Friday 26 November 2010

Day Two At Brisbane

Background: England got 260 (below par) - the Aussies got fired up and Siddle took a hattrick.

How did it start: With Watson and Katich batting for Australia - and England not really looking like taking many wickets.

Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: With a few players looking not great - Michael Clarke and Marcus North especially.

Where did it all go right for Australia?: A good opening partnership, and a good final partnership of the day between Hussey and Haddin. Hussey's apparent return to form will be a big plus.

Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't look all too threatening in the morning and evening sessions which allowed Australia to put on some big partnerships.

Where did it all go right for England?: A brilliant hour at the start of the afternoon session got England right back into the game. Anderson and Finn's bowling especially will give them confidence.

Who won each session?: Morning - Australia. Afternoon - England. Evening - Australia.

Who won the day?: Probably England - got right back into this game. Would have wanted a couple of wickets in the evening - but Australia probably still in pole position in this game.

Crumb of comfort?: England's bowling attack will take great heart for the hour at the start of the afternoon where Australia couldn't score any runs, and wickets looked likely every delivery.

Shot of the day: Hussey's lofted six over mid on off Swann signalled intent, and a return to form for Mr Cricket

Ball of the day: Swann's to North - a great display of off-spin bowling to a left hander. Honourable mention to Jimmy Anderson's ball that got rid of Watson.

Man of the day: Mike Hussey. A great innings under pressure when his side needed it.

And finally... Ashes Oddity: For a man of 6 foot 8 with notably rubbish balance, Steve Finn's diving catch to dismiss Katich, as well as another diving stop off his own bowling was remarkable "hands for a big man".

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