The Ashes 2006/7 Second Test

As Meatloaf once sang, 2 outta 3 ain’t bad, and as England took control of two of the three sessions in the opening days play at The Adelaide Oval, it wasn’t bad at all.

Colly slowed the wobbles that the morning session dismissal of both openers provided, and despite good displays by both Bell and the ever positive Pietersen, he stood out as England’s batting rock. Collingwood is growing in stature every time he walks out to the middle in England colours and is making the number 4 spot well and truly his own.

With the exception of Clark, the Australian bowlers looked a touch underdone today and whilst it’s a dangerous statement to ever say that Shane Warne looked ineffective, at times today, Shane Warne looked, well, ineffective. It’s unlikely though that he will go through tomorrow wicketless on an Adelaide pitch that is turning plenty for a day one track.

Pietersen’s 60 offered up 2 clear chances, and whilst his modus operandi is all about attack, the swipe he took to Brett Lee on the second last ball of the day, would have needlessly tipped the scales in Australia’s favour. It was a poor choice of shot that would have yielded the momentum that England had to work so hard to obtain. As it was, Glenn McGrath’s fit young legs struggled to get to the ball and England took the day.

The Barmy Army cheered the close of play, for England had signalled that a contest was now on.