Although the Ashes has been and gone from Trent Bridge, it has left behind some rather alarming questions.

One of those is whether expert’s predictions before the series began were proven to be near the outcome. In keeping with tradition, there were a fair few `5-0’ predictions flying around before the Ashes series kicked off at Trent Bridge.

In contrast with series gone by, those predictions were largely in favour of England. However, after the pulsating first Test match staged at Trent Bridge, even they look like they could be wide of the mark.

With a view to changing times, Glenn McGrath’s prediction was downgraded from the usual whitewash. Still, in true Australian spirit, the pace bowler backed Australia to win the series 2-1, an uphill battle after the tight 14-run loss in the first Test.

Overall, predictions before such a big series are often far away from the end of series score. It is hard to say what sort of form two sides are on going into Ashes series and this year has been no different. England were the form team but played far from it and Australia bettered the display predicted by many and came within touching distance of the win.

Whilst the score reads 1-0 England meaning the `5-0’ predictions could still come true, the teams seem more evenly balanced than some experts are saying. The Aussie bowling attack frustrated England in the first innings leading to many false shots. England’s batting faltered under the pressure and the 215 in the first innings after choosing to bat would have been a huge disappointment.

Throughout the game, the Aussie batsmen showed increasing signs of form which will provide optimism for their supporters. Shane Watson and Michael Clarke didn’t fire and they will be a danger for England whereas Chris Rogers, only in his second test, and Phil Hughes both showed what they are capable of.

Their tail-end batsmen also provided hope, both times nearly costing England the victory. Hughes’ and Ashton Agar’s memorable stand in the first innings provided the fans with something to shout about and Australia nearly got home on the final morning with 136 needed with four wickets remaining.

All this added together leads to a readjustment to the pre-series hype of England winning 5-0. Whilst England are still likely to win, if they produced another poor performance, the Aussies are likely to pounce. It is highly unlikely that a draw will pan out if the weather stays fine leading to a more reasoned 3-2 England win at the end of what should be a fantastic battle.

The crowd are one of their best voices for the day as Jimmy Anderson begins the final over. Mexican waves have made it the whole way round the ground and with the game finely poised tomorrow is sure to be a memorable day. Australia close on 174-6 with Haddin on 11 and Agar on 1 which means they need an extra 137 runs to win. A big factor for the morning could be England’s ability to call on the new ball after nine overs. Join us tomorrow to see how this historic Test moves towards its conclusion.

Swann just loves bowling to left-handers and he has another one in the form in Phillip Hughes for 0. The original decision is not out but when the replay comes on the big screen the crowd cheer as soon as they see it. Australia are now 164-6 and have had a mini-collapse, one from which it will be hard to recover from if they lose another wicket tonight.

First ball of the next over, Swann has Smith trapped LBW for 17 leaving two new batsmen at the crease and the English crowd belting out a chorus of ‘your not singing anymore’. Great stuff!!

The crowd erupt, Michael Clarke is sent back to the dressing room for 23. The umpires originally go upstairs to check it carried to Prior behind the stumps which it did. After, the Aussie captain reviewed the decision straight away but Aleem Dar’s decision was upheld and Australia are 161-4 needing 150 more for victory.

An appeal for an LBW by Finn doesn’t get anywhere much like the Mexican Wave which a section of the crowd is trying, and failing, to start. Finn bowling much better and finds the due of Smith which doesn’t as the bounce of the pitch continues to be variable. Australia are on to 148-3, almost half way to their target and with 18 overs remaining in the day, they will be hoping to take a good chunk of runs off that target once more.

Rogers’ innings has come to and end as he chips Anderson to Bell at midwicket. Australia still need 187 to win and they have first-innings half-centurion Steve Smith coming to the crease with the score on 124-3. The crowd are right behind England and in particular James Anderson as the atmosphere and tension continues to rise.

Just after we wrote that England were struggling, Root steps up and is counted as he has Cowan is caught at slip by Trott for 14. Nelson has struck and Australia go into tea on 111-2 after Root’s first Test wicket. Clarke is next in and England will see his and Rogers’ wicket as the two they desperately need.