I checked BBC Sport earlier, like I usually do in the morning. Usually on a Monday morning there are match reports from the weekend Premiership matches and not much else.
But today was different. What I saw was the England cricket team hit a mammoth record-braking score against Australia in the Ashes. The Three Lions finally declared on 517 for 1, with our top three batsmen Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook and Jonathan Trott all hitting centuries. I couldn't believe my eyes.
After the third day's play, Australia were in a commanding position, leading by 221 runs after both teams finished their first innings. From this position, England teams of old would have simply rolled over and lose the match by an innings. But this England team is different. Under Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss, England have gelled into a tough, resilient unit. Instead of letting Australia win with ease, Strauss, Cook and Trott put the Aussies to the sword, breaking many records along the way.
I was shocked at the score England produced simply because I was expecting a batting collapse. Usually when the opponents make batting easy, we struggle in the most typical English way. But thankfully I was proved wrong and this surely sends a signal to the Aussies that this England team will fight to the death, unlike previous sides.
What particularly pleased me was the double century by opening batsmen Alistair Cook. Cook came into the Ashes series with pundits saying he should be dropped from the side. But what a response he made. His wonderful 235 not out was even sweeter because this was his first ever first-class double century. What a time to get it!
The way England fought back from certain defeat has confirmed my prediction that England will win the Ashes. This England side are a match for anyone nowadays and I'm looking forward to writing some blogs about some England victories.
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