England and Australia shared the spoils after an epic Ashes series ended in a 2-2 draw.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the key issues raised by five unforgettable Tests.
Which side comes out of this Ashes battle stronger?
How much of a culture clash was it?
One of the greatest Men’s #Ashes series of all time ? pic.twitter.com/3qu5x7DPio
— ICC (@ICC) August 1, 2023
The contrast in the two teams’ methods was profound. England’s ‘Bazball’ brigade played with a freewheeling spirit that offered constant entertainment and veered occasionally into sheer recklessness. Australia, meanwhile, found themselves playing the role of traditionalists. They played conservative cricket, both with the bat and in their consistently-timid field placings, but felt vindicated at 2-0 up. The Baggy Greens now feel caught between two unappealing realities – being seen to copy English cricket or having the tone of their biggest rivalry dictated to them.
What does the next Ashes hold?
Was this the end of an era?
“From a very young age this was always my dream.” ?
And you lived it, Broady ?
As if yesterday wasn’t already emotional enough ?
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2023
Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali both retired at the end of the fifth Test, but plenty more seasoned combatants might hit the end of the road before these nations next meet in the longest format. James Anderson is now 41 and is surely on his lap of honour, David Warner has already set his own end date in January and the list of thirtysomethings is long. Player of the series Chris Woakes has a lot of miles on the clock at 34, Mark Wood has had a dreadful time with injury, top run-scorer Usman Khawaja is 36 and even Steve Smith had to deny reports that he was set to call time. Whatever happens, the cast list of this gripping drama appears to be in flux.
Did any of the controversies really get settled?
