As it turned out, a week was indeed a long time in cricket. Australia roared back to their old ways, romping home by 405 runs, inflicting a humiliating defeat on England and squared the series 1-1 at Lord's. Now they will look to repeat their performance from London in the third Test of the series at Edgbaston, England's fortress where they have a 24-8 win-loss record, their best home venue where they have played a minimum of five Tests.


Australia's Chris Rogers during a training session yesterday. Pic/AFP 

The talk during the first two Tests mainly was about the playing surface, and the lack of pace and bounce. Both teams showed that they are capable of winning on such surfaces but with exhortation and general dissatisfaction of England management with the pitches at Cardiff and at Lord's, might see the first lively surface of the series welcoming the players, with an even covering of grass assisting the seamers.