History books were rewritten Saturday as Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin rode Australia with a defining 307-run partnership on day 3 of the first Ashes Test.
The stumbling hosts came back with a full throttle today to take a 221-run lead over their opponents. The monumental partnership allowed the Aussies to maintain a firm grip over the Brisbane Test. The magnanimous stand was a record for any wicket at the
Gabba and allowed the home side to place themselves on top with a huge lead. After hours of struggle, Steven Finn provided the breakthrough which England needed, ending up with a six-wicket haul. But it seems that a daunting task awaits England to save the
opening match of the Ashes 2010.
Facing a sturdy hour, the England skipper managed to diffuse the pressure somewhat. He escaped an early appeal for leg before wicket off the first ball of Ben Hilfenhaus. Ricky Ponting asked for a review, which came down as reinforcement to the umpire’s
original decision. However, it was tough time for Strauss, who was on a pair until he tucked a single to open his account. Alastair Cook also fought hard to close the day unbeaten. Yet there is a long way to go for England in order to neutralise the nearly
perfect partnership of the Aussies.
The partnership stand of 307 runs will be recorded as second-best in the Ashes, the first one being between Don Bradman and Jack Fingleton. Hussey played like a player who has overwhelmed the cricketing world for a number of years. He managed to score a
century off 197 balls and celebrated with raw emotions. This came down as a relief for him and his side. This meant it was his consecutive hundred after the futile 121 at the Oval last year. But this one has given his team an edge and ended the debate about
his place in the team.
The England team ended the day at 19 runs for no loss. The stiff but nervous defending from the English openers indicated the pressure on them. Ben Hilfenhaus bowled some fine swinging deliveries to add to the problems of the already uncomfortable batsmen.
The length from the bowlers was different today, pointing towards a different game plan. This is where the match has entered an interesting phase and day 4 seems to be a promising one. The question is will England be in position to overcome the huge deficit
of runs? Or will http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 dominate the visitors?
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