England uncovered the unlikeliest pair of batting heroes to somehow escape Wales unscathed as the 2009 Ashes began with a draw as tense as any in the history of cricket.

But Andrew Strauss' team will know they cannot afford more of the same if they are to avoid defeat for long against tourists who could hardly be more motivated - programmed even - for success, from captain Ricky Ponting all the way through the ranks.