by Sreelata S. Yellamrazu
Australia would have felt like on the top of the world at the end of the third day when Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin staged a colossal partnership that took Australia from a challenging situation into a commanding one. But by the end of the fourth day, Australia were humble and at stumps of the fifth day of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia were humiliated even with the result being a draw.
Alastair Cook continued where he left on. Batting unbeaten on 132 overnight after a initiative-wresting partnership with his captain, Andrew Strauss, the previous day, Cook took over the business of not only ensuring that England walked out of Brisbane unscathed but also, inflicted a psychological bruise to the hosts.
Aiding Cook in this plot was Jonathan Trott and he was aptly rewarded with a Test century himself as the duo starred in a 329 partnership that rubbed salt into the wounds, particularly for Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Hussey missed his Test double century by five runs, but Cook was unassailable as he locked onto an unbeaten Test century that will go down in history. The partnership between Trott and Cook edged out Hussey's partnership with Haddin as England wrested the honours comprehensively from the hosts.
For Australia, it was nothing short of ignominy even if the pitch did not offer any particular assistance to the bowlers. Peter Siddle's shocking first day success now seems eons ago as England overcame a 200 plus run deficit to post 517 for one declared to give Australia 297 runs to chase in less than three hours time on the final day.
Australia saw out the day without too much drama thereafter but by then, England had emerged victorious from their incredible comeback while Australia were sinking into a reputation that was quickly becoming associated with being toothless. England go to Adelaide on a high while Australia look to rectify the chinks.
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