Cricket News sort by Michael John Clarke

Winning the ODI series will not heal the wounds inflicted by the 3-0 Ashes loss on Australia, but it would definitely make them feel better. The series is only one match old with the first ODI being washed out due to rain.

Australia found its first success against England on this tour with a massive 99-run win in the Second ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday. The comprehensive victory was set up by Skipper Michael Clarke, who scored his first ODI ton against England along with Vice-Captain George Bailey.

The 3-0 loss in the Ashes will be very difficult to swallow for the Australians, who pride themselves on winning most contests againstold enemies England. But, that is history now, and Australia must look forward to conquering the one-day series, a format in which they are a lot more at home these days as opposed to the traditional five-day version.

The 2013 Ashes is over, and now it’s time for some rewind. So here’s a look back at from impressive performances in the series, one from each Test.

This year’s Ashes comes to an end with the fifth and final Test beginning today at The Oval in London. The result of the 5-Test Series is already deciding with hosts England sealing it with a 3-0 margin.

The Ashes is now well and truly in England’s favour. As such, the final Test at The Oval is now merely of academic importance. However, there is still a lot to play for the two teams in question.

Ricky Ponting’s retirement has expectedly left a big hole in Australia’s batting line-up, that at the significant number three position. And one of the reasons for Australia’s failure in this Ashes has been the fact that he haven’t found a stable influence at the anchor position over the four Tests.

Every top team in international sport goes through a good and bad phase. Australia had an excellent run in cricket for a decade and a half, starting in the mid-nineties and extending well up to the first half of the new millennium.

Australia did not head into the ongoing Ashes series as favourites. Hence, it should not be surprising that they are 3-0 down in the contest with only The Oval Test to go. But yes, they would be disappointed at the kind of performances they have put in over the four matches.