England nicely poised

England, led admirably by Michael Vaughan and who have put up a tremendous performance against their arch enemy Australia deserve to win the elusive Ashes.

Vaughan's side now lead Australia 2-1 and hold the Ashes Urn. Now what they need to do is to play for a draw to hold it aloft proudly after 19 long years.

Australia who have had their prestige dented, are sure to come out firing all cylinders to win the final test and retain the Ashes. They will come out like hungry lions attempting to devour their opponents.

But if England carry the same aggressiveness and believe that attack is the best form of defence, they can chalk up another victory and convincingly carry away the Ashes inflicting a 3-1 defeat on the baggy green caps.

Australia arrived in England with great confidence. Their aim was for another Ashes win. When they chalked up a comparatively easy 239 run win in the first Test, it looked as though they would run away with the Ashes this time too.

But they never bargained for a forceful comeback by England, thanks to a moment of noon madness by skipper Ricky Ponting who won the toss in the second Test and asked England to bat, sans hit man Glen McGrath.

Inspired by the absence of McGrath who wrecked them in the first Test, England became larger than life when they blasted an amazing 407 runs on the first day mincemeating the Aussie attack.

They deserved that victory after the mauling they inflicted on the Aussies and every one appreciated and acknowledged England's grand victory.

That England could not win the other two Tests were just one of those things. They had Australia on the ropes. That they could not deliver the knock-out punch would always be debated by them and their supporters.

Then in the fourth Test where they made the Kangaroos follow on, an ignominy that they have suffered after 17 years was the greatest insult that England could have heaped on their rivals.

Australian prestige was never so badly battered and insulted. When they were asked to follow on, the stage was set for them to wipe off the deficit of 259 and put into action their famous comeback style by blasting a near 450 to 500 with their blasters getting into action.

Had they been able to put together a 175 run lead they could have had England licking their wounds as the final moments of this Test unfolded with the Aussies taking the game to the wire before surrendering by three wickets.

England with a 2-1 lead must not let complacency set in. The Kangaroos must be hopping mad. In the final Test they will come out of their corner throwing knockout punches. If England can hold their guard then they should be celebrating with champagne for the Ashes would be their's after 19 long and frustrating years.

Champion leg-spinner Shane Warne continues to add to his stature as the just concluded Test confirms. Warne has also shown that he is no mug with the bat making some useful contributions.

While appreciating that the umpires are doing a thankless job, it would be good if they could do a better job by concentrating a bit more.

The umpiring in the Ashes series has not been what it should be. Both Australia and England have suffered and in the final Test if the umpires do their job well then a no quarter asked or given game would unfold.

Also the "Barmy Army' that is how England supporters are tagged would do well and be of encouragement to their players if they shout more meaningful advice and not make a nuisance of themselves by guzzling beer and just yelling 'Barmy Army', Barmy Army'.

What are they trying to prove by just shouting their voices hoarse?

Next time round we hope they would be more meaningful in their cheering.