Trott's innings today was vital to England closing out this game. Cook and Strauss had both departed early and the potential for a collapse was in view. There were cloudy skies above and Peter Siddle was on a roll, spurred on by his home crowd. This did not seem to bother Trott, who batted as if he had entered at 300-1 with clear blue skies. He found an ally in Kevin Pietersen which made his early task easier but when Pietersen fell for 51, another mini-collapse could have derailed the innings. Collingwood and Bell both went in quick succession attempting poorly judged pull shots. This would have panicked any other batsman (in the same way Brad Haddin was panicked yesterday after a flurry of wickets). However Trott was in no mood to surrender.
He continued his steady accumulation with a minimum of fuss, seemingly oblivious to the events occurring around him. In the early stages of Trott's partnership with Prior, Trott played a key role in a big moment. Prior had been caught at slip but as he trudged off, Trott was talking to the umpire saying he had spotted a no-ball. The umpire, unsure of the legality of the delivery went upstairs and the decision went in England's favour. A big moment as Prior, then on 5, went on to make 75* at stumps. Perhaps another batsman would not have spotted that no-ball, in fact I doubt many others would and Prior would have gone. This is a testament to Trott's powers of concentration, they are the key to his batting and the reason he is able to bat for such long periods of time without becoming flustered.
Whilst this was a great day for Jonathon Trott, it was also a brilliant day for England. There was potential for the innings to be dismantled early on but they recovered well to put themselves in a position where it is almost inconceivable they could lose. England are now 346 runs ahead with 5 wickets left. They could bat all day tomorrow if they wanted to since there is still so much time left in the game.
If I were Andrew Strauss, the skies would determine my declaration. If it is sunny all day tomorrow then I would bat for as long as possible. If the clouds come in later on in the day then I would declare on the spot, to get Australia batting in unfavourable conditions. If the sun is shining, I would not consider a declaration tomorrow.
Ricky Ponting has been strangely calm throughout the series but today all his worries and tension boiled over. After an attempted referral against Kevin Pietersen had been unsuccessful, Ponting remonstrated with both umpires for at least a minute. He gestured towards the big screen, seemingly convinced Pietersen had nicked it. The rest of the stadium seemed to think otherwise. After a while the large contingent of England supporters around the MCG started to boo Ponting. It was poor behaviour, something that did not belong on a cricket pitch and something that hopefully, Ponting will be fined for. It is unacceptable for a role-model like Ponting to act in that way.
Things did not get any better for Ponting as Trott survived a very close run-out from the skippers boundary throw. This will have aggravated Ponting as he was once again convinced of the dismissal. If that was not enough. Australia were denied a cast-iron wicket when Matt Prior edged to slip. Jonathon Trott's eagle-eye this time frustrating the Aussies as he spotted Johnson's no-ball. Ponting must have been close to breaking point. There was nothing he could do as he watched the Ashes slipping further and further into the distance.
Australia are staring into the abyss. Not even Jonathon Trott could save them now.
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