Ashes 2021-22: our writers’ end-of-series awards

Player of the series Pat Cummins was class personified, both as a courteous, seemingly ego-free captain who had Australia playing in his image and the standout fast bowler of his generation.

Breakthrough player Scott Boland arrived mid-series with little by way of fanfare and walked off at the end in Hobart with 18 wickets at 9.5 runs apiece. Build the man a statue.

Best moment The final session on day two of the Boxing Day Test, when the Melbourne Cricket Ground turned into “The G” and Australia’s quicks charged in with a wall of noise behind them. Thrilling stuff.

One thing I would have changed The schedule change made it understandable in this instance – and the twilight period does make for a stunning backdrop – but one day-night Test match per Ashes series is plenty.The 2023 Ashes series will be … a golden chance for Australia to claim a series win in England for the first time since 2001 unless the hosts can perform a handbrake turn on their flatlining form in the meantime.

Player of the series If you asked any of England’s batters which one bowler they would not want to face it would be Pat Cummins, who in his first series as captain was fast, accurate, and led his team excellently.

Breakthrough player I’ve been massively impressed by Cameron Green. Technically he looks a very sound right-hand bat who can play long innings at the highest level, and as a bowler he is tall, strong, hostile and unsettles players with pace and bounce.

Best moment England’s highlight has to be Mark Wood getting six wickets in Hobart. I think he’s such a great character, who brings the team energy, enthusiasm and a point of difference. His first three overs in the final Test went for 30 and his resilience, the way he stuck at his task