Aug 22 2009
The Ashes 2009: Heading for an early finish
Time for the usual(ish) second-day Test match update, and an important one at that. For starters, things have advanced much further than anyone would have cared to expect at this stage in the match: two innings have already come and gone with less than 120 overs bowled. In fact, we’re well into the third.
A safe bet, then, that there will be a result in this match, despite the presence of some quite heavy showers yesterday. Almost on cue, they came on the stroke of the lunch break which minimised delays, and actually marked a turning point in the game.
Australia were 60 for the loss of no wickets and looking set to launch from the platform Katich and Watson had created before the rains came and momentum swung.
However, things changed dramatically in the afternoon session. England hold the upper hand thanks to some fantastic bowling (and a slice or two of luck) from Graham Swann and Stuart Broad. Yes, Stuart Broad. Remember him, that bloke who couldn’t land the ball on a living room carpet in the first two Tests? This wasn’t your ordinary Broady, but a MegaBroad quite reminiscent of our curly-haired superhero friend. He added a haul of 5/37 to his 37 runs in the England innings, a fine all-round effort so far.
The upshot of it all was Australia being bundled out relatively cheaply, for 160. They managed to pick up three wickets in the 28 overs of England’s second innings, but at the close of play were effectively 230-3 in a one-innings match on a prematurely wearing pitch.
But there are three days left, and nothing is for certain in this game. England’s day, certainly, but some quick wickets this morning could swing things once again. The weather is set fair, all seats are sold out, and everything is in place for a heated finale to the 2009 Ashes series.
No sign of SuperGower so far–there have been reported signings of him boozing it up down the pub, though he wasn’t at the ground on days one or two– but with a few more individual performances, it’s likely he will not be needed. This unusually abrasive Oval pitch may prove difficult to bat on days four and five, so England are certainly the favourites at this stage.
It’s all about momentum, however, so don’t rule out a tight finish just yet. Get down the pub and demand the landlord put the cricket on - forget Wigan v. Manchester United, this is the game you wanna be watching.
Addendum: from an England point of view, I suggest another 170 runs, a lead of 400, ought to be plenty. Seven England wickets remain, and a full ten Aussie wickets. Day three finish, anyone?
