The final wicket, maybe appropriately, was decided by third umpire Marais Erasmus after the third umpire had far more say than anyone would have wanted.
Test cricket boring? Good luck validating that after the last five days.
A game of ebbs and flows, of an Aussie number 11 on debut carving up and the most maligned Englishman scoring the only century, it was a thriller.
Also fitting was the success of James Anderson, the England fast bowler who cramped up before lunch after a 13-over spell and came back to end the game soon after. He finished with a well-deserved 5-73, his second five-wicket haul in the two innings.
The slightest of hot spot marks from the inside edge of Brad Haddin to his opposite number Matt Prior wrapped up the match with the Aussies fighting gallantly and the crowd given more than value for money.
Umpire Aleem Dar didn’t think it was out, but a most defiant review from England captain Alastair Cook proved correct.
Australian captain Michael Clarke was described as “bullish” after backing his side to push for a win – he wasn’t ultimately right but his confidence was justified.
Despite being on a losing side, the match will be remembered for Ashton Agar’s 98 runs worth of heroics in the first innings.
It will also unfortunately be recalled for the intervention of the third umpire – Johnathan Trott, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson all have grievances.
But what can’t be disputed was the quality of the contest.
The fact that Australia have a team to push England is undoubted.
Yet Australia remain the underdogs.
We go to Lord’s in London this Thursday with expectations high for another cracking test.
If it goes half as crazily as this one, with England fans and players genuinely fearing Australia would pluck a win from the hands of certain defeat as they chased 137 on the last day, it’ll again be one of the greats.
Hats will be bowed from both sides to Haddin, whose defiant innings ended on 71, while Pattinson was unbeaten on 25.
As will be the case for James Anderson, who bowled immaculately in both innings to take two five-wicket hauls.
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