This fifth Ashes Test at The Oval is no dead rubber, as every subplot and story that has made this series great comes to a head with the history and future of the game seemingly on the line, Dean Bilton writes.
It was confirmed — to much consternation — in Manchester that Australia would retain the Ashes, its 2-1 series lead unable to be overturned by England with just this final Test at The Oval still to play.
The battle for the Ashes might be settled, but the battle for control of the narrative is just getting started. Conditions offered just enough support to encourage some full-pitched bowling, and the Aussies responded by peppering the stumps. It wasn't perfect, and at times it still looked a little fatigued, but chances were created at a greater rate than any other period through this tour.Which makes their lack of support in the field all the more disappointing.
As has been the way since the very first day of the series, England's full-throttle approach has made for some thrilling cricket but has also hindered its ability to win matches. A rapid 283 after being sent in on day one is not a bad result by any means, but had England batted the day there was 400 on the table.
It would also represent one of the biggest English failures in 20 years, a result not even the most twisted of logic could spin into a positive.An England win and a 2-2 series would be a tremendous missed opportunity for Australia and would leave a gaping hole in the resume of yet another generation of cricketers.
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