It's hard to say this as a passionate England cricket fan but I cannot recall a worse performance from an England test team in my recent memory. The Australian second innings had a painfull inevitability, and the afternoon and evening sessions lacked any semblance of contest or competition, with the Aussies scoring at will whereas earlier, England's batsmen had had to fight tooth and nail to scrape any sort of runs together.
Under Duncan Fletcher, England have become a highly competent test side, winning series in South Africa, drawing in India and beating the world champion Australians in England last year. However, these last three days have proved they need to summon up every ounce of their playing ability to retain the Ashes away from home, against an Australian team completely committed to beating them.
After a some more fielding tomorrow morning, England will have to show immense character in at least trying to bat with conviction and save this game. Thus far that task has looked well beyond them.
From a slightly depressed Wello.
