Eoin Morgan is Irish-born who currently plays for England. He has this reputation of creating strokes rather than playing text-book shots. And to add to that, his strokes are indeed as powerful as his team-mate Kevin Pietersen’s.

Last year, when he became 23, he shot to fame with two outstanding, match-winning knocks against South Africa. First, he hit a crucial 67 of just 34 balls in the Champions Trophy in September 2009 followed by unbeaten 45-ball 85 in the first of the two Twenty20s of England’s tour of South Africa, two months later.

Morgan looks like a born ‘finisher’ who is apt to be known as England’s Bevan or Michael Hussey. England needed finishers in their ODI team and Morgan’s resurgence has helped end the search for that position.

A solid and sedate left-hand bat, Morgan grew up playing hurling and with his change-up sweeps and pulls, he has clearly taken aspects of the Irish sport into his cricket. He first played for Ireland in the World Cricket League in 2006, averaging 52.20.

In the tournament, he scored his first ODI century, a top-notch 115 from 106 balls against Canada. However, in the 2007 World Cup, it was proved that Morgan was a huge hype. As his team-mates impressed, he underperformed with 91 runs from nine matches.

He joined his countryman, Ed Joyce, at Middlesex in 2006, where he helped them to the Twenty20 Cup in 2008 and caught the eye of the England selectors.

As he has played for England over the last one year or so, his stature has kept increasing which was proved when he was the only England player to play in the IPL 2010. He was signed for $220,000 by Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he joined Kevin Pietersen.

Yet again, he failed to make an impression when it was the most expected and was soon left to sit on the substitutes bench by a no non-sense captain Anil Kumble and coach Ray Jennings.

However, he was back giving it his best for England in the World Twenty20 that followed, as his powerful shot-making and coolness under pressure helped him score 183 runs and England won a global event in the form of the championship for the first time since 35 years.

As Paul Collingwood, the winning captain was rested ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh at Lords, Eoin Morgan got a surprise call-up to the squad of 15, much like Pietersen in 2005 Ashes.

The English selectors certainly had enough faith in him as he had proved his mettle. He has a bright future ahead of him and he might be the next Pietersen, who could put England on the top of the world map in all the three formats of the game in the next five years, at least.

The Chappel-Hadlee series between the Trans-Tasman rivals has invariably produced thrilling cricket. And if the opening ODI at Napier was anything to go by, there is another humdinger of a series in store. The game on Wednesday went down to the wire, with a gritty lower-order effort by all-rounder Scott Styris making a difference in a rather tense atmosphere. The fact that the usually reticent Mitchell Johnson got into mortal kombat mode to take on Styris is ample evidence of what this series means to the Australians. But, they will need to do better than that to square the series at Eden Park, Auckland.

Although the visitors ended up on the losing side in the opener, there really wasn’t too much to choose between the two teams. And hence, all they must look to do is put up an improved batting as well as bowling performance, with the latter being more important. Luckily, they do not have any injury worries at the present moment.

Openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin are in supreme form while the skipper himself can be expected to perform to keep his side in the hunt in this prestigious rivalry. The Aussie middle-order is as strong as any in the world today, with the classy Michael Clarke and suave Michael Hussey ably backed by the big hitting of Cameron White and James Hopes. What’s more, all of them have been among the runs lately, scoring heavily at that.

The Australian bowling suffered at the hands of Ross Taylor and co in Napier, but expect them to fight back strongly at Auckland. Mitchell Johnson won’t get a warm reception at the venue following his run-in with Styris. However, he shouldn’t mind it if crucial wickets come his way. Ryan Harris will find it difficult to repeat his heroics against Pakistan, but even if he is half as effective, the Aussies will be benefited amply. Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay have impressed more often than not whenever given the responsibility and whoever plays at Auckland will be expected to do the same. Ditto with Nathan Hauritz, who is slowly settling into his job as the side’s frontline spinner.

Unlike the Aussies, the Kiwis have a few injury worries, which will give them headaches despite the 1-0 lead, none more troublesome than the painful neck of their effervescent skipper Daniel Vettori. If the left-arm spinner doesn’t play, it would mean than Taylor will have to continue leading the team. And although, he did an admirable job in the opening encounter, the home side would want Vettori to be back as soon as possible, considering he has an impressive record against the number one ODI side in the world.

