The most memorable (and heart-wrenching) moment of the last day of this Ashes Test for me was Paul Collingwood’s walk back to the pavilion after he was dismissed. As the crowd cheered him for the most fighting knock of the innings, he raised his bat a few times, but he kept his head down, knowing that his day-long effort had been in vain. Just like in the Adelaide Test of the previous Ashes where he made a double-century and then watched from the other side as England lost a match they never should have.
But Jimmy Anderson and Monty Panesar ensured that there was no repeat of that match by surviving for an incredible 69 balls. And the effort by Collingwood would not go wasted. Australia did almost everything right after they bowled out England in the first innings, but, incredibly for an Australian team, they could not press their advantage to win the match.
Like all of you who watched the final moments of the match, it was one of the most nerve-wracking Tests I have experienced. The recent Sydney Test between India and Australia was much more intense, but that was a match that was more likely to end in a draw until Michael Clarke happened. This one was supposed to be an innings loss much earlier in the day, but England proved to be tougher than anyone expected.
The score stays 0-0 with four more to play. England were outplayed, but they now have the luxury of re-booting without having to come from behind. It is likely that Broad and Panesar will make way for Harmison and Onions. Of the batsmen, Bopara is the one with the biggest question mark, but he is sure to be there for the next Test. I wonder if the selectors may use the result to keep the same team – that would be one strong statement of intent, if unlikely to happen.
In general, I thought England’s problems arose not from any strategy problems, but from execution. It was a good idea to pack two spinners and bat first. Hauritz’s success showed that Panesar and Swann could have posed problems if Australia had been batting last. But the English bowling’s inability to break the Australian defences in the middle days coupled with a less-than-great first innings score lead to their downfall.
On the Australian side, it was a case of “close, but no cigar”. The Australian bowling was good, but they let the English tail wag twice in the match. They have to come up with a game plan to handle that. Mike Hussey is the only weakness in a strong batting lineup.
Next up, the Lord’s Test where Australia have not lost for a few decades now apparently. Australia remain the overwhelming favorites. Can Strauss and Flower turn the England team around in time to create a stunning upset? England, by saving the Test in a show of determination, should build upon it instead of celebrating an escape.
