As readers of this column might remember I felt prior to the last Test that England had to win the mind games and they did so convincingly, indeed so aggressively, that it even surprised those of us who thought they had it in them to do so.

If was definitely a bonus that they batted first on a good pitch at Edgbaston and Ricky Ponting will forever rue giving them the chance to do so. But the way they went about their business from the first ball to the last proved conclusively that they know they belong on the same field as this Australian team.

They know that if they play to their potential they can beat them. The fact is that England have younger, fresher and, quite probably, hungrier cricketers. They may not be as talented man for man – though that may be in doubt now – but their desire is such that some of their faults are overridden.

It hardly needs me to say that Australia are a lesser side without Glenn McGrath, and for three reasons. Firstly, he fulfils a role with the ball of both attacker and defender. Secondly, his partnership with Shane Warne increases the value to the team of both, especially when they bowl in tandem. Thirdly, he is another Australian who truly and unconditionally believes they will win every time they go on to the field. Many others have this characteristic but not all.

England still do not quite have it but more of their players will begin to see such unconditional belief as something that is possible to achieve given the extraordinary nature of their win at Edgbaston. This kind of tight, dramatic win has previously been the domain of the Australians because they have been stronger in the mind than their opponents. To see England triumph in such circumstances is absolutely the most positive thing to come out of the match – and there were quite a few contenders.

With McGrath sidelined, Australia will be doubly concerned about Brett Lee. To a degree this is because of his ability as a bowler, but more pertinently right now is the fact that he grew up as a cricketer at Edgbaston, and therefore would have been a more formidable opponent than before. In a way Lee drew as much from the 2nd Test match as England and would be one player going into the Old Trafford game with the same momentum as the home side.

It is a cliché to say that one should never write off the Australians but one should not. The great thing now is that both teams have the same bit between their teeth and there is no obvious favourite. Fancy that; even money on a Test between England and Australia. And, at that price, I would have a bet on England.

10 Aug, 2005