Ashes to Ashes?

You could, at a hard pinch, argue that the portents are comparably favourable.

In 2005 we lost the first Test in four days yet went on to win the series. (So awful was the Lord's Test that year this humble member of MCC did not even bother to don the 'rhubarb & custard' [or 'egg & bacon' as preferred] tie to attend the funereal rites on the Sunday.)

In 2006, however, it has taken all of some of the fifth day before Australia has triumphed, so by virtue of some hopelessly over-optimistic casuistry one could argue we're actually doing better than last time and that ultimate victory is assured.

This though is not my sense now. My thoughts turn rather to that dreadful day in 1984 when the West Indies completed their 5-0 'blackwash', as they loved to call it, at the Oval. Being present to witness that final collapse has remained in the memory as a time of grim resignation on the one hand and cacophonous celebration on the other.

If there were a patron Saint of Cricket one would be needing him now to urge such divine intervention as restoring Harmison's nerve or causing Shane Warne to go walkabout for the next two months. There being, as I believe, no such person I can only implore that perennial saint of last recourse Saint Jude, Apostle, nephew - most likely - of Christ and patron of Lost Causes. (Poor fellow ended up with this moniker as too many confused his name with that of the Traitor Judas, therefore never invoking his intercession until all other avenues of prayer had been exhausted.)

Another 'Great Escape'? Somehow I doubt it this time. So God bless the 'Barmy Army' tonight - they have ten or so more weeks in which to seek to maintain that dogged determination to relish all that cricket and life can throw at them. Don't think I spotted St Jude in the crowd tonight. Just hope he has a ticket for Adelaide on Friday!