I'm not disagreeing with you. That's pretty much exactly what I said. England have been CLEARLY on top for the large majority of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th tests. However, as I said, the margins weren't great at all, so I don't think there's any doubt that Australia could have been in front right now with just those two factors, a fit McGrath and deciding to bat first in the 2nd test. By the way, the team that has batted first has dominated each test. If Australia bats first in the 5th Test, who knows? I bet the curator will be pressured to prepare the flattest pitch in Ashes history.

Personally, I think the biggest difference between the teams which is totally killing us is Flintoff. I knew that our lack of a quality all rounder would end up hurting us badly one day and it's hurting us big time right now. You just can't go into a test match these days with only 4 frontline bowlers. It's just not good enough. England are using that extra bowler to great advantage and for most of this series our attack has looked EXTREMELY thin. We badly need to find a quality test match all rounder for the future!