The Ashes assessed

Now that the dust has settled after such an exciting contest and Stuart Broad is leaving Test cricket with a six and a wicket, we can more coolly assess the Ashes.

Though not much pointed out at the end by the commentators, Australia retained the Ashes and levelled the series.

They are world champions and a very good side, better than England in almost every department but they do not have a Ben Stokes.

Bazball came in for quite a bit of criticism and after England commenced their fight back at Headingley rather disrespectfully termed ‘Bazball with brains’.

It has done much to revive red ball cricket.

There is loyalty to players and the old days of being selected, failing and being consigned to the counties gone.

Ironically, as Ben Stokes was no stranger to disruptive behaviour, standards are now much higher.  Yet England remain an old side without a spinner.

Rain wiped out the Fourth Test at Old Trafford and a significant part of the Oval one.

The powers that be must surely realise that the red ball game is far better suited to the vagaries of an English summer climate.

It is no surprise that the Hundred has failed as it cannot adapt to poor weather.

Finally, and crucially, lies the question of entertaining v winning. One of the guests on TMS – the son of Barry Hearne – expressed himself forcibly that punters want a winning side.

I disagree. They want to be entertained as they were totally for session after session, Test after Test.