Test matches in England in 2005 progressed, it became clearer and clearer that the pitch would take plenty of turn near the end. England took advantage of being inserted and came back strongly, especially considering the 239-run drubbing they had received at Lord's a couple of weeks earlier. The Australian bowlers were smashed to all corners on the first day as, for the first time in their 493-Test history, Australia conceded more than 400 runs in a first day of Test cricket. The English mentality seemed to be to attack from the outset, and it was helped by the freak injury that Glenn McGrath sustained before
Australian cricket team in England in 1902 match could be seen as marking the low point of their fortunes. The remainder of the tour would prove far more successful. Australians (154 & 185) beat England XI (138 & 70) by 131 runs The England XI which took the field at The Saffrons in Eastbourne was captained by Gilbert Jessop and included two more players with Test experience, Bobby Abel and Bill Storer. Neither had featured in the first two Tests of the series, however. Darling won the toss and chose to bat, though play was delayed until after lunch on the first day, and the Australians made