Ashes whitewash could a force World Cup shake up for England

In the aftermath of a painful defeat, the phrase 'blessing in disguise' can act as a comfort blanket. Even when that optimism feels a stretch, it softens the blow and convinces us that something good might yet come of it. Simply put, it is a way of moving on from failure.

- by James O'Brien

But every so often, the well-worn phrase rings true. England's Ashes whitewash may just be one of those moments.

While a 3-0 loss leaves scars that will take time to heal, it could serve as a timely reality check.

The performances were flat and lacking in spark - the kind that make change unavoidable heading into a World Cup year. A narrow defeat might have papered over cracks; a whitewash leaves no room for debate.