Ashes to Ashes Dust to Dust ..............

Losing the Third Test and the Ashes at Perth was extremely disappointing, but at least the lads went down fighting in the last innings. The loss of the Ashes was due to a number of factors, most notably the absence of three key players, compounded by poor management and selection descisions, for example why wasn't Monty picked from the first Test and why select a wicket keeper who is so clearly out of form in such a key position?

Another key factor was making Freddie the Captain rather than Andrew Strauss. The responsibility of the office severely affected his bowling and batting form and he has been a shadow of the player he was last year. He is often likened to Botham as a player and the captaincy affected him in the same way back in the early 80's.

But the main blame must go to Duncan Fletcher who appears to have completely lost the plot and the time has come for him to fall on his sword. Right now.

On a positive note we do have the nucleus of a good young team for the future, as illustrated by the batting yesterday of Alastair Cook and Ian Bell and Monty's attacking wicket taking bowling. Add to this mix KP and an in form Freddie and Strauss the prospects of regaining the Ashes next time are excellent, especially as many of the current Australian team will either have retired or will be way over the hill by then.