Third Test Analysis

Run Rate

In line with my theory about run rates, a difference of 0.5 or more sets up a winning position.

England run rate 4.2
Australia run rate 3.5

Runs

England Top Order 396
Australia Top Order 278

England Middle Order 264
Australia Middle Order 148

England Tail End 14
Australia Tail End 175

A real topsy turvy one here, superb performance from England's top order who look in great nick, Australia rescued by their tail enders.

Individual Contributions

The captain's batting on both sides really took the quality of the series to a new level.

Best Bowling

Jones 7-110
Flintoff 5-136

Probably most significant was that McGrath posted his worst ever figures in the first innings.

Key Men

Vaughan: showed what he is capable off in terms of match winning batting performances.

Warne: as he said, if he got more wickets he could an all-rounder, his knock in the first innings was pivotal.

Flintoff: just getting better and better as a bowler, now rated 10 in the world.

Ponting: did a captain's job on day 5

Trescothick: batted beautifully and should have scored more but was undone by freakish bad luck

Jones: if anyone doubted why he is now a England regular, there is your answer.

Strauss: great work in second innings, albeit a bit of a one day knock, but shows he has thought hard and worked on his game