All-rounder Jacob Oram is another one on the hurt list. A tear of the patella tendon has ruled him out for one month which means additional responsibility on the seniors like Brendon McCullum and Taylor. Among the bowlers, spearhead Shane Bond will have to stand up and be counted once again.
The small ground means another high-scoring game is on the cards, but it should be a tight contest nonetheless.

For a man who had it all……Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey often compared with Michael Bevan and rightly so. Hussey has fit into the role of Bevan so beautifully. Hussey one of the best finishers around today is a very versatile player who can be depended upon at any situation.

Hussey made his international debut against India at Perth in 2004. He took a year before he made a position in the team. But, when he did so –he did so in style and hasn’t been dropped ever since—a hallmark of a good player.

Michael Hussey had to wait for 11 years and score about 15000 runs in the domestic arena before making his debut at the international stage. That too was because Justin Langer had broken his rib. Hussey was to open. Hussey was 30 when he finally made his debut for Australia. He made a paltry score of 1 in his first innings but after that there was no looking back for Hussey as he struck gold in the 2nd test with a magnificent century. He hit another three centuries that summer. That marked Michael Hussey into international cricket.

Hussey later became a bit of a floater in the Aussie line up with no fixed batting position all to do with his versatility. I use the word ‘versatile’ very often but in the cricketing circle Michael Hussey and versatility is now one and the same thing.

You put in Michael Hussey to open—he performs. If Hussey is put into a situation with Australia at 20 for 5—he performs. If Hussey is asked to slog ’em out of the park coming in at the 45th over of the innings it’s not a problem for him. If that isn’t a definition to versatility then what is?

To add to this Hussey is a fantastic fielder (Mind you: Most Australians are) at gully and has taken some splendid catches in his not so long career. The only thing holding back the relentless Hussey- is his age. Having made his debut only at the age of 30; Hussey may find it difficult to stretch his career beyond the ashes series at home against England or at best he might drag it to the 2011 ICC World Cup which is to be held in the sub-continent. Hussey is 34 now and is looking as fit as ever.

Michael Hussey’s averaged sky rocketed to 80 at the start of his career and to his credit he was able to keep it there for about a year and a half. However, it was in mid 2008 when recession was having its major impacts and it seemed to have affected Hussey too who barely scored runs. In the next 15-18 months Hussey’s averaged dropped from a phenomenal 80 to 55 intensifying the achievement of ‘THE DON’ and all that on uncovered pitches.

Hussey is one of Australia’s best finishers and has been compared to Michael Bevan for a long time now. But, there is more to Hussey then just a finisher. He is a maneuverer, a grinder and a slogger. He’s a full pack. Unlike Bevan Hussey has performed at the test level too this just goes to show his fine technique and long hours of concentration to go with it.

After all what makes Hussey so versatile and one of Australia’s best finishers?

His nerve—Hussey always manages to keep his nerve under tensed situations. It is those situations when matches are won or lost; those situations which could change the course of the series. Hussey always comes up on top and it’s the opposition who often wilts. He’s a man of steel and is invaluable to Australia come the world cup.

Quick legs—one of the most underestimated reason perhaps but quick running between the wickets always changes the momentum of the game and a sudden look at the scoreboard takes the opposition captain by surprise. In spite of being 34 Hussey is one of the fittest going around.

Sublime timing: Michael Hussey manages to find the meat of the bat whenever he makes an effort to. When Hussey is seen playing at his best the cover drive is the 1st sign of what is to come. He’s one of the few players who manages to get the ball away with pure ease and grace.

Technique—Above all let’s not forget the man has a wonderful technique not just to last 50 Overs but to last over 5 days and he has done so and proved himself at the international level.

Michael Hussey’s career stats besides his average may not be very revealing having scored just two centuries in the ODI format. But, what stats can’t show is how invaluable Hussey has been to the team. Hussey has batted from almost all positions be it from opening right down to number 7-8. And as mentioned above give him the situation, give him the stage and give him the position—MEK Hussey will have his work cut out—but will come out on top.

Hussey currently tops the charts for the number one ranked batsman in the world and rightly so. He has recently overtaken Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who had the spot for a year. Michael Hussey has been in the top 10 ODI batsmen ever since 2005 and although his form did see a slump in 2008-2009, his ODI game never seemed to get affected—it was the test game that suffered.

