India, Dec. 29 -- Greg Chappell has launched a stinging critique of the Ashes' recent batting collapses, arguing that modern Test innings are being surrendered too easily and that the sport is flirting with an identity crisis at its highest level.

Writing in a coloumn on ESPNcricinfo, the former Australia captain framed the issue as a failure of intent and technique rather than a simple case of bowlers being unplayable.

"Two Tests in the series have failed to reach day three, not due to superior skill but a glaring absence of desire. Batters slashed wildly, abandoning technique for bravado, as if playing their 'natural game' excused capitulation," Greg Chappell wrote.

The criticism wasn't limited to a single innings or a single team. C...