Australia edge past England on second day at Gabba
Australia and England fought hard on a difficult day of cricket but the home team gained an upper hand on the second day of the first Test match at Gabba. It would be fair to say that at 220/5, Australia are only a tad ahead though, and a bad first session
tomorrow could pull things back in favour of England.
In reply to England’s first innings total of 260, the Aussies had resumed the second day on 25/0 and batted well in the first session. Both the overnight not-out batsmen, the openers Simon Katich and Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 carried from where they had left off and slowly
but steadily begun picking the runs. What was heartening to watch from the English perspective was that despite the partnership and a relatively low first innings total, they never seemed to cave in and there were enough opportunities created.
Both Watson and Katich had some close shaves as well with the UDRS having been used twice. First, Katich was given out and he challenged the decision but survived. Then, Watson was given not-out but the English fielders challenged it only to find the decision
being upheld.
The pair added 78 for the first wicket before Watson edged it to the slips and was neatly held by Andrew Strauss. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 went into lunch at 96/1 and looked good to take a big lead.
However, immediately after lunch, Anderson stuck to remove Ricky Ponting and Katich completed his half century before being dismissed by Steven Finn. Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 scrapped around for runs but his nine came off almost nine overs before he top-edged one to
the wicket-keeper and when Marcus North failed to get going yet again, the Aussies were suddenly staring down the barrel at 143/5.
It was here that Hussey came together with the wicket-keeper Brad Haddin and saw through the difficult period. Hussey had started off rather positively and he continued to punish anything loose – being severe on off-spinner Graeme Swann. He remained unbeaten
on 81 while Haddin was 22 not-out when the stumps were drawn early due to heavy rains.
The play will start early on the third day if the weather permits. With the Aussies only 40 runs behind England and with five wickets remaining, they have the upper hand. However, the Aussies will understand that the new ball is due and a good one hour or so
for the English pace bowlers and the game could turn around on its head.
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