England can’t stand the pace
Steve Smith has more chance of winning a beauty contest than England have of saving this Test. And, let’s face it Steve, that’s very unlikley.
England’s hopes of securing the Ashes before Christmas have all but gone, as they finished day three on 81-5, still 310 runs away from a most unlikely victory. It’s consititutes an almighty turnaround for Australia who, after the drubbing in Adelaide, were 69-5 on the first day here.
England’s performance was summed up by the wicket of Collingwood from the final ball of the day. Collingwood, struggling to cope with the ferocious pace and bounce of this tremedous wicket, had called a single from the previous ball, but nightwatchman Anderson refused. Had they taken it, Collingwood would not have been lured into an unnecessary prod that flew to third slip.
By then, England were already facing the prospect of a hefty defeat. Set a daunting 391 to win – they have never scored more than 332 to win a Test, and that was back in 1928 in Melbourne – their top order were once again blown away by hostile fast bowling.
It was an unimpressive performance from England. Several of their batsmen were lured into fatal, footless prods at balls they would have been better served leaving well alone. Pietersen, in particular, will long have nightmares about his obliging guide to the slip cordon. Trott, too, undid much of his previous good work with a dart outside off stump, while Collingwood’s dismissal did nothing to alter the opinion that his race has run at this level. Cook, meanwhile, paid the penalty for playing back when he should have been forward, while Strauss, who seems to be struggling to deal with pace, edged a decent delivery.
The only cloud on Australia’s horizon was Ponting’s departure for a precautionary x-ray after he parried Trott’s edge to Haddin. Ponting will be feeling far less pain than England, however.
Earlier, Michael Hussey completed a century of the highest class in front of his home crowd. He is now top run scorer of the series with 517 runs, proving his selection for justified. His timely reminder to the selectors came in the final Sheffield Shield game before the Ashes, where Hussey scored a century. He certainly made the most of the celebrations of his century here, running so far down the ground it looked like Australia had declared and he was heading back to the dressing room!
England looked much more dangerous when Tremlett was bowling. He took 5 for 87, hos first five wicket-haul since May 2008, and only his 8th in all cricket. Finn leaked runs, and looked tired. Swann also bowled poorly, going for 5.66 an over. Between them, Finn and Swann conceeded 148 in 30 overs. England are definitely missing the control of Stuart Broad with the ball, and tomorrow morning will no doubt miss his ability with the bat.
They are not completely out of the running of course. Ian Bell and Matt Prior, yet to bat, are both talented batsman. But they will have to put in the performances of their lives to save this game. It won’t be pretty. But neither is Steve Smith.
