2nd Test Adelaide - Eng lead the series 1-0
England took to the field knowing that they had all but thwarted Australia’s attempts to level the series. 254 in around 50 overs would surely be a stretch too far, especially given the fact that playing in an aggressive manner would give England the chance to pick up 10 wickets and that certainly couldn’t happen! Going 2 down in the series would make regaining the Ashes nigh on impossible.
So, stick, or twist?
It was England who drew first blood, Shane Watson clean bowled by Stuart Board for 11. The Adelaide Oval left with hands on heads as he held the key to the much needed fast start.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting joined Simon Katich at the crease and the pair began to build a steady partnership. Each of them passed 50 and any hopes the Barmy Army may have had were dashed.
With just over 100 runs required, but time running out, England finally broke the partnership. Broad again with the wicket and it was Katich who had to go - a well made 67.
At 142 for 2 and Michael Clarke making his way to the crease, Australia were actually in a position to go for the win, but what followed in the next few overs meant those dreams were short lived.
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Pitched up, nips away… Ponting is gone! And it’s Jimmy Anderson who has him!’ Off stump out the ground and the Aussie skipper had to depart for 73. 142 for 2 became 147 for 3.
‘Just short of a length from Finn and Clarke is on to it quickly, pulling away down to fine leg, but he hasn’t got all of it and Jonathan Trott takes the catch!’
4 down now and 3 wickets had fallen for just 14. 4/156
Australia’s mainstays from the 1st innings were reunited in the middle, and it was clear that both Hussey and North had conceded that the win was now out of reach. The pair batted sensibly for the last 50 minutes or so, both finishing on 18 not out. Match Drawn.
England remain 1 up in the series with 3 to play and it’s off to The WACA next. England will be hoping that a pacey wicket will help them take more than 9 wickets in the match!