The latest Ashes Test Cricket series has just ended with Australia being emphatic 4-1 winners. In this part 2, having opened up the subject in part 1 (see here) I give my thoughts concerning what has transpired, what went wrong (and right) and hopes for the future.

Soon upon waking up, while a test match is taking place, I check up on what has been going on down under via the excellent BBC TMS commentary and listen to the thoughts helpfully shared, found on YouTube, by my recently discovered double act of past England captains, Nassar Hussain and Michael Atherton. All I want to do now is share my own thoughts, admittedly guided by numerous experts, many having played the game at the highest level.

Like many, I looked forward with keen anticipation concerning the series just gone. But also, like many, can now look back with much disappointment. While I had reservations about England’s chances, I was happy to go along with the prediction of many that England can achieve what is arguably the greatest achievement in English men’s test cricket, which is to regain the Ashes. It became apparent when I wrote my part 1, after two Aussie victories, that this was going to be unlikely. While England had their chances in the remaining three, as they had in the previous two, especially in the First Test when ahead but throwing it away, they only secured victory in the middle of those tests, on a pitch that made cricket look like a lottery, but a deserved win nevertheless. So, what went wrong?   

I have no doubt that the many of reasons presented by a wide array of pundits, between them, provide many of the answers – under preparedness for the challenges that would come, an over reliance on Bazball and a refusal to adapt, certain players we expected to deliver but being found wanting, missing certain key players at crucial times due to injury and, in the view of two great cricketers, Gavaskar and Boycott, a lack of patience, when the nature of the game and especially given the opposition and conditions, this was what was needed. “Australia triumph, England surrender! Watch Vaughan’s Big Ashes Review” (see here) is a good example of punditry, covering several items of interest. The big difference between the two sides was in mental approach, with the Aussies having the better one. It is why it is called “Test” cricket for that reason. They passed the test and England didn’t, evidenced by the numerous times the team folded after being ahead in the game!

So, congratulations Australia. You deserved to win. It was a great team performance, with Head, Starc with Smith especially being outstanding (special mention too should be made of wicket keeper Carey). Commiserations England, but you were defeated by the better side. Things do need to change, and those who have the power to make changes need humility and wisdom. While under achieving, I can say: well-done Root, Tongue and Bethell for your amazing contributions. Life goes on! Matches in the shorter format, including a World Cup soon to come and another Ashes series, in England in 2027, beckons. I will try to be optimistic, having learned that the line between success and failure is fine. I will continue to follow Test cricket and support England, but doubt if I will ever see a great England side emerge (such as with some past great Australian and West Indian sides) in the short time that I have left on earth.