Firstly, a disclaimer. Given the reality of current events in NZ, with England's bowling attack looking terribly impotent at the best of times, a morale boost is required...
In one of the world's great sporting venues, England arrived for the traditional Boxing Day test knowing that anything other than an Australian win would guarantee that they would retain the Ashes - something that was beyond the dreams of some fans ahead of the series. And if the tourists had written a script with a glass half full beside them, they probably wouldn't have come to predicting the quite magnificent victory at the MCG that secured both the series with one to play, but also possession of the hallowed Urn until 2009.
The test couldn't have started in a less anti-climactic manner, with some uncharacteristically dismal weather that had contributed towards a rather damp pitch. It was no surprise, then, to see the visitors insert the Aussies into bat upon winning the toss and set about trying to restrict the hosts to a low score. And there were team changes to boot for both sides. For England, Hayman was pushed up the order after his fine form in the previous tests to open in place of Alistair Cook, who made way for an extra bowler in Ryan Sidebottom. Meanwhile the Aussies brought in Nathan Bracken at long last at the expense of Andrew Symonds, a puzzling decision considering Roy's ability with both bat and ball.
Under the grey skies on day one, Hayden and Jaques appeared to make a decent enough start for the hosts, sharing a opening stand of 55 before Harmison and Sidebottom removed them respectively after both men had made starts. Ricky Ponting again steadied the ship before become the first of what would be a marvellous fifer for Paul Collingwood on 44. Clarke, Hussey and Haddin all too got in and got out when more was perhaps promised, and England rattled through the tail to keep the Aussies down to 241 in poor conditions as Collingwood took 5-83.
England's response was stunted by a rain break in the late afternoon of day one and things weren't helped by the early dismissal of Hayman in single figures. Fortunately, Vaughan and Bell were imperious in getting on top of the new ball, and the England skipper was unlucky to be bowled by Gillespie on 45. Bell, and then Pietersen earned half centuries in a scorecard that saw little of note after that except for Flintoff's unbeaten 41. With just 301 on the board come the end of the England innings, the visitors may have felt slightly disappointed that all they gained was a lead of 60.
And that lead was wiped out without much fuss in the Australian second innings by Hayden and Jaques before a bizarre run out cost the wicket of Hayden. Jaques followed very soon after, as did Ponting as Australia slipped from 62-0 to 73-3. Michael Clarke provided a foundation for recovery posting 62 but after Hussey fell to Collingwood for 27, little support was offered to Clarke. He fell, leaving the hosts on 193-7, a precarious position for them, and one not helped as Collingwood wrapped up the innings by removing Lee and MacGill without conceding a run. It was an effort that saw Australia rather stagger their way to a mere 200, a lead of just 140. And with two days left, there was definitely going to be a result.
Yet again, hearts pounded as they did in 2005 at Trent Bridge as England sought victory. Hayman hit a quick fire 30 before a needless dismissal saw him depart at 43-1. Vaughan too made 30, albeit more measured, at the score on 90. By now, it appeared England could not throw this away. But both Bell and Pietersen fell looking to push things on quicker than necessary, an example of impetuosity at a time when England could have taken as much time as they liked. It was the approach that saw Collingwood guide England home with Flintoff largely a spectator before hitting the winning runs with a boundary to send the Barmy Army into raptures.
Australia now travel to Sydney playing for pride only, but England may seek to maintain the momentum ahead of the CB one-day series after the tests come to a close. And what could be better than the promise to rack up a third victory and humiliate the Aussies in their own back yard.
Series score: England 2-0 Australia (4)
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