Although they identified weaknesses and missed opportunities, they knew above all that they had been swept aside by an irresistible force. ``Australia are a top side,'' Michael Atherton said, almost reverently emphasising the word top.
The players are solidly behind Atherton. They are open and relaxed in his company. There is no one bitching about him in a corner. This may not, however, persuade him to stay on beyond the Oval. Though occasionally stubborn, Atherton is a sensitive soul underneath and defeat gnaws away at his conscience. He frets over players' shortcomings, despairs of their inconsistencies, as if he is somehow to blame and must uncover a suitable remedy. The intensity of the Australian offensive is his real scourge.
Atherton has tried his best to win the Ashes and, despite David Graveney's support, will feel that now perhaps it is time to give someone else a chance.
Hussain, an excellent leader of England's A tour to Pakistan, is his most likely successor. Now an automatic Test selection, he has never been officially named vice-captain, but is not shy of suggesting thoughtful field changes and has a very active cricket brain. He is respected by bowlers because he is direct and understands their mechanics and accepts their suggestions. Batsmen admire his dedication and precision. He is sharp and analytical and already evaluating ways of dismissing leading West Indian batsmen.
That said, Hussain is quite content as linchpin of the middle order at the moment, and is not actively seeking what has become a poisoned chalice. The England cricket captain is a smaller target than the England football manager, but juicy quarry none the same. Hussain would lead the side well but at present he is not in any hurry to volunteer.
It is too early to thrust last year's A-team captain, Adam Hollioake, into the hot seat. He has, after all, only just made his Test debut. Yet Hollioake thrives on adversity and the big stage. He immediately looked a mature Test batsman and gave the Aussies a taste of their own medicine: ``Oh, why don't you take your bra off,'' he said to Shane Warne after a particularly vehement lbw appeal.
During the match, Hollioake was frequently consulted by Atherton, and after it confidently made numerous observations and ideas on how to bring down the Australians at the Oval. They were eagerly accepted.
Whoever captains England this winter, he will lead a nucleus of spirited, thoughtful cricketers who discuss the game fervently and stimulate each other. They are learning their lessons and fighting their battles. With a bit more self-belief and some luck, they might start winning a few, too.