Like 1997, Mark Taylor's Australians were dominant - but like 1997, they
dropped their guard often enough to keep the interest alive. Alec
Stewart's Englishmen were saved from defeat in Brisbane by a ferocious
last-day thunderstorm. No such luck in Perth where they were obliterated
in two and a half days. When Peter Such fell leg before to Glenn McGrath
at Adelaide the Ashes were retained before Christmas. Steve Waugh
rescued Australia from batting collapse in this series several times.
Michael Slater's three second innings centuries all set up unbeatable
leads, while Stuart MacGill showed that Shane Warne - unavailable till
the last Test - was not missed. For England it was the bowlers who
provided the only joy, especially Dean Headley - who spearheaded an
amazing 12-run win at Melbourne - and Darren Gough, whose hat-trick in
Sydney was like something out of a dream. Australia was presented for
the first time with a new crystal replica of the Ashes urn, theirs to
hold until England can win it back - and that won't happen until the
next millenium
