2nd Ashes Test, Adelaide-Day 1: Anderson and England humble Australia
The toss was won by Australian captain Ricky Ponting who decided to bat first on a good looking batting pitch at Adelaide. Australia suffered their worst start in 60 years.
Australia lost Simon Katich in the first over after he was run out without even facing a single delivery by Trott. Captain Ponting came in to bat at number 3 but he was also dismissed on his 1st ball by Anderson. Australia had lost 2 wickets without
a run on the board. Michael Clarke was the next one to depart. He made 1 before Anderson snared his wicket too. Both http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 and Ponting fell victim to some terrific out-swingers by the English pacer while Swann held both catches at 2nd slip. By
this time, Aussies had lost 3 wickets for only 2 runs.
England were on top but in came Mike Hussey. He continued in his rich vein of form and steadied the ship along with Shane Watson who made a fine half century. The ever reliable Hussey guided Australia to 94-3 at lunch.
The post-lunch session started off similar to the 1st session as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 was dismissed by an immaculate Anderson early, with the score on 96. However, unlike the 1st session, sanity prevailed. Marcus North combined with Hussey for a
60-run partnership before North played a lose stroke on a Steven Finn delivery. His fine knick was well held by the wicketkeeper Matt Prior with the score on 154.
The chief tormentors of England in the Brisbane game, Haddin and Hussey were again out in the centre. They started in the same manner as in the previous Test. Hussey was taking Swann to the cleaners and the English star spinner was looking ordinary against
Mr. Cricket. Swann had the final laugh though. He dismissed Hussey for 93, it was clever bowling as the ball pitched outside off inviting a drive and Hussey went for it. Unfortunately for the Australian, the ball spun sharply and Collingwood took a comfortable
catch at slip.
With Johnson absent from the game, the Australian tale looked rather long. Ryan Harris came into bat at number 8. He was given out LBW on the first ball he faced under huge controversy. The decision was referred to the 3rd umpire but somehow a
faint inside edge was ignored by Billy Doctrove and the on-field decision stood to the dismay of shocked Australian supporters. Swann was on a hat-trick now but the number 9 Doherty managed to keep him at bay. By now, the Aussies had slumped to 207-7.
Haddin took a more aggressive approach to the innings and started playing more shots. Doherty at the other end was keeping the bowlers out before tragedy struck again. A huge misunderstanding between the two batsmen resulted in a comic run out of Doherty
after a 19-run stand. Doherty made 6 runs.
Haddin was fast running out of partners and England took the new ball as soon as it was available. Peter Siddle was partnering Haddin and he looked uncomfortable against the swinging new ball. Haddin took the game into his own hands and smashed Anderson
for a 6 and a 4 in the same over. Anderson was not to be out done though. He bounced back to claim his 4th victim of the day as Siddle middled one straight to midwicket and Cook took an easy catch.
Doug Bollinger was the last man for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746. He looked uncertain against Anderson and survived a narrow LBW shout. Haddin had no option but to chance his arm. He tried to pull a fast Broad bouncer but top edged it and was caught by Finn at deep fine leg.
Australia were bowled out for a below par total of 245.
England had to face one over before the end of day’s play. Openers Cook and Strauss negotiated it quite well and at stumps, England were one without loss.
The 1st day belonged to England no doubt. Anderson was the star of the show. Aussies failed to capitalize on the wonderful batting conditions. The biggest positive for England would be the return to form of Graeme Swann as a lot is expected of
the highest wicket taker of 2010 if England are to retain the coveted Ashes. The form of Haddin and Hussey was probably the only thing to cheer about for Australia.
The 1st day has set up the Test match brilliantly. Will the Aussies bounce back? Or will the English put Australia down and under? The cricket world is anticipating a great Test match and a great Ashes series.
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