Overall this has probably been the greatest test series I have ever had the chance to see. There has been some great cricket played by both teams and overall it's been played in a good spirit and in a sporting way. Being an englishman I'm obviously pleased w've finally regained it but credit to Australia for how they took defeat.
England:
Marcus Trescothick:
Was highlighted as a big target for the australian bowlers, Mcgrath, Warne etc felt they would be able to get him out easily. Proved critics wrong with some good innings opening the batting against the new ball. Caught well at slip. 8/10
Andrew Strauss:
The way Andrew Strauss has started test cricket is no secret and I feel he's only increased his reputation during this series. A brilliant century and some fantastic catches were the highlights of a succesful series for Andrew. 8/10
Michael Vaughan:
His batting struggled a bit at times but hit a wonderful century. His captaincy has never been doubted, his bowling changes and field placings although unorthadox have been fantastic. 7/10
Ian Bell:
Probably the man that has impressed the least for England, had one good match where he picked up a 50 in both innings. Struggled against Warne and the other Australian bowlers although he did have a few bad decisions. Took some good catches though and I feel is definetly one for the future. 5/10
Kevin Pietersen:
He was the difference in the final test and got us over the finish line with a fantastic maiden test century. Three earlier fifites have showed us his promise and then he went slightly off the boil but made the runs when it really mattered. Catching is a worry which needs to be worked on. Overalla very good series with the bat. 8/10
Andrew Flintoff:
There is little to say that has not been already said. People were aware of his explosive batting which has matured over time. His shot selection is now a lot better and he can time his innings well. Produced some great innings with the bat, highlighted by his century. What has improved in the last year is his bowling. He has the ability to move the ball both ways and is comfortable bowling around the wicket. He troubled all of the Australian batsmen who are some of the best in the world. Was bowling at over 90 miles an hour throughout the series. He caught and fielded well, we'll forget the drop he had yesterday
10/10
Geraint Jones:
Had some good knocks with the bat and produced a wonderful partnership with Flintoff. Took some good catches but dropped some very simple ones which suggests to me that it's nerves and not lack of ability. His stumping needs to improve as he is to slow to react but I don't see any one better at the moment and am happy with his contribution. 6/10
Ashley Giles:
Probably England's least glamorous player but we English have been aware for a while of the contribution to the side. His bowling can be frustrating even if is not dangerous at times and has shown food form with the bat. Has dismissed all of Australia's top 8 at some time in the series. 7/10
Matthew Hoggard:
Not required very often earlier on in the series but when the conditions are there for swing then Hoggard is the one they turn to. The slowest of the English seamers so accuracy and swing is important. He didn't disappoint and produced some fine displays and caused a few frustations for Australia with his defensive batting. 7/10
Simon Jones:
Before the series began he was probably the bowler for England you would choose to drop if you had to drop one. He has improved dramatically since he returned from injury and has bowled superbly. His reverse swing caused Australia numerous problems. 9/10
Steve Harmison:
Harmison has been Englands main strike bowler in recent times and tore apart Australia in the first test. However, he has struggled a bit since then with consistency which has seen the rise of some of England's other bowlers. Still a threat and had a decent series with a few useful runs down the order. 7/10
Paul Collingwood:
One of the reasons for Englands success is there consistency in selection. This only changed when Colly was brought in for the injured Simon Jones. Unlucky with the decision in the first innings and held up an end well in the second before being dismissed by the master. 6/10
Australia:
Matthew Hayden:
It's no secret that the openers have struggled. Hayden has been struggling for a year or so, he saved his best for the last test but unfortunately it was all to late and may be nervous about his place in the side. 6/10
Justin Langer:
Like Hayden he has struggled at times but I feel he has battled superbly. He is a short man which England used to their advantage, peppering him with short stuff. I feel he has done okay though and had a great knock in the last test. Still sure of his place in my opinion. 7/10
Ricky Ponting:
Due to the pressure and the struggle his batsmen have faced, Ricky probably produce the innings of the series. However the rest of the time he has struggled and his captaincy has not been brilliant. Warne was probably over bowled despite his brilliance and Ponting seemed to be out of ideas. His highlight will probably be dismissing Vaughan. 6/10
Damien Martyn:
The unluckiest man in the series in my opinion as he was wrongly dismissed a few times. Despite this though he seemed short of form and never seemed like he was going to make a big innings, never saw much of him in the field and is another who may be struggling to keep his place with the likes of Hussey and Symonds around.
Michael Clarke:
Michael has been Australia's best batsmen in the series, producing some good innings and playing the bowling quite well compared to his team mates. He shows good spirit and is a fantastic fielder. I think Michael can be sure of his place of years to come. 8/10
Adam Gilchrist:
The most devastating batsmen in world cricket. He bats at number 7, keeps wicket and averages over 50 at test level. Despite all that he never made a contribution to Australia throughout the tour. This put extra pressure on his wicket keeping and made a few mistakes. This was not a series for wicket keepers. Produced a fantastic catch though in the final test. Due to his own ability and though he has probably been one of the most dissapointing. In my opinion I think he is a fantastic. player and a very good wicked keeper who is just going through a rough patch at the wrong time. Gilchrist will bounce back and his place is not in threat. 5/10
Shane Warne:
The greatest bowler of all time in my opinion and the greatest spin bowler without question. He had caused England constant problems and earns such respect from them as well as the England fans. He plays the game in the right spirit and is a wonderful guy. His batting has been impressive as well during this series and has put some of the top order to shame. It's a pity it's his last test in England and it will be a sad day for cricket when he spins that final ball. I don't think that'll be for a few years yet though! 10/10
Brett Lee:
If the rest of the team had shown the guts, heart and determination of this guy then Australia would probably have been celebrating retaining the ashes a few tests ago. I have great admiration for Brett Lee who has really earnt my respect as well as the English players. His bowling has been fiery and his batting explosive. Everything he dishes out he takes back without complaint. His attitude is faultless and for that he stands out as a true great. Bowling figures could have been slightly better but you can't do everything. 9/10
Glenn McGrath:
Caused England some great problems but I don't feel he was ever at his best after his injury. He will have to eat his words after predicting a 5-0 win for Austrlia. Glenn has bowled well as expected but has not really produced anything out of the ordinary. This however is probably only because of the high standards he has set him self. Who knows what may have happened if he was fully fit for the entire series. Glenn will need to be replace, not yet of course but in a few years where will they find another McGrath?? 7.5/10
Jason Gillespie:
Has really struggled since the start of the tour and there does not seem to be a clear indication as to why. He is a great character and perhaps he can get back to somewhere he was before but at his age he has to be worried. 5/10
Michael Kasprowicz:
I thought he bowled quite well in his rare appearances but is another who is near the end of his career and may struggle to keep his place. 6/10
Shaun Tait:
I think Shaun shows potential and produces some cracking deliveries but at times he will bowl short and wide to often. He needs to develop his line and length stop ball and could be a threat in the next series. Bowled quite well and can be a danger with his reverse swing. Fielding however looked shambolic at times. 6/10
So the end to a wonderful series, without doubt Flintoff being the man of the series for England and Warne for Australia.
Is the tide turning in test cricket? What do you think guys??
