Doleful Aussies

Australia had ruled the Test arena for more than a decade but after their two bowling superstars retired, it has all been downhill for them.

Their final innings of the series, 644, was their highest of all time in Australia, and only their third 600-plus total in Ashes cricket since the second world war - the second of which, 5 for 620 declared, came three Tests ago in Adelaide. With 513 at Melbourne and that unforgettable 1 for 517 in the second innings at the Gabba, England even outstripped the Wally Hammond-powered campaign of 1928-29 in passing 500 on an unprecedented four separate occasions.

What makes England's performance staggering is that they annihilated Australia in Australia.

The World Cup will start in just over a month. The Aussies have won the last three in a row. Let's see just how badly they lose the title.