Nevertheless, the rut is over Michael Hussey is back and he is now not just back in the reckoning for the ashes but has booked the number four position. Hussey recently retired from the T20 form of the game—quite surprising actually as Hussey would feature in most countries top 11 in the format. Perhaps, it is his age which is an issue.

Mike Hussey has been given the nick of “MR. CRICKET” and indeed what an apt name it is for a man with all weapons in his repertoire. Truly, Versatility performed.

Medium-pacer Ryan Harris picked up his second consecutive five-wicket haul as Australia inflicted yet another embarrassing defeat on the hapless Pakistanis. Batting first, Australia recovered from a poor start to post a challenging total of 277 for 8, thanks in main to half-centuries from Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz.

Harris then carried on his demolition job, akin to Adelaide, as Australia trounced Pakistan by a mammoth 135-run margin. None of the Pakistani batsman could reach even 50. Umar Akmal ended up being the top-scorer with 38 as the visiting side crumbled to 142 all out, well before the stipulated 50 overs.

The chase for Pakistan just never took off. Harris, bowling at a rather quick pace, was in his elements right from the word go. Salman Butt edged one that was directed in the other direction and Cameron White picked up one of the better catches you will see in the slips. Younis Khan went as quickly as he came, poking his bat at an outswinger from Harris. Pakistan never managed to recover from there on. On the contrary, they only went deeper into the mire.

Peter Siddle joined in the fun scalping two crucial wickets. He had the struggling Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Yousuf, both caught behind of Brad Haddin, who ended up plucking five catches. There was a semblance of resistance in the form of a partnership between Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam, but alas it could not last long enough to trouble the Aussies. Alam was run-out by Hauritz while Harris cleaned up Umar to all but seal the game. Shahid Afridi played a breezy cameo before departing, but it hardly had any impact on the game. Harris eventually returned to do the mop up job and finish with another five-for.

Earlier, in the day, Pakistan squandered their umpteenth golden opportunity to put Australia under immense pressure. Despite having them tottering at 190 for 6, they managed to let them off the hook as Hussey and Hauritz added 80 valuable runs for the seventh wicket and propelled their side to a highly competitive score.

All this after Mohammad Asif had dismissed Shaun Marsh cheaply and Naved-ul-Hasan accounted for Haddin just when he was beginning to look dangerous. Michael Clarke also failed to contribute much before getting run-out, while skipper Ricky Ponting’s promising innings of 30 was cut short by Afridi.

The in-form Cameron White began the resurrection work for the Aussies, in the company of Hussey, with a gritty 44. Still, Pakistan held the upper hand when Saeed Ajmal managed to send back White and Asif returned to dislodge James Hopes. Unfortunately, Pakistan could not capitalize on the strong position and allowed Hussey and Hauritz to get away.

While Hussey took his time initially, Hauritz went hammer and tongs to post an unbeaten 53 off just 39 balls. As Pakistan began to feel the heat, Hussey too joined in the action. He was brilliant in the powerplay overs. Australia scored at over 10 runs per over during this phase and it was enough to rattle the already flustered Pakistanis.

Australia seem to have buckets of pace bowling talent in their backyard. Ryan Harris Australia’s bustling pacer did the job once again when he cleaned up the Pakistani’s with another five-for and what’s ironic is after taking 10 wickets for 62 in the last ten games the man still stands a chance of missing out on the playing 11. Where except Australia will you get to see that?

That itself speaks volumes about the quality and the number of personnel Australia have in their domestic circuit. After Friday’s clinical performance Australia are looking to clean sweep the series and take their total to 7 wins out of 7 this year which includes two in the test arena all be it against the same opposition.

Australia won the toss and with Watson resting it was Haddin and marsh who opened. Haddin played his own game trying to blast the Pakistani’s away but he tried one too many and was finally bowled by Naved Ul Hasan. Australia failed to build strong partnerships at the top of the order but again it was the in-form men in Michael Hussey and Cameron white who rescued the innings with half centuries.

