Aussies Find New Way to Relax

Aussie opener Matthew Hayden is reputed to have claimed that the pressure’s off his side in the final test at the Oval, so they can relax, win and retain the Ashes.

Let’s think about that for a minute. Australia, who for as long as most of can remember have been by some distance the dominant force in world cricket, are 2-1 down going into the final test. They can’t win the series. The very best they can do is triumph at the Oval and thereby retain the Ashes, not to mention a bit of pride. They know that since Lords they have been outplayed by Michael Vaughan’s men and they could well be 3-1 down at this stage. Their captain has had a tantrum and their number 1 pace bowler has been struggling with injury. And it could well rain.

Taking all that into account, it’s easy to see how relaxed they might feel.

As for Matthew himself, he’s had what the Aussies call ‘a pretty rough trot’ this summer and he’ll be 34 in October. So he can certainly do without the pressure.