Ashes 2010, 2nd Test: Australia in shambles after Alastair Cook’s magnificent batting display; Eng 317/2
England’s Alastair Cook, who seemed out of form before the Ashes Test series and whose inclusion in the England side for the Ashes was the subject of harsh criticism, proved once again that he is a world-class player. His brilliant
knock in the first Test helped England beat Australia, and he has managed to play yet another fantastic, thus-far unbeaten innings in the second Ashes Test match at the Adelaide Oval.
Alongside fellow batsmen Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen, Cook put up a performance that has sent the Australians reeling. Australia’s first-innings total of just 245 runs was already a low score to defend, and with their ineffective
bowling display, the Aussies are not in very dire straits.
England have made a total of 317 for the loss of only two wickets on the second day of the Test. They are now in the lead by 72 runs and still have eight wickets in hand, certainly looking set to avenge their defeat at the Adelaide
Oval four years ago. England just need to bat for a short while more on the third day of the match to expand their lead to a winning position.
Since Cook’s previous innings at the Gabba, he has batted like a superstar. He is currently unbeaten at 136 runs. Another key player who has finally found his form is Pietersen, who is currently unbeaten at 85. Pietersen and Cook
have thus far put up a partnership of 141 runs.
Trott has also once again proved his consistency, scoring a dashing 78 before falling victim to Australia’s Ryan Harris. The runs had been flowing for England throughout the day, especially at the start when the Australian bowlers
kept on bowling on the leg-side to Trott. The only wickets the Australians managed to bag were Andrew Strauss (bowled by Bollinger) and Trott (bowled by Harris and caught by Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120).
Will England keep their upper hand and post a total that will lead them to victory? Will http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 fight back after their below par performance? We’ll find out tomorrow as the excitement continues at the Adelaide Oval.
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