For Dongles and Geoffrey Boycott, day two of the Boxing Day Test ended with a severe case of indigestion. With Australia at 5/84 and Andrew Symonds (average 18.47) making his way out to bat on a seaming deck, Geoff Boycott boldly declared that if Roy could make a half century, he would eat his hat. Those were not my exact thoughts but they well described my sentiments at the time. Geoffrey Boycott spent the rest of the day at the all you can eat buffet as two big Queenslanders demolished England.

I must give credit where credit is due. I have been a Symonds detractor at Test level. I’m still not convinced of his long term credentials but today might well be a turning point. At face value, the innings deserves accolades. There couldn’t have been much more trying conditions – 5 for 84 and the wicket was offering plenty of assistance. The first half hour was difficult for Symonds but once he was set, and the wicket settled a little and the English were broken, his innings was commanding. To add some perspective to what this innings means to Symonds, he is in his 18th Test innings and today scored 33% of his Test runs!

Once again, the English have been broken and once again, it seems, all too easily. In this series, when needed, Australia has always seemed to find someone to step up and wrest back control. With Symonds and Hayden having a day in the sun, pretty much each member of the team has had a least one starring performance. Australia’s batting to date has been mostly carried by three men – Ponting, Hussey and Clarke have all averaged over 100 for the first three Tests. Today they managed 7, 6 and 5 and it seemed a fair bet that Symonds would continue that simple, little numeric sequence. However, when it was needed, both Hayden and Symonds almost surpassed England individually. Their partnership was worth 75% more than the entire England innings.

England has rarely provided such sterling performances and certainly not often enough. I could not believe how easily they rolled over today. The heads seemed to be down when Symonds and Hayden looked comfortable at 5 for 130 – still 30 runs behind England. Instead of pressing for a breakthrough, Flintoff went on the defensive. It has to be said that although Flintoff is an inspiring player, his captaincy is becoming negative and uninspiring.

Enough already, most of you won’t read this until the Sydney Test has started and this will be old news.