For the first time in almost 60 years cricket's Ashes trophy will stay in England's hands for a third series in a row.
Despite that the Australian media reaction in the wake of the drawn third test in Manchester has been one of more hope than despair.
The fact that Australia were bowling for victory when the Manchester rain brought a premature end to the third test was encouragement enough after second-test capitulation at Lord's which gave England a 2-0 lead.
With the Old Trafford match ending in a draw, that lead was enough for England to retain the coveted urn and most newspapers led with variations on Australia's Ashes hopes being "washed away".
Having pondered at length on the desperate state of Australian cricket after the Lord's humiliation, most papers were prepared to concede a light at the end of the tunnel.
The draw had at least helped Australia avoid matching the lowest point of their country's test cricketing history with a record-equalling seventh successive defeat.
