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.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
glenn maxwell has imroved his game and is a far better batsman than wht he was when he played his ist test
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
Nice article Dizzy. Keep up the good work lad. No fence sitting mate!
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
Is there another Glenn Maxwell who has started playing? I hope so.
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
Rahul Dravid I think was caught off a no ball on zero before taking 41 balls to get off the mark and being dismissed for 5 off 66 balls in Melbourne 2007/08 which was the record for worst innings off all time up until that point. However his 16 off 114 balls in the second innings and being dismissed by Andrew Symonds overtook it as the new worst innings of all time.
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
George Bailey played 5 more tests than he probably should ever had. Best to probably pick a real test cricketer. It was a memorable summer for him and the 28 off Anderson was spectacular.
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
Phil Hughes is competing with John Farnham for most ever comebacks.
Beardan Returns
Roar Rookie
Marcus North may have had a red line put through his name, however i'd have more confidence in him than Bailey walking out at number 6.
ozinsa
Guest
He has a nice smile and is a vigorous bottom-patter too. I'm being unfair. I actually like Bailey but he has been promoted beyond his level of competence. Sadly, a test batting spot is a bridge too far.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
Do you think his career is over?
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
Lynn shud be given a chance i think.glenn maxwell should be picked as back up spinner.
Steele
Guest
Spot on about Rogers, except I'd say last 6 or seven years! As for Watson, while he does frustrate I believe he scored the second most runs for the combined ten tests for Aus. So once again, he appears to be overly scrutinized. I think our rich history of exceptional number three's makes him look worse than what he actually is. I also think Cam White is a good fit for number Six, any thoughts on that?
Toby from Narrabeen
Guest
The Phil Hughes suggestion is good one, he took to the Saffa pace attack (reportedly the best in the world) & scored consecutive centuries against them in Sth Africa, whilst I am an advocate of the don't change a winning team, Bailey looked extremely vulnerable throughout the Ashes series & our batting line up needs to improve, I'm not sure Bailey is a gamble they can afford to take, whereas Hughes has 3 test centuries to his name, a double ton this summer in shield cricket & has improved his technique since being dropped.
Tinfoil Hat
Guest
I can't agree that the batting is strong enough to carry a specialist short leg at no. 6.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I think that Carberry edging the ball twice but being given not out both times and still making a duck has to be some sort of record. That was a classic show of how totally dominated England were in this series.
Wozza
Guest
My thoughts exactly James .. M.J was a dud in a lot of people's eyes before this series and look at what he has achieved in the current environment . Hughes has to be given a chance to play in a team that's happy and is winning . If he fails his bag of excuses is empty. Hughes @ 3 and watto down the order .
jeznez
Roar Guru
The bowlers have been brilliant, really looking forward to this next series. Nervous about it and expecting SA to bring us back down to earth but hopeful this Aussie team can continue to rise as well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I had always thought it was 'bloody' - the team have certainly cleared that up!
abigail
Guest
Stick with a winning team. The only changes should be those forced by injury.
jameswm
Guest
I'm not convinced Doolan is actually good enough either. I know it's unpopular round here, but Hughes is the one. See how he goes in a stable environment with Boof around him. Runs are the currency and Hughes is consistently the richest. Everyone said Steve Smith isn't up to test standard, and look how he has blossomed in a stable environment.
Dan
Guest
Is doolan really that good? From what I've seen he looks average at best, his stats aren't super either. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.