Never in doubt

I always thought that watching cricket was a great way to relax, but for the third time in four weeks, I've spent an hour or two this afternoon quite concerned that I might be about to have a coronary. I know that this series is very exciting, but here's hoping for a definite, clear winner at the Oval... or a lot of rain. Nah, not really. That was great. Again.
If Australia had got a lead of over 200 then yeah, England would have been in trouble. As it was, they bowled very well again, without Simon Jones this time, and with that bit of luck when Aleem Dar gave Katich out to Harmison. That was a shocker. Earlier, Hoggard had stepped into the breach, bowling a very tight spell before removing Clarke, and then, after lunch, Gilchrist. The latter, especially, was a great moment. I almost allowed myself to relax.
For years now, Hayden and Gilchrist have been the twin totems of Australia's dominance, bashing bowlers all over the place, humiliating them. Suddenly (at least in Gilchrist's case - Hayden has been out of form for a while), they're looking human. Hayden might even be dropped for the last Test and I hope he isn't. That's how edgy he's looking.
As for that run chase, well, what can I say? Is that the first time Hoggard has ever played a cover drive? In an interview afterwards, he joked that he'd played it with his eyes closed. At least, I think he was joking. Then there was Ashley Giles to finish things off. Good for him. England's isn't a team of superstars. Hoggard and Giles are two of its finest representatives.
I do hope Simon Jones is fit for the last Test. Not only has he been our best bowler, it would also be neat (especially given England's well documented, disastrous selection policy over the years) for the same eleven to play all the way through. He's got ten days to recover. Haven't we all?