Tony Becca
THE ASHES, the symbol of supremacy between England and Australia, seems destined to return to England for the first time since 1989.
With one match to go, England lead the five-match contest 2-1 and although Australia will hang on to the Ashes if they win at The Oval and tie the series, a draw will leave England victors and holder of the coveted prize for the first time in 16 years.
After losing the first Test at Lord's by 239 runs and looking set to be steam-rolled, England, hitting back in style, won the second Test, were held to a draw in the third, won the fourth, and should be favourites to win the fifth and final Test match.
In a series that started with Australia as the favourites - so much so that members of the team had visions of a 5-0 victory.
England won by two runs at Edgbaston and after the draw at Old Trafford, they won the fourth by three wickets at Trent Bridge, and no praise is too high for captain Michael Vaughan and his apostles.
By scoring 407 in the first innings of the second Test, 444 in the first innings of the third Test, and 477 in the first innings of the fourth Test, England batsmen have done well and deserve every praise - especially remembering that many expected them to have been easy pickings for the likes of Glen McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee and Shane Warne, and also that they were bundled out for 155 and 180 in the first Test.
ENGLAND'S BEST WEAPON
England's wonderful position, however, is mainly due to their bowlers - and more so to Matthew Hoggard and his swinging deliveries, to Simon Jones and his reverse swing, and apart from his heroics with the bat, to Andrew Flintoff who bowled with fire and aggression.
England's best weapon was always expected to be their bowlers, backed up by some brilliant catching. So far they have certainly lived up to expectations and all England are hoping that they will continue to do so at The Oval.
The series, however, is not yet over, and as well as they have been playing since Lord's, although they are running hot or appear to be running hot, England had better be careful.
Although they are trailing in the count, Australia have demonstrated a fighting spirit second to none, and cannot, or should not, be counted out - especially so if McGrath, who missed the two matches they lost, is back in action to team up with Lee and Warne.
OUT OF LUCK
With a little luck, England, who were denied victory in the third Test by Australia's last pair, could have been leading 3-1 and the Ashes would have already been theirs.
With a little luck, however, Australia could also have been leading 3-1. In fact, after saving the third Test, they now could well be boasting a 3-0 lead.
Lest it be forgotten, even though Australia were on the ropes and reeling at 175 for 8 chasing a victory target of 283, England won the second Test by only two runs, and after the drawn third Test, after forcing Australia to follow on for the first time in 17 years, England, left with 129 to win on a pitch that remained good for batting, skidded to 116 for 7, and with Ashley Giles and Hoggard batting, with Warne and Lee on the rampage and only Steve Harmison and the injured Jones to come, were probably lucky to escape.
In other words, while Australia's lone victory was convincing, the two Test matches that England won could have gone either way.
That is how close the contest has been, that is why it has been so exciting, that is why Australia must believe they can win at The Oval, share the series and retain the Ashes.
That is why England, as happy and as confident as they may be, should not yet be thinking about champagne, and that is why one of the most exciting series ever is heading for a glorious climax.
