Monday 3 January 2011

Day One At The SCG

Before play started...: Ricky Ponting had an injury, so Michael Clarke stepped up as captain (unpopular). Ponting was replaced at 3 by Usman Khawaja (dayboo), as well as Michael Beer coming in for injured Ryan Harris (also making his dayboo). Ashes retaining England were unchanged.

Where did it all go wrong for Australia?: Didn't tick the scores along as quickly as they would have wanted. Lost wickets at key moments. Nobody went on and went big.

Where did it all go right for Australia?: Good partnerships being developed, Watson showing he's a proper opener, Khawaja showing he's test class.

Where did it all go wrong for England?: Didn't take as many wickets as they would have hoped with the muggy overhead conditions.

Where did it all go right for England?: Took wickets when it mattered, and bowled dangerously. Stopped any free flow of runs.

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

Who's winning the game?: Tight one. Both teams will feel there's a bit in it for them. Though with Khawaja falling last ball, I'd say England are ahead.

Shot of the day: Khawaja's pull off Bresnan for 4. Or Watson's drive for four (also off Bresnan).

Ball of the day: Bresnan's one to get rid of Clarke. Nice shape.

Man of the day: On debut, Usman Khawaja. Looked solid and assured at the crease throughout. Will be kicking himself that he got out in stupid circumstances.

And finally... Ashes Oddity: After enduring horrible, miserable weather in England over the past few months, I arrive in Sydney, and my first day of cricket is massively rain affected.

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