The Siddle Master
November 25th 2010 18:04
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
On the first day of an Ashes series, it is important to try and seize the initiative, and try to set the tone for your side. This can be achieved through either a fantastic catch, a great knock with the bat, or a destructive spell of bowling. Australian quicky Peter Siddle certainly achieved the latter, with his day one hat trick, putting the hosts in the box seat.
England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and chose to bat, which seemed like a good decision. That was until he was out three balls later, cutting a wide delivery into the hands of Hussey at gulley. Despite looking pretty settled, Jonathan Trott followed for 29. But England seemed in a decent position at lunch, 84-2, after Cook and Pietersen turned things around.
It was a similar story at tea, with the afternoon session shared as well. KP was gone for a well made 43, and Collingwood for just 4, but with Cook reaching a half century and Bell in good touch, it was still an even contest going into the evening session.
But that is when Siddle struck, putting his side firmly in pole position. His first victim was Alastair Cook, out for a morale boosting 67, which he sluggishly got off 168 balls. Wicket keeper Matt Prior came and went, a golden duck leaving England in a precarious position at 197-6. With the crowd roaring Siddle on, he trapped Stuart Broad LBW to complete the hat trick, turning the match on its head with three fine deliveries. England sucked a bit of the excitement out of the moment by referring the decision, but it stuck, 197-7.
Ian Bell was the positive of the day for England, after a fine 192 in their last tour match, he top scored with 73. No real support came from the lower order batsmen though, and the tourists were all out for 260. That was a disappointing collapse from 197-4.
Australian openers Katich and Watson safely negotiated a tricky end of day spell at the crease, ending the day 25-0, 235 runs behind.
I wouldn't say this is a disaster for England though. 260 is not a good score, definitely below par, but is defendable. The bowlers will feel they can restrict the Aussies to a similar score. Even if Australia score 300, England would be in a decent position, given that they will be bowling last. Tomorrow is potentially the day that could decide the first test. If Australia can bat out the day, comfortably pass 300 with wickets in hand, they will be in a very strong position. But if England could bowl them out for something around 280, they would be confident going into their second innings!
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