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The hosts lost four wickets before lunch, and three shortly after, as they capitulated to 146 to hand Australia a 251-run victory in a Test that will be recalled as Steve Smith’s ride to redemption.

With ebbs, flows and sub-plots – Smith’s salvation, questionable umpiring, the potential arrival of Rory Burns – England’s dismal efforts on the fifth day robbed the game of the nerve-wracking finish it perhaps warranted.

Chasing a tall 398 to win, an Australian victory and a draw were the two likeliest outcomes, but England didn’t have enough answers to the brilliance of Lyon and Cummins, who picked up six and four wickets respectively.

Smith recorded his 25th century in his 119th innings on day four to leapfrog India skipper Virat Kohli, who achieved the feat in 127 innings. Australia’s No.4 also became the fifth Australian batsman to register centuries in both innings of an Ashes Test.

While the game didn’t enter a thrilling final session, Chris Woakes tendered a fitting finale when he skewed to Smith at second slip. Test cricket has its master back, and England have a mighty task on their hands trying to tame this unique, ruthless cricketer in the remaining four Test matches.

After Kohli’s exhibition in the first Test between England and India last summer, the Edgbaston faithful were once again treated to a masterclass that will live long in the memory. You live every ball when you’re watching Smith; every glorious cover-drive, nervy thigh guard tap and post-leave spasm. He is the batting manifestation of the cricket tragic. Difficult to watch, impossible to ignore. We must saviour him, for we may not see a greater Test batsman in our lifetime, one so dedicated to his art that it hurts. He hurt England over the last five days, and England’s post-World Cup honeymoon period has been rudely terminated.

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