After four long, dreaded and spiteful years, the Australian cricket team has finally returned the urn home.
Going into this Ashes series there was so much drama – off-field issues, media bashing and tell-all revelations from former players.
Finally getting this series underway and letting the on-field goodness do the talking was one hell of a relief for all Australian cricket supporters. Every one of those 11 who were selected took on the Australian spirit and fought hard for this victory.
We have been in a rut for the past couple of years, so it was a great sight seeing our countrymen fight – not only for themselves, but for everyone living under the Australian flag.
For years we had succumb to England’s bullying tactics, so probably one of the personal highlights of the series was seeing our courageous captain, Michael Clarke, stick it to them with his jibe to Jimmy Anderson. Australia were finally intimidating the opposition.
There was no greater sight than seeing Stuart Broad rush off the field whenever Mitch “Magic” Johnson took him out. He was obviously scared of Johnson, he is a high talker off the field, but the fear Johnson instilled in him was a great welcome sight.
There was also a heartwarming sense of unity amongst the boys, and I think Darren Lehman has a lot to do with this. They finally look like a team of brothers; a family unit.
Every wicket, every milestone run, every combined milestone partnership was applauded and celebrated with everything they had.
Considering the build-up, with revelations from former players about dissent within the side and players not getting along, this was another sight the Australian public were fondly beholding.
This series literally everyone has contributed in a significant way, whether it be Bailey’s 28 runs in an over, Johnson’s 20-plus wicket haul, or David Warner’s outstanding all-round effort.
All the media spotlight has been on Warner’s transformation from a detention-bound lad to a mature cricketing star, and Johnson emerging from a battle with his person demons to dominate, but the likes of Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris have been as pivotal to this series win as those two.
Steve Smith has also finally proven the doubters wrong with a much deserved man of the match performance.
His special century set up this third Test victory, while his fielding performance is also worth a mention. This series has completed his metamorphosis and this special boy will be around the Test cricketing scene for many years to come.
Brad Haddin was told he was too old, and his abilities were blasted while away from the Test team caring for his ill daughter. This man has hushed all the haters, with perfect displays with both the bat and wicket-keeper’s gloves.
One man’s performance has probably been the most important – Michael Clarke.
The name, integrity and captaincy of our captain courageous have been put under the spotlight since we lost the Ashes in August. Alastair Cook is experiencing the same media bashing as we speak.
The way Clark has been able to not only turn his form around, but raise the moral, and spirit of the entire team has been spectacular. He has took all the biff upon himself, and turned it around into becoming an Ashes-winning side.
For the English team, there were some positives – Ben Stokes’ century and the play of Stuart Broad probably the most obvious.
Their problem is they have underestimated Australia’s ability, mentality and wit. Cook has a fight on his hands, the same way Clarke did, but he himself is a great player, and if anyone can turn England’s fortunes around it will be him.
Thanks for the laughs though – those fielding performances were just fabulous. The smile won’t be wiped off any of our faces any time soon.
This was a special series win, the way us Aussies love to do it – by being the underdogs, who no one gave a flying chance.
Let’s get on with it, demolish the Poms 5-0, and ride on to becoming No.1 again.
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