Almost there

Monday 6 December 2010

Are they human - or Morris dancer?

Adelaide Day 4: Australia 245 & 238 for 4, England 620 for 5 declared. Australia are 137 runs behind with 6 wickets remaining. Contrary to last night's consensus that England would declare overnight, Strauss decided to bat on this morning with the objective of scoring some quick runs against the demoralised Australian bowling attack. It was a strategy which paid handsome dividends as England were able to add a further 69 runs in only 9 overs, thus extending their lead to a massive 375. Ian Bell again batted beautifully - what a class act he has become in the last 12 months. As expected, there followed a much better second innings performance by Australia, with Watson and Clarke in particular batting very well. But England did indeed chip away at the Aussie wickets, the highlight being Swann's double to pick up Katich and Ponting in quick succession. KP's unexpected cameo with the ball at the very end may well prove decisive as he bagged the vital wicket of Clarke. (It was so unexpected by me that I had already left the ground to avoid the crowds, but the resultant cheer left me in no doubt what had happened). What was noticeable from my more elevated position in the Chappell stands was the consistent excellence of England's fielding. The catching and ground fielding has been light years better than Australia's. Very impressive. Prediction for Day 5 (assuming no rain): England to win in mid-afternoon by 9 or 10 wickets. If there is rain, it's anyone's guess. Either way, Australia continue to look in disarray and will most likely make wholesale changes to their team for the next Test in Perth.