Final match to be decisive

Australia recovered from their defeat to England to beat New Zealand with relative ease. New Zealand posted 290, just 2 less than England needed to beat Australia earlier in the week, but with Ricky Ponting back in the side, Australia looked back on form. Ponting, back from his rest, scored a hundred and Brad Hodge, in for the injured Andrew Symonds ended on 99 not out after hitting the winning runs.

All this means that when England and New Zealand meet in the final match of the series, the winner will be the team lucky enough to meet Australia a further 3 times to decide the winner. Potentially, therefore, England could salvage something from this Ashes tour, despite Australia dominating this trophy. If nothing else, it is at least good practice for the World Cup.