BRISBANE:

England's Ashes hopes have shifted from improbable to near-impossible after another eight-wicket hammering by Australia on Sunday, prompting criticism from former captains who believe Ben Stokes's side have squandered their best chance Down Under.

The tourists' capitulation at the Gabba -- their 15th defeat in 17 tests in Australia -- has left them reeling at 2-0 down in the series after just six days of play, with history stacked heavily against them.

Only Don Bradman's legendary 1936-37 Australia side has ever recovered from such a deficit to win a five-match series.

Former skipper Michael Atherton delivered a brutal assessment of England's predicament, saying that optimism was now futile with Australia set to welcome back their key players.

"Although England gave it a goo

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