They took the Test in Melbourne by an innings and 157 runs. Absolutely brilliant stuff from England. They dominated throughout, never giving Australia a look in.
After bowling them out for 98 on day one, England reached a frightening total of 513 (Trott hitting a magnificent unbeaten 168 - he has the highest average of any English batsman in Australia). Australia then went back in to bat and got off to a promising start, reaching 99-1. Bresnan, however, decided to ruin their comeback party. He took three huge scalps for five runs (Watson, Ponting and Hussey) - leaving Australia on 104-4 - to push England once again into the ascendency. The Aussie's ended day three on 169-6, still 246 adrift of the tourists. The end, it seemed, was most definitely in sight and England walked onto the MCG today knowing victory was merely a formality.
Despite a spirited last day from Australia, and a 50+ partnership between Siddle (40) and Haddin (55 not out), England cruised to a major victory. They celebrated, beautifully, with a mass 'sprinkler' dance-a-thon.
Strauss, in his post-match interview, was already focussed on Sydney and winning. Win (or draw) Sydney and win the Series; win the Series and beat the Aussie's for the first time in 25 years. For my entire life. Incredible. Bring on January 3rd!
More Straussisms:
- 'damp squib' (an expression of the posh)
- 'you know...'
- 'to be honest'
- 'dig/dug deep'
I'll keep you blogged...
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