Test cricket - the best game in the world
Detractors of test cricket should be made to watch a re-run of the whole day's play again and again. This was test cricket at its best as the day fluctuated from one side to the other. We saw brilliant bowling from Mohammad Aamer and excellent catching from Pakistan in the morning and then the bravest of rearguards from Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad before they launched a thrilling counterattack. Can any other form of cricket or any other sport offer a rollercoaster of action and emotion like test cricket? Of course not.
England's Mr Dependable
At the start of the summer, many observers predicted that Jonathan Trott was the most likely of the seven batsmen to miss out come the Ashes. How wrong they were (Yes, we were guilty too...). Trott has just gone quietly about his business in his own inimitable style and has now made the number three position his own. Trott's innings today probably even surpassed the hundred he made on debut in the Ashes decider last summer. The way he batted out of his crease and used his feet to nullify Mohammad Asif gave England some breathing space, which meant that first with Prior and then with Broad, Trott was able to lead England's amazing recovery. Trott passed 1,000 test runs during his innings, now averages 56 in tests and is what a shadow of a doubt England's Mr Dependable. What a turnaround.
Beating your Dad is sweet, but beating Ponting is sweeter
Not only was this Stuart Broad's first test and first-class hundred, but when he reached 123 it also became the highest score ever by an England number nine (beating Gubby Allen's landmark of 1931). After spending some time in the middle at The Oval during another rearguard (this time with Prior), Broad rediscovered the talent with the bat that hasn't been apparent for over a year now. It was a wonderfully positive knock and Broad proved a perfect foil to Trott's more obdurate style. Reaching a hundred also earned Broad bragging rights at home as his father's best test score at Lord's was 86. Broad is now on the honours board at the home of cricket where a certain Ricky Ponting's name is a notable absentee. Bet he can't wait to remind him of that come November 25th.

Aamer the record breaker
For the second test in a row, Mohammad Aamer was simply unplayable during an inspired spell. Last time it was a masterful display of pace, reverse swing and late movement, this time it was pace and traditional swing both ways as Aamer obtained late movement again to bamboozle England's out of form middle order. Prior's wicket after lunch gave him his second successive five for and his 50th wicket in test cricket, which if his passport is to be believed makes him the youngest bowler to reach this milestone in test history. He has now taken 30 wickets this summer and one wonders how much he could achieve in the game. On this form, the sky's the limit.
Another test, another wretched England batting collapse
England's batting travails in this series have been highlighted and dissected throughout the week, but the loss of four wickets in eight Aamer balls was a new low. Trott and Prior may be in decent form, but the rest are having a dreadful run. The averages for five of the top six in this series make worrying reading. Morgan averages 29.16 despite that hundred at Trent Bridge. The others are even worse with Strauss 25.83, Cook 23.85, Pietersen 23.33 and Collingwood a calamitous 19.83. Ricky Ponting must be licking his lips in anticipation.
Butt backs the wrong horse
Apart from their woeful fielding during the Trott-Broad partnership, the worst aspect of Pakistan's play was the support bowling. For the first time in this series, England nullified the threat of Saeed Ajmal and played him with ease - especially Trott. Wahab Riaz, the hero on debut in the first innings at The Oval, looked like a novice and carried absolutely no threat. Whether Butt and Waqar went for Wahab over a fit again Umar Gul because of his performance at The Oval or because they want to save Gul for the one dayers, it was the wrong choice and has probably cost them the match. With Gul, Pakistan could have wrapped up the England innings for less than 150.
Player of the day
Take your pick from Aamer, Broad and Trott, but we opt for the latter. He was in when the ball was darting everywhere, skilfully handled Aamer and Asif and kept his focus despite all the chaos at the other end. England's Mr Dependable has probably secured the series for his side.
Zero of the day
Kevin Pietersen's form has gone from a concern to a disaster. He even admitted himself before this test match that he has lost his swagger and confidence. The shot he played to get out was dreadful with Geoff Boycott summing it up perfectly on Test Match Special "If I'd played a shot like that, I'd have cut my throat". Yes, it was that bad.
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