the 2005 series proved the point in a way though...

England played out of their skins collectively and the Aussies as badly as they ever have in their lives, and yet they STILL came within one dodgy umpiring decision of retaining the Ashes.

England's achievement then was so fantastic because they managed to play so far above their normal level for a whole summer and they deserve all the plaudits they got. But if the the Aussies play anywhere near their usual standards even a repeat of that phenomenal effort won't be enough.

This isn't a criticism of England, who are as good as anyone else in the world apart from Australia, but an appreciation of just how good these Australian players are. On their own soil they are pretty much unbeatable.

Posted By: mr carra, Nov 23, 09:32:51