Australia in front after late blows

After what had been an evenly fought day of test cricket soon shifted in the balance of the Australian's as late wickets takes the momentum from the tourists.

Australia went into the much-memorialised SCG 'pink' test 3-0 up in the Magellan Ashes series after what had been a fairly anti-climactic end to the MCG test. With the decision not to include a second spinner Australia's pace attack was back to full strength as they were sent into the field after a rain-affected start to the match.

With form behind Alistair Cook, the eyes of the stadium soon glared upon the opener and how he would fare against a full pace attack from the hosts. What was a slow start soon began to create headaches for the Aussies as glimpses of the continued form from Cook's glorious 244 began to emerge onto the SCG.  However, some consistent bowling from Hazelwood had the opener dismissed for a patient 39.

However, it has been a common trait in the English batting camp that the batsmen are getting starts but are failing to convert them into big scores. In emphasis to Mark Stoneman who had Mitchell Starc dispatched to all parts of the ground was again unable to maintain the sound discipline throughout his entire innings. Moreover, James Vince is somewhat again not proving that he is a reliable player at the international level. He is no doubt an absolute class player when he is scoring, but his continued ability to get out after making starts is not doing justice to his technique and capacity as a player.

I think that overall the Australian bowling was sound and that the rewards certainly came out in the later parts of the last session. In particular, the captain Joe Root (83)  again not converting a fifty to a hundred is most frustrating for the England camp as his presence at the crease is not only a threat to the hosts but also a morale booster for the younger players.

Overall, late wickets have somewhat given the Australians a better stance in this game so far as they will certainly be looking to be out there batting before lunch and putting up a big total. In saying that around 350 would be a par score for England and with Malan at the crease on 55 there is a chance that with some handy runs from the tale and Moeen Ali could have the hosts put on some early scoreboard pressure.