Shouting from the Hop

It's probably not as bad as some are making out, but England lost the Ashes today, when they lost the Third test in Perth to go three down with two games to play.

The resistance from day four lasted until not long before lunch - then, once Flintoff was out (bowled Warne - his 700th test wicket), the innings collapsed; only 14 runs were added for the last five wickets, as England fell 206 runs short.

Pieterson held up one end brilliantly - he is a very good player - and finished 60 not out. He is one of the bright spots on the tour, and potentially a great player. He is certainly respected by the Aussies.

For Flintoff, the series goes on but he looks pretty deflated most days. The corporate media speak that he has to come out with doesn't suit him; he'd be better telling it like it is!

The players can now relax for a few days prior to Xmas in Melbourne, where family are expected to join the team (they usually do). The thousands of cricket fans flying out later this week will be gutted, but as I've said before, if you follow England abroad, you should expect a tough time.