I’m a bit behind the times here. I have to go all the way back to the first day. In test match time this it is like eons have passed. I remember watching Australia bat. While all around were deploring their lack of application, their irresponsibilty and the lack of respect they were displaying for England’s bowlers, I was finding it telling. It was the first innings of the Ashes and Australia were playing completely nihilistically. They didn’t care how many runs they were going to score, they just going to go head-on at everything that was thown at them. It was extraordinary cricket. If there is dedicated planning and considered thought behind utterly nihilistic actions can it still be nihilism? It was clear to me that Australia knew the day was going to consist of all out violence, coming from the English bowlers. It was clear that Australia’s very conscious decision was to never take a step back from this. They were simply going to counter it with their own violent batting. It was of no concern to them if they lost wkts in the process, they knew this would happen. They also knew that however many runs they scored, they would still be right in the test match – there’s always a new day in sight. The important thing was absolutely to show no respect whatsoever for England’s quicks – to make it clear that the Australian batsmen knew they could bury England without a care. It’s only one innings and they probably won’t play another like it for a while, but it carried such a strong statement – you can get us out for under 200 we really don’t care, whatever we get, we’ll work with that, it will be enough. Thus the savagery of day 1. The beautiful irresponsibility of Australia and their contempt for all of England’s concerted effort in paying Australia a compelling, brilliant violence. El Warno’s innings was absurd – it was by far in a way the greatest innings he has ever played.