THE ASHES – SECOND TEST

THE ASHES – SECOND TEST

ADELAIDE OVAL, DEC 1-5, 2006

DAY ONE REPORT:

(KARTHIK NARAYAN)

What an amazing turnaround from the first test! England played their first innings and made it look like nothing like the fiasco of the first test had ever happened.

They won the toss and set themselves in to bat against the Aussies. The hero of the first test was playing indeed, good news for the Aussies (McGrath). But the happiness was short lived as nothing really happened for the home team.

Even though wickets did fall, England were 45/2, but Bell and Collingwood steadied the ship and looked in fine nick. Collingwood was playing a special innings, like he has always been the harbinger of good fortunes for England.

Bell was dismissed soon after the two put up a century partnership, but the mantle had been passed on to one of the most exciting stars of the England side – Kevin Pietersen! Collingwood on one side and Pietersen on the other made matters worse for the Aussies.

At the end of day one, the Poms were 266/3, with Collingwood closing in on what would be a fine century (98*) and Pietersen giving him good company (60*).