It was a much better day weather wise in the second day of the third Ashes test at Edgbaston and England took full advantage in a wonderful session that saw Australia struggle to 263 all out.
The surprise choice of Graham Onions to open the bowling, bemused some experts, but was vindicated when he took two wickets with his first two balls of the day. Ponting and Clarke then settled the Australian nerves for long enough for Ponting to pass Allan Border to become the highest scoring Australian in test matches.
When Ponting fell at 163, caught by Prior and bowled once again by Onions it started a spell of England domination and the last six wickets fell for just 100 runs. Onions however had to settle for just one more wicket, the last to fall, as Anderson demolished the other five in a fabulous display to end the Australian innings.
Australia’s bowlers got off to a great start also, as Siddle had Cook caught by Manou with the batsman yet to score and putting England at 2 for 1. Bopara followed a while later after some quality bowling from Australia and providing a nervy time for England at 60 for 2.
But once again a fantastic captains innings from Andrew Strauss in partnership with Ian Bell, saw the day out with Strauss on 64 and Bell on 26.
It is fair to say that some dodgy umpiring decisions have gone England’s way today, but tactically and physically they have just edged themselves ahead of the Australians.
At close of play:
Australia 263 all out England 116 for 3
1 comment so far
1 arun // Aug 3, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Anderson yes good bolwing in 2st test well