Sunday, December 17, 2006

Five overs too many for England today

With five overs to go and after almost a full day of resolute resistance, England were probably as well placed as they could have hoped to be. Then Glenn McGrath struck twice in fading light to have Alistair Cook caught behind for 116 and two balls later to bowl nightwatchman Hoggard. England on 3/265 would not be out of trouble, but at 5/265 they are looking decidely rocky.

To their credit England did not surrender without a fight, and both Bell (87) and Cook (116) produced their best form of the series to date.
Even before his innings Rod Marsh had predicted a great future for Cook, as yesterday's
Age reminded us
he once did for Ricky Ponting.
There is now a chance that the weather may yet play a part in the outcome, as the forecast suggests :
Thundery shower or two, clearing late morning or early afternoon. Light/moderate
S/SW winds, tending fresh near the coast in the afternoon.

We shall see.

Scorecard.

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