Spin Bowler Nathan Lyon starred as Australia fought back strongly on the opening day of the fourth Test at Durham. England won the toss and decided to bat first to take advantage of the decent batting conditions. It was a slow start as England's run rate crept along at a low pace. Shane Watson took the first wicket of the day as Joe Root edged behind. Cook and Trott then guided England safely and slowly to Lunch for 57-1. Nathan Lyon came into the attack to introduce his spin bowling and it worked for Australia as Trott was caught on 49. Alistair Cook managed to pass his fifty off 153 balls before Pietersen edged behind off Lyon for 26. Jackson Bird compounded the damage before Tea by dismissing Cook lbw, leaving England 155-4 going into the break. Australia really took advantage of some poor English batting as they took a further five wickets in the evening session to put them on top of the Test. Ian Bell lasted only a few balls after Tea before being dismissed by Lyon. Three quick wickets saw England fall from 189-5 to 197-8. Australia took the new ball shortly before the close of play and Swann was the final casualty of the day after being caught by Lyon which left England 238-9 at the close.
My Opinion:
Not the start England would have imagined or wanted after winning the toss. It was a very slow start but wickets were not falling. Root nicked one behind but England went to 107-1 before losing their next wicket. From then on it was a minor batting collapse as England put on another 131 runs but for the loss of eight wickets. That is simply not good enough. However, plenty of credit must go to Nathan Lyon for taking four wickets as a spin bowler on a first day batting pitch. Harris, Siddle, Bird and Watson all took a wicket as Australia fought back strongly with their bowling unit. England will hope to add as many runs as possible tomorrow morning but the main aim will be to limit Australia in their first innings.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
England win the toss and elect to bat first.
Morning Session:
England First Innings:
12.17: 34-1, Root 16 (52), 1 four, caught Haddin, Watson.
12.39: 51-1, Cook 21*, Trott 7*.
13.01: Lunch, 57-1, Cook 21*, Trott 13*.
Afternoon Session:
14.12: 88-1, 50 partnership between Cook 34* and Trott 31* off 101 balls.
14.29: 106-1, Cook 34*, Trott 49*.
14.30: 107-2, Trott 49 (60), 7 fours, caught Khawja, Lyon.
15.16: 149-2, 50 for Cook off 153 balls.
15.19: 149-3, Pietersen 26 (35), 4 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
15.28: 153-3, Cook 51*, Bell 4*.
15.31: 153-4, Cook 51 (164), 5 fours, lbw Bird.
15.42: Tea, 155-4, Bell 6*, Bairstow 0*.
Evening Session:
16.01: 155-5, Bell 6 (17), caught Harris, Lyon.
17.23: 189-6, Prior 17 (58), 2 fours, lbw Siddle.
17.36: 193-7, Bairstow 14 (77), 1 four, lbw Lyon.
17.50: 197-8, Broad 3 (12), caught Warner, Harris.
18.08: 204-8, New Ball taken.
18.15: 214-9: Swann 13 (18), 3 fours, caught Lyon, Harris.
18.31: Close of play, 238-9, Bresnan 11*, Anderson 12*.
Player of the Day: Nathan Lyon for some brilliant spin bowling.
Bowler of the Day: Nathan Lyon took four wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Alistair Cook scored 51 runs.
Disappointment of the Day: England losing five wickets in the evening session.
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