Cricket Tournaments

Cricket is one of the most beautiful games to watch as well as play and I don’t think being from India, where people consider it as a religion, anyone here will have a doubt about it.  With over more than 100 years since the first ever match was played between England and Australia, this game went on beautifying itself with the way it was played.

Playing in true spirits, I’ve always admired some players. But what hurts my sentiment for this game is the way the beautifying effect has been just torn apart by certain players lacking basic sportsman spirit, money and the politics.

Rest aside, getting politics into cricket, just doesn’t seem to be a good idea. Despite being a ‘gentlemen’s game’, cricket and controversies always go hand in hand. Cricketers and their boards are constantly getting engaged in the mind games and the politics of the game.

Spats between cricketers and their respective boards have been going on since a long while. Right from Greg Chappell-Sourav Ganguly which gave rise to the fact that cricketers are mere employees for the board and nothing more. Chappell’s spat with Ganguly not only saw the worst spat ever occurred between a coach and a player but also showed how a player of caliber like Ganguly was treated in India. BCCI, being the most powerful and financially well-off cricket boards, has its own set of rules and treats players basically like slaves. But what weakens BCCI’s power is the fan base in India. Cricket being considered as a religion, the fans would just protest against BCCI if there’s anything going against a high-profile cricketer. Though media can always turn out to be the culprit.

Nevertheless what people fail to understand, is that politics is everywhere and to think that it’s only in India is just naïve. WICB-Chris Gayle, CA-Simon Katich, PCB-Shahid Afridi and it goes on and on to prove the fact that other boards do get engaged in politics too and it’s just that it hasn’t been openly talked about.

Axing senior players like Chris Gayle, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, what kind of team were they ever going to make? Others kept aside, Chris Gayle was on a mission to prove the board officials what they were missing on. And what he does is in style! Smashing sixes all over the ground in the just-concluded IPL, he was like a tornado coming towards the other teams. And this obviously infuriated WICB officials that he chose to play for IPL, instead of waiting for WICB officials to respond. Keeping him out of the current squad against India made the matters worse with WIPA supporting Gayle too. As the war of words goes on, who would axe senior players like them without even disclosing it in front of them? Politics plays its role.

Being in India, would you ever think of removing Sachin Tendulkar or for that matter any player who’s in his prime form with just the matter of fact that age is not by his side? That’s what exactly Australian cricket board has done! Scoring with an average of around 50 after his return to international cricket, no-one had ever thought of him being axed. Being in as many as 17 century partnership at the top after his return, Australia’s opening partnership was the most stable and effective. And the reason been given, ‘We want to forge a better opening partnership for Ashes 2013’. Is this a reason to give, when Katich has better averages than anyone else in the team after his return to international cricket? Why would you want to get rid of one of your best players? Just a bit baffled!

Even Stuart Clark was treated in a very much similar way, though he didn’t protest as such. And if two players are talking about this, there has to be some problems on the other side. And i’m sure there will be more players, just going against CA will make life worse for them.

Though PCB-Shahid Afridi tussle has been two-sided, where just because of stripping him from captaincy, Shahid Afridi decided to quit international cricket. Later again he was in a war of words with PCB and coach Waqar Younis which made the matters worse. Pakistan already at a point where their cricket doesn’t look like being stable any-time soon, with his retirement it looks even more awful. Being a two-sided mistake, you cannot just comment on what is it all about.

But what surprises me is that the board officials consider their players as mere contracted players and basically slaves who are supposed to do whatever the board wants when under contract. The politics played is intense and can’t get through it. Though the entire thing isn’t out, but what matters is all this is just affecting the game.

On top of that, with match-fixers and bookies all around, it makes worse. Even the fact that players favoring club over country hurts, but then it’s their own decisions though.

Cricket is to get back to the way it was, when there were no tussles, when every-one played their heart-out to represent their country, when match-fixing was never even a word in dictionary.

When the Australians march on to the ground, they have all to play for, as the Ashes would be out of reach if England pulled of another win against the old enemy. The English on the other hand wouldn’t want to lose the initiative and would look to continue their winning momentum. The English have already lost a match after winning a test early in the series, it happened in South Africa and in the last Ashes. However, after headingley they got out of jail due to a certain Andrew Flintoff. England must ensure that they continue in the same vain and play positive cricket right through.
There’s a lot more at stake than the Ashes, it’s perhaps Australia’s greatest ever batsman since Sir Donald Bradman, Ricky Ponting. While, the man, personally might not lose his place in the team but a loss at the WACA could sure mean a loss to his captaincy at test level. If Australia lose, Ponting would be the first ever captain to lose the Ashes thrice ever since the history of the urn began way back in 1882. Also, a loss could mean, England’s first Ashes victory on Australian soil since 1986/87. On a personal note too ponting does not have a hundred to his name in the last 8 test matches and has added a poultry 70 runs to his total in the current Ashes series. It is critical that Ponting returns to his menacing best if Australia have to have any chance of winning a test match not least regaining the Ashes.

