As I write England are in pole position in the final test at The Oval. A very up and down series, and now Australia have 2 days score a record 4th inning score to win.
I watched midway thought the second session last night, as England were slowly trying to build a large target. My frustration was at Prior and Flintoff along with he commentary team.
Prior ran himself out going for a ludicrous single. You tell kids not to run when they hit it straight to the fielder. What was Prior thinking?
The there is the “Freddie” situation. A talisman yes, but aren’t his powers being somewhat overstated in the light of his retirement form Test cricket. I have always thought it a bit strange that some players announce their retirement ahead of the event. In so doing, they ensure are chosen and all that hubbub is generated. As a result AF has changed from a successful, respected cricketer to wonder god on whom the state of English cricket depends. His record does not deserve the levels of admiration he is currently receiving. A particularly British thing going on?
And so, he came out for his final innings, when the situation demanded some application to score some much needed runs. However, he plays as if it is a charity bash where he is expected to throw the willow in any manor he wishes, as long as it looks exciting. Atherton and “Bumble” I think it was, seemed to buy into this scenario, and laugh along with it all.
Thankfully after I went to bed, Trott continued his accumulative role, while Broad and Swann put effort in to produce the runs.
Lets hope for a famous victory, and that the attention goes to the 
appropriate participants.
