'I'll replay the ball for life' - Kasprowicz

Michael Kasprowicz receives the killer blow © Getty Images

Michael Kasprowicz will replay Steve Harmison's final ball for the rest of his life after the heart-breaking yet thrilling conclusion to the second Test. A hurting Kasprowicz said the aim was to "dig in and have some fun" as he joined Brett Lee with Australia still needing 62 for victory.

But three short of the most amazing come-from-behind victory he was judged to have gloved Harmison's pinpoint short-ball, giving the wicketkeeper Geraint Jones a comfortable legside catch. "It's the most vivid delivery that I'll replay in my mind for the rest of my life," Kasprowicz told AAP. "It just got big quick and I didn't see too much of it." Slow motion replays suggested Kasprowicz's hand was off the bat when hit, but it was millimetre-close and Billy Bowden gave the decision.

The feeling was similar for Brett Lee, who took a string of stinging blows from Andrew Flintoff, including one on the armguard that he said was the fastest he had faced. "As much as we're hurting right now mentally and physically, it's good for cricket," Lee said.

When asked about his pain, Lee pointed to his heart and said: "I'm hurting more here. We knew we had to take a few on the body. I'd do it plus tax again to make sure we give everything we can to make Australia win."

Kasprowicz believed they could scrape home and the pair comfortably added singles, boundaries, byes and leg-byes in the gripping 59-run stand. "Over the years, this Australian side has come back from some pretty amazing positions," he said. "We just decided our best chance was to get in there and dig in and have some fun along the way."