And breathe. Finally, inevitably, the Ashes is over.
At some points over the last five weeks it felt as if we might never stop playing cricket, that the men’s teams had agreed with the ICC that it was better for broadcasters and advertisers if they simply played in perpetuity.
The fifth Test, while littered with great moments and the compulsory drama that went with this series, was notable mostly for the glaringly obvious fatigue which had set in amongst the players.
Both teams featured a number of players who competed in all five matches, and the minds and bodies looked more than ready for the post-series drinks that eventuated (supposedly) in a London nightclub.
But let’s look to the future and take a look at how the Australian squad fared, and how they’ll factor in to the next four years until the team finds themselves in England once again.
Usman Khawaja
Mr Slow….