This wasn't just an extraordinary day's cricket: it was two days in one. The first was dismally predictable: England were bowled out in two sessions, largely by Glenn McGrath, for virtually the same score they made at Lord's. The second was magnificently unpredictable. From the comfort of 48 for 0, Australia subsided to 105 for 7. Put it another way: they turned into England.

And England turned into Australia, because, for the first time in the series, they had a third cutting edge to support Gough and Caddick, and to offset Gillespie and Lee. Alex Tudor may only have taken two wickets, and one of them with a dubious decision, but he turned the tide.

This is now shaping up as a low-scoring dogfight - just the kind of game England know how to win, especially under Mike Atherton, and Australia are apt to lose, especially when batting last. With Adam Gilchrist still there, it is too early to say that England have the upper hand. But they have their self-respect.

Tim de Lisle is the editor of Wisden.com

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd