AMONG the most poignant images of a Test series laced with Kodak moments came in the aftermath of Australia's heartbreaking two-run loss at Edgbaston.
As tailenders Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz's gallant last-wicket stand came to nought when England captured the final wicket, Lee sank to his haunches as the England players launched into jubilant celebration around him.
As he knelt on the pitch trying to come to terms with what had been so suddenly snatched away, Lee was approached by his arch-rival Andrew Flintoff who knelt down, placed a consoling hand on the Australian speedster's shoulder and shook his hand as he offered a few words of encouragement.
As former England captain Mike Brearley noted: "Here was an act of generosity, an ability to feel for an opponent's disappointment and to respect his courage and skill, at just the time when the England players' relief and delight would have been at their most ecstatic.
"There, but for the grace of God, Flintoff understood, go we."
And despite the bruising the speed merchants have inflicted on each other, the professional respect and friendship between the battling blonds has continued to prosper.
Playing in his first Test series in more than 18 months, Lee has enjoyed every moment of this most compelling Ashes series in recent memory.
Above all he has relished his battles with Flintoff, who looms as a likely man of the series given his performances with the bat (322 runs at an average of 77.77) and ball (19 wickets at 30.36).
"Over the past four Test matches, whenever we have come up against each other there is always a bit of a smile and bit of a wink to each other," Lee said yesterday.
"Although you are out there playing for your country ... you can enjoy yourself too and I enjoy batting and bowling, especially against a guy like Andrew Flintoff.
"When I was out there batting (at Trent Bridge) and he was bowling, he hit me on the foot with a yorker and I fell over. He was laughing and I was pretty embarrassed, and when he came out to bat it was the same thing and we've had that healthy competition which is great for cricket."
On the last day of the epic fourth Test, Flintoff repaid the compliment when Lee produced a stunning delivery that rattled the all-rounder's stumps, briefly igniting hopes of an unlikely Australian win. "That delivery would have got me out nine times out of 10," Flintoff said.
It may stretch the friendship, but Lee will be hoping for one of those times in the next few days.
- ANDREW RAMSEY