Ashes Series: Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook Thump http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746
If the third day of the Brisbane Test belonged to Australia, the fourth one undoubtedly went England‘s way. Surviving an appeal for leg-before on the first delivery of the second innings, on the third day, English captain Andrew Strauss launched a savage attack against the hosts, that saw him destroy their spirits as well as boost the morale of his team mates. Both the openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook hit centuries as England resumed their second innings at 19 for no loss, on the penultimate day. Not even in their wildest dreams, would have Australian players visualized the English onslaught, that was the highlight of the days play. Resuming 202 runs behind, England had more to lose than Australia. They arrived in the continent as favorites but lost the plot on the opening day, as they were bowled out for 260 runs. They regained their brilliance, when Steven Finn triggered a collapse that saw Australia fell from 449 for 5 to 481 all out.
It was that performance, which instilled in Strauss and Cook, the desire to outclass the opponent. They demoralized the Australian bowling by putting on 188 runs for the first wicket. Strauss’s dismissal for 110 well-made runs was the only moment the Aussies would like to remember on the fourth day, as their bowlers banged in short, bowled without a plan and was treated harshly for the right reasons. Cook remained not-out with 132 runs and added 121 runs for the second wicket, with Jonathan Trott who was unbeaten at 54. England ended the day at 309 for the loss of 1 wicket and leads the Aussies by 88 runs.
A draw seems likely in the match, although both the teams would fancy their chances, if the first session goes their way. The day belonged to English skipper Andrew Strauss, who ended his run of centuries, by scoring his first in 13 tests. He made the most of the dropped chance by Mitchell Johnson at 69 and took his side closer to the deficit by sheer brilliance. If the Hussey-Haddin stand had lifted the Aussie-spirit on the third day, the one between Strauss-Cook demolished the bowlers’ ego. Not even the thick cloud cover could help the bowlers, who fared badly throughout the 90-over play.
Australia missed the services of a genuine Test spinner who could have posed problems. Steven Smith may not be as good as Shane Warne, but he is still better than Xavier Doherty, who made his debut in the match. Marcus North’s, off-spin at first change, failed to spin the match in Australia’s favor and the hosts ended the day on a low. Australia must take a few wickets, in the first session, to reduce the visitors for a lead of less than 200 .Otherwise England will try to score quickly and possibly declare, with a target of 300 in mind, with 40 overs left. Who knows their bowlers might give a spirited performance like their batsmen.
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