But, the impetus to the innings was added by spinner Nathan Hauritz who absolutely blasted the Pakistani’s all round the park with a 39 ball 53 which included 4 massive sixes. For Pakistan it was Mohd Asif again who troubled the Australian’s with Saeed Ajmal chipping in with a couple too. The Australians made full use of their batting power play and scored 54 of their 5 Overs with the loss of just one wicket. The Australians amassed another big total (Mind you: Every total’s looking big for Pakistan at this stage) and ended at 277 for 8.

Pakistan came out after a good attempt at the Adelaide oval looking pretty confident especially with Fawad alam in – in place of Shoaib Malik. But, it was not to be as Ryan Harris the 30 year old bustling Queenslander with his deceptively quick pace dismissed both butt and khan within a space of two Overs giving himself figures of none for 2. Peter Siddle both Kamran Akmal and mohd Yousuf and once again the Pakistan top order batting left a lot to be desired.

It was again the young paid of Umar Akmal and fawad alam who tried to resurrect the innings with both of them making 38 and 21 respectively. The duo put on 60 before Alam pushed Harris to mid off where Nathan Hauritz who was having a wonderful day (at least with bat and in the field) hit the stumps directly and alam was caught napping.

Ryan Harris got his 3rd wicket off the match after he cleaned up Umar Akmal who tried to drop the ball down and run as the ball came off his bat and hit the stumps. It was tough luck for Umar Akmal but as mark taylor said on channel nine ryan Harris had created his own luck with some splendid bowling.

Shahid Afridi decided to take matters in his own hands with some magnanimous sixes of Hauritz that travelled more than just the distance. He made a quick fire 10 ball 29 before succumbing to McKay. The rest of the tail made a cumulative score of 12 and Pakistan were yet again embarrassed by another professional performance by the close knitted Australian unit.
The season with Pakistan is almost coming to a close and Australia would want to end it without dropping the match and the odds are on them doing so.

It would be interesting to see whether shaun tait who has been brought in as cover up for peter Siddle will get a game or not. If so there is every possibility and for the first time in history that a man who has taken two five wicket halls in two consecutive matches might be dropped. The Australians have had a fantastic series all this without their potential strike bowler Mitchell Johnson who has been rested thus far. If he gets a game it could be yet another clinical win for Australia in the teams last encounter of this series at the WACA cricket ground.

Australia won the toss on a warm and sultry morning at the Adelaide oval and decided as ever to have a bat. Australia aimed to keep their winning streak going and finish off the series by taking an unassailable lead of 3-0.

And so they did! The opening pair of Watson and Marsh started off in a circumspect manner with ‘wickets in hand for the last ten’ being their major priority. The duo put on 63 in 12 Overs with Watson falling for 33 attempting a wild slog. The skipper Ricky Ponting was next to go after misjudging the length of the ball. He was trapped LBW without scoring. Once again falling playing the pull shot. Ponting, one of the best players of short pitch bowling, ironically has been dismissed on quite a few occasions playing the pull Getting older, ehh?

Australia looked to be in a spot of bother at 65 for 2 but it was marsh with 83 who kept the score ticking along. Michael Clarke played another brilliant knock and was there right till the end forming substantial partnerships with marsh, white and Hussey. Clarke eventually fell for 80 in the last over of the innings.

Australia fell away a little in the middle stage of the innings due to some tight bowling from Saeed Ajmal and rana. But, again it was Pakistan’s indiscipline in the field and with extras that was their down bringing. Australia’s Michael Hussey took full toll of this and hammered the Pakistani’s to all parts of the ground en route his 28 ball 49 which gave the Australian innings some much needed impetus. Michael Hussey showed his class and skills once again and bailed Australia out of what would have been an average situation.

What a versatile player he is! Put him in at20 for 3 and he will come up with the goods or like today ask him to slog-he’ll do it for you. Truly, MR. CRICKET! Umar Gul one of the best death bowlers not just from Pakistan but in the world took a pasting on the day and went for 80 in his 10 over spell including a huge over which costed him 23 runs.

The momentum was with Australia when they came on to the field. Salman butt started positively playing some gorgeous flicks and cover drives. He eventually fell prey to Clint McKay LBW for 34. Ryan Harris the 30 year old seamer playing his second ODI bowled with good pace and eventually claimed 5 for 43 in his 10 over spell which included the wickets of Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi who at a certain point were threatening to take the match away.

