England vs. Australia the Ashes 2013: Haddin and Vital Cornerstones in Series

Edging his way towards the biggest Test comeback on the Nottingham ground, Brad Haddin’s Trent Bridge miracle ultimately came to naught over the weekend.

Thanks to England’s savvier use of the Decision Review System (DRS), one of Australia’s last two men standing—along with James Pattinson—was found to be caught out after Hotspot appeared to show the ball having glanced his bat.

Irrespective of his controversial dismissal, the 35-year-old veteran remains one of the key components of the Aussies’ middle order and will still go a way in deciding this Ashes series.

That being said, with England now 1-0 up against their southern hemisphere foes, there are others who promise to have a decisive hand in determining the Urn’s next destination.

Brad Haddin

The highest scorer of Australia’s second innings in the First Test, Haddin’s stubbornness actually gave his side good reason to be hopeful of pulling off what would have been a historical turnaround.

Seventh in the visitors’ batting order, Haddin overcame a pretty disappointing first innings to rake in a score of 71 runs from 147 balls, including nine boundaries.

Considering this saw the wicket-keeper outlast three of his batting partners (Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle) is indicative of just how stern Haddin was in frustrating the English bowlers.

As well as being a decisive presence behind the stumps, Haddin will again look to provide further stability in Australia’s order, perhaps leaving the more extravagant heroics down to those he partners.

Jimmy Anderson

England’s knight of the first test, Anderson’s reputation as one of the best bowlers in the world was done no harm by what became a memorable performance at Trent Bridge.

The man to deal that final, decisive blow to Australia’s first test hopes, Anderson’s 10 wickets were essential for Andy Flower’s men claiming a lead in the series and will remain so until late August.

With 317 wickets in 83 tests, the 30-year-old is nearing an average of four wickets per test, a ratio only certain greats of the sport can boast.

What was truly impressive in Anderson’s most recent exploits was his use of the roughed-up and used ball, as opposed to doing well almost exclusively with a fresh one.

It’s evident that training for condition has been key in Anderson’s development of late, a topic the Telegraph’s Simon Hughes recently discussed in fine detail.

Michael Clarke

Given the fashion in which the first test ended, Hotspot lending a major hand in England’s efforts, technology is having as much of a say in these Ashes as anywhere else in sport right now.

Under Michael Clarke’s captaincy, the Australians’ use of DRS has been poor thus far, but it is an aspect the leader is keen to improve upon in the coming tests.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Clarke noted: "I am not happy with my use of DRS but both teams are using it and England have used it better than I have. It is consistent for both teams.”

Although his batting will also need some improvement in the coming examinations, Clarke’s use of referrals is arguably the biggest area in need of a boost right now, as England win the war of technology in the first round.

Joe Root

If Jimmy Anderson is to be considered the key for England unlocking Australia’s batsmen, then Joe Root’s performances may decide just whether or not England’s can fend off the Aussies’ attack.

Just 22 years of age, it’s remarkable the youngster has even done as well as he has, managing 30 and 5 in the first two innings of his Ashes debut.

Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen can be relied upon for big scores in the grand scheme of things; they’ve done it before, and they’ll do it again.

Root, however, is still an untapped resource as far as England is concerned, and he could be the hosts’ key to victory should he find his footing early on.