Originally Posted by
tooextracool
I really hope that the post-mortem involves an analysis of the selectors rather than the players themselves. If you ask me, it was the bowling that cost Australia the series rather than the batters (With the exception of a shocking performance in the first innings at Lords). I cannot think of anyone in that batting order who should be replaced, Hussey is probably the most culpable, but honestly getting rid of Hussey is more likely to cost them in the long run because I think hes one of the best batsmen around and he just had a bad series. Similarly, it makes no sense to get rid of anyone out of Hilfenhaus, Hauritz, Siddle and Johnson. Stick with the same bunch of players and they will probably regain the Ashes next time around.
So what cost Australia? Well, firstly the idea that they could land in England and play a bowling attack that hadn't bowled a ball in England in any form of the game. Yes they played the same attack that succeeded in South Africa but South African pitches and conditions are not too dissimilar from the ones they get back at home and playing in England is a whole new kettle of fish for anyone who has never played there before. Siddle and Johnson were bowling visibly better as the series progressed, but honestly, Johnson, despite his performance in the 2nd innings at Leeds, should have been dropped well before that match. Not picking Hauritz for the Oval (and I can't believe that I am saying this) was another move that seriously backfired.