Despite the result itself, I don't honk this series has been as disasterous as is being painted by some. There were some poor selection/team management decisions and heads so roll over those, but there were nearly as many positives as negatives coming out of this.
What went wrong
Johnson was horribly low on form and confidence for much of the series. But would anyone seriously suggest dropping him? He clearly needs a lot of bowling work before he performs at his best and hopefully selectors take note of this and make sure he gets that work before series start.
Hughes was a big disappointment. He's young enough and good enough to work on his problem and sort it out, and he better because from now on teams are going to pepper him with short stuff that cramps him relentlessly. Will hopefully come back much better rounded player.
Stu Clark - time's up for Clark. Would likento see him get to 100 wickets, so maybe select him next time we play Bangers but there are better options now - he's over the hill.
Hussey - that century was magnificent, but it was sadly rather too late to have been of use. It has probably bought him a start at the Gabba but he'll want to start playing muuch better than he did through this series very quickly or it's time up for him as well.
What worked
Michael Clarke - love the bloke. WAG.
Marcus North - been great so far. Very reassuring at 6 after years of Symonds.
hilfenhaus - prob only in the team because Lee was injured but bowled wonderfully for much of the series. These are the conditions in world cricket most likely to help him and we'll have to see how he goes in less helpful atmospheric conditions but was very good.
Nathan Hauritz- a big plus for mine. Was regarded as a prank bowler at the start of the series but did a manful job. Will never be a world beater but has clearly put his hand up as Australia's spinner, whereas before this series noone had. There will be times when he should sit out if a pitch looks especially good for seamers, but otherwise, and especially if the pitch looks like it might take spin (like THE OVAL 2009 YOU FRIGGING IDIOT SELECTORS DAMN YOU!!!!!!!) then he should definitely play.
Watson - yeah, he clearly does have an issue with lbw, but he scored 30+ everytime he batted and showed IMO he can do a job for us at the top. If we're playing Hauritz rather than a fourth quick, he's more likely to have a bowl as well and I think he's good enough to be a fifth bowler. Should probably move down to 3 or 4 when Hussey goes, but if he can stay fit, should be a fixture.
Ponting's captaincy - unlike 05, I think Ricky pretty much led this team as well as anyone could this series.