We won the series 2-1. 
See what happens when Broad bowls a fuller length. I hope the lesson has truly sunken in this time young man.
Nice to see a proper reception for Ricky Ponting in the Oval test, he is one of the games greats and his record bares witness to that fact. The manner in which he faced up to defeat in the series was a credit to not only himself but also his country. Well played sir.
There were some dubious, sometimes horrendous, umpiring mistakes which sort of evened out between the teams over the series. Strauss should have been out LBW first ball on the opening day of the Headingly test but was caught off a no ball in the first innings at the Oval. The bowlers front foot was a good 4 inches over the line. That’s what I mean about mistakes balancing out.
Trot deserves an extended run in the team after a fine 100 on his debut in fact I though he should have played at Headingley.
Swan is now obviously the main man in the spin department and he can bat a bit also, 249 run from 8 innings for an average of 35.57.
The statistics paint a bizarre picture.
Australia batting. Averages over 40.
M Clarke 64.0
North 52.42
Ponting 48.12
S Watson 48.0
Haddin 46.33
Katich 42.62
England batting. Averages over 40.
Trott 80.0 (1 game only.)
Strauss 52.66
Only two of our batsmen averaged over 40. Pietersen was third with 38.25 off the back of 4 innings in 2 tests. Swann the spinner was next highest.
Australia bowling. Wickets taken.
Hilfenhaus 22
Siddle 20
Hauritz 10
M Johnson 20
Clark 4
North 4
M Clarke 1
England bowling. Wickets taken.
Broad 18
Onions 10
S Harmison 5
Swann 14
Anderson 12
Flintoff 8
Collingwood 1
Panesar 1
If you didn’t know the outcome and looked at the stats you would reach the conclusion that we’d been given a drubbing.
It was nice to see a more subdued celebration this time round after the farce of 4 years ago. I found all the open top bus, Trafalgar square and handing gongs out a little distasteful, or should I say “It’s just not cricket old boy.” 
I can’t leave without a word of praise for Aggers and the crew who make up the numbers on Test Match Special. A thoroughly outstanding summers broadcasting on Radio 5 and Radio 4.
The inclusion of Matthew Hayden as a summariser was a treat, especially when he started wittering about his recipes. Jim Maxwell was a delight to listen to as a commentator. Dizzy was also value for money but I came to the conclusion he’s as mad as a box of frogs, bless him. 
The star, beyond all doubt, was Tuffers. Had me in tears splitting my sides laughing on frequent occasions.
“Have you been to the ballet Tuffers.”
Tuffers ” Oh aye, many times. I’ve seen Snow White and and the seven dwarfs.”
Priceless.
The next Ashes series is down under in the winter of 2010. That’s the real test, winning in the Aussies back yard.