Once again it was a failure of the top order. Former captain, Younis khan looks terribly out of form and Pakistan must consider promoting Umar Akmal or Mohd Yousuf to the crucial no 3 spot. Pakistan must try out new things considering they have already lost the series. However, these changes might help them in the long run too especially with England coming up soon.

Pakistan were in a precarious position at 60 for 4 before young guns Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam steadied the ship. They put on 85 before Umar Akmal fell to Harris. Afridi provided some late fireworks with a quick 29 ball 40. But, it was to be all to late in the cause and Pakistan eventually folded for 246 in 47 Overs giving Australia their 3rd straight win and the series.

Stuart Broad of England takes a catch of Australia's Simon Katich in 2009 Ashes npower Test Series Second Test Second Day

England dominated day 2 of the second NPower Ashes Test match, with a strong bowling performance that has left them well placed with Australia needing 79 runs to avoid the follow on with only two first innings wickets in hand.

Andrew Strauss failed to add to his overnight score – and England as a team didn’t look like adding many more after losing 3 wickets in three consecutive overs. A near half century partnership from no 10 and 11 James Anderson and Graham Onions saw England move well past 400.

After that the day was England’s. Poor batting cost the tourists dear, and England will move into day 3 well on top with the possibility of winning their first Ashes test at Lords since 1934.

Strauss’ resistance didn’t last much longer into day two, bowled leaving a ball off Ben Hilfenhaus – not adding to his overnight score of 161. Graham Swann came and went in the blink of an eye – edging the ball straight to Ricky Ponting in the slips, the Australian captain taking the easiest catch you’re ever going to see in the slips, Siddle picking up his second wicket of the innings.

As if things couldn’t get any worse for England – they did. After previously edging a ball just past the stumps, Broad then chopped on the following ball – England had lost 3 wickets in 3 overs, and were now in danger of not making 400 – despite Andrew Strauss targeting a “minimum” of 450 on the eve of Day 2.

England’s innings wasn’t over yet though, James Anderson partnered by Graham Onions frustrated the Australian attack, passing the 400 mark with a relative amount of ease. Mitchell Johnson’s boundary problems weren’t confined to day 1 either – Anderson striking him for successive fours. The partnership fell just shy of 50 – but it was much needed after a disastrous start to day 2 for England, all out for 425.

England got off to the best possible start, after previously crashing Anderson to the cover boundary – Phillip Hughes gloved the ball off an attempted hook to keeper Matt Prior. England’s start got even better when Ponting inside edged the ball onto his pad, that carried to Andrew Strauss in the slips – Australia slipping to 10/2. Ponting was unhappy with the decision, the bat appear to hit the boot – rather than the ball. However, hawkeye suggested that the ball would’ve been crashing into leg stump – the wrong method to the right decision.

Australia survived the rest of the morning session, and a 4 over stint after lunch before a short burst of rain came. Another short burst of overs was followed by another shower. The teams came back out again at 3:40pm. Australia’s Simon Katich and Michael Hussey worked on building Australia’s score. Although Hussey can count himself lucky that a mis-timed hook shot landed wide at deep backward square. Australia entered tea on 87/2.

After a slow period after tea, Simon Katich miss-pulled Graham Onions to fine leg, Stuart Broad running around took a superb diving catch to dismiss the Australian – Katich falling two short of a half century.

Andrew Flintoff removed Michael Hussey with a 95 mph delivery that Hussey left, the ball did very little – maybe bouncing a little less than Mr Cricket was expecting – but nonetheless – a superb delivery – Hussey going for 51. England’s day got better when – the following ball – Michael Clarke flicked a delivery from James Anderson to Alastair Cook at short mid wicket. With that, both batsmen at the crease hadn’t faced the ball.

And things went from bad – to worse, for the tourists. Marcus North chopping James Anderson onto his stumps, Australia floundering at 139/6. A procession became a rout when Mitchell Johnson hooked Stuart Broad down to Alastair Cook at deep backward square.

Another one – this time Haddin. Australia still needing 78 to avoid the follow on, Brad Haddin pulling the ball to mid wicket. The floodlights – causing shadows – we enough for the umpires to offer the batsmen the light, and Australia naturally took it.

