The Wisden 20:20 Control Ratio monitors every stroke a batsman plays. When he middles the ball, leaves it or avoids a bouncer, he is considered to be in command of his shot. He is judged to be not in control when the ball beats the bat, finds the edge, or hits his glove or pad. Using these criteria, we can calculate how controlled an innings has been. The percentages below include the first three Tests plus Australia's first innings at Headingley and England's innings up to lunch, when Mark Ramprakash and Alec Stewart were not out.

As the chart shows, the Australian middle order have built their big totals on a platform of relatively risk-free batting. And if their openers have under-performed in this respect, they still play a higher ratio of controlled shots than most of the England batsmen - although it's good to see Nasser Hussain leading by example. England have missed him in more ways than one.

The lowest percentages, as expected, are those of two bowlers. In the first three Tests Darren Gough averaged 48% and Glenn McGrath 43%.

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