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The Ashes

Somehow, England made it difficult for themselves, in what should have been an easy finish to a pretty scrappy but entertaining match. After being forced to follow on for the first time in 17 years it's a credit to Australia's bowlers who not only bowled very well to take seven wickets when England only needed 129 for victory, but previously in the day did a not-too-shabby job at holding out the tail end and actually putting some runs on.

But fining Katich and Ponting half and 75% of their respective match fees for what amounts to little more than a scowl in the wrong direction is quite ridiculous. Katich in particular appeared to be quite accepting of the decision at the time, only getting fired up about the blatantly incorrect LBW call after he was well on his way back to the pavillion, having seen the replay on the big screen.

Anyway, it'll certainly be an interesting fifth and final match in the series, and one that Australia must win to avoid becoming the first Australian team to lose the Ashes in 18 years.

28 August 2005