Head to Head: Series Review - Part 4

Opening Bowlers

Pre-Series: "This one will depend on how they both start the series - I would call this one even at this stage."

Post Series: This all changed half way through when Gillespie was dumped by the Aussie selectors through poor performance. That was absolutely correct as he was dreadful. And of course McGrath missed two tests through injury. Interestingly neither Hoggard and Harmison were not the best England bowlers in the end, they weighed in with 33 wickets in all. McGrath and Gillespie took 22. Just through their fitness and performance this one goes to the England boys - just.

The All Rounders

Pre Series: "Well we've got Freddie and they've got.....is this the edge for England I wonder????"

Post Series: In simple terms Freddie was the difference, the other batsman and bowlers all pretty much cancel each other out. Australia had 3 bowlers who took more than 10 wickets and 4 batsman who made more than 300. England had 4 bowlers and 5 batsman and in both cases that extra man was Flintoff! Case closed.

The Middle Order

Pre Series: "This could be where this series is won and lost, across the board in all other categories it works out pretty evenly. I fear that the Australians may have the edge here."

Post Series: Hats off to England again here, the middle order put together 1292 runs compared to Australia's 942. This is the biggest difference in the batting and was indeed, as predicted, where the ashes was won. Martyn and Bell failed to impress for both teams. Clarke and Pietersen played well overall, Jones out scored Gilchrist and Freddie did the same to Katich. Australia did not have the dominance they needed in this area in the end, that has to be mostly down to Adam Gilchrist who will be disappointed with hiw own batting.