This last five overs has produced everything. Smith became the first batsmen to reach a half century in the game before a touch of class from Anderson removed him. Two more wickets followed, one for Swann and another for Anderson as England got themselves back on the front foot. If that wasn’t enough, new batsmen Mitchell Starc is dropped by Swann at slip.
Siddle can’t bat that one back as Anderson and Prior combine again to remove him for just one. Australia are really struggling now on 114-7 and just Hughes left as a recognised batsmen. England are turning the screw!
Haddin is the next to fall as Swann produces the perfect off-spinners delivery. It pitches outside off turns to beat the inside edge and hits the top of the off stump. England are marching this game forward and will want to get back out there and utilise the better batting conditions. Australia’s bowling hero, Peter Siddle, is the new man and we will have to see if he can rescue his team with the bat.
England’s go to man, Jimmy Anderson, removes the half centurion Smith for 53. He chases a wider one and edges the ball through to keeper Prior. Australia have now lost half their wickets for just 108 runs and have their backs against the wall. Haddin the new man in.
Steve Smith brings up the first individual fifty of the match with a sweetly-timed cover drive for four. What would the odds have been on him getting to that milestone first before the match. Batting looking much easier this morning, will England rue not getting more wickets last night?
The sun seems to have had an effect on the pitch with the ball coming on to the bat a lot easier for the Aussie pairing. Since the start of the day five overs have gone in which Australia have added 24 to their overnight score, moving on to 99-4. Stuart Broad is yet to bowl but could he be the key to breaking this partnership?
With Day 1 bringing 14 wickets a lot of questions point to whether Day 2 can live up to the same heights. One thing is for sure, the sun will be on show throughout the day which could lead to batting become easier throughout the day.
Alastair Cook believes his England side are well prepared for the challenges to follow as the first Investec Ashes Test begins tomorrow at Trent Bridge.
England will look to claim a third series on the bounce when they begin tomorrow and go into the series as favourites.
This hasn’t affected England’s preparation and Cook revealed he is very happy with where the squad is at.