KEVIN WALTERS says he has been surprised by criticism of England during the Ashes series.
His Australia side completed an Ashes whitewash with a 30-8 success over the hosts at AMT Headingley.
That took the Kangaroos’ aggregate margin of victory across the three games to 52, but Walters insisted the games had been much closer than the scorelines suggested.
He also rejected criticism of England’s performances on both sides of the world – and wants the Ashes to be contested regularly again.
“We were never comfortable in the game,” said Walters after victory in Leeds.
“The English side didn’t give us opportunities to kick away with the game. That’s been the case really for all three games.
“There has been some chat back in Australia about this England side but if you talk to our players they have nothing but respect for this English side and the way they play their football.
“It’s a different style of game here and it’s great that our boys can experience that now.
“For 20-odd years the Ashes hadn’t been played and that needs to continue on a regular basis for both countries to get better and develop.
“Some of the Australian press were saying it was like a walk in the park. Well, come over and walk in the park against the English and see how you go. They were tough games.
“The more we play these games – it used to be every two years – that helps both nations. It’s a different style of game over here, different crowds. When they get a roll on it’s great Test football.”
Walters acknowledged Australia had not been at their best across the series, despite the trio of wins.
He said: “It’s very rare to be very happy after a three-game series. Origin series are like Test series – it’s difficult to win games, and it’s hard to be at your best all of the time.
“The English upset you. We couldn’t get our game on today, they did a good job of playing the style of football that suits them and we have to learn from that as a group and get better next time.”
Walters was only appointed Australia coach in July after Mal Meninga stood down, and his contract only covered the Ashes.
The Kangaroos have a home World Cup to look forward to next autumn and the former Brisbane Broncos boss said: “I’d like to be part of that as well.”