It is a difficult question to answer. Also it’s difficult to know what momentum is actually worth? A psychological boost? These things can change quickly.
Australia had been well on top after the first few days in Brisbane, following Peter Siddle’s hat-trick and Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin’s fine knocks which built a big lead at the halfway mark of the Test.
But it all fell apart for Australia when their bowlers failed against a resolute and remarkable English top order with Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Andrew Strauss rescuing the visitors with an incredible batting performance to take their side to 1/571 declared.
It was a tough pill to swallow for Australia as what appeared a certain win slipped away.
The momentum had clearly swung but England captain Andrew Strauss played it cool after the GABBA Test ended a draw on Monday.
“I don’t know who takes the momentum. It’s just great that we came back and took a draw and finished the game so strongly,” he said.
Yes, England did well to fight back from the brink when Australia was on top after the first few days, but it’s worth remembering it was just a draw and the series is locked at 0-0.
Strauss added: “Everyone talks about how important the first Test in Brisbane is, and to get through unscathed from the position we were in is great.
“There was a lot of self-belief before we started, but everyone talks about how important this Test is … we’ve got a lot of belief that we can go on and win this series.”
Indeed, England will be holding onto that point that the Brisbane Test is traditionally owned by Australia.
It’s been over 20 years since the Aussies were beaten at the GABBA, so it’s a minor ‘victory’ for England to not get beaten.
Australia, on the other hand, flew out of the blocks to build a good lead, but will feel disappointed after an inept bowling performance failed to unlock the English top order who were brilliantly led by Cook.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting acknowledged the failure of his bowlers to break through (batsman/part-time spinner Marcus North got the only wicket) was concerning ahead of the Adelaide Test.
“It was a very flat pitch to bowl on over the last few days … but no doubt that we’ve got a lot of improvement to do with our bowling group over the next few days,” he said.
“I don’t think any of our bowlers were at their best.”
Australian strike bowler Mitchell Johnson went wicket-less in a Test for the first time in his career, in a poor display which could lead to him getting the chop for the Adelaide match.
Ponting added: “We’re taking 11 players from here to Adelaide, with Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris to be added to the squad.
“With the inclusion of those guys in the squad, we have to work out which is the best make-up to take 20 wickets in Adelaide – regardless of workload up here.
“I don’t think anyone’s certain. We’ll have to see how everyone pulls up and decide on our best attack after that.”
Speculation is mounting Harris will be given a chance in the second Test and Ponting didn’t do much to dampen the rumours.
“There’s lots of things to like about Ryan Harris,” he said. “The fact that he’s had great success at international cricket means that he’s one of those guys that’s just meant to be playing.”