The just concluded Ashes series was not as riveting as the one in 2005, but there was some very good cricket played nonetheless.
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In the end England limped to a series victory, retaining the Ashes thanks to Monty Panesar and James Anderson holding out for an unlikely draw at Cardiff. Australia are a side in transition, and it is a testimony to the lack of depth in their cricket that bits-and-pieces players like Shane Watson and Marcus North played in every test match of the series. England are not much better off, with an unsettled middle order, an inconsistent bowling attack, and an out of form opener.
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A lot has already been written about the last Test Match, but I want to talk about a couple of things that caught my attention.
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In Australia's first innings Marcus North was given out lbw even though he got an edge before the ball struck the pad. His reaction to the decision was absolutely precious. He had a big smile on his face when he realized that his innings was over. He did not rant and rave, or throw in the usual curse word. He smiled and walked away quietly. However the umpire clearly got the message that North was not totally happy with the decision. Thanks Marcus for your exemplary behavior.
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Jonathan Trott's batting in both England innings was fabulous. Trott is not the prettiest player around. In fact the man he replaced - Ravi Bopara - is a far more elegant and flamboyant player. However Trott was calm. He did not let the occasion get to him on his debut and played with purpose. He was unfazed by the fall of wickets around him in the second innings, and took England to an invincible position. In my mind, it was his two innings, and Broad's first innings bowling spell that turned the game England's way. It is too early to say whether Trott is destined for greatness, or even a long spell in the England Test side, but it is clear that the man has character. He reminded me of another workman like batsman - the bespectacled David Steele - who frustrated the Australians and West Indies many years ago. Trott has not yet achieved what Steele did, but I see the same character in him.
