So it’s over. Australia won the Urn back after three glorious series of English dominance. In the end it took just 14 days and there was only ever one side in it.
The curse of the Gabbatoir struck again as England’s winless streak there extended to 27 years as they were out-classed, out-thought and out-fought on a quick, bouncy pitch in stifling heat.
Just as the England team discovered in Hobart, I’ve made the uncomfortable realisation that Down Under the skies aren’t always blue and the temperature isn’t always 30 degrees.
I’ve been in Melbourne since last Tuesday and the city’s passion for the game is visible everywhere. There are Ovals on every corner and the detection of my Pom accent has, without fail, led to heated discussions about the game, much to my amusement.