Nevertheless, it was one of the most exhilarating, exciting and emotionally draining experiences of my life…..and to think we are not even half way through this series.

1-1 and England are back in it. They have finally lived up to the pre-Ashes hype and fought back instead of being swept aside by the all powerful Aussies. The fact they did it being ultra-aggressive and positive is something that should not go unnoticed, especially given the fact that it was done against a side that has prided itself on winning based on exactly the same traits. It was there to see to England had outplayed Australia using their own game and their own tools. It was a pleasure to watch.

Even so, there are still areas that need improvement. The batting in the first innings while entertaining was highly risk-driven and could at times used a common-sense approach. But, then you could argue if you live by the sword then you must be ready to die by it also. No matter what your view on it was, you could at least say it had a purpose, whereas in the second innings, aside from Flintoff and to a lesser extent Pietersen, it showed a lack of planning. The bowling while threatening was barely challenged either with solid defence or attack, instead the batting appeared to be stuck in neutral unsure to push forward or stay back. The guilty men – England’s top 4 will need to look deeply at their batting performances in the two tests and realise much more is required. They will at least be heartened by the attack that their counterparts haven’t fared much better.

It is England’s bowling though that has been shining light. In Flintoff and Harmison they have a world class duo, capable of testing any batting line-up in the world in any conditions. They have also been ably assisted by an ever improving support group, though still a little inconsistent for my liking. The important thing is that they appear to be improving with each test and this certainly has the look of a side is on the upward curve.

It is hard to imagine that it is now the fourth week of the Ashes series, and its Australians who are in disarray and England who are on top. One can only hope that this trend carries on through the rest of the series………on to Old Trafford!