Australia’s good cricketing stocks appear to have diminished and the nation is facing cricketing depression. This has rarely happened in the history of their cricket. England have been quick to thrive on these near-rare situations.

At Lord’s yesterday, the Australian batsmen failed yet again to combat and conquer the English bowling attack which had their tails up after the batsmen plundered a mountain of runs for Australia to face up to 583-run target — impossible even in this game of glorious uncertainties.