Whitewash Talk Is Not Just Bravado - It's A Real Possibility

Five-nil now has a life of its own. Whenever England come to Australia for an Ashes tour, it has become traditional to speculate about the prospect of a series whitewash.

- Geoff Lemon

What started as a comedy routine by Glenn McGrath has become pre-series bravado from home pundits, a performative dance on the ramparts as invaders approach the keep. On most recent tours, though, it has been the visitors who end up living in a state of siege. And after Australia went 2-0 up by winning the second Test in Adelaide, that scoreline is beginning to look very plausible.

It is true that England fought hard on the fifth day and night of the match while seeking an unlikely draw, and there will be emphasis on the positives the touring squad can take from that. But the batting resistance was offered by a wicketkeeper and four bowlers, while the specialist operators above them once again combined in surrender. With the ball, meanwhile, those redoubtable bowlers were toothless against Australia when it mattered, and only found their dentures when the game was gone.