England moved into the box seats on the 2nd day as Australia subsided to 156/8 in response to England’s ultimately disappointing 426 (which was better than it could have been). That they did on the basis of five of the eight dismissals coming from misplaced, mishit or mistimed pull shots speaks volumes. The Aussies sought to dominate when the situation did not demand it. Hughes gloved it, Katich lapped it, North chopped on, Johnson hit one perfectly to the fielder and Haddin mis-hit his to mid-wicket.

Anderson took four wickets, and also scored some valuable lower innings runs, and in the process goes a little way towards shoving the doubts I have about him down my throat. We do rather have a Lord’s specialist though, in Anderson, who is on the honours board twice to my knowledge and could get there again tomorrow.

Strauss left a straight one second ball up, which meant he still does not have a double ton, but at least it wasn’t a small ton. Broad and Swann followed in the next couple of overs before a jaunty stand between Onions and Anderson took the score past 400. 426 from 190 for no loss is not the stuff of champions!

So after the collapse of the Aussies, and another spectacular strop by the captain of Australia – maybe he wasn’t out caught, but he was plumb in front if he hadn’t hit it – the issue will be, should we take the wickets in time is should the follow on be enforced. I have one thing to say. NO WAY!

A 250 lead, say, and if England bat anywhere near decently we’ll be 500 in front by tomorrow night. Pull out an hour into day 4 and then, knowing there is a break after this test, you have five sessions to get them out. Sure Botham will say sling them back in. He would. But if Australia bat well, say score 450, and set us 180-200 to win, you want to be watching that? Do you think we would get there? I don’t…..

Back tomorrow, when there is a great day of sport to watch…