Andrew Strauss - 8 (307 runs at 43.85, HS 110): Captain Fantastic led his troops to a second Ashes success in just 18 months and whilst his series wasn't as run-laden as 2009, he more than played his part. His forceful hundred in Brisbane set the tone for England to save that Test and further brusque fifties at Melbourne and Sydney laid the platform for others to fill their boots. Hardly put a foot wrong in the field as his side executed specific plans for the likes of Ponting and Clarke to perfection. That third ball dismissal in the first innings at Brisbane seems a long time ago now. Surely a knighthood awaits?
Alastair Cook - 10 (766 runs at 127.66, HS 235*): Immense. Was at the crease for 36 hours and 11 minutes and scarcely looked like ever getting out. Scored three hundreds and his 766 runs was apart from Wally Hammond in 1928-29, the most runs ever by an Englishman in a test series. His namesake Captain Cook may have discovered Australia and claimed it for the crown, but this Cook is the one taking the spoils home to the motherland this time.
Jonathan Trott - 9 (445 runs at 89.00, HS 168*): If Cook was immense, Trott wasn't too far behind and the two of them will forever be able to dine out on that 517/1 declared scoreline at Brisbane. Packed full of runs and mannerisms, and his stunning run out of Katich at Adelaide sent England on their way. Now has a staggering test average of 61.53, yet still some people suggest he shouldn't bat at 3.
Kevin Pietersen - 8 (360 runs at 60.00, HS 227): Started the series under immense pressure, but looked to have rediscovered his confidence and form straight away in a cameo innings at Brisbane. Cashed in big style at Adelaide with a career best. Whether it was being caught speeding in a lamborghini, ranting about the groundsman at Adelaide or disingenuously claiming credit for the success on this tour you couldn't keep KP out of the spotlight.
Paul Collingwood - 5 (83 runs at 13.83, HS 42): It proved a series too far with the bat for Colly, but at least he was able to bow out on his own terms with a third Ashes win to his name, nine catches and the wicket of Hussey with his last ball in test cricket. His one-handed diving catch to dismiss Ponting was one of the most poignant memories of the series. Farewell England's working class hero.
Ian Bell - 9 (329 runs at 65.80, HS 115): Looked the most classy batsman on show from either side and finally reached his Holy Grail of a three-figure score against Australia. Has now completed the transformation from Sherminator to Terminator and unfortunately for Australian bowlers, at just 28, Bell will be back for at least one sequel.
Matt Prior - 8 (252 runs at 50.40, HS 118): Took 23 catches to demonstrate once again that he has gone from a being a clown behind the stumps to a world-class keeper. When you add his batting to the mix, England have arguably the best keeper-batsman in the world at the moment -although MS Dhoni's legions of fans may disagree. His hundred in Sydney meant he just about won his personal duel with Haddin.
Stuart Broad - 5 (2 wickets at 80.50, BB 1/18; no runs): Statistics, damn statistics. Broad may not have had the wickets he deserved - Finn probably got those - but his tight bowling at Brisbane and Adelaide were vitally important to England. Injury denied him the chance of emulating his father's outstanding series of 1986/87, but Broad junior will come again.
Tim Bresnan - 8 (11 wickets at 19.54, BB 4/50; 39 runs at 19.50, HS 35): Written off by many - including us- before the series, Bresnan came in for the last two tests and showed that he is very much at home in Test cricket. Gives England the option of playing five bowlers with him at seven.
Graeme Swann - 7 (15 wickets at 39.80, BB 5/91; 88 runs at 22, HS 36*): Other than Adelaide Swann was not given a turner, but after a poor start to the series in Brisbane he played an excellent support role to the seamers and only went at 2.72 per over. Demonstrated his class by going around the wicket to Clarke in the second innings at Melbourne and immediately inducing an edge to second slip.
Chris Tremlett - 9 (17 wickets at 23.35, BB 5/87; 19 runs at 6.33, HS 12): Our tip as England's dark horse for the series was an absolute revelation after coming in for Broad at Perth for his first test in over three years. Has all the right ingredients - pace, movement, accuracy and that almighty bounce. Now looks the finished article and is set to be Anderson's new ball partner for some time to come.
James Anderson - 9.5 (24 wickets at 26.04, BB 4/44; 22 runs at 4.40, HS 11): Took the biggest haul of wickets by an England bowler in a five-match Ashes series in Australia since Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson in 1954/55 - where England also won the series 3-1. Dispelled once and for all the suggestions that he is a one trick pony in swing friendly conditions of England - we're certainly sorry - see Dear Jimmy...Now up there with Steyn and Zaheer Khan as one of the best three fast bowlers in the world.
Steven Finn - 6 (14 wickets at 33.14, BB 6/125; 3 runs at 3.00, HS 2): Despite being more expensive than Prada with an economy rate of 4.3 runs per over, Finn did reasonably well for a 21 year old playing his first Ashes series. Perhaps unlucky to be dropped for Melbourne, but likely to play many more Ashes series before he retires.
Where next?
1st Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10
2nd Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10
3rd Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10
4th Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10
5th Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10
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LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS POST! IT'S GREAT SAYING.....
Posted by: Nike Shox Classic | Friday, April 15, 2011 at 04:58
That third ball dismissal in the first innings at Brisbane seems a long time ago now. Surely a knighthood awaits?
Posted by: goraka | Thursday, September 01, 2011 at 11:29