Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 5th Test, Sydney

At the ground fondly remembered for some of Donald Bradman's greatest exploits, observers could have been forgiven for thinking England may take their foot off the gas and allow a way in for the Australians to steal in to regain some pride after the visitors regained the Ashes with victory in Melbourne last time out.

But that would be presuming wrong. In a series that has ultimately shown the England team to be at the very peak of their game, the icing on the cake was perhaps this victory at the SCG when the odds seemed to stacked against them at more than one point over the five days. And the manner in which the visitors secured the win demonstrated an urgency and confidence so delightful to see in Michael Vaughan's men.

It was a good pitch coming into the first day, and Australia rightly opted to bat after winning the toss. And it is fair to say that the Barmy Army may have felt this was the game in which the Aussies finally asserted themselves; something that hadn't happened much over the past few weeks. Jaques and Ponting hit quite brilliant tons, while Hayden fell six short in between, hanging the usually-potent England bowlers out to dry. Declaring on 457/3 in the circumstances was a tad generous on the visitors, what with Clarke set on 31 not out, and Symonds back in the team and looking to impose himself with the bat.

In reply, England struggled from the off. Cook fell early, and despite half centuries from Vaughan and Bell, 166-3 was not a score England wanted to be. That became 172-4 when Collingwood was dismissed cheaply but the much-needed rally came in the form of Pietersen and Hayman, two batsmen so dominant over the course of the series. Alas both fell short of centuries, Hayman becoming the start of an important spell of pressure from Hilfenhaus who accounted for entire lower order. Mustard made a decent cameo with 58 but the tail buckled and England were all out for 383. For the first time, England looked in trouble. Trailing by 74 runs, and facing the prospect of chasing on a fourth innings pitch, Australia could really pile on the pressure.

And for the first time this series, the hosts capitalised on their advantage. Both Jaques and Ponting again made centuries, as Australia motored to 377/2 before declaring with a lead of 451 at tea on the fourth day. Time was against whoever sought a result, and England could quite happily have tried to see out the draw, but that was never the intention. Yet, it could have gone horribly wrong and provided an undignified way to end an imperious campaign.

Cook fell before there was the chance to see out the end of day four, but not an event that made England reconsider their approach. Instead, Vaughan and Bell pushed on, sharing an incredible partnership of over 300 to see England to tea on day five needing just around 100 runs from the final session with nine wickets in hand. If only things were so simple...

Both Vaughan and Bell fell after tea, as did Collingwood and Pietersen without much trouble to the scorers. 332-1 became 339-4, and soon again to be 353-5. Hayman and Mustard came together and reignited the England charge with an hour's play remaining; the former hitting a 26-ball half century to dazzle the hosts. But the urgency got the better of the rookie and he holed out to Hayden and mid-on from Hilfenhaus' bowling. Flintoff came and went fairly quickly, leaving Hoggard and Harmison together on 446-8. Five was the required amount, but the tail has been less than fruitful with the bat on several occasions and nails were still being bitten.

But experienced heads saw England home to a third victory, a massive chase successfully completed, and a brilliant series brought to a close from a traveller's perspective. England retained the Urn in style, and left the Aussies questioning what would become of the new-look side. Well, they'd find out with the forthcoming CB Series, and before that, the Twenty20 match. Pride is still very much at stake down under.

Final series score: England 3-0 Australia (5)