Michael Hussey Boosts Australia in Ashes Series
The best way to judge a batsman’s utility to the side, is not to analyze his record but to analyze the effect of his record. Michael Hussey may not have a Bradman-like average, nor as many runs like Sachin Tendulkar, but the effect of his innings for Australia, shows that he is the go-to guy for Ricky Ponting.
Not even in his wildest dreams, could England’s skipper Andrew Strauss visualized, that his bowlers would fail to take a wicket in the first two sessions on the third day of the Brisbane Test. Not only were the bowlers denied a wicket but they were also deprived of one, thanks to the referral system. Before reaching his century, Michael Hussey was adjudged, leg-before off James Anderson, by Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar. However Hussey challenged the decision correctly, to get a reprieve, which proved to be the turning point for the hosts.
England lost their way after that, as Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn went for runs. They were made to suffer, as first Michael Hussey and later wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, managed to score centuries. Both the batsmen added 307 runs for the sixth wicket as Australia kept on piling runs. Hussey and Haddin entered the record books with such a huge partnership, which is now a record for any wicket at the Gabba.
Michael Hussey was unlucky to have missed his maiden double century by just 5 runs but the way he batted was exemplary. When he crossed 100, for the twelfth time in his career, he celebrated it with a huge release of raw emotion. The knock not only knocked-out the opponents but also removed any doubt about his place in the side. This was also his second back-to-back Ashes century, as in his last innings, scoring 121 at The Oval, in 2009. This partnership was of immense importance, as it is now second to the 346 added by Sir Donald Bradman and Jack Fingleton, in the1930’s. It was only in the final session of the day that the visitors found rhythm in their bowling, and luck on their side. Steven Finn proved to be the man-of-the-moment for England, as he took 6 wickets for the loss of 125 runs. First to go on the third day was Brad Haddin, who was caught by Paul Collingwood, off Graeme Swann. He scored 136 runs off 287 balls and hit 16 fours and a six. Michael Hussey on the other hand scored 195 off 330 deliveries, and his innings were filled with 26 fours and a six.
As soon as they were dismissed, the late-order of the Australian team crumbled. Steven Finn produced a gem of a delivery, to rattle the stumps of Mitchell Johnson for naught. While in an attempt, to pull a bouncer from the same bowler; Peter Siddle miss-hit it to Graeme Swann in slips, after scoring 6.Debutant Xavier Doherty did show promise by scoring 16 valuable runs for his side, but his dismissal ended the Australian resistance at 481. With sheer will and common-sense, the hosts gained a lead of 221 runs over the English side.
Although James Anderson and Graeme Swann helped Finn in plotting the downfall of the Australian Empire, with 2 wickets each, the failure of Stuart Broad to take a wicket in friendly conditions and the absence of Coach Andy Flower, helped http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 greatly. Flower, who had spent his last two days in a hospital, for a minor surgery, had been a positive factor for the English side, and had he been there, the lead would surely have been shorter.
English captain Andrew Strauss survived a huge leg-before appeal, first ball in the second innings. Both the field and third umpire, correctly turned down the appeal and referral from Ricky Ponting, as the ball appeared to be heading over the stumps. After that, England survived 15 overs in the final session, ending end the day at 19 runs without losing any wickets and reducing the deficit to 202 runs.
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