The game Australia are playing is a game of extreme measure and control. In the past week a lot has been said, jokingly, in desperate search for an answer to the strange problem that had arisen, about Australia lulling the English into a false sense of security. While I don’t buy this, and don’t believe for one moment that any of last weeks shananigans were planned, it is incontestable that there was something very lulling about the way Australia went about building its innings last night. It was careful, considered and patient batting. None of the brute domination that we are used to seeing, the beligerent power. Australia are starting from degree zero, slowly working up, making minor adjustments here and there – fitting their rhythms in with the rhythms of English conditions and English wickets. The total lack of panic that they have shown, the calmness they’ve presented must be worrying to the English camp. On last night’s performance they are getting close to tuned. Once the final, fine alterations are made Australia will be playing from a base that is already practically invincible, in full command with a total understanding of the environment and the forces that it is operating with. From here, at various points in time, timed with precision, we will see them launch back into the old intimidating style of abuse we are accustomed to. A carefully plotted route of drilling and launching. It will be phenomenal to watch. Lulling, and then a sudden sharp violence. A Kitano film.