Managed to get ourselves back on a level footing today with an excellent afternoon session. In the morning we were economical if not entirely threatening, then the four wickets in the afternoon tilted it our way, before Hussey and Haddin's resistance proved a real frustration.
Hussey was back to somewhere near his best, but boy did we feed him in his favourite area. He msu have pulled/hooked around ten boundaries today, all sweetly struck and very well placed, but it was poor bowling nonetheless. Swann and Finn were the main culprits, and at times our inability to persevere with a good line and length was disappointing.
Patience is key, I know there will be plans in place for all batsman, but we don't need to try too much in order to sucker them into the mistake. From the pacemen six balls on and around the top of off stump is to simplify what we should be doing, but at times the old fashioned disciplines are the best.
Finn for me served up too many easy short balls to hit, and a number of floaty half-volleys, interspersed with some beauties. The catch off his own bowling to account for Katich was excellent.
Swann also dragged too many down to Hussey and wasn't at his best. There was some spin for him, but not consistently enough. The odd one really ripped, but come day four and five I expect him to cause more trouble for the Aussies.
Don't think Broad bowled badly at all, again probably tried too many things at times, but his areas were generally pretty good, while Anderson in that middle session was getting the ball to nip around, without any swing around and showed his ability to perform without overhead assistance. He bowled a good length and was accurate, although he was quite a bit down on pace according to the speed gun.
A good day of Test cricket. with the initiative not being taken yet by either side which makes for an exciting Test. This partnership is a worry for England. but I think the early finish will help us as we can take the new ball in the morning when the bowlers will inevitably be fresher. An early breakthrough will be essential and then we can get into the tail while the ball is still hard.
I expect Australia to get a lead, but hopefully nothing too much more than around 50.
