Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting's decision on Saturday not to enforce the follow on baffled many commentators and irritated former captain Ian Chappell.
But it made sense. Dollars and cents, that is.
Despite being 450 runs ahead, Ponting wanted to apply Australia's mental disintegration tactics on England's troubled bowlers by batting a second time. He also knew that the cracks in the Gabba pitch would open wider the longer the game went, making any defence by the visitors more difficult in the fourth innings.
But alongside the tactical reasons, the decision also ensured Australian cricket would be at least $1 million richer.
And if England can hold on well into today it might add another $1million to the coffers, although the players get no direct financial gain from playing extra days.
The state cricket associations share in the spoils of the tour.
But the river of gold flows well beyond the confines of cricket. Hotels in every host city are sold out for the series - some have doubled their room rate for the Tests - and airlines are booked out. Taxis, restaurants and shops across Brisbane are all reporting a boom from the cricket.
- PETER LALOR