Great time to be an Aussie

After a few days rest at home, Australian batsman Justin Langer reflects on a successful Ashes tour.

Reflecting on the 2001 Ashes tour, it has been a wonderful experience playing with a team that must go down as one of the best in Australia's rich history of Test cricket.

Without entering into the debate on teams of different eras, I would rather look at what makes this team click and explain the privilege of being a part of such a polished outfit.

Before leaving the best shores in the world, my excitement about taking on England with this supremely talented and professional team was immense.

Playing with the Waugh twins, Warney, 'Pigeon' McGrath and co for what is likely to be the last time in an overseas Ashes contest, was incredible.

Having a group of teammates who will, or will border upon, being tagged as great players when their playing days are over, is an uplifting and inspirational experience.

The trophy is ours

The performance of our entire senior player core was simply exceptional.

Mark Waugh's batting was as stimulating to watch as the Sydney fireworks on New Years Eve, and then there was the courage, tenacity and sheer brutality of his brother.

Fighting back from two deep tears in his calf muscle, the captain lifted the benchmark in mental toughness, and ability to overcome any injury if your heart and mind are focused on the desired outcome.

His effort in playing the final Test match and ultimately scoring a century in a winning result, would have rubbed salt on the wounds of the England selectors who had a number of their players unavailable through injury.

Damien Martyn was in rare form throughout the series, playing shots that Sachin Tendulkar would have rubbed his chin and nodded his head at.

Along with Ricky Ponting, who finished the series in supreme touch, the dominant batting was heartbreaking for the English attack.

Reaching my ton at The Oval

Although his series wasn't as awesome in terms of statistics as India, Matty Hayden provided a solid foundation for the team and Slats' (Michael Slater) first innings in the first Test set the tone for the series.

Add the hitting ability and temperament of vice-captain Adam Gilchrist to the list of batting positives from the trip, and it's no wonder guys like Darren Lehmann, Stuart Law and Michael Bevan wish they were born in another age.

On the bowling front, who can deny the greatness of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath?

After the final Test at the Oval, 'Warney' whispered to me that he had never bowled better.

Not only is his control suffocating for the batsmen, but his spin and drift back into the legs of the right handers, is as mesmerizing as a magician at a five-year-old's birthday party.

Partnering Glenn McGrath, who is simply a superstar, the England batsmen had few answers.

McGrath and Warney bowled brilliantly

Imagine for a moment fighting to survive against these two geniuses, and then finding yourself having to deal with Messrs. Gillespie and Lee.

It has to be said that Jason Gillespie's performance throughout the series was fantastic.

There are few more dedicated men in world cricket and it amazed me that his final figures weren't more flattering.

His ability to hit the seam, over after over, means nothing but restless nights for any opposition batsmen.

With Brett Lee's exhilarating pace and infectious energy, our bowling attack was as good as has been seen in the history of the game.

I'm glad these guys are on our side rather than against us.

  Langer's tour

Matches played: 6

285 runs in 11 innings, average 31.66

Two centuries, 104 not out v Somerset at Taunton, 102 retired v England at The Oval

Catches taken: 5

The group of guys not playing the Test matches became affectionately known as the 'dirt trackers'.

Damien Fleming, Wade Seccombe, Colin Miller, Simon Katich and yours truly, spent most of the tour on the bench, marvelling at the performances of our mates in the baggy greens.

An unfortunate injury to Ashley Nofke had the young Queenslander departing early from the tour, but I am certain he will take a great deal of experience from his time with the squad.

Overall, the 'dirt trackers' return as the fittest men in the world, thanks to our fitness advisor Jock Campbell, and we are considering entering the Hawaiian marathon in October rather than playing first-class cricket in Australia.

If the marathon doesn't come to fruition then we can all get a job in a cocktail lounge as our talents as drinks waiters have improved dramatically.

A Test debut for Simon at Headingley was the icing on the cake for his first Ashes tour.

He is a young man of exceptional character and his work ethic and skill will be a major asset to Australian cricket in the coming years.

From a personal point of view, the tour didn't go exactly to plan.

Arriving in England as Australia's number three, I was obviously disappointed not to have played the first Test of the series.

Ouch! Feeling groggy after being hit by Andy Caddick's bouncer

Being dropped from this team is no disgrace, as you have to be the best of the best to earn selection.

Wisdom and experience told me that you never know what is around the corner in this game, and indeed in this life, and it was this that kept me motivated throughout.

The emotions of being on the outer are like a roller coaster ride.

On 8 August, after an unhappy day against Sussex, I wrote that I was at rock bottom.

I now look back on that fateful day and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Finishing the tour with such a high as my century at The Oval was unbelievable.

Walking out to bat with Matty Hayden, who is one of my best mates, was one of the highlights of my career - as was the celebration in the changing rooms after our fourth win of the series!

My fondest memories of another Australian tour will be of these celebrations and of a few new formed friendships, none more important to me than Damien Fleming, who is in for a huge Aussie summer.

Justin Langer