down and this has been proven time and time again. The last time the Republicans were seen as responsible for a shutdown this was back during the previous administration, it was a shutdown over — I can’t remember now what, yes, over Obamacare —it was a disaster. The Republican Party is standing with the voters plunged to the lowest level in the history of the Gallup poll. When the Democrats were seen responsible a year or so ago was the Schumer shutdown it lasted two days and the Democrats completely capitulated because they saw the handwriting on the wall. It works badly for those deemed responsible.”

He added, “So for the president to trigger something like this with a month to go before the mid-term election is as dumbRicky Ponting leaves the MCG after his dismissal in the second innings of the fourth Ashes Test. Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images

For a cricketer there is seldom a perfect time to go. No matter the evidence of statistic or eye, there is always another big innings round the corner, another bowling performance there. Part of what sustains a top player is the belief in immortality. They go into a state of denial. But this series has stripped bare that notion. By the time Australia next play a Test series, in August, the order will have changed, both in their team and England's.

Time was, though, when the best players knew when it was right to hang up the boots. Cricket was a game for playing, not one on which to