At the moment, nothing seems to be going right for the hosts and each player must put in their best stride forward so as to lift the team. The Australian selectors have sprung up some surprises. The series is only 10 days old and both teams have been troubled by injuries. Stuart Broad, is already out of the Ashes with an abdominal strain while Australian opener Simon Katich misses out due to an achilees problem something that Kevin Pietersen suffered from. Chris Tremlett is the most likely replacement to Stuart Broad as his tall frame could help extract some extra bounce from a green WACA wicket. Australia on the other hand have called back young Philip Hughes into the squad who is set to replace Katich come Thursday. Xavier Doherty and Doug Bollinger are the others who have been axed for the third test due to poor performances in the Adelaide test. Johnson has been brought back while uncapped Michael Beer has been brought into the squad as replacement. Beer was a huge surprise selection as he has only played a handful of six first class matches. Another major exclusion has been that of Marcus North who has finally been dropped. Steven Smith should dawn the number 7 slot with Haddin moving up to take North’s position. Johnson’s return will bolster the batting a tad while Beer’s batting credentials don’t seem to stop the world.
However, the main concern with Australia is the toothless attack that they possess. Although Ryan Harris looks to be good but his knee would hold him back from bowling at full tilt and would they love a full firing Mitchell Johnson back. One good thing the seamer has going for him is his record at the ground. Johnson has taken 21 wickets in the three test matches he’s played here previously including the devastating spell of 8 for 61 couple of years back when he ripped through the backbone of the South African batting line up. Australia would want to go in with a specialist spinner which could mean beer could play with Siddle given the axe. However, what is to hear is that the wicket is a result oriented one and strauss could barely discriminate between the wicket and the outfield.
England’s top order has been the biggest worry for the Australian team. Australia have failed to get rid of the English top 4. Cook and Trott have been instrumental in denting the Australian bowlers. Cook who was considered to be the only weak link in the English batting line up has come out to be the biggest shining star. Kevin Pietersen on the other hand, seems to have regained his lost form.
When compared man to man, the English seem to be the better line up on paper. With the exception of Michael Hussey at 5 in comparison to Collingwood the English look far more supreme.
Australia really need to turn everything around and the stakes are huge this time round. What one can be sure of like every India- Pakistan battle, this one sure is to be an enthralling on to say the least.

After a dull draw at Brisbane, the pressure on both England and Australia intensified as a win becomes a must at Adelaide to gain bragging rights for the remainder of the Ashes. Brisbane ultimately saw the psychological advantage go in England’s way as they scored a huge 517/1 in the second innings to achieve a draw, after a first innings deficit of 235 runs. On the other hand, Australia for the first time perhaps in a home series was under the pump because of a poor second innings bowling performance from all the bowlers and also Ricky Ponting’s captaincy is under scrutiny. The hype built on Adelaide seemed to be greater than that of Brisbane, as Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting walked out for the toss as 30,000 fans at the Adelaide Oval were rallying behind their teams. Ponting won the toss and elected to bat on another batting-friendly surface.
However, right from the first over, Australia succumbed to the pressure built on them. Simon Katich was run out of the fourth ball of the Australian innings in a horrible mix-up with Shane Watson. And worse he didn’t face a single ball. And then Ponting couldn’t have asked for a worse innings on his 150th Test. He was out first ball, edging an outswinging delivery to a waiting Graeme Swann at second slip. James Anderson and England were on a roll. England’s morning even got better when the Australian vice-captain, Michael Clarke was out in a similar fashion as Ponting for a mere score of 2 as Australia was reduced to 2/3 in 2.1 overs. Yet, Shane Watson was at the other end even as Michael Hussey walked into the crease.
Watson was unfazed by a bad start as he went on to score a dominant half-century which included 7 fours and a huge six of Swann. However, he proved to Anderson’s third wicket as his dismissal meant that Australia were reduced to 96/4. The next batsman was Marcus North, who many felt is surviving in the team due to his bowling than batting, and should not be playing. North was finding his touch until Graeme Swann dismissed him for 26. It was Brad Haddin who was the next man in, and he and Hussey needed to once again save Australia, just like how they did at the Gabba.
Hussey kept fighting even as wickets were falling. He was certainly back in the business with a well-deserved 93 after the superb 195 in the previous Test. It seemed like he was going to bail Australia out of a precarious situation yet again, until Swann, the world’s No.2 Test bowler made Hussey lose his concentration as he drove a fullish ball spinning outside off-stump to second slip to Collingwood, who doesn’t miss many catches. Swann struck again as Ryan Harris was given out lbw first ball controversially. It was 207/7, when Xavier Doherty joined Haddin at the crease. Brad Haddin proved his mettle yet again with a half-century. Despite this innings, England were able to bowl out Australia for 245 as Australia’s lower order didn’t trouble the scorers much. James Anderson was the star with 4 wickets in the end, and Swann got 2 wickets as well which is good considering that he had a bad game at Brisbane. Steven Finn and Stuart Broad got a wicket each. At the end of the day, England ended at 1/0 after 1 over with Strauss walking off the pitch as a happier man than his counterpart, Ricky Ponting who has a fair amount of contemplating to do if he has to ensure an Australian fightback on the second days play.

