SWING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING - Much talk has been made of England's mastery of swing, and its effect on the Australians. In fact, you can't read a sports section without the phrase "reverse swing" cropping up. Now, I have to admit that I am a little confused as I thought with normal swing the ball swung towards the shiny side, and that reverse swing was when it swung the other way, but it seems that reverse swing is simply when they change the position of the ball to point the shiny side towards the batsman so it swings towards him. I would have thought it self evident this would occur, rather than it being some great mystery but apparently not (anyone who can explain it better please feel free to enlighten me in the comments).

There is an interesting, if somewhat bitter, article in Cricinfo today, discussing the last time reverse swing dominated the headlines.I am not sure whether the author is accusing the English bowlers of ball tampering, or demanding an apology on behalf the Pakistani team, or both, but it makes for a good read.

OOH ERRRR, GLEN MCGRATH - Glen McGrath is doing an excellent job of public relations for Australia, and seemingly able to put a positive spin on just about everything. Reading his comments after the last match, one would think that Australia are fully in control of this series, instead of just being able to squeak a draw to keep the series within their grasp. As one of the greatest bowlers to ever play, McGrath isn't just all words and bluster, but I think he is a little over confident. If England hasn't surprised Australia, one wonders why their batsmen looked shell shocked that first day at Lord's, or why a previously sacrosanct team unit is now looking decidedly vulnerable to the selectors axe. But, at least he has revised his pre-Ashes prediction of a 5-1 sweep to a mere 3-1!

MATCH REVIEW - For a great match review check out The Corridor of Uncertainty's wrap up here. Will's site is perhaps the best cricket blog out there and is, along with Cricinfo, my go-to site for cricket news. If you are following the Ashes and want all the latest news, plus a chance to read comments from cricket fans all over the world, add it to your bookmarks today.

IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER - Who would have thought that after the excitement of Edgbaston that Test cricket would be able provide anything to compete? But, as Australia narrowly salvaged a draw from a match that seemed all but lost, I could not drag my eyes away. 21,000 fans packed the stands, with tens of thousands turned away, as we saw a fifth day to remember. At first I didn't think England could win it, but after brilliant efforts by all their bowlers I honestly thought they had it, right up until the last few balls.

This is proving to be one of the greatest Ashes series in history, and at 1-1 there is everything to pay for. People seem to be calling this an Australian victory, and it is true that it will be very hard for England from here. They need to win at least one more to win, but the worry is that with two to go Australia only need to win one to draw the series, and as holders they will retain the Ashes. England might take that as moral victory but they seem to be unwilling to settle for anything less than total victory. But it goes to show how much the tables have turned that Australia are celebrating a draw as a win, and England are disappointed. Last time around, it would have been the opposite, and this is a mark of the unexpected challenge that England are giving Australia (one of the most compelling images was the field set at the end of the match, almost all the England team in the slips or close to the bat, something we haven't seen since the West Indian glory days. After recent bat dominated years, Australia's batting don't know how to handle this attack.). I still think England can win this series, they bounced back from a 240 odd run loss to a 2 run victory, and they can certainly bounce back from this. But, they can't afford to let up on the intensity one little bit, and the whole team need to come out firing, especially Harmison. After his disappointing finish to this Test, he needs to come out in 9 days ready to knock some heads off.

ANSWERING THEIR CRITICS, OR FAILING THE EXAM - One of the more fascinating things to watch on that fateful fifth day was the reaction of certain players to their maulings in the press. Geraint Jones, who has been absolutely ripped to shreds for his sub-standard keeping, responded by having perhaps the best day of his career behind the stumps, taking catches and almost stumping Ponting, culminating in an unbelievable catch of Strauss' leg to dismiss Warne. He has managed to keep the wolves from the door for another Test. Ricky Ponting also silenced some of the criticism directed at him with a brilliant, match saving 160 (getting what would have been Simon Jones' Man of the Match Award in the process). I did predict this might happen (though he didn't get the 250!), but there are still question marks about his captaincy, which has been woeful. If Australia retain the Ashes he will survive, but if they lose them, anything could happen. But, perhaps the saddest sight was Jason Gillespie trudging off after a his second inning duck. He has had a terrible series, and the call for his omission are deafening. This has to be the last Test of the series for him, and will probably be the last of his career. It was tragic to see such a loyal servant of Australian cricket depart this way.

