The Brisbane rain was the only dampener on another fascinating day of Ashes cricket. Australia won the first session, England the second, and the 79-run partnership between Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin in the final session, helped the hosts stay a nose in front of the game by stumps. If these first two days are anything to go by then this series is not going to be one for the faint of heart. Already, there is a sense of 2005 revisited, and if my gut feeling is anything to go by, then we are all in for a thrilling and very close Test series.  Michael Hussey is almost caught first ball
Of all the things I love about Test cricket, watching champion players fight off adversity with their actions, rather than their words, really inspires me. Hussey proved the old adage that you should never write off a champion. After fighting off calls for his head, with a brilliant century for Western Australia last week, he played with authority all afternoon. Playing his signature pull shots and cover drives, Hussey looked to dominate Graeme Swann from the start. At his best, Mr Cricket is a joy to watch. No player in the world prepares as well as Hussey does and that is why it is always nice to see him enjoying personal success. Like on the opening day, the home side certainly did not have it all its own way. James Anderson is a much improved bowler who led the England attack impressively and both Stuart Broad and Steven Finn showed they are going to be a handful for Australia's batsmen this summer. After the first two days I know one thing for sure, that this is going to be a cracker of a Test match, which could all hinge on one great partnership, one great innings or one more match-winning bowling spell. From Brisbane, JL
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?