Udders

Before last years Ashes I confidently stated the case that England could only beat Australia if Kevin Pietersen had a good series. He limped out after two games without a telling contribution. But by late August I was celebrating watching England win the Ashes at the Oval.

Before this series I pointed to the implementation of UDRS as a key factor in our chances of winning on Aussie soil. For now there would be no homer decisions by Rudi Koertzen to add impotent rage to the misery of defeat.

However if it wasn't for UDRS Anderson would be one short of a five-for now and Australia six down. And if England hadn't lost a referral when Michael Clarke edged behind (picked up on snicko but as it's not part of the decision making process it couldn't be used) they'd have no doubt referred the plumb LBW decision turned down by Aleem Dar against Michael Hussey.

We'll know by lunch how crucial these two decisions were.