The Ashes - 1st Test - Day 5 Trent Bridge

Get in!

Holy mother of God.  If this test match set the tone for the four remaining in the 2013 home Ashes series, I seriously dont think my heart will take it.

This was an absolutely amazing test match and a similar nailbiting climax to what we experienced at Edgbaston in 2005.

After Anderson had picked off Agar, Starc and Siddle, Australia were rocking at 231-9.  Veteran 'keeper-batsman Brad Haddin was still at the crease, already on 50no with Pattinson.  The pair made an amazing last stand of 65, including Haddin taking 15 off a single Finn over and Pattinson smashing Swann for a huge six over mid-wicket against the spin.

Needing just 15 to win, Anderson run in again to Haddin and he got the slightest nick on the ball through to 'keeper Prior.  Not out said the umpire, England reviewed.  Hotspot showed a tiny spot on Haddin's bat.  Third umpire asked for the audio.  The audio was consistent with the nick on the bat.  Umpire crossed his arms and up went the finger. Haddin was out and England had won by 14 runs.

Thats as good as Test Cricket gets.  Stunning game.  To think we've got four more tests in this series and then 5 more in Australia in the winter, I'm not sure I can cope with the drama.

Jimmy Anderson was rightly MOTM for his 10for (5for in both innings).

The second test starts at Lords this coming Thursday.  In terms of changes, Australia's Ed Cowan is under pressure after two failures with the bat and I fancy him to be replace with David Warner.   For England, Steven Finn looked out of form and is a prime candidate for change but given Lords is his normal home ground with Middlesex, he may get a reprieve.  Otherwise, I'd expect to see him replaced for Tim Bresnan, which would also bolster England's batting line up.