By Justin Langer
Australia batting/leadership coach |
 While it is not healthy hanging on to what could have been, Saturday may have turned out differently had we taken our early chances. The old cliche, catches win matches, is so true.  Doug Bollinger reacts to another Australian dropped catch |
That said, good teams and the best players always capitalise on their good fortune. England's Jonathan Trott is currently batting as though he is a veteran of Test cricket. He is playing with freedom and keeping Australia on the back foot from the moment he reaches the crease. Early on, he was dropped in the gully by Mike Hussey before surviving a run out opportunity. From there he looked indestructible. At the other end, Alastair Cook continued his remarkable form. His innings was a master class in physical and mental endurance. For such a young man, he is only 25, he has improved dramatically since the last time these two teams met. His ability to now play through the offside on his front foot, gives him an all round game that makes him extremely difficult to bowl to. Turning weaknesses into strengths takes a huge amount of work.  | TOM FORDYCE'S BLOG |
Cook obviously has that capacity to work things out and that is why his career statistics are already outstanding. Add an innings with Kevin Pietersen at his strutting and belligerent best, and England have had another great day of Test cricket. Australian captain Ricky Ponting will be in his room later on Saturday searching for a new plan to break England's momentum. Australia will have to do that early on Sunday morning or we will be in for another very long day in the field on a perfect Adelaide Oval batting pitch. From Adelaide, JL
Listen to commentary highlights from day one (UK users only) TMS podcast: Agnew and Boycott's review (available worldwide)
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