Friday, July 17, 2009

Strauss, The First Day's Hero


Andrew Strauss scored an unbeaten 161 to take England past 350 on the first day of the second Ashes test series. His opening partner Alastair Cook also scored an impressive 95, though he was unlucky to miss his century. But, Andrew Strauss gave a strong reply to Ricky Ponting's 150 at Cardiff. In the process of scoring a century, Andrew Strauss also completed 5000 runs in test cricket. Though, other batsmen didn't supported Strauss very well & because of that, England are looking in a little uncomfortable position.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Johnson completed his century of wickets when he took the wicket of Alastair Cook. Together with Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss took England to 196, before Alastair Cook departed, trapped LBW by Mitchell Johnson. Ravi Bopara go out cheaply & so was one of the hero of Cardiff, Paul Collingwood.Kevin Pietersen, though looked good & scored a quickfire 32 off 42 balls, but he edged the ball to Brad Haddin off the bowling of Peter Siddle. Andrew Strauss, on the other end, saw the dismissals of his partners & completed his 150. He also saw the end of Wicketkeeper batsman Matt Prior & soon retiring from test cricket, allrounder Andrew Flintoff. Stuard Broad survived the day on 7 & Andrew Strauss will try to complete a double century on Friday.

For Australia, Ben Hilfenhaus & Mitchell Johnson took 2 wickets each, whereas Peter Siddle & Vice Captain Michael Clarke took a wicket each.

Due to the failure of middle order to capitalise on the beginning given by their openers, I guess many would agree that the first day went to Australia. Let's hope for another exciting day of cricket on Day 2.

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