With the Second Test at Lords fast approaching, England would be well advised not to turn up feeling too cocksure. Yes, they may go into the Second Test on equal standing, but there's no escaping that the momentum is with the Australians. If it wasn't for some dogged rearguard action, things could have been so different.
Indeed, it was the character and resilience that Paul Collingwood showed in his stay of nearly six hours and 245 balls that saved the First Test. Much maligned and often the focus of criticism, it was Collingwood who was the hero - and an unlikely one at that. It was an innings of sheer guts and determination, with no room for flair, no room for glamour. If it wasn't for his courage, England would have lost.
The same attitude seemed to rub off on the tailenders, too. Charged with the task of saving the Test match, James Anderson and Monty Panesar showed much of the same courage. In guiding England to safety, the No10 and No11 batsmen forged an unbroken partnership of 19 runs from a nail biting 69 balls. And they defied everything that was thrown at them, showing sound judgement and clear heads when they were needed most.
Compare and contrast to events earlier in the day, where there were no clear heads, but moments of sheer madness. The top and middle order of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, and Matt Prior all gave their wickets away in desperate fashion as they were out batted by, not only the disciplined Australians, but their own tail. Certainly, more resistance is required.
And that brings us to Lords. Clearly, England were heavily outplayed at Cardiff, and one would argue for changes. Andrew Flintoff''s latest injury setback surely means there will be at least one change to the line up, with Steve Harmison ready to step in, though some toothless bowling may allow for another adjustment to the line up.
There's no doubt that Harmison is in great form. If he is bowling well and playing regularly, there is no one in England who can match him for his combination of pace and bounce. The pitch at Lords would suit his bowling, too. Question marks remain over his fitness and temperament, however. In terms of aggression and raw pace, though, there is no alternative.
Surely, Graham Onions will also get his chance to shine. The Durham seamer performed excellently at Worcester, as the country's leading wicket-taker has done all season, and his tight bowling lines would cause problems. A second spinner is a luxury England cannot afford, and despite his dogged display with the bat at Cardiff, it's Panesar who should miss out. We know Swann can bowl better than he did in the last Test, and has thrived as a lone spinner before. His performances with the bat have been invaluable, too.
Clearly, improvements need to be made. The scoreline may say otherwise, but the last few days have shown that Australia are the team in the ascendency. England would do well to remember just that.
