Cook raises his bat in glory as England own day 2 at the 'G'
This is what champions do when the going gets tough, they find a way to show the world why they are the best. And that is certainly what Alistair Cook displayed on day two of the fourth test at the MCG. It is fair to say that England has taken control of the fourth test so far as they displayed an example of disciplined bowling and purposeful batting.
Australia resumed day 2 at 3/244 looking to compile a mammoth first innings total. With Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh at the crease, things were looking fairly comfortable for the pair before debutant Tom Curran had the skipper edging the ball onto the stumps. I think it was this moment that acted as the catalyst to Australia's insane collapse of 7/67 runs to leave the hosts with a bellow par score of 327. It was brilliant to see Curran spark an epic collapse and add a bit of flair to this English one pace attack, moreover, his enthusiasm and youth have not only resulted in a crucial breakthrough but also lifted the whole side. This was demonstrated in Stuart Broad's series coming to life with a spectacular 4/51 to clean up the Australian tail.
With the series out of England's hand, the so-called 'nothing to lose' scenario certainly has been in the tourists' favour. However, I think that Australia's approach to this game may not have been necessarily right either. There is no doubt that Starc's injury is a huge loss to the side, but there appeared to be no hunger or desperation from the Australian side. I understand that the series has been won, but the job is not done yet. I firmly believe that a team can be defined by the way they finish off a series, and I think that Australia has not shown the same intent as they have in the past 3 games. Australia's poor spells at times and dropped catches are certainly not the signs of a purposeful team.
Whilst overall, I didn't think that the Australians bowled particularly bad, they just seemed all a bit tired. In particular, Pat Cummins, who was looking very crook today as his short spells and health concerns began to rise. Maybe the Melbourne heat would have gotten to the Aussies, but the dropped catches and lack of a left arm fast bowler are hurting the hosts.
Australia resumed day 2 at 3/244 looking to compile a mammoth first innings total. With Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh at the crease, things were looking fairly comfortable for the pair before debutant Tom Curran had the skipper edging the ball onto the stumps. I think it was this moment that acted as the catalyst to Australia's insane collapse of 7/67 runs to leave the hosts with a bellow par score of 327. It was brilliant to see Curran spark an epic collapse and add a bit of flair to this English one pace attack, moreover, his enthusiasm and youth have not only resulted in a crucial breakthrough but also lifted the whole side. This was demonstrated in Stuart Broad's series coming to life with a spectacular 4/51 to clean up the Australian tail. 
With the series out of England's hand, the so-called 'nothing to lose' scenario certainly has been in the tourists' favour. However, I think that Australia's approach to this game may not have been necessarily right either. There is no doubt that Starc's injury is a huge loss to the side, but there appeared to be no hunger or desperation from the Australian side. I understand that the series has been won, but the job is not done yet. I firmly believe that a team can be defined by the way they finish off a series, and I think that Australia has not shown the same intent as they have in the past 3 games. Australia's poor spells at times and dropped catches are certainly not the signs of a purposeful team. 
Whilst overall, I didn't think that the Australians bowled particularly bad, they just seemed all a bit tired. In particular, Pat Cummins, who was looking very crook today as his short spells and health concerns began to rise. Maybe the Melbourne heat would have gotten to the Aussies, but the dropped catches and lack of a left arm fast bowler are hurting the hosts.
But aside from Australia's lower order failure, Alistair Cook's innings must be applauded. Being among the most criticised players of this series and his place in the team being questioned. But the living legend that is Alistair Cook continues as he struck form with a brilliant 104 not out to have England in a commanding position at the end of day 2. To me, he looked like a completely different player and more like the Alistair Cook that destroyed Australia in 2010. Whilst it is too late to change the result of the series, Cook sends a strong message to the cricketing audience as to why he is still one the most prolific batsmen of the decade.
I do hope that after witnessing a fine innings from Cook that his partner Joe Root (49*) stays by his side and pile on the runs late into the last session of day 3. Moreover, I think that Australia needs to come out on the third day with a bit more purpose and hunger in trying to finish this series 5-0. At this moment the balance of the game is slightly tilted towards England, however with some early blows from the Australians could see the match back in the balance.
Let's hope for some inspiring and a fantastic day of cricket on day 3 at the MCG.
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