While most of the lads have a few days off, spend some time with their families and maybe go and play in Michael Vaughan's benefit game, I'm stuck in a compression chamber.
 |
Missing out on the second innings was absolutely gutting; I felt like I'd let the boys down
|
For 90 minutes, twice a day, every day, I put a mask on and breath oxygen in the company of a couple of people who have had diving accidents.
When they put the pressure up it feels like you're under water. Your ears pop.
It's quite hard because I don't like being in confined spaces for a long period of time but I'm willing to do anything to get my ankle fixed and play the final Test at The Oval.
I've still got another week, which is a long time. I'm seeing the England physio Kirk Russell twice a day.
I'll get as much treatment as I can on it and touch wood - I'm touching my head - I'll be all right.
The last three Tests have been ridiculous. The stress levels have been terrible - there's no let up. Test matches have been like Twenty20 games - there's so much happening.
 |
Once Geraint Jones got out, there was only me and Steve Harmison in still to bat and those trips to the loo were getting pretty regular
|
Some of the Aussies have told me it's the best series they've ever played in and I have to agree with them. Any series after this will be pretty dull.
To get another five-for against these boys in the first innings at Trent Bridge was special, with Ricky Ponting's wicket a highlight again.
This time there was no reverse swing involved, it was conventional swing, and it's nice to prove I'm not a one-trick pony.
Missing out on the second innings, though, was absolutely gutting. I felt helpless, like I'd let the boys down.
I've had my share of injuries over the years and you learn to deal with them but it was still difficult because it was such an important innings
It was lucky we had five bowlers. If we had gone in with four, as the Aussies have all series, it would have been very difficult.
After being run out by Gary Pratt, who was fielding for me, Ponting wasn't a very happy chappie.
I proved I had an injury but for them to accuse any of us of resting up is a load of rubbish.
Usually people just go off to go to the loo and, with the rules as they are, you have only got two overs, which is not exactly much time to rest.
Despite what has been said, the two teams are still on good terms.
But the pressure on the field just does not let up.
A target of 129 is pretty small but Brett Lee steamed in and Shane Warne bowled brilliantly again they made it very difficult for us.
Once Geraint Jones got out, there was only me and Steve Harmison in the dressing room still to bat and those trips to the loo were getting pretty regular.
Andrew Strauss was ready to bat as my runner and he was saying, "Just listen to me, I'll do all the talking."
I said: "No worries chief. You do what you want, I'll just hit it."
Thankfully it didn't get that far, which was a huge relief.
As everybody celebrated on Sunday night, though, I was sober as a judge.
I'll be off the beer for the next fortnight to help my recovery but if there is anything I can do to make the healing process quicker then I'll do it.
And I can drink all I want if we win the series at The Oval.