Buzzin Cricket

Hope appeared to drain out of the England team with the news that Flintoff was not fit enough to play in the fourth Ashes test at Headingley. From the moment the match started and until it’s conclusion, the England players with both bat and ball looked like a beaten team.

Australia in contrast showed tremendous form, seizing the match by the scruff of the neck and but for some controversial lbw dismissals this afternoon would find themselves in the much stronger position their play deserved.

Recalled Stuart Clark bowled excellently for his 3 -18 and Peter Siddle with 5-21 saw off the tail order in spectacular fashion. England contrasted that with a dismal display at the crease, with only Alistair Cook (30) and MattPrior (37) making double figures. The other nine batsmen scoring a dismal eighteen runs between them!

England all out for 102.

Sadly both teams continued to show similar form in their reverse roles. Things did look a little promising when Steve Harmison took the wicket of Kattich at 14 for 1, but England would have to endure another 119 runs being added before capturing another scalp. By that time Australia were firmly in control with a brilliant partnership involving Ponting and Watson.

Watson was the second victim of the day, falling at 133 and then by some act of god England took two more quickly after with Australia at 151 for 4. Clarke (34) and North (7) ended the day for Australia at 196 for 4 and leading the match by 94 runs.

This is going to take something very special indeed for England to get back into the game tomorrow.