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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Sieze the Day, England!

They finally did it.

For the first time in over 24 years, England won by an innings in Australia.

It seems as though the pre-match hype has been founded. England bowled excellently and with discipline, with Broad, Anderson, Finn and Swann giving away little and taking a lot. More surprisingly, the bowling of KP was on display, taking the wicket of Michael Clarke with the last ball of the day on day four - setting the tone for a comprehensive victory.

Has anyone ever seen Australia in such disarray?

I know I haven't, coming on board as I did after the Ashes win of 2005. I watched the Aussies power through the dark and dismal Cup final of 2007 against Sri Lanka. That same year I heard Harmison start of the Ashes with a terrible wide that went straight to second slip; I listened with horror as Warne and McGrath ground England to dust 5-nil.

With memories like that, is it any wonder England has performed so ruthlessly when given a chance?

Not likely.

A key to being the greatest is not only winning when it counts, but winning when you should. No one will argue that Australia have a weak attack - the performance of Xavier Doherty certainly underscores that. But when faced with not-so-stiff competition, a side may be tempted to relax and stumble into a draw or a shock loss.

Not this side. Not this Ashes.

From Alastair Cook's hours at the crease to KP's double century, to Swann's five-fer in the second innings, everyone who should have performed, did perform. Every opportunity in the field was converted. England are in Australia with purpose, talent and determination.

It might just end 4-0.
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