It was OBEs and MBEs all round after 2005 - once the booze, open-top bus parade and Downing Street receptions were out of the way.
Don't lose sightIt was OBEs and MBEs all round after 2005 - once the booze, open-top bus parade and Downing Street receptions were out of the way. It was right, of course, that England went with the mood of a nation after their major achievement back then. But none of the above sustained them through a tough sub-continental winter - and by the time they faced Sri Lanka a summer later, the winning momentum had disintegrated.
Look beyond FredDo not get hung up on replacing the retired hero. Stuart Broad recovered his form admirably in this summer's final two Ashes Tests.
But comparisons with Andrew Flintoff and mentions of his heir apparent status are potentially damaging. Yes, match-winning all-rounders are gold dust in the balance of a Test team. But how long did England spend trying to unearth the new Ian Botham? They will surely not make those same mistakes again.
Continuity The first of England's watchwords, regularly espoused by national selector Geoff Miller. England have learned from Australia that evolution is the key to a successful team.
Conversely, Australia arguably paid for their conservative selection this past summer - no Hauritz or Lee at the Oval - and continuity is a virtue only if the personnel is right. When you have a generation of great cricketers, as Australia did for a decade, there is no need to chop and change. England should protect what they have, but not at the expense of emerging talent.
ConsistencyThe quality glaringly lacking for both England and Australia at present. It is another of Miller's favourite nouns.
Yet lurching from Cardiff desperation to overdue Lord's success, then Headingley embarrassment to Oval glory is not the behaviour of a consistent team.
Leadership
This key component went AWOL under Flintoff in 2006/07. Under Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower, it appears to be on a sound footing. It will not be easyu00a0- the anticipated return of a fit Kevin Pietersen is, for example, an as yet unanswered variableu00a0- but captain Strauss has shown himself calm under pressure and authoritative on and off the field. It is handy too that the extra responsibility seems to translate to many more runs off his own bat.
David Clough/Press Association
Oval Hurrah
1985The last time England won the Ashes at the Oval. Border's Aussies had a chance to square the series, but lost to Gower's team in the final Test.
Big Retainer
1987The year when England were able to retain the Ashes after their 1985 win in England. Mike Gatting made this possible with some smart leadership.
No 'Contest'
1980The year when the Ashes were not at stake. The three-Test series was held to allow the Australian Cricket Board recover from financial losses.
