An Ashes series that overpromised and underdelivered will be remembered for the dazzling performances and moments of magic rather than as a classic of the genre. For Travis Head’s star turn as a swashbuckling opener, Mitchell Starc’s new-ball destruction and Usman Khawaja’s emotional farewell on one side. For Joe Root’s belated century in a foreign land and Jacob Bethell’s breakout ton on the other.
While England rake over the coals of yet another away Ashes campaign wasted, the hosts’ review of their 4-1 series triumph might begin by ticking the box marked “somewhat satisfied”. Australia’s self-appraisal will be swift as the cricket caravan rolls on to a T20 World Cup next month. Not much further out on the horizon is Australia’s busiest Test schedule in history, beginning with a two-match series against Bangladesh in the Top End in August, then a return to South Africa for the first time since the ignominy of the “sandpapergate” tour.
