Excitement reigns in Leeds. Not for today, which was the worst sort of English sodden summer's day, but for tomorrow. Then, for the first time in this series, England will make it on to the pitch for a fifth day. Not only that, but they do so with a spring in their step and a chance, albeit a very slim one, of victory. England have two things to thank for their position – the rain and the inestimable power of the Baggy Green. The heavy skies prevented Australia running up a don't-even-bother-trying insurmountable total (though 315 is hardly easy – only once before have England made more than that in the fourth innings to win a Test, and that was back in 1928-29).

But it was the legend of the green-and-gold which influenced Adam Gilchrist's declaration. As a novice captain in only his second game, there was absolutely no way mate that he could be seen to be backing away from a challenge. Bat on this evening for a few more runs in the bank and a touch of extra security? Just think of the stick from the Aussie press and the gyp from the ex-players. Even Gilchrist's chirpy perma-smile might have worn a bit thin.

This is the very same man who was so strangely negative when he captained the Aussies in the tour game against Essex in June. But that was pat-a-cake, this is a Test – and when you've got Steve Waugh looking over your shoulder on the balcony, a wounded, prowling Steve Waugh at that, safety-first isn't an option.

England, on the other hand, jumped straight back into the safety net as soon as they had the chance. Two and a half overs into their run-chase a nervy Venkat offered Atherton and Trescothick the light, and they beamed as they skipped off. As Atherton had just hooked Glenn McGrath with something approaching aplomb it was a strangely negative reaction (though an understandable one at 0-3 down). If England are to survive tomorrow, they will have to go for the win – remember that this Australia don't do draws. The last time they did was in two rain-affected games against Sri Lanka in September 1999.

A win for England would bring a little brightness to what is becoming a depressing Ashes elegy for Atherton, Stewart and Co. A win for Australia would be nothing more than Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath deserve. With a sunny day forecast and admission reduced, Headingley should be an interesting place tomorrow – and we haven't even mentioned those gates.

Tanya Aldred is assistant editor of Wisden Online

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