3 reasons why the 2013-14 Ashes was so one-sided
On 25 October 2013, the England team arrived in Perth for what would be an ill-fated tour. They had just beaten Australia two months earlier and had won 3-1 on their last trip down under, so why was this so disastrous for England?
#1 Mitchell Johnson
Revered by England supporters, Mitchell Johnson had an unforgettable series with the ball.
He introduced himself to England fans in the Ashes series of 2009, quickly becoming the subject of the Barmy Army's chants for his less than consistent performances. Similar form followed in England's series victory in 2010-11 and was not included in the test squad of 2013 in England.
However, he showed signs of form in the ODI series that followed. Bowling fast and aggressively, Johnson was starting to return to the impressive form that he had shown against South Africa in 2008-09. The sort of form that began to worry England for the Ashes tour later that year. Johnson took 4-61 in the first innings where England were dismissed for 136, and followed that up with figures of 5-42 in a 381 runs victory.
Sporting his famous handlebar moustache, Johnson finished the series with 37 wickets, a total 15 higher than any other player. Compared to his performances in 2010-11, the Queenslander had now shaken off his wayward tag was able to terrify the English. His dominant performance in the series is undoubtedly a factor in Australia's whitewash of England.
Mitchell Starc will be hoping to emulate his namesake and former teammate in dominating the English batsmen.