The Ashes: Test Two, 1st Innings

Written by Craig Bilski | 19 July 2009

The Ashes 2nd Test

England in box seat to break 75 year drought

After the controversies and disspointments of Cardiff, where Australia missed out on a win by just one wicket, the Aussies are in danger of losing at Lords for the first time since 1934. The visitors dominated the first test and should have secured victory late on the final day but were unable to capture the last wicket. Now some poor bowling on day one and some below par batting sees them in massive trouble that could see them go down 1-nil in the series

Despite ending with three wickets, Mitchell Johnson will, and should be, heavily scrutinized over his poor bowling on day one of the second test. The fast bowler, who bowled beautifully in the recent series against South Africa, consistantly bowled short and wide paid the price. The Queenslander was hit for 23 fours that saw his economy blow out to over six runs an over, which is rubbish for a test match. When he finally managed to put one in the right spot he got wickets but they were few and far between.
Johnson has had some off-field troubles recently with the much publicised falling out with his mum after meeting his now fiancee Jessica Bratich. His mother has said that he used to be close with Mitchell but rarely sees him since Jess came on the scene and slammed Cricket Australia for allowing 'bitchy' girlfriends to fly to England for The Ashes, ahead of parents.
Is this row playing on Johnson's mind? Either way he needs to get his act together fast before it costs his country the urn.

Gifted early runs the opening pair put on 196 runs before Johnson struck with a ball that was finally full and straight.The Australian bowlers continued to leak runs but managed to grab wickets on the way as they took another five before stumps to have the home side at 6/364, slightly bringing it back to level terms.

They started well on day two with Ben Hilfenhaus bowling the English captain second ball. Strauss, who was on 161 not out overnight, left a ball that swung back and clipped off stump. It looked like the Aussies would clean up the tail but once again they were hurt by the final pairing who put on 47 runs to push England to 425.

England got the perfect start to the Australian innings when Phil Hughes gloved a short, wide ball to the keeper before Ricky Ponting was given out caught, despite replays showing he hit his foot and not the ball. Australia were reeling at 2/10.
Simon Katich and Michael Hussey were looking comfortable even through the rain delays, but it was a poor shot from Katich that triggered the Australia collapse. The 93 run partnership was broken as the opener tried to whip a short ball over backward square leg but only managed to pick out Stuart Broad who took a low, diving catch.
Just as Strauss had done, Hussey then let one go off Flintoff which cut back to take his off stump, before the very next over saw Michael Clarke clip one to short mid wicket.
This brought Marcus North and Brad Haddin to the wicket, who had hurt England in the first test with great centuries. It looked as though they would steady the ship for the Aussies but North tried to pull a ball he shouldn't have and was cramped for room, chopping the ball onto middle stump.
Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin both fell into the trap and were caught trying to play the short ball. Rain ended the days play with Australia in deep trouble at 8/156.

Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz should some fight early on day three with a 40 run partnership, before Australia were bowled out for just 215, giving England a 210 run first innings lead.
In the first test it was England praying for rain to save them from defeat, but Australia might have to do the same if the don't knock England over cheaply here.

England – All Out for 425
Andrew Strauss – 161
Alastair Cook – 95
Ben Hilfenhaus – 4/103 (31)

Australia – All Out for 215
Michael Hussey – 51
Simon Katich – 48
James Anderson – 4/55 (21)