By Justin Langer
Australia batting/leadership coach |
  Clarke's loss is a hammer blow to Australia's chances of a draw |
Whilst England have dominated most of this second Test match in Adelaide, Australia fought hard today to rob England of a chance to go 1-0 up in this series. Firstly it was a courageous opening partnership between Simon Katich and Shane Watson. Battling an Achilles tendon injury, Katich showed incredible resolve to soldier through his innings. Sadly, his injury looks serious and he looks in doubt for at least the third Test in Perth. Ricky Ponting missed out by playing down the wrong line to Graeme Swann and if his team does not get through tomorrow then his 150th Test could be remembered as a miserable one for him. When Watson edged a rising delivery to Andrew Strauss at first slip there was a sense of surprise in the air. He had looked in complete command of the game, until that one fateful ball. Such is the game of cricket for a batsman. England will be breathing a sigh of relief after dismissing Michael Clarke right at the end. He was in sparkling form and I am sure his partnership with Michael Hussey was causing England some concerns going into the final day.  | Tom Fordyce's blog |
But Clarke was not able to get through to stumps and his dismissal in the last over was a major hammer blow to Australia's chances of drawing this match. Now Marcus North will have to start fresh in the morning. With some rain forecast, this second Test could still have a few twists in the tale yet. From Adelaide, JL
Listen to commentary highlights from day three (UK users only) TMS podcast: Agnew and Boycott's review (available worldwide)
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