Ashes 2015: David Warner counter-punch keeps Australia in the game
England headed into Lunch at 221/7. The lead at the stage was only 85 and Australia did a fine job to keep the hosts under check, especially after the start they got on the opening day. Post lunch, however, Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad changed the complexion of the game with what can possibly turn out to be a match-winning 87-run stand, a brisk 87-run stand. The duo not only frustrated the Aussies but scored some very crucial runs to swell the hosts’ lead on Day 2.
Australia did manage to bowl England out for 281 but the damage had been done. The lead read 145, and the Michael Clarke-led unit had their task cut out with the bat. They had to bat well, and bat big. With the little advantage of batting third on this strip, a 400-plus total would put England under the pump.
Chris Rogers and David Warner were out in the middle to face some sweet swing music from James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The new-ball pair complemented each other well and perfectly set-up in-form Rogers’ wicket.
While Anderson stuck to the over-the-wicket line and took the deliveries away from the left-hander, Broad switched sides and got the different angle to work in his favour. He did what Anderson was doing, but from a different angle. A delivery pitched around the good-length spot came into Rogers with the angle but kept moving away.
The southpaw remained rooted to the crease and was trapped in front. Umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger, and Australia lost their most successful batsman on the tour early. With Rogers back in the hut, Warner switched to top gear.
He took the seamers on and kept scoring at a brisk pace. The pocket dynamo led Australia’s recovery with a steady stand with Steve Smith. Both looked set to overhaul the lead with ease before Alastair Cook introduced his trump card.
Just like the first innings, Steve Finn got his skipper the breakthrough in the very first over and halted Australia’s recovery, only for a bit though. With Smith gone, Warner switched to top gear 2.0.
Boundaries kept flowing off his blade and his fifty was up in no time, off only 35 balls. At Tea, he took his side to 73/2 but the job is half done at the moment. Both he and Michael Clarke need to now ensure that they go past the lead and don’t lose too many wickets in the final session of the day’s play.
