Ashes Series: England v Australia - Third Test (Day 2) at Old Trafford

Haddin and Starc star as Australia remain in firm control 

Australia 527-7 dec lead England 52-2 by 475 runs (England lead series 2-0)

Brad Haddin and Mitchell Starc both made fast fifties as Australia raced to 527-7 before the declaration came. England lost two wickets in the evening session, leaving themselves 52-2 and 475 runs at the close of play. The morning session saw Clarke and Smith complete their 200 run partnership before Swann dismissed Smith for 89. Clarke then passed 150 runs before Warner lost his wicket cheaply to Swann. Haddin provided some stability as Australia went into lunch 392-5. The afternoon session saw Clarke and Haddin complete a 50 run partnership before Clarke was bowled by Broad for 187. Swann took his fifth wicket of the innings by bowling Siddle for 1. However, Haddin and Starc moved up a gear as they raced to their fifties, taking Australia over the 500 run mark going into the Tea break. Australia declared on 527-7 during Tea which meant England started their first innings run chase in the evening session. It was not the start England were looking for as Siddle struck twice to dismiss both Root and nightwatchman Bresnan to leave England 52-2 at the close of play, leaving England trailing by 475 runs going into the third day. 

My Opinion:

Another good day for Australia who will be looking to take the win from this Test. Clarke fell short of his double century and Smith failed to reach his hundred but Haddin and Starc both impressed with their fifties. It was a good decision from Clarke to declare at Tea as Australia had a huge lead of over 500 runs. England needed a good start and it didn't happen. Siddle took two wickets as England slumped to 52-2. Root will be disappointed to get out so cheaply whilst Bresnan failed to do his job as the night watchman. Australia really need to convert this Test into a win and it looks a matter of time especially if England score a low first innings total. 




Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:

11.44: 331-3, 200 partnership between Clarke 135* and Smith 86*.
12.08: 343-4, Smith 89 (196), 8 fours, caught Bairstow, Swann.
12:22: 361-4, 150 for Clarke.
12.26: 365-5, Warner 5 (10), 1 four, caught Trott, Swann.
13.01: Lunch, 392-5, Clarke 168*, Haddin 18*.

Afternoon Session:

13.51: 403-5, Clarke 175*, Haddin 22*.
14.04: 418-5, 50 partnership between Clarke 181* and Haddin 31*.
14.19: 427-6, Clarke 187 (314), 23 fours, bowled by Broad.
14.26: 430-7, Siddle 1 (6), bowled by Swann (five wicket haul).
14.57 :452-7, Haddin 47*, Starc 11*.
15.11: 479-7, 50 for Haddin off 74 balls.
15.17: 484-7, 50 partnership between Haddin 51* and Starc 39*.
15.40: Tea, 507-7, 50 for Starc off 53 balls.

Evening Session:

16.14: Australia declare on 527-7, Haddin 65*(99), 6 fours, Starc 66*(71), 9 fours.

England First Innings:

18.00: 47-1, Root 8 (57), 1 four, caught Haddin, Siddle.
18.18: 49-2, Bresnan 1 (15), caught Haddin, Siddle.
18.26: 51-2.
18.31: Close of Play, 52-2, Cook 36*, Trott 2*. England Trail by 475 runs.

Player of the Day: Brad Haddin for giving Australia a solid middle order innings. 

Bowler of the Day: Graeme Swann for taking a further three wickets.  

Batsmen of the Day: Mitchell Starc for a quickfire 66 not out off 71 balls.

Disappointment of the Day: Seeing England lose two poor wickets.