This Ashes series’ headline verdict may already be set in stone, but even two days into the Oval’s half-dead rubber, the culture clash goes on without a definite winner.
England’s first innings on day one lasted fewer than 55 overs, Australia’s wrapping up on the second at nearly twice as long, and yet midway through this Fifth Test, such has been the contrast in scoring rates, there is barely a cigarette paper’s width between them.
