Prior warning

DAY FOUR

Lets devote the victory, when it comes probably before lunch on day five, to Paul Collingwood, fine all-rounder, and non-stop fighter for the England cause.

To lunch Thanks to 118 from Prior and neat innings by Bresnan and Swann England were all out soon after lunch for 644, setting Australia to make 364 to make England bat again, a task beyond the imagination of anyone sane. Prior was in his own seventh heaven with a six and 11 fours and a lot of energy in his 130 ball innings.

To tea (77-2) Once Watson ran himself out - as Prior whipped the bails off, he was close enough to the bowler and his partner to shake their hands but lacked the will to do so -it was clear there would be no miracle finale for the Aussies.

To close (213-7) England were close enough to victory to claim the extra half hour but Smith and Siddle held out. Defeat in four days would have been one more humiliation for a side already crumbling. Prior had four catches - and an easy run-out - to seal his day. He does not need a dedication to remember this day; a special catch by Colly on day five would round off a memorable series.