England bounce back but Hussey holds Oz firm

Tags: The Ashes 2010-11, Australia v England 1st Test at Brisbane - Nov 25-29, 2010, Australia, England, Michael Edward Killeen Hussey, James Michael Anderson, Simon Mathew Katich

Published on: Nov 26, 2010

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

England had Australia almost on the mat at 143 for 5 but an unbroken stand for the sixth wicket of 77 between Michael Hussey (81* from 144 balls with 13 fours and a six) and Wicket Keeper Brad Haddin (22* from 71 balls) bailed the hosts out of trouble.

England had Australia almost on the mat at 143 for 5 but an unbroken stand for the sixth wicket of 77 between Michael Hussey (81* from 144 balls with 13 fours and a six) and Wicket Keeper Brad Haddin (22* from 71 balls) bailed the hosts out of trouble. Australia are now just 40 runs away from England's 260 on a sportive track at GABBA. However, the see-saw contest was interrupted by bad light and rain with around an hour left in the second day's contest with Australia at 220 for 5 in 80 overs.

James Anderson provided the first breakthrough when Shane Watson (36) edged him to first slip after putting up a lovely opening stand of 78 in 25.2 overs. The match changed totally after the lunch break when Anderson had Ponting caught down the legside cheaply for 10. Steven Finn followed it up by removing a well set Simon Katich, who was caught and bowled off a leading edge and a shaken Michael Clarke (9) top edging a pull shot to the keeper. Katich scored 50 from 106 balls before getting caught by the diving Finn inches above the turf.

Off Spinner Graeme Swann who was taking a pasting joined the party by drawing Marcus North (1) forward and making him an edge a sharp turning off break to slip. With Australia losing half its side, the fighting Hussey got an able companion in Haddin and the pair saw their side through. Just when the second ball was expected to taken after 80 overs, the Umpires decided that the light wasn't good and soon a heavy shower put the end of any further action.

- B.V.Swagath

Related News