What a day of Test cricket. After all the hype and build-up, coming into this series we could have been forgiven for thinking the action could never match up to the expectation. Thankfully it did, and we witnessed yet another brilliant showcase for Test cricket. Firstly, Australia selected left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty to make his Test match debut. Another dream has been realised for a young Australian, and when he was presented with his baggy green cap by captain Ricky Ponting the tingles ran up my neck; just as they did when we stood for the national anthems.  Siddle's inspirational hat-trick turned the match in Australia's favour
Then there was the dismissal of Andrew Strauss in the first over. The drama had begun and the Australians had drawn first blood against one of the key players in this series. After tea, birthday boy Peter Siddle ignited the atmosphere by claiming a hat-trick. The Australian crowd went wild as the Barmy Army kept singing a merry tune. Siddle's spell was fast bowling at its very best and arguably one of the great spells in Ashes cricket history. While Australia took most of the first day honours, it certainly isn't all doom and gloom for England. Kevin Pietersen looked very composed, Alastair Cook was belligerent and Ian Bell's innings was the best I have ever seen him play. My gut feeling is that this series is going to be an arm wrestle and I am really looking forward to seeing who has the greatest will on day two. From Brisbane, JL
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