The sort of body language Hussey and Haddin showed after tea on day 2, one could predict that both of them mean business. Michael Hussey was under fire by the Australian media before the Ashes 2010 but as we know he is a tough character. That is what Hussey
did in the Australian 1st innings and proved that he is rightly called ‘Mr. Cricket’.
At the close of play on day 2, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 had a big advantage over England because of the sixth wicket partnership between Hussey and Haddin that started to blossom at the later stages on day 2.
At the start of play this morning, Australia were still trailing by 40 runs in the 1st innings but Hussey and Haddin started from where they had left yesterday. Both of them did not only occupy the crease, in fact they started to score at a rapid
pace as compared to yesterday. Haddin was quite defensive on day 2 but he came into his own on day 3 at Brisbane.
Hussey and Haddin batted for 2 complete sessions on day 3 and had England completely demoralised by tea. The pair yielded 307 runs in their mammoth partnership which completely changed the complexion of the game in favour of Australia, especially considering
the fact that the Aussies were rattling at 143 for 5 at one stage on day 2 when Hussey and Haddin started to build the partnership.
A late comeback by the English team led by the youngster Steven Finn, made sure that Australia does not score 500 in their 1st innings. Australia were all out on 481 runs and took a 1st innings lead of 221 runs which might prove to
be critical in the outcome of the 1st Ashes test.
Hussey missed out on a double-century as his stay at the crease was finished on 195. He struck 26 boundaries and a six during the knock. On the other hand, Brad Haddin made 136 with 16 fours a six. Steven Finn remained the pick of the bowlers and took 6
wickets after conceding 125 runs in his 1st Ashes test. England had high hopes on Graeme Swann and James Anderson but they could only take 2 wickets each but not before giving away more than 200 runs between themselves.
England started their 1st innings with a deficit of 221 runs and had to face out 15 overs on day 3. Cook and Strauss were quite defensive and did not play their shots. In 15 overs, English openers only managed to score 19 runs but they should
be satisfied that they did not loose any wickets in that session.
England fans would be quite disappointed with their team’s efforts with both bat and ball so far in the 1st test. There is still a chance that England might escape defeat in Brisbane but that is an uphill task for sure and for that they would
have to bat for the whole day tomorrow. On the other hand, Aussies would be very positive that they can take a lead early in the series through a repeat of their 1st innings bowling performance.
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