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Mitch Johnson looked like mummy’s little boy with his shorn locks. But, unlike Samson, it did not affect his potency. His left arm delivered the heat seeking missiles first seen in Malaysia two years ago and last deployed in South Africa.
He unleashed them again at Leeds as he had the miles in his legs and the focus in his mind.
If Peter Siddle is the assault and battery specialist then Hilfenhaus is the Duke of Swing.
Stuart Clark kills you with slow poison even as he serenades you. Johnson possesses all the weapons of mass destruction that Dubya couldn’t find. The fiendish projectile that scarred Bell in the first innings was nothing compared to the ball that exploded in front of Collingwood’s face in the second dig. Polly’s crazed eyes told their own tale of retribution.
Swann and Broad delayed the inevitable with a stand reminiscent of Custer at Little Bighorn.
After the seventh wicket fell at 120 Australia’s bowlers lost their way for 12 overs as England posted over a hundred runs in a frenetic but ultimately doomed rearguard.
Ponting once again refocused his bowlers on the discipline of the first two days and victory was formalised. This is increasingly looking like Ponting’s team.
It would have been easy for him to go with Lee ahead of Siddle. Instead he trusted his instinct and saw in the wood chopper the fire and energy needed in the engine room.
Hilfenhaus continues to impersonate Terry Alderman and his twin strike on Strauss and Bopara effectively killed England’s hopes.
Bopara was an unfortunate casualty in the continuing Umpire War but on this showing he looks a pygmy among giants.
Ponting has had a turbulent two years and his hold on the number one Test ranking has looked tenuous at times.
He has endured barbs about his defensive captaincy and some of it has been justified.
He has been accused of standing up for his mates but this is the Australian way. He has been branded as sullen and lacking grace.
He is respected by his countrymen but not loved in the manner of a Steve Waugh. He has been a captain under seige.
Ponting will not lie down for the undertakers. He will continue to fight his own battles.
He has marshalled his troops magnificently at Leeds. His 78 in the first innings showcased his pre-eminence as the world’s most accomplished number three and second only to the Don in Australia’s rich history.
When Katich went for a duck, Harmison was bowling like a runaway train. Ponting stopped him in his tracks and shunted him to bowling purgatory.
The pulls and hooks forward of square bespoke a batsman at the height of his powers. A backfoot drive past cover was hit with thunderous intent.
Ponting does not have to answer to retired Generals in the comfort of their commentary boxes.
He goes to the Oval determined to preserve Australia’s ranking. Magic Mitch sealed his bond with the Skipper with five telling blows in the second innings.
And those calling for Pup to be top dog will have to bite their tongue and bide their time.
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