Beans, stamps and the King of Spa

As the reality of regaining the Ashes sank in, the players found themselves in demand. Sponsors, chat shows, front and back-page news - cricket was (under the illusion of being) the new football.

Kevin Pietersen probably grabbed the juciest headlines - spotted partying with Paris Hilton in Hollywood, escorted by model Caprice to the Super Series and causing havoc in classrooms throughout the country as children imitated his haircut. He also sneaked on to Sky Sports' Soccer AM show, did a shoot in Hello! magazine with his mother and appeared on BBC Grandstand at the World Matchplay golf.

As for Freddie, he was everywhere - Frank Skinner show; cover of Hello!; rumours of a Christmas single; a calendar; autobiography; the freedom of Preston. Actually, most of the side were given the freedom of their home towns, Michael Vaughan (Sheffield), Marcus Trescothick (Keynsham) but Ashley Giles was only made an honorary citizen of Droitwich Spa.

More meaningfully, Duncan Fletcher was granted UK citizenship, as well as a book deal. Andrew Strauss was signed up by Heinz, following in the glamorous footsteps of snooker player Steve Davis.

And finally, the whole lot appeared on a set of commemorative stamps issued by the Royal Mail - the first time living people other than the Royal Family have been identifiable on UK stamps.