The visitors end day two in deep trouble, the first three overs of the day aside – its been all England. An ill-disciplined batting performance has left their tail needing to do some serious work on just saving the follow on. England will look to skittle Australia out tomorrow, and then hammer home their advantage with possibly enforcing the follow on.

Andrew Strauss‘ unbeaten 161 gave England an excellent start in the 2nd nPower test against Australia. Adding 196 for the opening wicket with Alastair Cook, England dominated the opening exchanges with some very ordinary bowling from Mitchell Johnson in particular.

Australia pegged England back in the final session, taking 4 English wickets as their middle order struggled against the swinging ball. England ended the day 364/6 with the game firmly in the balance.

The first action of the day came from Andrew Strauss, crashing a short, wide delivery from Mitchell Johnson to the cover boundary, two balls later Johnson drifted onto Strauss’ leg stump, and the ball got the same treatment, this time flicked to the mid wicket boundary.

Alastair Cook was then fortunate to survive, a fuller ball from Hilfenhaus edged just to the left of a diving Ricky Ponting. It was Johnson who was struggling however, in a repeat of his previous over, Strauss crashed a short wide ball square, then the next ball Johnson over compensated by bowling a full-ish ball on Strauss’ pads – again the ball was clipped behind square for four.

It wasn’t only Johnson who was being hit for boundaries, a Hilfenhaus short ball just sat up nicely for Cook to pull for four. England passed the 50 mark with little trouble after 15 overs. Johnson continued to bowl some real loose deliveries – which – like the rest of the of them – got the treatment for Alastair Cook. In 7 overs Johnson was going at nearly 7 runs an over – and had conceeded 10 boundaries.

Australia's Ben Hilfenhaus (C) celebrates taking the wicket of England's Ravi Bopara (L) in 2009 Ashes npower Test Series Second Test First Day

Peter Siddle was causing problems using the slope to move the ball away from the left handers. Cook in particular left a couple of deliveries that were mighty close to his stumps. Without success from the other end, Ponting turned to spinner Nathan Hauritz to try and make the breakthrough. England reached 100 without loss off 24.3 overs.

England continued their dominance right up until the lunchbreak – the Australian seamers struggling with their accuracy – and England entering lunch 126 without loss – without question England’s session.

After the break control was still illuding Ricky Ponting, Cook taking on Nathan Hauritz with a slog sweep over mid wicket for 4. Australia began to make mistakes, Ben Hilfenhaus bought an edge from Andrew Strauss, only to hear the no ball call from the umpire – Brad Haddin dropping the ball aswell could do little to help his confidence. Andrew Strauss bought up his 50 two balls later as England passed 150 without blemish.

If things weren’t bad enough for Ricky Ponting, they got worse when Nathan Hauritz dislocated a finger on his spinning hand attempting to claim a return catch off Andrew Strauss , Marcus North was rushed into the attack mid over.

England simply kept motoring along, as Mitchell Johnson’s return to the attack bought him the same struggles as in the morning session. But as normally happens with wayward bowling, Johnson got one on the straight and narrow, Cook was trapped in front LBW for 95, England were 196/1.

Ravi Bopara came out and played his shots, but his aggression didn’t last very long, as he was too trapped LBW by Ben Hilfenhaus – 18 off 19 balls – a whole lot of nothing. Two out swinging deliveries followed by one which holds its line.

Hiflenhaus immeadiatly caused Kevin Pietersen problems with the swinging ball, Pietersen playing and missing a couple of times in his first over. On the stroke of tea, Pietersen was caught all ends up by a short ball, an attempted hook that – in the end – was played so badly and uncontrollably, it didn’t fall to a fielder. With Pietersen safely off strike, Andrew Strauss struck a three through backward point to bring up his hundred off 178 balls.

Peter Siddle struck after tea, a feather edge from a driving Kevin Pietersen, caught begind, 267/3 and Australia were beginning to creep back into the game. Siddle continued to trouble – Strauss flashing at one that flew through Michael Hussey at gully for 4.

Paul Collingwood was unable to build on his match saving knock at Cardiff, advancing down the wicket against Michael Clarke, he could only skew a ball to Peter Siddle. Matt Prior fell quickly – likewise at Cardiff – to the in swinger off Mitchell Johnson through the gate. Australia weren’t done there, Andrew Flintoff edging Hilfenhaus to Ricky Ponting – England now floundering on 333/6 and struggling against the swinging ball.

