Ponting accentuates the positives

In summing up the loss of the Ashes, Ricky Ponting in his column in the Australian acknowledges the disappointment but tries to look on the bright side.

And after a frustrating few years battling injuries, Shane Watson has looked every bit an international player. He was completely at home opening the batting and performed consistently under pressure. I don't think Watto's cricket or his body have ever been in better shape.

He is the all-rounder we need to add balance to our side. His bowling is also coming along well after having to remodel his action a little following the back stress fractures he sustained on the tour of India late last year. I can eventually see Watto moving into our middle order to play a true all-rounder's role because I believe that Phil Hughes has a lot to offer at the top of the order.

Shane Warne in his Herald Sun column writes of the hurt that the Australians will be feeling, particularly after losing to an England outfit that he considered not much better then Australia.

There is no disgrace in losing if you are outplayed by a better team, as was the case in 2005. This time around, though, I don't think England was much better. That's why it hurt even more and why questions have to be asked.

Australia could not win the big moments.Contrary to reports I do not blame the selectors for losing the Ashes, but I do believe someone has to be accountable for not picking Nathan Hauritz at The Oval.