Despite being pasted 4-0 and copping two innings-plus defeats, England bowler James Anderson insists their Ashes campaign "doesn't feel like a completely disastrous series".
Major upheaval looms for England with coach Trevor Bayliss as well as allrounder Moeen Ali and batsmen Mark Stoneman and James Vince under the gun after Australia's Ashes series triumph.
Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon made the provocative pre-series claim that he wanted to "end some careers" and it could turn out that way.
While England had moments of control in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, Australia's victory was emphatic.
"I think we have improved over the last 18 months. We've definitely made strides in the right direction," Anderson said.
"It doesn't feel like a series where it should be a big upheaval.
"Other series have been absolutely disastrous - this doesn't feel like that.
"We've played some good cricket along the way; we've not been blown away; every game's gone to the fifth day.
"It doesn't feel like a completely disastrous series."
While all four of Australia's bowling attack took more than 20 wickets in the five Tests, Anderson was England's best with 17 wickets.
Australia's batsmen hit nine centuries while England managed just three, despite the fact they made another 13 50s, raising questions about the side's ability to convert starts into big scores.
"I do think it has been closer than 4-0," Anderson said.
"We've been on top most games, if not all the games.
"We've just not capitalised on they key moments where, if we kick on with the bat and get a big score in the first innings, then we put them under more pressure.
"Similarly, if we get them a few wickets down early, then we get a few more, it gets us in the game and get us on top.
"They've played those pressurised moments better than us and, when they've put pressure back on us, we've not coped with it very well."
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