There was a lot of hype before this year’s Ashes. I am glad that at least the first day has lived up to it. Most of the day was Test cricket at its best. Every time one team gained an advantage, the opposition pressed harder to regain it. And so the see-saw went all day.
I am cheering on England and so I hope this won’t sound biased. I think 336/7 for England is a pretty good score considering that they were able to play as equals against Australia. Of course, Australia may go on to make 600 and win by an innings, but so far, England have not surrendered in the fashion that they are used to.
I suppose England could have made more and many will point to Pietersen’s moment of madness as a turning point, but they generally did well. Most of the English batsmen made runs and there were good partnerships. During the Flintoff-Prior partnership, Australia were on the backfoot. Pity it didn’t last.
Now, the lower order has to press for a score around 400 and strike early. Broad, Swann and, to a lesser extent, Anderson can hang in there. Australia will want to get them out cheaply. If England are still there by lunch, Australia will have to bat well to avoid a fourth innings chase. The Test is taking place at a new venue (Cardiff) for the first time and England have two spinners which could make things very tricky.
Despite KP’s self-destructive streak, England did manage to reach a relatively safe zone. Let’s see how long the tail WAGs…I mean wags.
Three of the remaining 4 English batsmen can bat. But the Australian bowlers are good enough to get them out cheaply too. Anyway, we will know soon.