Overnight batsmen - Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin scored centuries and piled up a massive 6th wicket partnership of 307 to flay England on the crucial third day's play of the Gabba Test. Australia as a result put up a huge total of 481 to secure a first innings lead of 221 runs.
The only consolation for England today was that its two openers - Strauss and Cook remained unbeaten despite batting out for 15 overs. Infact the very first ball of the innings could have seen the wicket of Andrew Strauss when he offered no shot to a Hilfenhaus inswinger which hit his pad infront of middle. Although it looked very plumb, Umpire Aleem Dar gave that not out and the review asked by the Aussies was incredibly unsuccessful as Hawk eye showed that the ball was going just over the top of the stumps!
The third day's play was totally dominated by the pair of Hussey and Haddin. Michael Hussey who already got 81 yesterday went onto register his highest Test Score but was unlucky to miss out on a maiden double century by just the five runs when he top edged a pull shot. Hussey's 195 came in 330 balls with 26 fours and a six. Brad Haddin who had brought up his century with a six was the first wicket to go in the day's play after Tea when he edged a widish straighter from Swann to slip. Haddin had by then scored 136 from 287 balls with 16 fours and a six. For England, young Steven Finn finished with an impressive 6 for 125 in 33.4 overs.
- B.V.Swagath
