Shouting from the Hop

England have a maximum of 98 overs left to play before they can reclaim the Ashes.
Australia have just 98 overs left to win before they can maintain hold of the Ashes.
Both statements are true, but which team will be celebrating later this evening?

With 98 overs play guaranteed on the final day of this most amazing of series, we could see either team win, or a drawn or tied test match. The likelihood of an England win or a tie are very poor, but England won't mind if they can drag a draw out of this test and take the series which they lead 2-1. To do that, the batsmen have to come good one final time; someone needs to make the best part of a hundred, preferably one of the two batters currently in - Trescothick or skipper Vaughan (pictured working out the options with Freddie). Bell, next in, is on a pair, and Pieterson is a little out of touch though the scene for him enhance his reputation and to bat big runs and take the game away for Australia is set. Freddie could also weigh in with key runs, as could Collingwood and Jones. But if the Aussies get on a role, it could all go pear-shaped pretty quickly.

For Australia, Warne and McGrath are key. They will no doubt bowl long spells each, and England surviving the first battles with each will be key to the day. Lee will bowl fast and young Tait will also be needed to bowl when the ball is older (hoping for reverse swing). Catch taking will be crucial, and the attacking fields Ponting has to set could mean runs are available. Basically, Australia need to get the final nine wickets by tea, or they can wave goodbye to a champagne welcome back down under.

This whole series has been nip and tuck, swinging one way then the other. This test match has been like that too, with the Aussies looking good, then getting pegged back by Flintoff and Hoggard yesterday before the weather came good for England. It could well be that we have a situation whereby Australia need to score very quick runs in not many overs to win, and they could lose quick wickets in the chase; this would be Englands only chance of winning in my opinion.

The whole of this country is hoping England can bat out the day and hang on for a draw today. The weather, very damp and cloudy at the moment, is due to get better as the day wears on, and all 98 overs are expected to be bowled if needed. I just hope that around 6pm Vaughan and Ponting shake hands and walk off, and it's the English captain wearing the huge smile with the crowds cheers ringing in his ears.