Stand up and applaud the British brigade.

At lunch on the final day of ashes, English supporters might have feared for the worst. With McGrath and Warne with their tails up, even the most ardent of English supporters would have had their heart skipping several beats. But then came Pieterson. There are not enough adjectives to describe the innings he played. One might have forgotten the fact this is his first ashes series and he would have never experienced this kind of pressure in his life before. This was one of the best counter-attacking innings you will ever see. To tame the best fast bowler in the world and the best spinner which cricket has ever seen, specially when they are on fire takes not only great skills but also a huge heart.

Also not to forget the role played by Giles. There is no doubt in my mind that he is in this England side more for his lower order batting than his ‘help yourself’ spin bowling. I am not a big fan of Giles but I have to say that that man is full of resolve. He has played such kind of innings number of times for England but even he will say that this was the most important innings of his life.

The great leggie again was the pick of the lot and picket up six wickets. However, the catch he dropped of Pieterson when he was only on 15, I am sure, will haunt him for quite a sometime.

Man of the series was divided between the Freddie and Warne and rightly so. England would not have won the ashes without the phenomenal Freddie and the series itself would not have been so exciting without the living legend Warne.

Has England now become the best side in the world? All the English supporters sure would think so. On current form they well might be. But I still feel that there is still some way to go before they become number one. I will term them as number one side when they conquer the subcontinent.

This series has surely proved to be an eye-opener for the aussies and if they don’t find worthy replacements for McGrath and Warne then the number one tag will soon be a thing of past.

And for the final time, hats of to Vaughn’s men who have pulled of nothing short of an absolute blinder.