Ashes 2013 - 1st Test Trent Bridge: Five things England can take away

Alistair Cook (L) is caught out by Australia’s Michael Clarke (C) during the third day of the first Ashes cricket test match

2. Only one way to ‘Cook’ a grand total

England put up 550-600 on the board with Cook scoring a double-ton, Pietersen or Trott chip in with a century and Anderson picks up 10 wickets in the match to lead England to a victory with an innings to spare.

That’s roughly the plot the average English cricket enthusiast would have had in his mind when he was given the rude surprise as England bundled out for 215 in the first innings.

If you look at the last two years in English cricket, the plot is not so improbable as Alastair Cook has consistently laid the ground for a big score, but his failure in the first innings triggered a meltdown. His role as the anchorman at the top-of-the-order increases the efficacy of the other batsmen as well and hence, it is crucial that he stays out there for as long as possible.