Shane Watson

The three-day practice game for Australia against the Board President’s XI, ahead of the first Test at Mohali, was a mixed bag for the visitors. Shane Watson emerged as a visible hero, with attacking tons in both the innings. There were other positives as well. Watson’s opening partner Simon Katich as well as Marcus North also registering hundreds in the first innings. However, the prime concern for them will remain the performance of their spinners as they head into the major battle.

Nathan Hauritz picked up a solitary wicket going for close to hundred runs – both innings combined. Even more worrying was the fact that Piyush Chawla, who can bat a bit but is a bowler by profession, took him to the cleaners with ease. He charged down the pitch and dealt with the tweaker with minimum ill-ease. Then, when BP XI batted for a second time, Ajinkya Rahane was all at ease against him as he raced to a quickfire century.

The only consolation for Hauritz can be the fact that Jason Krejza was treated with similar disrespect two years back in the practice game, but got his act right when it mattered, claiming eight wickets on Test debut. Meanwhile, it was a similar story for Hauritz’s leg-spinning partner Steven Smith, who was treated with even more utter disdain. Chawla was especially severe on him and the leggie ended up conceded nearly six runs per over. Also, when BP XI batted a second time round, the Aussie bowlers were far from effective. Both Rahane and opening partner Cheteshwar Pujara, who is part of the Test squad, helped themselves to some substantial batting practice as they ended the game on a unexpected high, after being pulverized on day one.

The picture wasn’t completely gloomy for Australia though. Before Chawla’s heroics, their bowling was top class. Ben Hilfenhaus, in particular, was exceptionally good while Mitchell Johnson impressed as well. The Aussies would also have been heartened to see Peter George bowl well and claim a couple of scalps. That said, they would have been delighted had they put a better performance with both the ball and the willow in their second essay.

Apart from practice, the match also gave both sides injury scares. Gautam Gambhir took a blow on his right hand from Bill Hilfenhaus while batting and rightly preferred to stay away from the field of play on the final day. India will desperately need his services alongside Virender Sehwag for the Tests and one-dayers. For Australia, Katich, who hurt his thumb, did not bat in his team’s second innings while North, who had a back problem also did the same. Both teams would hope that there is nothing serious, and that they can resume their duties starting October 1.

While on the Test series, India would go in with a slight advantage considering the wealth in their batting strength. However, even a weakened Australian side cannot be underestimated. Expect them to make up for their lack of firepower with that much added determination. One only hopes the series can live up to the billing, unlike the damp squib of 2008.

They started off on Boxing day: 26th December. The season with Pakistan is nearing its end. Here’s a look at the results throughout the series:
Test Matches:
1st Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Melbourne (26th Dec-30th Dec, 2009)
Result: Australia won by 170 runs.

2nd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (3rd Jan-6th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 36 runs.

3rd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Hobart (14th Jan- 18th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 231 runs.

ODI Series:

1st ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Brisbane (22nd Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 5 wickets.

2nd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (24th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 140 runs.

3rd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Adelaide (26th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 40 runs.

4th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (29th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 135 runs.

5th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (31st Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets.

