As the North of England was covered in rain with England needing just five wickets to level the series at 2-2 in Manchester last week, the umpires had no other option but to abandon the fourth Ashes Test which meant Australia retained the urnย on enemy soil for the second consecutive series.
While Australia were thoroughly outplayed in the 4th test at Old Trafford, it's easy to forget the first two test victories which gave them the advantage should rain play a part, and with a series in England, That's always bound to happen.
Led by captain, Pat Cummins, the group of cricketers representing Australia is a team that the Australian public should be extremely proud of.
Captain Pat
After being thrust into arguably the most important job in Australia, with the sudden resignation of then captain, Tim Paine, Cummins became the player that stood up for the playing group and a skipper that the team was fully behind.
Questioned by certain generations for his 'political views', it wasn't long until Cummins was under pressure as the Australian captain, and this was only amplified with the resignation of then head coach, Justin Langer.
Former teammates were out to get Pat Cummins as he was the leading force behind the resignation of Langer, his team thought that the coaching style of the former Australian opening batsmen was too 'old school' and wasn't the type of coaching that would propel this team into the future.
Fast forward to the Ashes in 2023 and Pat Cummins has a remarkable record as captain of the Test side.
Winning 11 out of a possible 19 matches - including 5 drawn matches, an away series win against Pakistan, a narrow defeat in India and now an Ashes retention against the old foe in England.
All this and no mention of what a terrific role model he is for Junior cricketers around Australia.
The Bowling Quartetย
Since Josh Hazlewood's debut against India in December of 2014, the bowling quartet of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood has consistently tormented opposition sides for close to a decade.
All hailing from New South Wales, this bowling attack has provided great balance and has thrived in just about all conditions all over the world. Nathan Lyon is now the countries greatest ever off-spinner with 496 wickets and will surely surpass the 500 mark during the Australian summer.
Mitchell Starc has continuously knocked back lucrative IPL contracts in favour of performing at his best in Test cricket for his country, now sitting 5th all time with 325 wickets at the the of writing, Starc has cemented himself as one of Australia's all time greats.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not far away from breaking into the top 10 all time leading wicket takers themselves as they sit 12th and 13th respectively, making this group of bowlers by far the most successful in Australia's history.
Redemption
Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft made a huge mistake in Cape Town but what followed from the Australian media was truly ridiculous.
Yes the optics for the Australian public were bad, but the punishment handed out to Smith and Warner was excessive for the crime committed. After being suspended for a full calendar month, Smith and Warner returned for the 2019 Ashes series with the English crowd right on their backs.
Whilst Warner struggled in that series, what we saw from Steven Peter Deveroux Smith was truly remarkable. 774 runs at an average 110 in his first series in over a year, proving himself to be an all-time great test cricketer.
Since that moment in South Africa, these two men have played a huge part in changing the public perception of the Mens national cricket side, known for playing the game hard and willing to do anything to win, under Pat Cummins, Australia are made up of players who inspire and make represent their country in a way that makes their fans proud.
In a different redemption tail, we have Mitchell Marsh.
Highly touted at an early age and thrown into the test side as a 22-year-old, the Western Australian all-rounder couldn't quite to deliver after getting numerous opportunities. After the 5th Ashes test in 2019, Mitch Marsh stated "most of Australia hate me" even though he just had a brilliant day with a five-wicket haul.
Since those comments from Marsh, we all saw a different side to bustling all-rounder, your ultimate teammate, the Australian larrikin and a guy that now has the entire nation right behind him. With Cameron Green the mainstay in the side, Marsh had to wait until the 3rd test to get his opportunity, and didn't he take that opportunity.
118 from as many balls to give the Australians hope in the 3rd test, since then he's contributed with the ball and has kept Cameron Green out of the side for the final test. A true redemption story.
The duo from South Australia
Attacking left-handed batsmen, Travis Head and classy wicket-keeper, Alex Carey are a true testament to this current Australian side. Quiet, easy going blokes from South Australia, you couldn't ask for better teammates.
Travis Head has made a habit of turning innings around for Australia with his counter attacking approach and freedom in his mind, whilst his Redbacks teammate was called into the side after the surprise resignation from then keeper and captain, Tim Paine.
You rarely hear a peep out of Alex Carey but since his debut in the 2021 home Ashes series, he's been a mainstay with the gloves and has been extremely safe behind the stumps.
Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja, dropped and recalled consistently throughout his test career for standing up for himself and having an opinion.
He is the perfect representative for this current Australian side. Don't be afraid to speak up, back yourself and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
Making his return with twin tons at the SCG during the 2021 Ashes series 'Uzzie' has been a pivotal member of this side that has gone onto win the World Test Championship and retain the Ashes in England. Now averaging 47 in test match cricket, it's a little bitter sweet thinking about all the years that Usman Khawaja was left out of the side.
