Who could forget the astounding performance made by Ian Botham at Headingley in 1981? The heroics of a man humbled by previous defeat ensured that that year’s Test victory will forever be known as Botham’s Ashes.

The performance was one of a quintessentially brilliant all-rounder. “Beefy”, as he was commonly known, claimed six wickets in one innings and hit 149 in another to seal a famous win for England.

Such brilliance wasn’t on the cards from the off however as the visitors seemed to be on the verge of a 2-0 test lead with four days left on the cards. Yet it was down to a gung-ho Botham who’s unbelievable resilience and offensive mindset helped to spur Bob Willis to sweep through the Aussie line-up with 8-43.

The turn of events sealed a remarkable 18-run win and signalled a turn around in a series that saw England go on to win 3-1.

Such an iconic player as Ian Botham should be looked upon in awe and used by the English cricketers to gain a foothold on this Ashes Test of 2013 and push for glory. Maybe Botham’s vigour runs in the blood of Broad or Swann? One thing is for sure, if Australia keep on bringing surprises to the table the presence of Botham’s spirit and patriotism may well be needed.

Ashton Agar is back in his preferred discipline as he runs up from the Pavilion End to try and dent English hope’s further. However, Pietersen and Cook are holding firm as they consolidate after tea. The crowd are still in good spirits as the travelling Aussies let the English support know who is on top. england are on 34-2 and are halfway to wiping off the defecit.

Hat-trick ball was averted by Kevin Pietersen but England are still up against it with their backs against the wall. With tea only just gone on the second day, 22 wickets have fallen and England find themselves on 22-2 still trailing by 43.

Starc gas got 2 from 2 as Trott is LBW on review despite their seeming to be a small inside edge. England go to tea on 11-2, trailing by 54 and with Australia fully on the front foot. England will come back after tea looking to rescue the match and Starc will be on a hat-trick!

We will be seeing no more shots like these in this first test at Trent Bridge as Root is adjudged to have got a faint nick on a delivery down the leg side which was caught by Haddin. Mitchell Starc was the bowler and England find themselves 11-1 still trailing by 54.

Joe Root and captain Alastair Cook have gone about their business slowly but the most important stat is that they are both still there five overs in. The crowd aren’t as loud as when Agar and Hughes were providing their heroics but there are still more than three days left and England will be happy to play the waiting game.

Phil Tufnell (BBC TMS)
“I’ve never wanted to see an Australian get a hundred but I was willing him on there. A great effort, amazing scenes. For sure it’s changed the momentum of the game but it shows the wicket is pretty flat.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23261769

Michael Vaughan via Twitter
“Never ever thought I would say I am disappointed a Aussie got out but I really wanted Ashton Agar to get a 100… #Ashes”
@MichaelVaughan

Jonathan Agnew via Twitter
“What an advert for test cricket this match is. Drama, emotion, heartbreak….just brilliant. Reckon England now need to score at least 300″
@Aggerscricket

Just after Ashton Agar cemented himself as the highest test scoring number 11 of all time at the tender age of 19 it seemed as though his reign upon the crease was never going to come to an end.

Yet low and behold the tireless and relentless pressure compiled on top of the wonder-kid seemed to do the trick for England as Stuart Broad’s unending skill with the ball saw Agar swipe it cleanly down the throat of Graeme Swann on the midwicket boundary.

Despite his sudden demise it looks as though Agar will be a key feature of the travelling squad who should not be left in the dark.