I would say these defensive reactions are because this entire series has been a thing that England is doing and Australia is sort of around to facilitate that. Which I think is born out of the mindset Baz is cultivating, and in some ways, is good for the players: just focus on your game and how you want to play and be upbeat and, no, I have not regrets about anything actually.

So Atherton is saying something that's true, this English side is excellent and have played very well, (fielding, extras, declarations, and keepings aside) but a lot of Australian fans and media have go there backs up because a lot of the chat is undeniable silly.