Ashes success, 1-0 up in the series, two nine wickets down draws and a great chance to emulate the Vaughan side of 2004/05. A lot of plaudits were flowing towards Andrew Strauss and his men.
But on the verge of an infamous series victory they decided that they wanted to be crap again.
Firstly, Onions was bizarrely ejected in favour of Sidebottom who hasn't played a test since an absolutely shocking performance in the West Indies and who had been twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines for weeks.
What a way to treat Onions after his heroics at Centurion and Cape Town. He's bowled well too without getting much luck.
That was step one. Step two was when Strauss chose to bat when he won the toss.
Remember that we only need to draw the test to win the series. Given the state of the pitch and the overhead conditions, surely it made more sense to bowl first?
At least we couldn't lose the match in less than two sessions that way.
But no, uncharacteristically Strauss took the attacking option and chose to bat. And then a diamond duck for him and chaos reigned despite Colly and Bell's best endeavours (again).
The whole miserable day smacks of Headingley. But this time there is no Oval afterwards to win the series.
And Smith is the luckiest batsman in the World, so will probably fluke his way to another ton. Whilst Kallis will grind us into the ground again.
So England supporters are now praying for a miracle or rain....
...for four days.
Bugger.
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