Andrew Strauss passed 150 – as he and Stuart Broad batted through to the end of the day , Strauss 161 not out, England 364/6 – the game in the balance once again.

Paul Collingwood’s magnificent 74 gave England a hard hard fought draw. 20/2 going into the final day, England needed to bat out the day. With one session to go, England only had three wickets left, and when Collingwood fell with 11.3 overs remaining, it was left to James Anderson and Monty Panesar to save the game. Australia – gutted with the draw in a game that they dominated from start to finish.

England started the day needing to attack. Captain Andrew Strauss dropping a quick single into the covers showing their intent.

Kevin Pietersen was nearly caught out by Ben Hilfenhaus delivery, choosing to leave alone a fairly straight delivery that nipped back in. Fortunately enough for England the ball wasn’t going on to hit the stumps.

He wasn’t out of the action for long, Hilfenhaus again, driving a ball in the air through the covers. But the following delivery knocked Pietersen’s off stump out of the ground, it was merely a straight ball – Pietersen squared up, falling for 8.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz found sizeable turn on the 5th day pitch. A short wide ball got the treatment from Andrew Strauss, but the following ball – a ball that bounced a fraction higher than the previous delivery – Strauss getting a thin snick to keeper Brad Haddin – Australia were rapturous – England in ever-deepening trouble at 46/4.

Hauritz was causing England all sorts of problems. Paul Collingwood had an inside edge onto his pad, the ball popped up – but fell just short of Simon Katich in at short leg. The following delivery Collingwood edged one down, after clipping his pads the ball rolled towards the stumps, the batsman got his foot on top of the ball just before it hit.

Prior and Collingwood stood together for a while, but the stand was unlikely to last – and it didn’t. Prior miss cutting Hauritz – the ball looping up – Michael Clarke taking the catch in the slips. England starring defeat in the face at 70/5.

Ricky Ponting chose to open up after lunch with two seamers. Ben Hilfenhaus was getting the ball two swing just a fraction, Flintoff was flashing, and a edge flew past 2nd slip for 4. Flintoff and Collingwood’s 50 partnership came up off 111 balls, still a long way to go.

And a long way to go it was, Flintoff edging Mitchell Johnson to Ricky Ponting, who took the ball into his hands just before it hit the ground.

Johnson had Broad in trouble straight away, a full-ish ball hit Broad in front of leg stump – the umpire gave it not out – Hawkeye suggested the ball would have hit the outside half of leg stump.

Australia reverted to spin, Hauritz and Marcus North as England battened down the hatches. Broad’s obduracy didn’t last for long, Hauritz angling the ball back in, Broad went back – the ball skidded on and struck him on the knee roll in front of middle stump England were 159/7. Broad showing the mistake of going back to a spinner on this surface.

Collingwood bought up his half century in 167 balls. Peter Siddle got into the new batsman striking him three times on the fingers and arms in a fantastic exhibition of short pitch bowling.

The short stuff from Siddle to Swann continued after the tea interval, the Australian hitting the England spinner on the helmet – the ball running away for two leg byes.

England ground the Australians down, Swann and Collingwood passing their 50 partnership. With 20 overs left in the match – England were 24 runs behind.

With 19 overs to go, Swann went to put a ball that didn’t bounce as much as he was anticipating, pinned in front by Hilfenhaus, for a well fought 31 from 63.

Hauritz then had a shout for LBW/Caught. Ricky Ponting to a superb catch in a short leg, but agonisingly for Australia – the LBW was outside the line – and the ball didn’t hit the bat.

In the following over, Anderson got one that reared on him, there was hesitation, Collingwood got a third of the way down the pitch, Anderson – rightly – sent him back, Collingwood would have been gone with a direct hit.

Siddle finally removed Collingwood – cut the ball at Michael Hussey in the gully, juggling the ball – Hussey took it at the second attempt – 74 runs from 245 deliveries – England 6 runs behind, 1 wicket left with 11.3 overs remaining.

It was left to Anderson and Monty Panesar. And in a nail-biting finish for everyone, the two ball-by-ball batted out the time. Got ahead of the Australia score, and when the time was up Ricky Ponting shook hands with Jimmy Anderson and the game was drawn. The fans rejoiced, England had save the game.