by Sreelata S. Yellamrazu
On a day when the battle began all over again, England were grateful for the opportunity to use the reset button at the start of the game. However, it is only the end of the first day's play of the second Test of the Ashes 2010 in Adelaide and England will know that beginning well is only work half done.
James Anderson gave England fans plenty of reasons to believe that England's Ashes hopes are not only alive but kicking. By knocking Australia out at the first punch, England have given themselves the best chance to stand nose ahead in the game, in stark contrast to the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane where Alastair Cook led a remarkable comeback that became the toast of England.
Australia, on the other hand, had the worst possible start, almost in continuation of the manner in which they ended matters in Brisbane. A shocking run out kickstarted the day for Australia as Simon Katich went back to the pavilion. But he was not alone. Anderson set Australia back by sending back the Australian captain and vice captain. Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke disappeared in the quick sand of England spearhead's efforts as the game collapsed in a matter of less than fifteen minutes of the first session of the Test.
From three for two, the resurrection did come about through a remorseful Shane Watson and a determined Michael Hussey who, it has to be said, has been on fire even since his Australian critics have been wanting to give him marching orders. Together they built the consolidating foundation before Watson became Anderson's wicket post lunch for a half century.
More fightback came when England let it. Marcus North had a grinding partnership with Hussey in which he personally scored little but delayed Australia's collapse. And Australia did suffer a disappointing end to their first innings as Graeme Swann cut through with a knife. Two quick wickets, Hussey gone for ninety-three without that deserved century and Australia's long tail (having sacrificed Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus for Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris) caved in to give Australia sleepless night overnight, with only 245 on board.
England had only one over to negotiate but the real test begins tomorrow. Thus far, Australia's shakiness in the batting was expected. England's bowling was expected to sing and it did. But now comes the intrigue part of the Ashes. Have Australia made the right gamble with the bowling and will it pay off? England are riding high on the confidence of their second innings at the Gabba. Can they now reproduce magnificence on par with the first Test as Australia are now virtually throwing the kitchen sink at them?
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