There were plenty of doubts about whether England could finally be victorious on Australian soil before this Ashes Series, but with a remarkable three innings defeats of the old enemy, Andrew Strauss's men finally emulated Botham, Broad, Gower and co. By the end of today's play (7th January), Australia were as humiliated as England had been during their 5-0 drubbing in Australia four years ago.
Huge credit goes to everyone involved, from the players to the excellent coaching staff and support team behind them. The quest must be now to keep moving forward and become the number one ranked Test team in the world. If their batting order keeps performing as well as it did in this Series, such success is a very real possibility.
England Batsman Player Ratings, Averages and Statistics
England's batting order comprehensively outshone their Aussie counterparts, with only Paul Collingwood out of the regular top seven failing to score at least one century. In comparison, only Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin managed to reach three figures for Australia.
Andrew Strauss (C)
Matches: 5; Innings: 7; Runs: 307; Average: 43.85; High Score: 110. Catches: 8.
Strauss's captaincy, sometimes criticised as too cautious, was virtually faultless in this Series as England had their plans laid out perfectly. He was helped by his team playing so well, but his bond with them and coach Andy Flower is clearly very strong. He may not quite have batted as well as he might have liked, but his figures are still more than adequate.
Player Rating: 8/10.
Alastair Cook
Matches: 5; Innings: 7; Runs: 766; Average: 127.66; High Score: 235*. Catches: 5.
By far and away Cook's finest Series for England. Absolutely incredible figures for a man under severe pressure for his place in the summer and at the start of this tour. But these days England do not panic as they once did. Good players are given the chance to regain their form and Cook repaid that faith handsomely. The next England captain will have to go a long way to better this set of batting displays.
Player Rating: 10/10.
Jonathan Trott
Matches: 5; Innings: 7; Runs: 445; Average: 89.00; High Score: 168. Catches: 1. Run Outs: 1.
England have finally found a proper Number Three. Obdurate at the crease and capable of slaying any Aussie attack, Trott's displays were just what England needed. Only relatively recently England looked vulnerable if Strauss was out early. Not any more. A superb run out of Katich as well in the Second Test.
Player Rating: 9/10.
Kevin Pietersen
Matches: 5; Innings: 6; Runs: 360; Average: 60.00; High Score: 227. Catches: 5. Run Outs: 1.
KP was out-batted by two or three England players on this tour, yet still helped himself to a tremendous double hundred of his own. Not quite at his imperious best, but very sound in the field and even took the key wicket of Michael Clarke in Adelaide. Can still get out frustratingly cheaply when he looks set, though.
Player Rating: 7/10.
Paul Collingwood
Matches: 5; Innings: 6; Runs: 83; Average: 13.83; High Score: 42. Catches: 9.
The Barmy Army gave Colly a fantastic send off after his decision to retire from Test cricket, but although he will have relished this special Series he will have wanted to have scored a few more runs himself. Still, he was superb in the field as usual and his leadership and professionalism will be sorely missed.
Player Rating: 6/10
Ian Bell
Matches: 5; Innings: 6; Runs: 329; Average: 65.80; High Score: 115. Catches: 3.
Finally a century against the Aussies for Ian Bell and this was a good all-round Series for an elegant batsman who now seems to have genuine presence at the crease. More to come from him and a move up the order to five is inevitable.
Player Rating: 8/10.
Matt Prior (WK)
Matches: 5; Innings: 6; Runs: 252; Average: 50.40; High Score: 118. Catches: 23.
Started the Series in poor fun with the bat, but ended it in great nick. In between times he demonstrated just how far his keeping has developed. It's a reward for really hard work and perseverance from himself and the coaching staff. An excellent average for a Number Seven batsman.
Player Rating: 8/10.
Read on for the England Bowler Ratings and Figures.
Daniel Trelfer - I'm a freelance writer and also work in television on and off. I'm looking forward to exploring a range of my interests at Suite 101, ...
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