'England faced the stinging reality that it no longer deserves a five-Test Ashes series' - Robert Craddock (Adelaide Advertiser)

'No jibe could be too cruel on the various England bowlers who have filled non-specialist batting spots' - Ron Reed (Melbourne Sun Herald)

'The constant failure of the England Test team is not funny anymore. Something serious most be done or soccer will squeeze it into a curious but largely irrelevant sideshow' - Malcolm Conn (The Australian)

But by Tuesday the local media were having to eat a large portion of humble pie:

'England climbed from the canvas to secure a famous victory....Certainly the momentum has turned...Taylor is under pressure for the first time' - Martin Blake under the headline 'The Choke is On Us' (Melbourne Age)

'It was a magnificent victory...The Englishmen hurled themselves at their opponents and did not stop until the day was won' Peter Roebuck (Sydney Morning Herald)

'The remaining Test in Sydney has been transformed from a lifeless squib to a razor-edged battle. The bulldog bites at last' - Ron Reed (Melbourne Sun Herald)