Second Test Analysis

Run Rate
In line with my theory about run rates, it definitely made a difference here, the runs that England scored on the first day was fundamental to their win.

England run rate 4.5
Australia run rate 4.2

Runs

England Top Order 190
Australia Top Order 202

England Middle Order 269
Australia Middle Order 188

England Tail End 96
Australia Tail End 127

Again key difference is in the middle order, just a reminder: Luke and I predicted this.

Individual contribution
Undeniably a stunning match winning contribution from Freddie, putting to bed any doubts about him being able to perform on the biggest stage. I think he has to be content with 2 or 3 wickets in each innings and 100 runs as his target for any match. He is compared to Botham a lot but people forget how good a bowler Botham was, he was the best bowler in the world for several years and Flintoff will never be that, just check how many and 10 wicket hauls Botham has compared to Freddie. But he was the difference here and lets hope he pushes on from this brilliant performance at Old Trafford.

Flintoff 141 and 7-131

Best Bowling

Warne 10-162
Flintoff 7-131

Key Men

Harmison: not many wickets but 2 very key ones in the second innings.
Warne: total handful as usual - expect even more
Flintoff: the architect of the win with devastating batting in both innings
Lee: stepped out from the shadow of McGrath in the second innings
Trescothick: more of the same please Marcus
Langar: despite pummeling looked in better nick