ENGLAND may have surrendered the Ashes inside 14 gutless days, but there was finally a shining light for the tourists in Perth.
Ben Stokes's maiden Test century - albeit in a losing cause - evoked the first genuine threat to home dominance in the series.
Australia have been simply superb, combining high-class skill with characteristic fight and intimidating brutality.
But from the moment Stokes entered the WACA for a second time, he was prepared to 'man up' against the Aussie machine.
In just his second Test, the Durham man took the game to Mitchell Johnson, showing little fear against the short ball, while maintaining his balance to gracefully dispatch the rarest of half-volleys.
However, if the inexperienced Stokes was up to the challenge, then why weren't the others?
It is a difficult question to answer, but England's premier batsmen have looked a shadow of theirselves.
While Kevin Pietersen has shouldered much of the blame, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and the others must stand up and accept responsibility.
The issue is far from technical, despite the success of Australia's short-pitched approach.
Instead the England boys must question their courage and hunger, and ultimately look to rekindle the spark that pushed them to three consecutive Ashes victories.
The famous urn may be staying in Australia, but captain Cook and his side can start preparing for their 2015 charge.
Conditions in Melbourne and Sydney should suit England, but unless England can follow Stokes' lead it could be a painful end to a dismal tour.
