Ashes 2017-18: Combined XI of the series

Josh Hazlewood produced the edge off James Anderson’s bat and the ball rested into the gloves of Tim Paine. The crowd erupted, the celebrations started on the ground as Australia completed the 4-0 drubbing of England in Sydney at the SCG. The disappointing series has finally come to an end for England for which they arrived with a lot of promise in October. The five-match Test series was ended with their skipper Joe Root struggling with a viral gastroenteritis bug as he could not come out to bat after lunch on the final day.

The similar pattern followed the whole series. England won the toss four times out of five and always had a chance to dominate by batting first on a good pitch. But all the time they collapsed from a comfortable position either on the second morning or late on the first day. The only time when they batted long was in Melbourne on a lifeless wicket with Alastair Cook carrying his bat. For Australia in contrast, there was someone putting their hands up every time there was trouble.

Then there was a legend named Steve Smith who absolutely refused to get out in the series. England couldn’t find a way to dismiss him despite setting out of the world filed placings for him. It was a dream series for the Australian captain as he was even compared to the all-time great Don Bradman at times. The bowling attack was also the difference between the two sides with Australians looked like picking a wicket with every delivery.

Here we bring you the combined XI of the series:

1. David Warner

David Warner started the series poorly at the Gabba by falling into the trap in the first innings at the Gabba. But he soon found his mojo in his next outing in the same game and almost scored a century as Australia chased down 180 odd without losing a wicket. He continued in the same vein then and actually showed his other side of the game as well. His patient match-saving knock at the MCG was hailed by many as he blocked whatever England threw at him.

The left-hander finished the series with 441 runs in five matches and eight innings remaining unbeaten once in Brisbane. He could score only a solitary century in Melbourne during the Boxing Day Test on the first day where he was reprieved on 99 as Tom Curran had bowled a no-ball. He also scored three half-centuries to boost up his average to 63. His strike rate of 52.37 was surprising which was very unlike him when compared to his career strike rate of 74.73 in Tests. He would be definitely satisfied with his contribution to the team’s success over the last few weeks.