Bilton Dean
Dean Bilton joined ABC News Digital in 2013, and has worked a reporter, producer and writer since. He has spent most of that time covering sport, writing extensively about cricket, AFL and football, and contributing regularly to the ABC's live online blogs. Follow him on Twitter at @Dean_Bilton.
Latest by Bilton Dean
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analysis:As defiant as ever, David Warner earns the chance to become Australia's Ashes hero
A period of brilliant batting and some timely rain gives Australia hope of achieving something remarkable on the last day of this Ashes series, and David Warner is central to the drama.
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analysis:In one dismal hour of bowling, Australia's hopes at The Oval are blown away
Australia's bowlers arrived at The Oval on day three knowing there was a window of opportunity to lead their team to a famous Ashes win. Within an hour, that prospect had been blown out of the water.
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analysis:A weary Australia is limping towards the Ashes finish line, but a spirited fightback has kept it alive
A long Ashes series is approaching its conclusion, but on a day where the Australians could have seen the fifth Test slip away entirely, they proved there is still fight in their weary legs.
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analysis:The Ashes may be settled, but the battle for the narrative is just getting started
This fifth Ashes Test at The Oval is no dead rubber, as every subplot and story that has made this series great comes to a head with the history and future of the game seemingly on the line, Dean Bilton writes.
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analysis:Australia's rain-soaked Ashes retention still worthy of celebration, but now it's time to win them
The rain played its part in getting Australia home at Old Trafford, but despite dissenting voices from England, this is a triumph fully deserved by Pat Cummins's side, set up by some wonderful cricket.
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analysis:Labuschagne helps Australia rediscover its grit, setting up a final-day fight for the Ashes
Thanks to a fighting Marnus Labuschagne century — and more than a little help from the rain — Australia still holds out hope of rescuing a draw at Old Trafford, setting up yet another grandstand finish.
Marnus Labuschagne hits century as rain forces premature end to day's play at drizzly Old Trafford
Marnus Labuschagne reaches his first ton of this Ashes series but is out soon after as Australia try to defy England under heavy clouds on day four of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Follow live.
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analysis:Only rain can save Australia against England at Old Trafford as it spirals toward Ashes reckoning
Australia is left praying for two days of rain to save its Ashes hopes at Old Trafford as England preys on the tourists' ever-deepening woes to take control of the series.
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analysis:Australia's wheels fall off on day two at Old Trafford, leaving a fight for its Ashes life
Day two at Old Trafford is Australia's worst of this Ashes series by far, as England takes complete control of the fourth Test and leaves the tourists fighting for their lives.
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analysis:Australia can't close the door on England as Ashes remain alive in Test forced into fast-forward
Predicted rain means this critical fourth Ashes Test could be compressed into three days' worth of play, only adding to the frustration of Australia's batting performance on day one.
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analysis:How Australia missed the moment that could have wrapped up the Ashes early
The Ashes were within reach for Australia for a fleeting moment on day four at Headingley, but it missed its most critical moment and allowed England to keep this outrageous series alive.
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analysis:A day that seemed destined to be rained out, has instead set up another grandstand Ashes finish
Australia can retain the Ashes on day four at Headingley, but will need a memorable performance to do so. Still, in a series so tight, a better opportunity may never come.
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analysis:If Australia is to win the Ashes, it needs an urgent solution to its Ben Stokes problem
In a Test match being played at breakneck speed, one thing became clearer than ever — if the Australians are to win the Ashes, they're going to have to go through Ben Stokes.
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analysis:Mitch Marsh likely thought he would never make another Ashes ton … let alone one like this
It came out of nowhere and ended just as abruptly, but Mitch Marsh's incredible century proved critical on a day that England found new Ashes life in some Mark Wood thunderbolts, writes Dean Bilton.
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analysis:Stokes stuns, Australia prevails but the Ashes just erupted into contentious, furious life
Australia held its nerve to secure victory at Lord's and a 2-0 series lead, but that doesn't tell half the story of a day when the Ashes exploded into firey and controversial life.
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analysis:Australia's fast-bowling class prevents Lord's Test from descending into total farce
Day four at Lord's saw the sublime and ridiculous go head-to-head, as some stellar performances from Australia's quicks help balance out some turgid play and controversial umpiring.
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analysis:England's absurd batting gifts Australia Ashes advantage and puts Bazball in the firing line
With the match in the balance on the third morning, an incredible display of irresponsible English batting gifted Australia the ascendancy and again raised questions about the validity of the host's tactical approach.
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analysis:As an injured and emotional Lyon left Lord's, Australia was forced into an unexpected backup plan
England's response to Australia's short-pitched bowling brings the second Test at Lord's to life, but it's Nathan Lyon's calf injury that could yet have the biggest say in this Ashes series, writes Dean Bilton.
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analysis:Bazball bluster turns to Lord's lethargy as England tackles day one with a lack of energy
The stage could not have been more perfectly set for England to back up its post-Edgbaston confidence on day one at Lord's, but the hosts came out flat and the Australians took full advantage, writes Dean Bilton.
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analysis:Pat Cummins conquers England, reclaims Edgbaston and leads his Australia to history
A mention of Edgbaston once sent a shiver down Australian spines. But from this day on, it will forever be the scene of Pat Cummins's greatest stand and one of Australia's greatest Ashes triumphs.
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analysis:Australia and England follow different paths to meet for a thrilling climax to Edgbaston Test
Australia has raised eyebrows with its anti-Bazball measures in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, but all the spread fields and conservative bowling could yet add up to a famous win.
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analysis:Storm clouds inspire Australia's most thrilling spell, and set up potential Edgbaston classic
The rain came in heavy on day three at Edgbaston, but not before Australia unleashed a brief storm of its own to set up a fascinating final two days of the opening Ashes Test.
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analysis:Khawaja keeps Australia alive at Edgbaston, conquering his final career demon in the process
Not only did Usman Khawaja's Edgbaston century tick a massive box for his own career, it kept his team alive in the Ashes opener and handed his teammates a blueprint on how to approach the series.
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analysis:Australia got its first good look at Bazball. Its response will decide the Ashes
It came as promised, England's ultra-attacking new 'Bazball' tactic. Australia knew it was coming, and the unexpected response of Pat Cummins's could be the deciding factor of the whole Ashes series.
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analysis:History is against Australia in these Ashes. This team is perfectly constructed to defy it
An unwanted record is staring Australia in the face as it prepares to take on England in the 2023 Ashes. But Pat Cummins's side could not be more perfectly placed to defy history and emerge victorious.