Australia seized the second Test on the final day in the manner of commandos raiding by night. They took England’s last nine wickets for 60 runs in 43 overs on a pitch offering nothing to anyone but the phenomenal Shane Warne, then laid bold assault on England’s bowlers, getting to the target of 168 with three overs and one ball remaining.
Too much caution, the genius of Warne and a needless run-out — that reliable catalyst for many a cricket calamity — combined to turn England’s almost fireproof position overnight into a defeat as deeply disappointing as any in living memory.
For Australia, this was an extraordinary victory, their answer to Headingley 1981. The best odds available against their winning were only 16-1 when the