The second Ashes test finally startedon Friday, and it could not have been a worse start for the Aussies. The Aussies were all dismissed for 245 on the first day, and were not able to take the advantage of batting first on a batting
friendly pitch. Australia at one stage were 3 down for just 2 runs, and it was looking a dismal picture for the Aussies. Rescue again came from the ever reliable Michael Hussey, but he was unable to bat long enough to steer Australia to safety. For Australia,
it was another head scratcher, as they made a number of changes for the second Test and now for their own sakes these changes must deliver for them. The English bowlers were right on the money from the start, and their opening spell really destroyed the Aussie
hopes of a big first innings total. Anderson picked 4 wickets for England and was superb in his bowling spells.
Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. But they were soon cursing this decision, as they were reduced to 3-2 in the third over. Australia was quite hopeful of a good start but the way James Anderson bowled really took
the initiative away from the Aussies. The first over was filled with drama as 2 important wickets fell for the Aussies in the first over. First there was confusion between Shane Watson and Simon Katich between the wickets, which cost Katich his wicket. The
next ball, Australia lost its Captain Ricky Ponting, when he edged a ball that moved away from him and it was caught at second slip by Swann. To make matters worse, Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 was the next casualty for them, when he went for a ball that moved away from
him and was caught at second slip. It’s Australia’s worst start for 60 years and a tense situation for the team and the selectors.
Michael Hussey and Shane Watson were left in the middle of a difficult situation. Michael Hussey again showed why his ability to bat in tense situations is admired a lot, and responded with a brilliant 93. He was the innings builder
for the Aussies and contributed valuable partnerships for the Aussies. Watson and Hussey gave stability to the Aussie innings, and took them out of a horrific start. Both of these batsmen took the English attack on and scored whenever they got the opportunity.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 made a fine half century and contributed a necessary partnership of 94 runs with Michael Hussey. He struck 7 boundaries in his innings of 51. He was dismissed by Anderson, who was having a wonderful morning, when he went for a drive of an out swinger
and was caught by Pieterson at the Gully position. He made 51 runs of 94 balls. Australia were 96-4 and needed a player to play a long innings for them. Naturally all eyes were on Michael Hussey, who is having a wonderful time with the bat in the series.
A 60 run partnership developed between Hussey and Marcus North, and it again gave hope to the Aussies. Marcus North is another player whose form has remained a question mark, and the second Test match is quite important for him
to keep his position in the team. He struck 4 boundaries in his innings of 26, and showed some promise in the middle. At the score of 156, North was dismissed by Finn, when he was caught behind by Matt Prior. Michael Hussey was playing his natural game and
did not take any needless risks. He was effective in keeping the score board ticking. Brad Haddin was the next batsman for the Aussies, and once again showed a good touch with the bat. Both Haddin and Hussey were looking confident and steady and again, gave
an impression of building a strong partnership for the Aussies. Haddin carried his form from the first test and played the English bowlers confidently. He was effective in getting behind the ball, and also struck impressive boundaries off the English bowlers.
The feature of 51 run partnership between Haddin and Hussey was their ability to absorb the pressure laid on by the English bowlers. Both of these batsmen played the bowlers on merit, and did not go for any risky shots. Just when these two batsmen were looking
good, Graeme Swann struck for England. He first took the most important wicket of Australia, when he dismissed the in-form Michael Hussey. Hussey was dismissed when he went for a drive that was caught in the slips by Collingwood. Hussey batted wonderfully
for his 93 and struck 8 boundaries. He also drove well in his innings. The next ball, Swann trapped Ryan Harris leg before and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 were again struggling at 207-7. Haddin tried to revive the Aussie innings by hitting some boundaries and to take their
total to a respectable position. England managed to get the remaining Aussie wickets and dismissed the Aussies for 245. Haddin was the last batsman to be dismissed, when after playing a gutsy 56, he was caught at fine leg boundary off the bowling of Finn.
James Anderson was the pick of the English bowlers as he managed to pick 4 important wickets, and also kept the Aussie batsmen under pressure with his beautiful out swingers. Swann picked 2 wickets including the wicket of Hussey. England in response managed
to play the last over of the day with ease. It was truly England’s day in which they bowled well to keep the Aussie batsmen in check.
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