Hussey, Haddin Resurgence Offset by Strauss-Cook Defiance

By Sreelata S. Yellamrazu

     What a dramatic turnaround it has been and it needed something special from England if they were to overcome those pre Ashes jolt to steady themselves to the task at hand. They did it spectacularly by stumps on the fourth day of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in  Brisbane.

       It was certainly not what Australia had in mind when they took the field for a second time in the Test, this time more confidently knowing that England were in the worst possible position in the first Test of the Ashes 2010, batting on a deficit of 200 plus runs. Australia themselves had rallied from a possible precipice and it had equally special tones about it because it involved a man under immense pressure and another making his comeback from injury.

        Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin defied odds, logic and Steven Finn to post a game changing 307 run partnership for the sixth wicket. Hussey’s 195 runs were not only critical for Australia who were staring down a proposition not unlike England’s in the first innings bowled out for 260. From five down for 143, Australia fought back through that partnership and through it had England fans facing the nightmare of watching their team succumbing under the pressure of a huge first innings deficit with the prospect of batting out two days.

       However, the sun shone brighter when day four dawned and in it were basking the openers, England captain, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook, exposing Australia’s bowling on a pitch that held no demons. With defiance and determination written all over them, the openers showed England’s resolve and true mettle. And in their innings, it appeared the fear, emotion and pressure of success were beginning to melt away to reveal the true face of the new England team.

       What is even more remarkable is for the second time in this Test, another batsman who has been under the cynosure of unsure eyes had the temerity to stand and face up to the most daunting of challenges and expected to carry it through to the final day. Strauss’ Test century was expected given that Strauss has been able to strike a fine balance between the pressures of captaincy and the pleasure of batting. Cook’s story was another matter altogether, with some in England thinking he did not deserve that ticket on the flight to Australia.

         To then hold up England’s flag high and keep the home fires burning on an unbeaten 132 after two gut wrenching partnerships for Australia ( 188 with Strauss and 121 unbeaten with Jonathan Trott ), Cook is being looked upon as savior. How quickly perceptions change!