What was billed as England’s biggest chance to win an Ashes series on Australian soil in 15 years went the way of the three that preceded it.

The Ashes have not been in English hands since 2017, in line with some of the darkest, most barren runs against Australia in the history of the oldest rivalry, harking back to the 1930s and 40s, 1960s and 1990s.

But ahead of the final Test in Sydney and before a review of what went wrong takes shape, Daily Mail Sport identifies the players that can help win back the urn in 18 months' time, and finally end the curse Down Under in 2029-30.

1. Ben McKinney (Durham)

A giant at the crease, whose fledgling career already includes a run-a-ball 110 for England Lions against Australia 12 months ago.

That was one of four first-class hundreds for the 6ft 7in left-handed opener who began last season by hitting a career-best 153 in the opening home match against Warwickshire, earning an early season name check from men’s director of cricket Rob Key in the process.

A dip in form followed, but despite temporarily losing his county place, he maintained his standing within the England Lions setup and now aged 21 has two tours of experience down under to fall back on, having struck twin 50s in the internal pre-Ashes match at Lilac Hill.

Durham opener Ben McKinney is a giant at the crease, whose fledgling career already includes a run-a-ball 110 for England Lions against Australia 12 months ago

2. James Rew (Somerset)

Another 21-year-old, it already feels like the flame-haired, wicketkeeper-batsman has been around forever.

The ECB’s appreciation of the left-hander’s skill and temperament date back to 2021 when he was selected for a County Select XI versus India, and he has made good on his promise, celebrating his 10th first-class hundred during the 2025 county season. Not since Denis Compton in 1939 had an Englishman reached the landmark at such an age.

He struggled to convince Lions coach Andrew Flintoff he was worth a place ahead of his 18-year-old brother Thomas during the recent tour of Australia, amid suggestions that his fitness was shy of elite level. But he has a versatile game, highlighted by averages of 40 in both four-day and 50-over cricket.

James Rew (right) with his younger brother Thomas, both of whom are rising stars at Somerset

3. Tawanda Muyeye (Kent)

An elegant opening batsman who turns 25 in March, his stroke play offers a throwback to previous generations.

Muyeye's own past is a mixture of tape ball cricket in his native Zimbabwe and a stellar period with Eastbourne College which saw him named Wisden’s schools cricketer of the year in 2020. His future, he hopes, is with England, having arrived in the UK as a political refugee.