Having been suffering with a cold these past few days I sort of missed the end to the 4th Ashes test. It's not easy staying up till the small hours (I must be getting old) but lying in bed with the radio has been a good way to go. I have this marvelous way of falling asleep and being woken up by wickets.

Good news on the result though. Another win for England now sees them 2-1 up in the series. One final test at The Oval, which I'll be back in England for so can at least watch during the day!

It was fun to see the Aussies get a little rattled by the use of fielders by England. It's all within the rules even if it does stretch the concept of "fair play". I get the feeling the Aussies would do the same but they didn't bring any specialist fielders with them and with their own shortage of bowlers in each of the tests Ricky Ponting just ended up spitting the dummy big style when he was run out by Gary Pratt. To quote rule 2.2:

The opposing captain shall have no right of objection to any player acting as a substitute on the field, nor as to where the substitute shall field. However, no substitute shall act as wicket-keeper.

I can see the use of the substitute coming along more. England have shown it's effectiveness during the series. Unless of course the ICC decides to alter the rules.

It's been a thoroughly enjoyable Ashes series so far. With a bit of luck England will win the final test. Something I know a few Aussies want to see happen. After all, losing now and again makes a change from always winning.

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