 Haddin and Hussey's Brisbane-record stand of 307 has put Australia in control of the match
Any partnership of 307 is worth celebrating; unless of course you are a supporter of the team on the receiving end of the punishment. Partnerships, batting and bowling, are the cornerstone of all great victories and that is why Saturday's performance could prove to significant to the final result of this first Test. Despite such an achievement by Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin, things could have been so different. In the first hour of today's play England exploited the new ball brilliantly. James Anderson bowled superbly and there is no doubt he will bowl worse in the future and pick up more wickets. England could be excused for feeling a little frustrated tonight because the result didn't reflect their performance, especially in the first session. Steve Finn will also be pleased with his six-wicket haul. That said, the Hussey/Haddin partnership was an immaculate display of batting. Both players mixed sturdy defence with fluent aggression. They were tested early, but after weathering the storm, they cashed in, putting Australian in a dominant position. Two things stand out. Firstly, Hussey's highest Test score when many suggested his career was over, was inspiring. Once again I remind the critics, 'never write off a champion.' Secondly, Haddin's six to bring up his hundred was exciting to watch and indicative of a confident and aggressive player. On Sunday, it's on again. Australia know how hard they still have to work to win this Test match, while England have plenty to prove and plenty to play for. This really is Ashes cricket at its best. From Brisbane JL
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