It was a fitting end to a dismal series for England fans watching Joe Root's men get feebly skittled one last time in the fifth and final Test in Hobart.
From 68-0 and chasing down a consolation but nonetheless spirit-lifting victory to 124 all out. Ten wickets lost for 56 runs in the blink of an eye, a collection of rash shots and misjudgements from England's Test stars which served to sum up one of the most depressing Ashes' tours down under for many a long year. And there have been a few!
As the dust settles on a thoroughly depressing few weeks and the soul-searching starts in a quest to breathe life into the Test match set-up, here's how we rated the England players - and their chances of still being around in 18 month' time when the Aussies fly over here for the next chapter in a cricketing story which is making for very unpleasant reading.
The Australians have been installed 11/10 shots to win in England in 2023, with the hosts a 5/4 chance.
Joe Root 4/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 10/10
Still no ton down under for Root, who averaged just 32.2 and looked lost. He was also at the heart of one or two seriously suspect selection calls. Will he be there in 2023? Absolutely. Class is permanent and even if he won’t be wearing the armband, there isn't a better Test match batsman out there.
Rory Burns 2/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 2/10
Out to the first ball of the series, things didn't improve for Burns who managed just 77 runs at 12.8. Indeed, his overall Test record is stubbornly modest – averaging a shade over 30 from 32 starts – and how many more chances can he have.
Zac Crawley 4/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 6/10
One of only four men in the England side to register a half century and still young enough to be a factor in '23.
Haseeb Hameed 0/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 2/10
Eight innings, 80 runs scored, the numbers say everything. Arrived on the scene in 2016 to such a fanfare and despite bad luck and bad form, surely it will need misfortunes elsewhere for England to stick with him.
Dawid Malan 5/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 7/10
England's No.3 kept being exposed too early, too often by opening-wicket flops, but finished up as second top scorer (244 runs at 24.4).
Jonny Bairstow 7/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 7/10
Only played two matches – not picked for the first two, injured for the fifth match – contributing England's one and only century with a typically powerful knock in Sydney. It kept his Test career alive though he'll be 33 when the Aussies tour here.
Ben Stokes 3/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 10/10
Even Superman has the odd off day. Never looked fit enough, either mentally or physically, to run through any of his spellbinding cameos but could well be the first name on the teamsheet as captain in 2023.
Ollie Pope 2/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 7/10
At some point this player of promise is going to have to deliver because he didn't in Oz with 67 runs at 11.16.
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Jos Buttler 1/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 1/10
Any evidence required that one-day superstar Buttler isn't cut out for the longer format was drilled home with a top score of 39 in eight knocks and some indifferent keeping.
Sam Billings 4/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 3/10
Only played in the decider but another who seems to excel more in the shorter formats.
Chris Woakes 3/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 2/10
England's other all-rounder did his duties with the bat – 146 runs at 24 – but just six wickets at 55 wasn't ideal. Will be 34 in 18 months.
Mark Wood 7/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 7/10
England's top wicket taker with 17 and by some distance his side's nastiest bowler, Wood was electric taking six for 37 in Hobart. If he stays fit and fast, his place in the squad should be assured.
Ollie Robinson 6/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 6/10
The find of the year for England and was happy to fight Aussie fire with fire. Jofra Archer will return at some point but surely not at Robinson's expense.
Stuart Broad 7/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 3/10
Possesses height, bounce, aggression and David Warner's number, yet still managed to be mystifyingly omitted twice. Thirteen wickets at 26 was perfectly acceptable though realistically, given his age, his days look numbered.
James Anderson 6/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 1/10
Topped the England averages but, at the venerable age of 39, will surely be among the first casualties of an ECB Test overhaul.
Jack Leach 2/10
Ashes 2023 prospects: 5/10
Six wickets at 53 and was never able to exert any control over an Aussie batting line-up who were basically under no scoreboard pressure at any point during the series.
