Aussies bring back surprise difference-maker for fourth Test
Steve Waugh has rejoined Australia's Ashes squad as they attempt to bounce back from Ben Stokes' match-winning rampage and the resultant what-ifs, wallowing, rage and regret.
Waugh originally signed up as a mentor for the first two Tests, at the invitation of coach Justin Langer, but is now back on deck for the rest of the series that continues at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
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The legend returns to find Australia facing the same scenario they did when he departed; one victory will ensure they retain the urn in England for the first time since Waugh's men won 4-1 in 2001.
A gutting one-wicket loss will also be on Waugh and players' minds after a final-wicket stand of 76 runs carried England to their highest successful chase in Test history.
Langer admits the third Test hurt, a lot.
"I actually felt physically sick after it and then I went back to my room. I wasn't sure whether to cry my eyes out or smash my hotel room," Langer told reporters.
"Everyone in that change room, probably a lot of Australians felt it, felt completely sick.
"It's just a game of cricket but when so much goes into it, it means a lot. You do take it personally.
"You never like to let opportunities slip ... that's OK, we'll make sure we learn from it."
Aussies must move forward: Langer
Langer and Tim Paine have urged the tourists to look forward and focus on the bigger picture, a series locked at 1-1, and various positives to come from the third Test and ensuing tour game in Derby.
"The last week of coaching has probably been one of the most challenging weeks of my coaching career," Langer said.
"As challenging as it has been, it's been awesome. I've loved this last week.
"Because you can sit back and feel sorry for yourself or put it under the carpet. Or you can work out ways to make sure we are up for the first ball of the next Test."
Waugh, who Langer likened to a "great psychologist", will help.
The challenge will be particularly difficult for Nathan Lyon, left shattered after failing to complete a simple run-out that would have secured a one-run victory, but Langer insisted there is no doubt the offspinner will be ready.
The margin means that every single player in the XI was hit with some form of sliding-doors introspection after their Headingley heartbreak.
For example, Travis Head was responsible for a run-out and juggled catch during the final session in Leeds but "missed a straight one on 25" the preceding day and regrets not batting England out of the contest.
"I was thinking that when they had 10 runs to go 'I wish I scored more runs' ... I'd got myself in," Head told AAP.
"It's a different game if they're chasing 450. I'm disappointed in myself for not getting those runs."
