What's impressive about England's performance in The Ashes so far is the way they

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

haven't allowed a few spells of excellence to hamper their progress to abject defeat.

Superb bowling and a spirited top order fightback puts you in contention in the second test? Don't worry, a spineless batting collapse will soon undo any good work. A record 200+ fifth wicket partnership puts you in a commanding position? Fear not, losing six wickets for 30-odd runs and bowling toothlessly will sort that.

. . . . . . .

[Burney]

. . . . . . .

He's a highly prolific (if somewhat limited) batsman, who is in a terrible run of form.