Australia on top in Adelaide
A superb ton by Shaun Marsh helps see Australia to a massive first innings total in the 2nd test. Australia declared at 8/442 shortly after dinner before Mitchell Starc leaves England at 1/29 at stumps.
I was very surprised and amazed to see Australia gloriously bounce back after losing Peter Handscomb in the first over. Left at 5/209, wicketkeeper Tim Paine’s aggressive intent quickly saw momentum snatched away from England. His 57 saw the likes of Moeen Ali being dispatched to the stands. Moreover, the innings that Pat Cummins (44) played only highlighted his all-round ability with both bat and ball. But, the innings of Shaun Marsh (126*) encapsulated the whole stadium and emphasised the class of the player. Finally, Australia has found a number 6 batsman who can hold their end and compile a patient and defiant innings.
England’s poor day with the ball was not supported by dropped catches and overturned DRS decisions. However, the intent that England came out with after the declaration certainly showed that England were not going to go out without a fight. The pace of Starc and Hazelwood was a thrilling display, which saw the likes of Mark Stoneman trapped in front by Starc for 18. Fortunately for Alistair Cook, he lives to bat another day. For many cricket lovers who have witnessed his outstanding career would wish nothing but the best for Cook to return to form. This is a test match and innings that England need him to perform, they can’t keep persisting with him if he isn’t performing.
A lot of criticism is going to go down onto the decision at the toss. Sending Australia to bat and the bowlers not being up for the job has surely hurt England and their morale. Their poor moments of fielding and decisions not going their way ultimately summed up the way their day went. This is the nature of test cricket, it is a momentum game and that has been snatched from England and thrown down the sink, but also little moments like overturned DRS decisions can haunt a team for the rest of the game.
I was very surprised and amazed to see Australia gloriously bounce back after losing Peter Handscomb in the first over. Left at 5/209, wicketkeeper Tim Paine’s aggressive intent quickly saw momentum snatched away from England. His 57 saw the likes of Moeen Ali being dispatched to the stands. Moreover, the innings that Pat Cummins (44) played only highlighted his all-round ability with both bat and ball. But, the innings of Shaun Marsh (126*) encapsulated the whole stadium and emphasised the class of the player. Finally, Australia has found a number 6 batsman who can hold their end and compile a patient and defiant innings.
A lot of criticism is going to go down onto the decision at the toss. Sending Australia to bat and the bowlers not being up for the job has surely hurt England and their morale. Their poor moments of fielding and decisions not going their way ultimately summed up the way their day went. This is the nature of test cricket, it is a momentum game and that has been snatched from England and thrown down the sink, but also little moments like overturned DRS decisions can haunt a team for the rest of the game.
England sitting at 1/29 at stumps, Australia certainly has the upper hand. And with the loss of one or two early wickets on the third day will most likely leave Australia with a chance to have the match by the throat.
Let’s hope for another day of spectacular cricket on day 3 at Adelaide.
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