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Day 1: Cool Carlisle

Saturday, October 18 2003

Zimbabwe put together a solid batting performance on day one of the second Test, following a maiden Test hundred from Stuart Carlisle.

Included in the Australian side were Simon Katich, Brad Hogg and Brad Williams, who replaced Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill and Simon Katich respectively.

For Williams, it was to be his first day in the hallowed baggy green. Ironically, the most recent Test debutant was Simon Katich, who was playing just his second match, his first on home soil and likewise with Hogg.

Impressive Sean Ervine was unable to take his place for the Zimbabweans, replaced by Gavin Ewing for a Test debut. Blessing Mahwire was brought into the side for Craig Evans.

Heath Streak won the toss for Zimbabwe on an overcast Sydney day and immediately reversed his Perth decision, electing to bat.

In the 5th over, Streak's decision look as if it would prove as fateful as his previous when Dion Ebrahim (9) was bowled by a firing Brett Lee.

Trevor Gripper and Mark Vermeulen defended resolutely before Gripper became victim to Andy Bichel's first ball loosener, chasing a wide outswinger and edging to 'keeper Adam Gilchrist after making 15.

Soon after, debutant Brad Williams was rewarded for his long wait when he collected his first Test wicket: Mark Vermeulen, 17, LBW - what some called a dubious decision.

Craig Wishart then joined experienced Stuart Carlisle at the crease, and the pair safely negotiated the remainder of the morning session to leave for lunch at 3/86.

Sooner after the resumption, Williams claimed Wishart for 16 to leave the visitors in a precarious position at 4/95.

People expected the predictable collapse.

Tatenda Taibu, however, had other ideas. The promising 'keeper-batsman made a stabilising 27, providing valuable support for Carlisle.

Fortunately for the Zimbabweans, world record holder put down Carlisle in what was a regulation slips chance.

Taibu's dismissal to Hogg brought his captain Streak to the wicket, and he scratched around for 14 before being trapped by a quicker delivery from the left arm wrist spinner.

Shortly before Streak's departure, Carlisle reached his maiden Test hundred following a patient innings.

Defiantly raising both arms and looking to the heavens, he was rewarded with a hug from his skipper and a standing ovation from the enthusiastic Sydney crowd.

Debutant Gavin Ewing then came to the crease, signalling his early when he clipped Brett Lee for 2. As quickly as he scored his first runs however, he was sent back to the pavilion by a good catch from Damien Martyn off Lee in the slips cordon.

Five overs later, Carlisle's patient innings ended when he was well caught by Ricky Ponting from an edge that was rapidly dropping.

The former Zimbabwean captain made a calm 118 from 213 balls.

The breakthrough, on what can be called a day of mini-milestones (Williams' first Test wicket, Ewing's first Test runs, Carlisle's first Test century), gave Andy Bichel his 50th Test wicket.

Few bowlers have been so deserving of such a milestone.

Andy Blignaut and Raymond Price cautiously negotiated the remainder of the day to finish on 9 and 7 respectively.

The wickets were shared by the Australian attack, with Lee claiming 2/64, Williams 2/43, Bichel 2/59 and Brad Hogg 2/35.

Steve Waugh, Simon Katich and Damien Martyn failed to take a wicket.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 1

Zimbabwe 8/256 (S Carlisle 118, B Hogg 2/35)

Stumps Day 1.

Posted by Andre