Ashes Series: England v Australia - Third Test (Day 1) at Old Trafford

Clarke century inspires Australia fightback

Australia 303-3 (England lead series 2-0)

Australian captain Michael Clarke scored an unbeaten 125 not out to put the visitors in a commanding position at the end of the first days play. The game was evenly poised at Lunch after Bresnan and Swann reduced Australia to 92-2. However, the afternoon session saw Rogers and Clarke begin to take control of the crease. Swann managed to dismiss Rogers for 84 but Clarke continued to score as Australia went into the Tea break 180-3. Steve Smith followed the example set by Clarke as the pair put on a 150 run strong partnership which saw Clarke complete his century and Smith pass his fifty. Not even the new ball could produce a late wicket for England as Australia took firm control of the third test, finishing the day on 303-3.

My Opinion: 

A strong fightback that Australia desperately needed. Shane Watson and Khawaja will both be disappointed to have been dismissed cheaply on a good batting wicket. However, Rogers will be gutted to have missed out on a century whilst Clarke and Smith will be looking to score as many runs as possible tomorrow. Clarke really led his team by example today with a very composed and effective batting performance which Smith really benefited from. It was a bad bowling effort from England with only Swann managing to take two wickets. Much more variation is needed from England otherwise Australia could run away with this Test.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Australia win the toss and elect to bat first.

Morning Session:

Australia First Innings:

12.11: 58-0, Watson 18*, Rogers 40*.
12.17: 70-0, 50 for Rogers off 49 balls.
12.20: 76-1, Watson 19 (49), 2 fours, caught Cook, Bresnan.
12.49: 82-2, Khawaja 1 (19), caught Prior, Swann.
13.05: Lunch, 92-2, Rogers 67, Clarke 5*.

Afternoon Session:

13.56: 102-2, Rogers 71, Clarke 11.
14.31: 129-3, Rogers 84 (114), 14 fours, lbw Swann.
14.59: 151-3, Clarke 45*, Smith 1*.
15.03: 157-3, 50 for Clarke.
15.34: 179-3, 50 partnership between Clarke 54* and Smith 20*.
15.40: Tea, 180-3, Clarke 55*, Smith 20*.

Evening Session:

16.24: 203-3, Clarke 73*, Smith 25*.
17.11: 239-3, 100 partnership between Clarke 91* and Smith 41*.
17.30: 250-3, Clarke 99*, Smith 43*.
17.32: 255-3, 100 for Clarke.
17.43: 263-3, 50 for Smith off 115 balls.
17.47: 269-3, New ball taken.
17.57: 280-3, 150 partnership between Clarke 118* and Smith 54*.
18.26: 300-3, Clarke 124*, Smith 68*.
18.33: Close of play, 303-3, Clarke 125*, Smith 70*.

Player of the Day: Michael Clarke for showing the way to Australia. 

Bowler of the Day: Graeme Swann for taking two wickets.

Batsmen of the Day: Michael Clarke for scoring 125 not out.

Disappointment of the Day: England only taking three wickets.