When Mike Atherton walked to the crease this morning, he might or might not have been playing his last Test innings. There was no way he was going to tell the press or the public until the game was over, and all chances of nasty, forced sentimentality had gone. But his dismissal, McGrathed - for the 19th time in Tests - was the defining moment of the day. It had to be that way - McGrath wasn't going to let him go without a proper send off. And nor were the crowd - who rose to their feet - or the Australian players - who applauded him off the field - nor Nasser Hussain and Alec Stewart - who stood to him on the balcony with the air of company directors bidding a fond farewell to their prize employee. A carriage clock surely beckons.

But Atherton can sleep easier in his bed tonight than once he could. For England's chances of surviving tomorrow didn't disappear with his wicket. Over the last two Tests, England have rediscovered some steel in their sometime-spineless middle order. They need long innings tomorrow from at least two players. And, at last, there seem to be some candidates - Marcus Trescothick, Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain, Mark Ramprakash and Alec Stewart - who might too be playing his last Test innings.

Weather permitting, Steve Waugh will be going for the kill tomorrow. England owe it to Atherton to stick their tongues out and their backs to the wall, and let him walk away from the Australians with a draw. 3-1 has rather a nice ring to it after all.

Tanya Aldred is assistant editor of Wisden.com.

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