One easy observation off all this is — taking nothing away from the Aussies but Pakistan dug the pit themselves. Yes, they were outplayed but this all began after the Sydney fiasco. After Australia showed their fighting spirit in the Sydney test and won from the mandibles of defeat –Pakistan seemed to have given up. As far as Australia were concerned there was no looking back in their case. They wanted to improve on their performance and Damn well they did. The Aussies not just improved but dominated Pakistan throughout the test as well as the ODI series. The Aussies were relentless with their pace attack and bombed the Pakistani’s with 150+kmph bowling at the WACA. Some of the best performances that raised an eyebrow or two in the Test and ODI series are:

Pakistan

Umar Akmal- Umar Akmal performed pretty decently throughout the tour. He got constant starts in both the Test and ODI format. However, he wasn’t able to convert that into a big one. Perhaps, that was his only short-coming. Otherwise the young 19 year old has performed very well on just his second tour outside the sub-continent and his first against one of the top ranked teams. Umar Akmal is one to watch out for and it is vital that the Pakistani board do take good care of him and nurture the young man’s talent. One wasted opportunity that went begging was Akmal at 3. The management and the skipper Yousuf should have promoted the younger Akmal to 3 considering Younis khan’s poor run with the bat. Nevertheless, Akmal did the best possible,
He could do. Unfortunately, it was not enough for his team.

Mohd Asif- Asif broke into the spotlight with a wonderful display of bowling in the first innings of the Sydney test match with a 6- for. The lanky pace man with his wing and seamed got the Aussie batsmen wanting and was instrumental in bundling out the Aussies for a paltry score of 127. Asif however, was plagued with injuries throughout the series and missed out on quite a few matches. However, he did make good use of his opportunities and performed well in both forms of the game.

Mohd Aamer- Mohd Aamer, in spite of playing very few matches. He is Pakistan’s most interesting and exciting prospect in the future. Aamer with his skiddy pace and all this just at the age of 17 troubled Australia’s best batsmen. His swing at pace didn’t allow the batsmen to score freely especially in the death Overs. In an era where bowlers are injured more than wrestlers the Pakistan cricket board must like Umar Akmal nurture Mohd Aamer’s gifted talent so that he remains injury free and is Pakistan’s next left arm sensation.

Australia
Hard to name the whole team but, the whole team must be credited for their performance and for bringing the best out of each other at crucial moments.

Shane Watson- Shane Watson has simply matured beautifully as not just as batsman but an all rounder. His batting skills in both forms of the game have been exemplary and he has chipped in with his bowling at crucial moments across both series providing crucial breakthroughs. Watson had a wonderful test series against the Windies and continued in the same vain as Pakistan arrived. He deserved a much needed break at the latter stages of the ODI series. Watson is finally reaping the awards he put in behind the scenes. Watson must ensure that his body stays injury free and willing and the 27 year old could become one of the best all-rounder’s in the world.

Simon Katich- Katich has continued his good form for about a year now and has been one of Australia’s most un-noticed consistent performer. Katich’s effort must be lauded as he has been party to many Australian wins.

Michael hussey-MR. Cricket. The perfect name for the man. Fortunately, for Australia he has proven his test spot as well and has made it its own before too many questions were raised. He now looks a firm number 4 for the ashes and shall be one of australia’s pilgrim at the top of the order.

Ryan Harris- Played 3 matches picked up 13 wickets including two five fors and bagged the man of the series award. What a revelation! Truly, describes Australian cricket.

Doug Bollinger- Bollinger made his test debut last season against south Africa at home. His performance was ordinary. Take things forward 1 year later. With Mitchell Johnson resting for some part of the season Bollinger is Australia’s strike bowler. And, mind you Bollinger is still only a replacement for lee or bracken. Is that all about to change? Possibly, yes. Bollinger hasn’t put a foot wrong and should keep his spot even if Australia play full strength.

Both teams had weaknesses. Pakistan need to improve on their lackluster fielding and must show more will and determination in improve. Somehow one feels that with Mohd Yousuf as captain that spark seems to be missing. Pakistan need to Improve soon enough so that they can put forward a better display in the sole T20 contest where fielding is of utmost priority and then carry the same against England.

For Australia everything seems perfect at the moment. If they’d want anything, that would be their captain to strike gold again. Ponting after a super series in the Champions trophy as well as a good one in India has looked pretty average and much below his standards. Barring the match at Hobart ponting has had one of his worst home seasons. But, who can ever question Ricky Ponting. Who can ever question a great.

