The current Ashes series has been hyped as the greatest cricket clashes of the modern era. Whilst Australia certainly may lay claim to be one half of any great clash, it appears the English claim carries little water, and what little water remains is evaporating at a steadily increasing rate.

Certainly England played out of their skins in the 2005 Ashes series winning two Tests, albeit by narrow margins (two runs and three wickets) while losing just one - by 239 runs. But the respective form since would suggest that the 2005 Ashes result was an anomaly rather than a trend or a shift in power. England have since won four and lost three Tests of the 10 they’ve played while Australia have won 10 out of 11.

The previous Ashes series showed that high-quality and consistent quick bowling can show up flaws in the best of batsmen and in particular Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist looked consistently vulnerable in England. Yet the English bowling has not nearly approached the same levels of 18 months previous. Only Andrew Flintoff and perhaps Matthew Hoggard have put any pressure on the Aussie batsmen.
So it comes of no surprise that Australia are already 2-0 up in the current series. The real questions are, how long can the Australian juggernaut keep rolling along and are England any nearer to closing the gap?
For Australia, the writing on the wall is beginning to appear in bold print. Hayden, Langer and Martyn are nearing the end, as are McGrath and perhaps Gilchrist. There may still be a cameo innings to be had but they have become increasing vulnerable and whilst only Flintoff and at times Hoggard can apply the necessary pressure, it is time for the Australian selectors to be looking ahead.

Michael Clarke has risen to the occasion and deserves a prolonged run in the team. Michael Hussey's promotion in the second innings run chase above Martyn has possibly signalled future intentions. Certainly, Martyn didn’t help himself with a rash shot and cheap wicket.

If the Australian selectors are determined to find a spot for Shane Watson, then it must be Martyn who makes way. This series may also be the appropriate time to bring Phil Jaques into the team. With a first-class average of more than 57, he certainly deserves first opportunity at an opening spot. The player to go in my opinion is Hayden. He has been a colossus for Australia, so often setting the tone by heavy and rapid scoring early on in the innings, yet his technique (or style) has not looked good against England either in the past series or the current one. His catching is still top notch but his batting doesn’t inspire one with confidence as it did in the past.

Statistically, Hayden has made plenty of runs in the period between the two Ashes series - 1,287  at 58.50 - while Langer in the same period has made 392 runs at 32.66. Yet so far in this series Langer has seemed more assured at the crease. There will be those who say that both should be retired; neither are involved in the one-day side and they may be idle for most of next year, which doesn’t make them any younger.