THE MINI ASHES - Gideon Haigh seems to think that the vital battle of this Ashes is Adam Gilchrist versus Andrew Flintoff. While Flintoff's complete domination of Gilchrist has been vital to England's cause, I would disagree. For me, the Ashes come down to two players, Flintoff and Shane Warne. Both players act as talismans to their sides, and how they perform may well determine the result of this series. While both sides now have multiple match winners, it is these two who have the ability to completely change the complexion of a Test match by sheer force of will, with either bat or ball. We have seen it a few time already, and I hope that we continue to do so, because it is part of what has made this such an amazing series. Seeing Flintoff thundering in to bowl or smashing sixes, or watching Warne deceive with the ball or defy England's pace might with the bat is not something you soon forget. It isn't often we see a great of the game in action, but in this series we have two, and we should savour every moment. Interestingly, how they are handled reflects how their captains are traveling. Vaughan is confident enough in his captaincy to use Freddie as his "go-to man", while Ponting seems a little threatened by Warne's sheer force of presence, and has made some strange decisions in the timing of calling on him.

AUSSIE SELECTION WOES - It is not just Jason Gillespie who may be axed, their batting collapses mean that Australia has more than one selection dilemma. I think that their batting lineup will be altered by the next Test. Though I love him, Hayden probably deserves it more, but past form will mean that it is probably Katich who will go. While I think that Hussey earnt a place due to his form in the ODI series, I think that it will Hodge who comes in, while Tait will replace Gillepsie.

THE 600 CLUB - As a wannabe legspinner myself, Shane Warne has always been a inspiration for me, on the field, that is. It was a piece of cricket history as he took his 600th wicket yesterday, and there is no doubt, whatever one thinks of his lifestyle, that he truly is a legend of the game . While I hope it is his last wicket for the series, it can only be good for the game if he continues play on, so here is to number 700!

A TALE OF TWO CAPTAINS - Amongst the more fascinating battles of the Ashes has been the inevitable comparisons between the two captains, Michael Vaughan and Ricky Ponting. And, so far, to me there seems to be a clear winner between the two.

Michael Vaughan has been a batting hero of mine since the last Ashes series, where he dominated all the Australian bowlers (as much as such a thing has been possible). Since becoming England captain his batting form has slumped, but there have been surprisingly few calls for him to be dropped. The simple reason for this is that his captaincy has been very good, and at times inspired. He has taken the England team from the beginning of a good team (and one must give Nasser Hussain credit for his work and his selfless decision to step down) to a team that are not only capable of beating Australia but who believe that they can do so, and it is their lack of belief that has always been their greatest weakness. With a mixture of innovative leadership on the field, and a relaxed attitude off it he has forged perhaps the best English team for two decades. The only criticism I could level against him is a tendency not to press the attack enough, but he seems to be shaking off that tendency as his confidence grows. And, now with a big score under his belt, I am sure that Australia will be worried. An aside, it was interesting how much criticism he coped from some commentators for throwing away his wicket. Yes, it wasn't as clever as one would like, but you would think he had made 6 not 166 the way some were talking. I think the worst thing about it is that, like Trescothick's 90, it was his best chance for a big milestone against Australia. That chance may not come again soon, but let's hope it does.

On the other hand, Ricky Ponting is not having a great series. I have never really rated him as one of the great Australian captains (I rate Border and Taylor the greatest out of the four that has have spanned my interest in cricket), as in my opinion with the team he inherited one would have to be incompetent to lose too many games. But, as Australia are coming under more pressure Ponting doesn't seem like he is handling it all that well. His onfield demeanour is that of a man under a great deal of stress, and like Vaughan his form with the bat has been a concern. Since he took over the captaincy I have felt that he has relied on his match winners to, well, win the match for him, rather than any sort of inspired leadership. He field settings seem to be very reactive and unimaginative, and he makes some very strange bowling change choices (like Shane Warne seemingly taken ages to come on). I can't help but feel that Australia's invincibility has shielded some of his shortcomings, but now that the cracks are showing he needs to step up. And, while he is undoubtedly one of the finest batsmen of his generation (and exquisite to watch while on song) if his batting slump and Australia's form continues in tandem, questions may begin to be asked. You can afford a captain who is getting runs in a struggling team, or a captain struggling for runs in a winning team, but not both. And if, horror of horrors, Australia lose the Ashes, he will be in real trouble, a thought no doubt contributing to his stress.

But, the wonderful thing about cricket is that things can change very quickly. Ponting may score 250 tomorrow, and Australia might take the Ashes 4-1. But, at the moment, Vaughan is by far doing better, and for England's sake I hope that continues.

THE GREATEST TEST EVER? - Over the past few weeks a fair bit of my time has been consumed watching cricket as Australia traveled to England to begin a tour which will ultimately result in the winning or losing of the Ashes. From the moment that Australia set foot in England, it was evident that this was a new English team, one that was willing to take it right up to the Aussies.

The tour started well for England, with a victory of Australia in the inaugural 20/20 match and nothing seem to go right for Australia from there on in, with them even being beaten by Bangladesh (who played extremely well and deserve full credit for that amazing performance). However, by the end of the one dayers, Australia seemed to be coming into form. And, after the first Test at Lord's, one might have been forgiven for thinking this was going to be like so many other series that showed so much promise, such as Australia in India, and turn out to be another one-sided affair. As an English supporter (yes, I am a traitor), I hoped this wasn't the case, but the extra-ordinary events of Edgbaston exceeded even my wildest dreams.

