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England were completely pummelled into submission this series. There was no let up. The statistics are there for all to see. Australia batted better, bowled better and fielded better.
England are embarrassed. They got the shock of their lives at the Gabba with Mitchell Johnson’s hostility and the brutality of the press and crowds. They never recovered.
Has a bowling unit ever bowled better? For the first time in history all 100 English wickets were taken in an Ashes series. What an effort!
Johnson was simply awesome, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle were ruthless with their disciplined line and length and Nathan Lyon adapted well to every situation that was thrown at him – whether he had to play a holding role or attack.
Throw in Shane Watson for a few canny overs here and there and the result was, in my opinion, one of the best team bowling displays in the history of Test cricket.
They put the foot on England’s throat at the Gabba and did not take it off for the whole series.
Australia’s batsmen benefitted from their bowlers demolition of England’s batting.
The England bowlers barely got a rest and Australia’s batsmen took full advantage. Chris Rogers showed why he should have been playing for the last 3-4 years.
He is the perfect opening partner for David Warner. An experienced campaigner with a calming influence over Australia’s ‘Pit Bull Terrier’.
Warner will frustrate from time to time however he can change momentum in the blink of an eye – a good combination.
Watson reminds me a lot of Stephen Fleming of NZ – lots of good starts yet fails to capitalise on these starts.
Australia need him to get more big scores and take a bit of pressure off the middle order.
Michael Clarke tapered off towards the end of the series however his captaincy was simply outstanding – he ALWAYS took the positive option.
Steve Smith in my opinion was a prime example of a player relaxed and enjoying the freedom of playing positively by being given absolute backing from the captain, the coach and the selectors.
His century in Sydney was proof of this. A quality knock under pressure.
George Bailey is the only question mark in the team for mine.
A couple of good cameos and a great person to have on the field and in the dressing room however his output this series against a deflated attack will worry the Australian hierarchy.
I feel Alex Doolan may be in the frame for his spot in SA.
And finally Brad Haddin.
He is simply playing like a man who knows cricket is not the be all and end all.
Away from cricket everyone is aware of the challenges his family have faced. What we saw this series was a cricketer with absolute clarity in his role.
He batted in some seemingly difficult situations yet made it look like a stroll in the park. That was counter attacking at its very best.
He lifted his teammates and put pressure back on weary England cricketers. His keeping was also of the highest order.
Let’s hope he is around for a little while yet.