Leading article: Appeal for restraint

Level-headedness has, we like to think, always been the hallmark of these columns. While the eyes of the emotionally volatile bulge at some small incident, and their vocal chords squeeze out notes of strangulated hysteria, we pick our placid way through the nation's trials and triumphs. Thus we urge that the correct, sensible and intellectually sound reaction to the England cricket team's performance against Australia to be: a moment of thoughtful reflection - followed by loud, prolonged and, if you feel so inclined (and we think you should), hysterically self-satisfied laughter.