5th Test : The Countdown

I dream, therefore I exist.
- August Strindberg

I am only just beginning to overcome the shock of Headingley's horrors. As my tweetings indicate, the journey has not been as easy one. The dismal display over the weekend was an affair no-one should have to endure.

But, this week is a time for action - we must set the SOS mission into life. All talk has now turned to wholesale changes, especially in light of the failures of The Puppy, The Lost Boy and The Chef this afternoon. With no further ado, here is my XI for the Test of Tests -

Strauss
Trescothick
Key
Ramprakash
Collingwood
Prior
Flintoff
GBH
Anderson
Swann
Rashid
12th man: Broad

Let me know your thoughts. I believe radical introductions in the batting line-up are a must. The inclusion of Rashid is obviously contingent on the wicket. This test is a one-off so let's dispense with caution in selection. The Urn is as stake so we can afford to look at this test in isolation.

Next Thursday cannot come soon enough. I am already alive with tension.

Here is some light relief to stave off the nerves - The Eternal Optimist has discovered The Sherminator's calling. There's no surprise that a white flag is involved...

I am off to hunt for moose now. Please allow yourself to drift off to the last day at The Oval in my silence - imagine us carousing in victory as the Aussies slump to the turf. Fantasy is the ultimate doctor of comfort.

The Phoenix