16 years of being constantly bashed about by the Aussies has obviously has some effect on the England cricket team. But to win in what has been an amazing Ashes series, if not the best, was something only England could dream for.

I'm glad I've witnessed this brilliant sporting confrontation - an avid cricket fan myself, perhaps even more appreciative then other people. However it seems that it has been met with celebration from all over the country, the head of the Football Association (FA) named it a brilliant series.

Freddie Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen being the stars of the show, with their brilliant showcases of skill and determination. However, it was just not them alone - Ashley Giles proving to be an incerdible talent himself - as well as stellar performances from Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss.

Ian Bell was the the most disappointing player of the series, only managing one knock above 50 in one inning. However he could be forgiven with some excellent performances in the field. However I feel this is not enough - I just feel that they could have done without him, and instead brought Paul Collingwood into the equation. A great all rounder - wtih exceptional talent in the field - I feel he deserves a regular place on the England team.

Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones have been exceptional swing bowlers, picking up vital wickets when needed.
Michael Vaughan has often been a letdown with the bat during the series, but a massive 160 proved everybody wrong. And his captaincy has been nothing short of brilliant - inventive fielding, rallying his team, and using his great tactical brain.

Australia were not without a fight though, and what proved to be a spellbinding performance from the legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, turned out to be his last. Managing to get his 600th Test wicket, Warne has never looked in better shape. However all good things come to an end, as Shane Warne's retirement is soon proving to be inevitable. He will carry on playing for county club Hampshire, but playing as an Australian on English shores, The Oval was to be his last Test match. He also proved he was a dab hand with the bat - batting consistently with scores in the 40s and a near maiden Test century.

Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee looked to be in good nick, but McGrath has seemed to be under par since his freak accident during training. Still, brilliant bowling from the pair. Jason Gillespie failed to set the Aussie bowling attack alight, showing that he's been well under form for a while, and was eventually removed from the starting 11, and replaced by Shaun Tait. A young slingy bowler, with a bowling action comparable to a gorilla, Tait has had a nervy start to his Test career, finding the odd wicket or two, but under performing in the field.

Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden have looked rather uncomfortable in the series - however they proved they still had it in the last test match with centuries from both. A commendable effort, but was to be wasted, when Flintoff and Hoggard made mince meat from Ponting onwards. Matthew Clarke was a resistance, but was eventually put out. Simon Katich and Damien Martyn have been disappointing to say the least, as well as the captain himself, Ricky Ponting. However he did mansge to show what he was renowned for - a great middle order batsman in one inning with a score of over 150. He also managed to dismiss the England skipper with a great bowl. He rarely bowls, but when he does, it can be quite dangerous. However his captaining side of things was nowhere near par - and now has to live with title of the first Aussie captain to lose the Ashes in 16 years.

Another thing which struck me as great, was the spirit of the game, and the sportsmanship of both sides. It was really encouraging to see, and even though we may wage war on the fields - the teams still realise it's a only a game, and show great respect to each other. Something I find is lacking from English football, and why cricket is something more of a positive role model for kids.

I play cricket myself very often, and I'm hoping to join a county cricket club - so maybe one day, I might be able to play in the Ashes myself. ;)

It has been a memorable series, each match keeping you on the edge of your seats. It showcased what England was all about, and was a great advert for the sport. I'm both relieved and immensely happy that we've managed to win. And I'm proud to be wearing an England cricket jersey! :)