England's Man of the Series

Man Of The Series

Despite losing the series heavily to the world's best test team (no matter what the rankings might say), England can leave for the World Cup saying that they leave Australia enlightened.

The emergence of Durham's Steven Harmison as a excellent prospect for the future, and Michael Vaughan confirming his status as one of the best batsmen in world cricket, will be things that will take a little sting out of the 4-1 drubbing that England endured during their injury-hit tour.

In the bowling department, Ashley Giles played only one match, but claimed 6 wickets at just over 31 apiece, and but for a cruel injury obtained in the practice nets, he might have had a more telling contribution to add.

Matthew Hoggard began the series in poor form, taking just one wicket in the opening two tests. However, he proved his strong character when recalled for the final test, taking 4-92 as England routed Australia.

Harmison bowled at good pace throughout his 4 tests, taking 9 wickets, and bowling more overs than any other England player.

In the batting department, Alec Stewart amassed 268 runs at 44, Nasser Hussain 382 runs at 38, and Mark Butcher 318 at 31. Marcus Trescothick had a disappointing series, struggling somewhat against the pace and experience of Glenn McGrath. In the end, he finished with 261 runs at an average of 26.

For England, there could be only one Man of the Series: Michael Vaughan.

633 runs in 10 innings at an average of 63, with three centuries to his name, with a highest score of 183 in the final test in Sydney, setting England up for victory.