The Ashes: Top five highlights from England vs Australia series

The recently concluded Ashes series was one of the most one-sided contests in the history of the rivalry. Yet, it was also was one of the most thrilling encounters as bat, ball and words battled each other both on and off the field. Here are the top-5 moments from the series, a battle claimed 3-0 by hosts England.

Number 5: The birth of a star called Agar

Not many knew him before the start of The Ashes. Here was a 19-year-old debutant with raw skill and a lot of promise but being blooded in the opening Test was a gamble. And it paid his side rich dividends. In the Australian side as a mainstream spinner, Ashton Agar fuelled a late resistance and smashed 98 to become the highest No. 11 Test scorer ever. He may have fallen two short of a century but accolades came in massive heaps with the press back home projecting him as a national hero. The Test however was lost! (Recap: Agar, the spinner who spun with his bat)

Number 4: Ian Bell rings Australia's death knell

With 144 more runs than any other batsman in the series, Ian Bell was a one-man demolition army for most parts of the 5-Test series. Three centuries, two half-centuries and 562 runs at an average of 62.44 certified this 31-year-old as England's main weapon against Australia. The tourists may have fielded a rather inexperienced bowling attack but Bell ensured that learning curve for them was extremely steep. In the process, he strolled into the record books by becoming only the 10th Englishman to hit three tons in an Ashes series. (Recap: Ponting tells Aus think-tank to learn from Ian Bell)

Number 3: To walk or not, Broad in a bitter dilemma

Stuart Broad is officially Australia's number one enemy! Judged not-out after apparently edging a delivery during the course of the opening Test, Broad stood his ground despite later admitting that he had indeed nicked the ball. While the Australians had used up their reviews earlier, they had faith in Broad's 'sportsman spirit'. His refusal to walk and his 28 more runs after the incident however infuriated an entire nation Down Under. While the Aus press blasted Broad, national coach Darren Lehmann went to the extent of labeling him a cheat and urged Aus fans to make him cry when England came calling later this year. (Recap: Make 'cheat' Broad cry, coach Lehmann urges Aus fans)

Number 2: A review in need of review

Advocates of the Decision Review System had a tough two months. Technology was left embarrassingly exposed as controversial decisions added to the several on-field idiocies to leave fans and experts fuming. While the ICC chief has said that the snicko-meter could be made a part of DRS the next time England and Australia fight for the Urn, many urge for a complete diagnosis. (Recap: Trott backs contentious DRS)

Number 1: In England's triumph lies Australia's humiliation

Quick, hard and dismissive - three words which perhaps best sum up how England played Australia and tore them apart. In its 153 year history, the Urn has never been sealed as emphatically. The hosts under Alastair Cook captured it with two Tests still left after winning the two opening contests and drawing the third. While Australian fans take gather pieces of hope from the fact that they will host England later this year for a chance to get the Urn back, England currently have shown they are the supreme and rightful owners. (Match report | 5th Test Scorecard)