The Second Test started out in with the high drama of Glenn McGrath's tragic injury (fancy stepping on a cricket ball!), but that was only the beginning of the roller coaster ride. Seemingly inspired by the absence of their nemesis England smashed over 400 runs in the first day, and we were treated to what we had been waiting for all summer, the sight of Flintoff and Pietersen at the crease, together, and appearing determined to knock the leather off the ball. When Australia were unable to match England's first innings total it was looking like the series might be leveled easily, but then the old England returned. As Sharne Warne answered those who thought he was past his prime with a ball that spun two feet and made the Gatting ball look positively tame (sending shivers through the English dressing room) England seemed determined to throw their wickets away. Sure, Bell and Pietersen might claim to be unlucky, but Trescothick and Vaughan (who was the star of the last Ashes) had no excuse. Flintoff provided a brief glimmer of hope, before tragedy struck and I watched in horror as we thought that his innings was over with a discolated shoulder.

But, that was only the beginning of something amazing. Fortified with a "jab in the bum", he proceeded to demolish the Australian attack with an unbelievable display of power hitting that threatened windows on all sides of the ground. As bowlers watched helplessly, he took the game by the scruff of the neck and put on what would turn out to be vital runs. After a stern talking to, Simon Jones provided him with great support and sat back to watch the fireworks. I don't think it is any exaggeration to say that in 20 years people will talk about Flintoff and Edgbaston the way they talk about Botham and Headingley. Finally, he fell but one could sense that momentum had swung England's way. By the end of the day, more Flintoff magic and Harmison's incredible slower ball had dashed Australia's hopes, and it seemed the game was as good as won with an insurmountable target awaiting the Australia's tail. Sunday night, I sat down with Dad to watch what I though to would be a short match only to see one of the most tension filled sessions ever played.

Australia whittled down the target to something that at first seemed a possibility, and became more and more likely with every ball, only losing Warne as he stood on his own wicket (I don't know why it took so long for the commentators to realise this, as I picked it straight away). Lee showed a bravery which has raised him immeasurably in my regard, but England held their nerve as Australia rode their luck. With a piddling 2 runs to win, to the relief of millions and just in time for my gnawed fingernails, England sealed the match.

Afterwards, sitting there in shock I could hardly believe the match I had just witnessed. I cannot think of any greater advertisement for Test Cricket. 20/20 and ODIs cannot compare with the drama we experienced as the match swung way then the other. It was full of incredible individual performances from established legends and those making their mark for the first time. It was wonderful to see those who had been under the pump answering the critics in the best possible way, like Giles taking Ponting;'s wicket (his face saying more than his newspaper column ever could) or Geraint Jones whose wicket keeping is the subject of much vitriol taking the only catch that really counted. And, which pleased me most of all, there was also a real spirit of sportmanship pervading the game. Sure, it was played hard, but one could see the respect that each team had for the other. From Warne yelling "Hey, Freddie" after taking his wicket and clapping him off the ground, to Flintoff consoling Lee this is how cricket should be played. I don't think I have ever seen a crowd like it either, literally scared to watch as the runs ticked down. This game will go down in history amongst the great games.

And, it has set up one hell of a series. As Vaughan admitted, from 2 nil down it would be nigh on impossible to beat this Australian team, but now there is everything to pay for at Old Trafford, and I cannot wait. We may have seen history in the making at Edgbaston, but something tells me there is more to come in the Ashes we have all been waiting for.

I'M BACK!!! (SOME THANKYOU'S, SOME APOLOGIES AND SOME UPDATES) - It has been over four months (it is hard to believe it has been that long) since I last updated my blog, so I wouldn't be surprised if people have given up checking for posts. But, I decided that it is past time to get back into it. Before I say anymore though, first I need to say some thankyou's and some apologies.

The first, and biggest, thankyou is to all those who took the time to email me or drop me a note ask me how I was going. It was greatly appreciated, and I look forward to visiting you all to see how you are. I also want to thank Dory, of The Wittenberg Gate, for hosting the Christian Carnival the week of my accident as I was in no position to do so. Funnily enough, that was my biggest worry at the time, even more than how I was going to pay for a new car.

I also want to apologise for taking so long to get back into blogging. I can't believe it has taken me so long, and I hope that I can make the wait worthwhile. I also want to apologise to Jim at http://jimgilbertatlarge.blogspot.com/, who I owe a reply to.

The past few months have seen some very exciting things for me (which may have something to do with why I have been absent so long), which I hope to share with you in greater detail over the next few weeks. They include things from getting an honourable mention in the EO Blog Symposium, to starring in two short movies and a TV series. It really has been a hectic but wonderful time, and I thank God for all the great things He has been doing in my life.

For now, though, just let me say, it is good to be back!!!

LEST WE FORGET -