Dominic Forrest

Whatever the result of the Oval Test, this has been an Ashes series of high drama — if rarely of the highest quality.

The ferocious competitiveness that was once the hallmark of Australian cricket looks in danger of being eroded.

It is a remarkable fact that since Headley Verity took 14 wickets in 1934, an England side has never won an Ashes Test at Lord’s.

The prospect of Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson hurling thunderbolts at ribcage and eyebrow height must have given England’s openers restless nights.