There is an old saying that goes ‘be careful what you wish for….for it might come true……….’Lol,I wrote up an article this morn about the 5 keys to today’s play and one was in regards to Andrew Strauss. When England were to bat in their 2nd innings.In this short explanation underneath it I tempted fate by writing ‘Barring a miracle England will be batting today….’Hehe…………….Fate 1…Me 0
For they nearly didn’t save a few overs at the end due to Hussey and Haddin’s great batting and Aleem Dar instantly being on Mike Hussey’s after test buy dinner list.After he was somehow given not out to a ball.That to lend a famous Fred Trueman description-’That was missing leg,missing off and hitting middle half way up’ (RIP Fred!)Tragically for the English they had run out of challenges for if they had one Hussey would be without a doubt gone!Previously to add further frustration he was given out on 82 LBW only to challenge successfully.Luck was in for Mr Hussey!
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Thus James Anderson on both occasions was the unlucky bowler and in truth before the start of play today.He must have walked under a ladder,broke a few mirrors in his hotel room and on the way out of the hotel to board the team bus had a family of black cats walk past him.Such was his misfortune in the morning session to be without a haul of wickets.So in this tight match it was crucial with the pair sharing in a 307 run partnership and both getting very deserved and very respect tons
That granted was on the back of great courage in the early onslaught from in particular Anderson.Then grinding the tiring English bowlers into the turf.They were particularly savage on Swann, who hasn’t done anything as yet to dispel the long held view that finger spinners aren’t big factors in Aussie conditions.For the English,Anderson was the most impressive but Steve Finn got the figures with 6 scalps.Thus Australia when they were dismissed had a huge 221 run lead.
In the short session before close the English easily saw off the 15 overs duly assisted by Ponting’s strange decision to bowl Johnson before Watson.Young Mitchell to no ones surprised sprayed his deliveries all over humanity.Only getting 2 maidens for the English couldn’t reach his offerings.
So a great partnership aided by a terrible umpiring decision has Australia holding all the cards as night falls here in the ‘Land of Oz’!
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