Ashes 2010: England draw first blood in second Test; lead series 1-0
England defeated Australia by an innings and 71 runs in the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, and has taken a 1-0 lead in the series. At the start of play, it had been assumed that with six wickets in hand, the Aussies might
put up a tough fight against England. Michael Hussey had been unbeaten on 44 at the close of play yesterday and completed his half-century early in the morning on day five. However, victory came for England within 90 minutes of the start of play, and neither
Hussey nor the weather got in its way.
Hussey was the first Australian batsman to be dismissed today, shortly after his half-century, as he tried to pull a short delivery off Steven Finn but only managed to chip it straight to James Anderson at mid-on.
Brad Haddin, who had scored a century for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in the first Test, was the next man to go as he edged an out-swinger by Anderson and got caught by Matt Prior. Haddin scored 12 runs, including two boundaries, during his short
stay at the crease. On the very next ball, Ryan Harris decided not to take a shot at an in-swinger by Anderson and was rightly adjudged LBW.
While the wickets were tumbling, Marcus North was trying his level best at the other end. Apart from saving the Test for his country, North was also playing to retain his place in the team after his inconsistent performances of
late. But he fell victim to Graeme Swann after scoring 22 runs.
The last two wickets to fall were Xavier Doherty and Peter Siddle, both clean-bowled by Swann. With the last wicket, Swann won the match and completed his five-wicket haul for the innings. Swann bowled 41.1 overs in the innings
and ceded 91 runs.
Kevin Pietersen was named Man of the Match for his fantastic knock of 227 runs and his taking of the prize wicket of Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 on day four.
Both teams are likely to make changes to their playing eleven at the WACA for the third Test, as Stuart Broad and Simon Katich have both been ruled out for the remainder of the series. Australia may also be reconsidering its bowling
lineup, as well as the position of North on the team.
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