Sports : life magnified

Ian Botham: “I have not seen a more exciting day 1 of the Ashes series than this.”

Sums up the day.

When Ponting chose to bat on what looked like a good batting pitch as far as every one was concerned, every one was certain a score of 350-400 would be par. The English pace bowling quartet had other ideas though. What was most noticeable was the far too man shots Australian batsmen played early on. Yes, Australia bat aggressively and yes, that’s the way they have managed to get so many victories. But even by their standards, the shots played were more than necessary. One would imagine there would be some maturity to play in during the first session of a test match.

Hoggard took Hayden off a beauty and Harmison bowled accurately, on the good length, supported by Flintoff (his bowling impresses you more every time you watch him) and Jones. Despite some late flutter by Warne, Harmison had ensured it was advatage England with Australia wrapped up for 190.

It must be traumatic to be an English fan. McGrath – the cold assassin, the demolition man, the man who has taken wickets at less than 12 a piece at Lord’s, the man who has dismissed 33 English test batsmen before this test, added some more chapters to his legendary story. After 16.1 overs into the England inning and the score at 21/5, it was Australian supporters who were rejoicing. All 5 wickets to McGrath. The age of McGrath? 35. So much for talks that he is past his best!

Pieterson and Jones had a small partnership but then Lee managed to take 2 to cap a memorable come back. He supported McGrath very well. Gillespie, who I reckon will bowl well in the series, didn’t bowl badly but didn’t bowl exceptionally either. The verdict is still out on him. I thought Warne was brought in a few overs too late. Should have been brought in half an early despite the ball being fairly new.

And yes regarding the pitch. It had a lot more variable bounce in the England inning. Alarming for a day 1 pitch. Nothing should be taken away from Harmison and McGrath who both bowled very well. Thoughts of the amazing Kandy test match where Australia battled Sri Lanka not so long ago come fleeting back during this amazing match. The game hinges more on which team manages to score more runs in the second inning. Australia will manage to have a lead of at least 50 runs now keeping aside some inspired batting with the tail by Pieterson. That will be a huge lead considering the low scoring match. But who is to say Australia cant score a 400 in their second inning. A lot of time is left in this match as there was in Kandy.

It is advantage Australia any way the match is looked at.