yeah what about news.com.au's main article, the title reads: "Australia loses the Ashes- and the nation's respect. It's All Over!"
They certainly haven't lost my respect.
They would lose my respect if they gave up and just went through the motions.
They could have given up in England's 1st innings, and while they were obviously outplayed, they kept trying and got England out for 513 when they could have waited for them to declare at 4-600 or 6-700.
I was also impressed in the 2nd Innings with Smith's fighting 38 (less impressed with his ordinary hack outside off stump that led to his dismissal), Haddin's unbetean 55 and Siddle's 6 for 75 and 11 & 40 while batting. All those performances showed that they cared and weren't going to give up.
Unfortunately England looks a really good team; they have no holes apart from maybe Collingwood's awful form with the bat and injury concerns with their first choice fast bowlers - that said their second choice quicks look bloody good too!
Now the Ashes have been retained by England, hopefully we can look to the future and rebuild this side.
Keep Smith and Hughes in.
Look at Peter George or even James Pattinson to replace Ryan Harris, rather than Doug Bollinger.
Pick Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Cameron White or Callum Ferguson if we need another batsman instead of picking David Hussey or Marcus North .
Stay positive and give the young guys a chance at Test level.
