The last post

It should have been this, and shown up here, but didn't. So here goes.

2-1 England and a prediction, revisited!

On why England will win the Ashes

1. Ricky Ponting's reverse reverse psycho-babble

Starting from questioning the schedule pre Cardiff through to questioning Jonathan Trott's place before the Oval Test, the Prick had an opinion on everything.

2. Fast Bowling depth

3. Spin Bowling depth

Two stats

Number of 5+ wickets in an innings

England - 4
Australia - 2

Number of times the side took 20 wickets

England - 2
Australia - 1

So, despite taking 84 wickets to 71, Australia's inability to take 20 wickets in a game cost them. And while England could call on Harmison and Onions from the bench, Australia had no fall back. And Australia's inability to get thier bowling order right ( except for Headingley) cost them.

4. Lee and Clark will be coming of injuries

Lee never played a test. Nuff said!

5. Match practice -

England were outplayed. Just look at the stats. And yet, when the big moments came, it was England that was able to put one over the Australians. There is merit in playing the West Indies in Tests, however weak the opposition. And there is virtue in lasting beyond the first week in the World T20 competition. England were pushed in the T20 Cup, and thus tested. Australia werent.

Therein lies the difference.

6. Home field advantage - Ask Malcolm Conn!

7. Because it is the Ashes

And it showed!

Truth be told, I am glad its over.. A dull series enlivened by the propensity of both teams to out do each other in the ineptness stakes.. So unlike 2005.