointing. As a genuine cricket fan that is not Test cricket. We had ourselves in a great position and we threw it away.

England fans have turned on their team after the meek display in Perth. Picture: Getty

“I don’t mind losing to Australia if they are the better team but I can’t handle that perceived lack of effort and throwing it all away.

“It is not what we want to see. I am bitterly disappointed. In this country our team needs to play to the conditions.

“They need to adapt to the opposition we are playing against. I am no cricket expert but some of those were just throwing their wickets away.’’

Despite the team’s meek effort in Perth, Gallantree said they would still receive strong support in Brisbane.

“I am disappointed but the Barmy Army is notorious for their support,” he said.

“They won’t throw the towel in. They will continue to support the team. There will be the raucous, rapturous crew waiting for the boys at the Gabba.

“I must admit though optimism is not high. Sadly, I don’t think they have done themselves any favours.’’

Barmy Army pioneer George Gallantree was furious with the team’s performance in Perth. Picture David Clark

England have decided against sending any of their Text XI to Canberra for a pink ball trial game this week, much to the surprise of many observers, including their supporters.

“As an outsider looking in you would be wanting them to go and get some pink ball practice,’’ Gallantree said.

“Australia has played 14 pink ball games for 13 wins. There are players who have never touched a pink ball in our team. Jamie Smith has never felt the pink cricket ball.

“I heard Steve Finn on a podcast last night describe the pink ball as almost like a plastic ball that kids play with.

“It feels like that was our one chance to smash momentum and get some momentum going in to Brisbane. You would be a brave man to bet against England going 2-0 down and that is bitterly disappointing.

“You don’t expect England to win the Ashes in Australia but I thought we would be competitive. I’ve been here for 20 years. Aussies want competition.

“They don’t want to bowl us over 5-0. They want a competitive team to play against. It’s just disappointing that on current form we are not going to give them that contest.’’

Originally published as England cricket fans turn on team over shameful Ashes loss to Australia