Class is Permanent
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By his standards Tom Blundell has not had a great 12 months. He had averaged 16 for 2024 coming into this test with a solitary half century. Worryingly his glove work was a bit scratchy in Christchurch too and some knives were being sharpened.
The scrutiny was fair, although some of those suggestions as to who should take the gloves, including Latham, Conway and particularly hilariously Phillips, did little for the quality of the debate.
What was noticeable in this test was that his keeping was back to its best including and extraordinary catch to dismiss Root this morning.
And there is that old saying about when one discipline is going well the other would follow.
The stats say a bit. 115 off 102, with 13 fours and 5 sixes, and a Strike Rate of 112.74.
The innings had a real MCG 2019 feel to it. Chasing an ungettable target, wickets falling around him, keeping his calm as he moved towards what would have been considered a highly unlikely century.
There was a lot to admire here. The bravery to back his approach knowing he could hit Bashir onto the bank with the wind behind him , the timing, and the uncanny placement. There was a stage with Carse bowling when England had six fielders on the legside including three at square leg at varying distance. He was still threading them through though like he knew where mysterious pockets of space were.
Remember, this ground is pretty much his back yard.
Blundell is not known for showing emotion, but he celebrated with true glee, a hint of a smiling f-bomb, and possibly some relief. Also notable was the way Nathan Smith seemed almost more excited than Blundell himself showed how important he is to the team.
Just look at him trying to high five Blundell as he crossed for the 100. Bless.
In the end it took something very special to remove him. Duckett parried it up in the air, changed direction and jack-knifed to take a catch befitting of the innings.
And he did it all batting in the wrong position too.