England found themselves cast adrift and bobbing aimlessly at Lord’s while the Aussies revved up their engines and disappeared off into the Ashes horizon.
And the hope that this series might be a competitive classic is in danger of being a pipe dream at the earliest opportunity. The bare numbers are there. A first innings lead of 91 for Australia was extended to 221 by the close of day three with eight second innings wickets to play with and their two centurions in the series so far well set.
It didn’t need the drizzle and dark clouds that forced the players off the ground early to add to the sense of gloom in North London.
