Nearly a month after England's Ashes hopes were so summarily consumed within the vortex of the Fremantle Doctor, the hyperbolic reaction on both sides of the world has died down a little. Beyond that, the spirit England showed in their five-wicket defeat in the fourth Test in Melbourne has given new heart to their supporters on the threshold of a new year.

Michael Vaughan - 6 Test tons in 2002 Photo CricInfo

The Australian media love to belittle opponents of the Baggy Green – indeed on current form they have every justification - but England are often singled out for particular ridicule. This owes much to history. The Poms are the "Old Enemy", after all. They dreamed up Bodyline, and have an imperial history that puts many opponents on their mettle. And let us not forget that they have repeatedly proved capable of winning the Ashes in the past.

But at bottom this series has proved little that was not already clear. We knew this time last year that England were no match for Australia, and were one of several teams vying to be runners-up. Regardless of how the ICC Championship table may look a week into 2003, that title belongs to South Africa, whom England meet in the main home series of the coming year.

The World Cup aside, the Proteas will present England with their primary challenge. In the recent past England have given New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies at least a run for their money. Fingers in the camp will be crossed that there are no slip-ups in either of the two Tests against Zimbabwe that precede the South Africa series, or in the two that follow in Bangladesh.

In the World Cup, England's progress beyond their challenging group (which includes Australia, India and Pakistan) would be no mean achievement, and anything more would be seen as something of a triumph. In the VB Series so far Sri Lanka have looked like a team in eclipse, but England will undoubtedly have taken heart from their two wins as the countdown to South Africa progresses.

Steve Harmison - 2002 saw good progress Photo CricInfo

As to individuals, Michael Vaughan's rocket-fuelled progression to world-class status has been much the most heartening, and entertaining, feature of 2002. Six centuries this year – two of them against Australia - have propelled him into the top ten of the world rankings, and many would select him (I certainly would) as Matthew Hayden's opening partner in a putative World XI. What a joy to be able to categorise an England batsman in such a way!

Marcus Trescothick was due a poor trot, and the Australians are always favourites to induce one. So too Mark Butcher, but these two, along with their combative captain, should continue to provide England's batting bedrock for the foreseeable future. John Crawley's injury has impeded his bid to secure a place, while Robert Key has gained priceless experience. But if Graham Thorpe hits early form in April, the door should not be closed to him for long.

Less than two years after Darren Gough and Andy Caddick were hailed as England's best new-ball pairing since Trueman and Statham, injury threatens the career of one while the sands of time may be running out for the other. Much encouragement should therefore be derived from Steve Harmison's progress and Jimmy Anderson's emergence in Australia. Above all it is to be hoped that Simon Jones can make a full recovery from that dreadful Brisbane setback.

Alec Stewart continues to provide much-needed balance, although James Foster showed increased maturity both behind the stumps and with the bat when he deputised at Melbourne. Craig White proved a worthy replacement for Andrew Flintoff, whose full recovery, delayed for so long, cannot come a moment too soon. Ashley Giles' injury handed the toughest of assignments to Richard Dawson, but he too will benefit from the experience.

So how does the 2002 ledger stand? Tests – played 14, won four, lost six, drawn four. As last year, if you take Australia out it doesn't look anything like so bad, but it provides stark emphasis of how much England need to improve if they really are to be the best in the world in four years' time. One-dayers – played 24, won 11, lost 12, one no result. Not a score to excite the World Cup bookies perhaps, but no disgrace. What England need in this form of the game is more practice.

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