The Australian media fretted on Monday that the nation's cricketers are on the verge of going 2-0 down in the Ashes series against England with some pundits doubtful of the tourists' state of mind.

The Australians were 88 for two in their second innings at stumps in the third Edgbaston Test and needing a further 25 runs on Monday's final day to make England, 1-0 up in the five-Test series, bat again.