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At one point, Australia’s score tumbled to 4/174 today after we had been 1/155. Suddenly Australia were being pummelled and we were ready to fall.
But then Monty Panesar, Joe Root and Michael Carberry drop three chances, the DRS works in Australia’s favour several times and we go to stumps at 5/273.
Australia conceivably could have been seven or eight for not much over 200.
The worm certainly has turned. Unlike the previous series, the one percenters are going Australia’s way.
I guess a lot depends on Michael Clarke and how he will bat with the tail, something his ailing body might not handle too well.
Hopefully his missus and the physios can whip him into shape for tomorrow and he and Brad Haddin can put on a big stand.
Of course Mitch Johnson and the bowlers will want to stay and prosper, so 400 isn’t out of the question.
It was certainly a curious day. Cold, wind, rain, shine….but no hail, like we might get in Melbourne.
Ground looked fabulous and no doubt will be even better when the playing surface is expanded.
The wicket has been all the talk.
Let’s be frank. It did turn. It turned a lot for a first day wicket, if somewhat slowly….and that will mean something as day three, four and five unfold…assuming it goes that far.
Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar did very well….and I wouldn’t hesitate to bowl Joe Root or Kevin Pietersen to tie up an end.
The quicks were manful. Stokes did well in spurts. James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled off shorter run ups and focused on line and length.
Broad tried to bounce people out with the second new pill and succeeded in taking two wickets.
He is still the leader of the pack.
Andy Flower focused his attention on spin for this Test.
It will make an interesting contrast to Australia’s continued pace barrage, assuming of course that Shane Watson is fit to bowl.
Englands spinners bowled 43 overs today. The three quicks could only manage 48, a sign that both Flower and Cook think the second time Australia bat will definitely put them in the box seat.
Australia only had one batting failure on a holding, turning, unusual wicket.
Steve Smith is a great kid but he is being served a great helping hand by batting at five behind some very good players, and he isn’t warming to his task.
It is patently clear that George Bailey suits this team down to a tee and perhaps could move up to Smith’s position.
He is clearly still learning the game of Test cricket….but he is learning quickly.
He takes no nonsense from Watson, he commands respect at the crease, he is very good in the field…and he was destined for a ton had Swann not intercepted another missile from his super sprung bat.
Watson plonked the foot down to one that popped a little and rather than drop the ball at his feet, he wanted to look a million dollars again.
That trademark pose thru the drive after plonking the foot down has become legend, but only to Watson.
Watson fails to turn the strike over and has to be persuaded or forced to run singles to turn the strike over, unless of course it is the end of an over and he’s facing.
Then he’ll find a hole to pop one into so everyone can focus on him.
Rogers played very well. Clarke hung in there, mostly because he knows that is what is required in this situation.
He tried to throw it away a couple of times….but then understood the situation and worked with it.
Bailey was the cleanest hitter. Warner looked good, but for one silly shot.
Haddin tried to toss his wicket away, but Carberry gifted him a reprieve.
The wind may have unsettled him and others today.
The new ball is still newish. The challenge has been set for England. If they come out and knock off the last five wickets for 30-50 runs, the game is in the balance.
But if Clarke and Haddin get more than 100 between them, and the tail chips in, Australia will feel secure.
It looks as though the groundsman got it right.
Slowish, some turn, but a five-day wicket which can be exploited by the team who sticks at it.
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