One thing is for sure ponting will definitely fight back and prove his critics wrong. As far as Australia are concerned they must win this one off T20 contest especially with the young blood that they have infused into their squad and better their T20 record. Australia have an ODI series with the West Indies to come followed by a trip to New Zealand for a 2 T20, 5 ODI’S and a 2 test series. They would want to continue their winning run and re assert their power as the number one ranked team in all formats of the game.

The 2000’s saw the value of the finger spinner dipping especially of those who couldn’t bowl the one that goes the other way on in other words the “doosra”. Ironically, two of the top wicket takers of the world (2009) in Nathan Hauritz and Graeme Swann are traditional off-spinners who both can’t bowl the doosra.

Nathan Hauritz topped the off-spinners charts in the One-day arena and was the third highest wicket taker in ODI’s in 2009. He took 35 wickets in 30 matches at an economy rate of 4.30. A more then acceptable performance considering cricketing experts like boycott made comments like “It wasn’t an off-spinner. Hauritz doesn’t look like he could bowl my mum out, then he gets the best batsman out”.

This was after Hauritz got pietersen sweeping in the first Ashes test match at Cardiff (2009). It took time coming but Hauritz took his first five wicket hall in the Boxing Day test in 2009. He soon followed it with another. Hauritz is the one of those hand-made spinners and not the ready-made machine ones. He has just his stock ball which is his off break and a quicker one in his repertoire. However, Hauritz is big asset lies in his trajectory. He prides himself on his flight and drift. Hauritz remains a fierce competitor.

One of the matches where one got to see this was in the final of Champions league T20. In spite of being hit for six the previous ball; Hauritz still flighted the ball to Big hitting Kieron Pollard who miscued it to long on. The wicket proved to be decisive in determining the champion. Hauritz had won NSW the Champions league. Simon Katich later lauded Hauritz’s efforts and bravery “It was probably the gutsiest thing I’ve ever seen on a cricket field from a spinner after he’s been hit probably 150 meters into the stands. He tossed it up, gave it some air and he got the result”.

Hauritz has truly become an essential member of the Australian unit in all three forms of the game. From a situation of ‘lack of options’ Hauritz has clearly come to a pass of ‘need’.

Graeme Swann, the poms new spin sensation has been no different if not better. He was the highest wicket taker in tests amongst the spinners (2009) and the second highest overall. He grabbed 54 scalps at 27.92 in 12 matches. Graeme Swann’s major rise to fame started in the Windies, but it was not before the Ashes that he began to raise eyebrows.

He too, like Hauritz doesn’t have a doosra, however Swann has a very good ‘slider’ often tough to pick and has accounted for many. Swann like Hauritz made his international debut a while ago but it took the duo time to settle into international cricket. Often the joker in the lot, Swann enjoys the willow in the hand too with a healthy average of 32 in tests.
Clearly, there’s room for the traditionalists and the finger spinners in international cricket.

Stuart Broad of England takes a catch of Australia's Simon Katich in 2009 Ashes npower Test Series Second Test Second Day

England dominated day 2 of the second NPower Ashes Test match, with a strong bowling performance that has left them well placed with Australia needing 79 runs to avoid the follow on with only two first innings wickets in hand.

Andrew Strauss failed to add to his overnight score – and England as a team didn’t look like adding many more after losing 3 wickets in three consecutive overs. A near half century partnership from no 10 and 11 James Anderson and Graham Onions saw England move well past 400.

After that the day was England’s. Poor batting cost the tourists dear, and England will move into day 3 well on top with the possibility of winning their first Ashes test at Lords since 1934.

Strauss’ resistance didn’t last much longer into day two, bowled leaving a ball off Ben Hilfenhaus – not adding to his overnight score of 161. Graham Swann came and went in the blink of an eye – edging the ball straight to Ricky Ponting in the slips, the Australian captain taking the easiest catch you’re ever going to see in the slips, Siddle picking up his second wicket of the innings.

As if things couldn’t get any worse for England – they did. After previously edging a ball just past the stumps, Broad then chopped on the following ball – England had lost 3 wickets in 3 overs, and were now in danger of not making 400 – despite Andrew Strauss targeting a “minimum” of 450 on the eve of Day 2.

England’s innings wasn’t over yet though, James Anderson partnered by Graham Onions frustrated the Australian attack, passing the 400 mark with a relative amount of ease. Mitchell Johnson’s boundary problems weren’t confined to day 1 either – Anderson striking him for successive fours. The partnership fell just shy of 50 – but it was much needed after a disastrous start to day 2 for England, all out for 425.

