3rd Test

It's all over! We have retained the ashes at least until the winter. 

Feels a bit empty to be honest. The weather has at last played an important part in the series. Had the Aussies been allowed more time they would surely have beaten us fair and square. I reckoned that they wouldn't be able to take 10 wickets in a day on that pitch but, with England at 35 for 3, I was not so sure.

A 2-1 lead would have made for an exciting end to the series. In these back to back Tests whichever team gets the upper hand in the first usually extend it to the second. 2-2 going into the Oval test would have been more strain than my poor heart could take. As it is we will probably go into it 2-1 up. 

Yes I know I am being a bit negative. But the England batting is looking a little volatile at the minute.  3 top order batsmen got a couple of fifties and there was a centurion. Major knock by Kevin Pieterson. But there was a big hole with 2 batsmen failing to get even double figures. If Root and Trott had just managed 20 runs each the game would have been a little less one sided and England may have deserved a draw. As it is the Aussies were robbed by the weather.

That is in itself no bad thing. I do like the sound of Aussies feeling robbed. But like Isaid it just feels a little hollow right now.

At Durham Our bowlers should experience a bit more swing which seemed to desert in Manchester. But it also means it will do the same for the Aussies. 

Just as well they capitulated in no uncertain terms at Lords.