England tailenders James Anderson and Monty Panesar have spoiled any hopes Australia had of taking a 1-0 lead after the first Ashes Test on Sunday.

Despite some exquisite bowling earlier in the day, the Australian pace-men simply couldn’t dismiss the lower end of the English batting order, and had to settle for a draw.

After posting 6/674 after their first innings, it looked like Australia would only have a small run chase if they were to be sent back into bat; but a remarkable defensive effort from the Poms saw them hold out the fifth and final day of play. It was Paul Collingwood who made the biggest impact, high scoring 74 over a staggering 245 balls – spending over six hours at the crease. Peter Siddle eventually took Collingwood’s wicket, but time was running out.

Great three-wicket hauls by both Ben Hilfenhaus and Nathan Hauritz kept English fans on their edges of their seats, but they failed to dismiss Anderson and Panesar in the last 40 minutes of play. Anderson managed 21 runs – including three boundaries – which made certain that Australia would have to bat again if they wanted to win. There wasn’t enough time on the fifth day however, and Cardiff became a tie.

The match was reminiscent of the 2005 Ashes series where three of the Tests produced extremely tight finishes. I doubt very much that we’ve seen the last drawn match of this tour.

Australia and England now have a three-day respite before the second Test at Lordes begins Thursday. BetUS has posted odds on the game and Australia is once again the clear favorite. However, the best odds are left for the draw, which is a massive possibility considering the history of the Ashes.

The form that Australia is in is remarkable, but as we’ve already seen it only takes one player to cause an upset; if four Test centuries from Australia in the first innings isn’t good enough to win a match, we’re certainly in for an interesting 2009 series.

To win second Test

Australia: +140
Draw: +120
England: +250

To win Ashes series

Australia: +225
Draw: +325
England: -135