England got off to the best possible start, after previously crashing Anderson to the cover boundary – Phillip Hughes gloved the ball off an attempted hook to keeper Matt Prior. England’s start got even better when Ponting inside edged the ball onto his pad, that carried to Andrew Strauss in the slips – Australia slipping to 10/2. Ponting was unhappy with the decision, the bat appear to hit the boot – rather than the ball. However, hawkeye suggested that the ball would’ve been crashing into leg stump – the wrong method to the right decision.

Australia survived the rest of the morning session, and a 4 over stint after lunch before a short burst of rain came. Another short burst of overs was followed by another shower. The teams came back out again at 3:40pm. Australia’s Simon Katich and Michael Hussey worked on building Australia’s score. Although Hussey can count himself lucky that a mis-timed hook shot landed wide at deep backward square. Australia entered tea on 87/2.

After a slow period after tea, Simon Katich miss-pulled Graham Onions to fine leg, Stuart Broad running around took a superb diving catch to dismiss the Australian – Katich falling two short of a half century.

Andrew Flintoff removed Michael Hussey with a 95 mph delivery that Hussey left, the ball did very little – maybe bouncing a little less than Mr Cricket was expecting – but nonetheless – a superb delivery – Hussey going for 51. England’s day got better when – the following ball – Michael Clarke flicked a delivery from James Anderson to Alastair Cook at short mid wicket. With that, both batsmen at the crease hadn’t faced the ball.

And things went from bad – to worse, for the tourists. Marcus North chopping James Anderson onto his stumps, Australia floundering at 139/6. A procession became a rout when Mitchell Johnson hooked Stuart Broad down to Alastair Cook at deep backward square.

Another one – this time Haddin. Australia still needing 78 to avoid the follow on, Brad Haddin pulling the ball to mid wicket. The floodlights – causing shadows – we enough for the umpires to offer the batsmen the light, and Australia naturally took it.

The visitors end day two in deep trouble, the first three overs of the day aside – its been all England. An ill-disciplined batting performance has left their tail needing to do some serious work on just saving the follow on. England will look to skittle Australia out tomorrow, and then hammer home their advantage with possibly enforcing the follow on.

Australia’s lead over England continued during the third day of the first Ashes test. A 143 run partnership between Michael Clarke And Marcus North pushed Australia well ahead of England’s total, before Michael Clarke fell in a short spell before the close of play under floodlights.

Stuart Broad opened the bowling on day 3, the fourth ball in particular bursting through the surface, Katich may have left it well alone, but the signs were there that the pitch had some spice to offer. England turned to spin in the overs before the new ball, but with little success so England captain Andrew Strauss took the new ball with no hesitation.

England were hyped, James Anderson had Ricky Ponting edge one short, and another one wide, of Kevin Pietersen in the gully. But it was Katich who was first to fall, Anderson swinging a full ball that Katich simply missed, Billy Doctrove did the rest, and England had ended the 239 run partnership, Katich falling for 122.

Ponting kept the score crusing along, but it wasn’t long before Anderson had his second wicket, Michael Hussey flaying at a ball that didn’t swing – edging the Lancashire seamer through to wicket keeper Matt Prior. Strauss then turned to spin, in the form of Monty Panesar – with immediate reward. Ponting – who’d just reached the 150 mark in his previous over – went back to a ball that turned, and chopped onto his stumps.

The teams entered lunch 348/4, England much the happier side in the first session, still with 87 runs in hand, and more importantly, a ball that was doing things.

The lean spell stopped after lunch, Australia’s Michael Clarke and Marcus North settled in. For the second afternoon session in a row England’s spinners struggled with their length with Michael Clarke’s excellent footwork dominating proceedings.

Strauss’ options grew thin, turning to medium pacer Paul Collingwood as Clarke and North turned the screw on England. Australia reached the England 1st innings total with just 4 wickets down. Both players made half centuries as Australia made 458/4 at tea.

A short burst after tea, then the rain came. The players were off for two hours before returning at 6:15pm – under floodlights.

England finally got their much needed wicket as Michael Clarke could only flick a short ball from Stuart Broad to Matt Prior, falling for 83 – Clarke still doesn’t have a 100 in England. A much needed wicket for both England and Broad. Play stopped at 10 minutes to 7 – the umpires offer the batsman bad light – Australia ending the day 479/5, well ahead of England with two days to go.

With the prospect of rain on tomorrow, its seems that there are only two results possible, an Australia win and a draw. The forecasts suggest that the rain will come in early on in the afternoon, Australia will look too try and force home the advantage quickly in the morning session, before getting England in and taking what they can from the rest of day 4 and day 5.