IS Ashton Agar going to be the next Shane Warne? Forget about his bowling, I'm talking about as a batsman.
Warne is often recalled for his nerve-racking 99 with the bat and as a front-line spinner. Agar may also be remembered for falling so agonisingly short of what would have been an amazing Test century.
Judging by his temperament and shot-filled innings, there are a few Test centuries awaiting this enterprising debutant. Apart from the runs, which were priceless, Agar's remarkable innings achieved two crucial things.
First, it saved Australia from falling into a series sinkhole from which they may never have escaped. Second, it exposed a flaw in Alastair Cook's captaincy.
Entering this series, one of the few advantages Australia appeared to have was in captaincy - Clarke is a far superior tactician.
Agar's innings, with the help of Phillip Hughes, also showed that Cook is a worrier who can run out of ideas very quickly.
Once a fielding captain sits back and waits for the opposition to commit cricketing suicide, the batting side, by displaying a bit of bravery and brains, can take the initiative. That's what Agar did and his inspiring knock will boost Australia's confidence for the remainder of the series.
During this enthralling passage of play, the panic showed on Cook's face. The ability to appear calm and in control as a captain, even when things are going badly, is crucial. Any sign to the contrary will be picked up by players of both sides and matches can turn on an hour of indecision. At Trent Bridge, little groups of players began gathering as England's plight worsened and that's always a pleasing sight to the opposition.
In a tight series, the difference between Clarke and Cook could be crucial
Having breathed a sigh of relief as the Agar-Hughes partnership resurrected the series, the tourists now need to act quickly to capitalise.
Australia have seen how going on the offensive can freeze England and they should immediately cancel David Warner's flight to South Africa. He needs to open with Shane Watson at Lord's.
Rather than continually mounting a rearguard action, Australia could heed the words of the Welsh rugby coach who implored his team by saying: "Boys, I want you to get your retaliation in first."
They should forget the Chris Rogers experiment of grinding down the new-ball bowlers; instead they should take them on and if it comes off then a famous victory beckons.
Australia should also note the influence of youth at Trent Bridge. The recovery was engineered by Agar and aided by an inventive Steve Smith and a committed knock from Hughes. Why not go the whole hog and include Usman Khawaja in the next Test side?
Watson, Warner, Hughes, Clarke, Khawaja and Smith may occasionally replicate the calamitous top-order collapses of the current batting line-up, but they also might produce a runscoring tsunami that washes away captain Cook and his England crew.
In the short space of a few days Agar has become aware of the harsh reality of Ashes cricket. After a stumping reprieve when batting and then having a catch disallowed when bowling, he has learned every day is a battle and it doesn't always go your way.
Nevertheless, very few Test debutants can say they saved a series for their team. If Agar hadn't stunned England and amazed the cricket world with his batting, Australia may have lost the first Test so badly a comeback would have been difficult. Thanks to him, Australia now have a realistic chance of competing in this suddenly captivating series.
