'That's where England won it, their bowlers were consistently better'
Monday 24 August 2015 14:19, UK
Sir Ian Botham says the difference between the two sides in England's Ashes win was the bowling, and more specifically Stuart Broad.
Broad was the leading wicket-taker in the series with 21 wickets at an average of 20.90 apiece, including a personal best 8-15 to bowl Australia out for 60 at Trent Bridge to help England regain the Ashes with a Test to spare.
"When he gets it right, he is unstoppable," said Botham of Broad. "There was that spell at Durham in the last Ashes in 2013 where he bowled out Australia to win the series, and at The Oval in 2009. But now at Trent Bridge too.
"I should also mentioned the fielding , the slip catching was excellent - that one standout catch in particular from Ben Stokes where he caught it behind him.
"But Broad has been terrific. I would have gone - surprise, surprise - for the bowler, Broad over Root, as player of the series.
Broad has been terrific. I would have gone - surprise, surprise - for the bowler, Broad over Root, as player of the series.
"It would have been close but I think that's where England won it - the bowlers were consistently better, and didn't let their captain down.
"I think Michael Clarke was let down a few times by his bowlers."
Botham also feel Clarke has been let down by the Australian media - who reserved some harsh criticism for him - and was pleased to see the respect shown from The Oval crowd to the departing Australia captain.
"I think people over here appreciate him more than possibly his own people at home," added Botham.
"I was amazed at some of the things I read in the Australian press after the Trent Bridge game - it was really hard-hitting stuff, and personal - and it was so unfair and unjustified.
"He has been a terrific servant to Australian cricket, a great captain, and a great player."
