The World Champions in Trouble

England are tightening the screws. Symonds and Clarke batted with a miserable partnership of 3 runs in 5 overs. Clarke got out for 2 from 19 balls at the end of the 24th over. Australia are at 93/5 in 25 overs. Sheesh.

Symonds and Hussey are the last recognizable batsmen. England will likely go on to win this match unless we get a mighty performance from the Aussie bowlers.

Update: Whoa! McGrath Lee McGrath Lee McGrath. England reduced to 33/5 in under 10 overs. England are at 41/5 at the end of the 16th over. Australia repays England with generous interest. England need a further 156 runs in 34 overs to win the match. They need a miracle from Collingwood.

Update II: While writing the previous update, I thought that the title of this post was a little premature but oh now it really applies. Collingwood and Jones have added a mammoth 112 runs in 33 overs for England. They need a further 52 runs from 46 balls!

Hubba hubba, this is how finals should be -- hard-fought and down to the wire.

Update III: Collingwood run out for 53 from 115 balls. Jones smacks 2 fours in the same over and has finally hit more 4s (4) than 6s (3). England need 39 runs from 36 balls with 4 wickets in hand. The crowd must be going nuts.

Update IV: England is mellow now. Jones is gone for a 100-ball 71. The next Jones is also out. England at 162/8. The English top and middle order must be cursing themselves. They need 28 runs from 20 balls.

Update V: The end is near. England needs 10 runs from 6 balls with 2 wickets in hand. McGrath to bowl. This has been the most electric England vs. Australia match I've ever followed!

Update VI: 3 runs from 2 balls.

Update VII: RUN OUT! England need 3 runs from 1 ball. All 3 results are possible!

Update VIII: TIED. Unbelievable.

Avinash bhai, you missed an amazing final.

The Ashes series promises even more thrill. It's about time.