Due to various extracurricular activities I was unable to take in much vision or audio of today's play, although I was able to witness what was - or what should have been - Michael Beer's maiden test wicket.
Instead of being caught in the deep, England's Nick Cook asked for a review and was duly found to be not out due to Beer overstepping the crease. The correct decision, although it must have stuck in Beer's throat.
Steve Smith continues to be perhaps the luckiest man in the team. He bats worse than Marcus North, he bowls worse than Marcus North (in the sense that North bowls, and Smith hasn't so far this match), and his fielding is certainly nothing unremarkable. So why did we get rid of Marcus North in the first place?
Hussey and Haddin could not go on with the job in the morning, although fortunately for Australia Mitchell Johnson (53) had a good day and was ably supported by Ben Hilfenhaus (34). The wagging of the tail resulted in Australia all out for 280.
England are 3/167 at stumps, with the nightwatchman Anderson protecting England's middle order in the shadows of Day Two. The third day is delicately set up with England poised to perhaps surpass Australia's total during the day and ask some questions of our bowling attack.
I don't expect Anderson to stick around for long tomorrow, although Cook, Bell, Collingwood and Prior are all capable of big scores. Despite our advantage on the scoreboard currently, I feel Australia really needs to lead on the first innings in order to have any chance of winning this test and saving face in the series. Therefore, our bowlers need to take seven wickets for around one hundred runs tomorrow morning. Needless to say, I am not supremely confident.
Unfortunately for me I doubt I will be able to see a ball tomorrow due to further activities which will take me off the couch, so tomorrow's commentary should be brief if not slightly uninformed.
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