So much angst, why so?

Cricket is a sport which is particularly susceptible to luck, especially for batsmen. You get a good ball early in your innings, or a poor umpiring decision, and you do not get a second chance (unless the fielder drops a catch, which is competely outside your control).

But of course human beings love patterns and stories. So poor old Ravi Bopara gets it in the neck for being useless, when he wasn't even out in the second innings. And of course, Australia are "just hitting form at the right time" for the 5th Test. (Just like they hit form in the first test, before getting thumped in the second, less than a week later.)

The mountain of post-event analysis is all cobblers. The fifth test could go either way, no matter who plays for England. I'd stick with Bopara, if only because statistical regression to the mean would suggest he is "due for a score" (there, I'm falling into the same trap, LOL .....)

What's it got to do with their crown jewels Count?

lo, yes very funny. i noticed as soon as johnny made his comment, which seemed rather odd at 1st, till i re-read my post

no point going back and editing it now tho!

Well done Mr Trott....must give credit to the selectors for sticking with him.

If England lose this...well they should give the game up !

2% chance the Aussies will will, 50% England win, 48% the draw...I have seen enough England fiascos not to get too excited until they are 9 down with 2 sessions left.

So Aussies now 278 for 5, more than half way to their little target with still half their wickets intact,  so well on pace  

In truth, England have this well in hand ( surely ! ), although was slightly worrying at 217 for 2 before Ponting ( great throw Freddie ! )  and Clarke ( unlucky ) were run out.

Get either Hussey or Haddin out and it's then into Johnson and the rest of the bowlers.

Then the England players will be putting in their claims for MBEs like the 2005 mob got   

that was easy....well done !!!