Saturday 27 November 2010

Day 2 @ Gabba - promised much, but disappointed

Who gave Michael Clarke the all-clear fitness wise to play in the First Test? If he/she is a registered medico he/she should be struck off. Clarke struggled all the way as he dribbled to a grand total of 9 measly runs while he occupied the crease for an excruciating 81 minutes. An in-form Clarke is a delight to watch, but his performance at the Gabba causes one to recall, "They shoot horses, don't they?"
Truly, Clarke was pathetic.
And, honestly, head honcho Punter Ponting, who preceded Clarke, wasn't much better. Ponting, who scrambled to 10, was never in tune and it was only a matter of time (34 minutes - 26 balls) before he fell over.
Marcus North, who specialises in ducks or tons, did his level best to maintain that record, but failed miserably. He managed a mere solitary single, occupying the crease for just 6 minutes (8 balls).
Honours for the day went to Mr Cricket (aka Mike Hussey), who was 81 not out when rain and bad light forced umpires to call an early halt to the day's proceedings. Second in line for Oz honours was opener Simon Katich (50).
The Pom's bowling attack was, overall, efficient but not something to write home about. Broad extracted a lot of bounce, but was too short too often to pose any real threat. Swann, who went for 30+ off his first 4 overs,  finished with 1/59 off 20 overs but it must be noted that his single wicket was that of North whose tenure on the number 6 spot must be under review. (I heard a wag sitting near me at the Gabba suggest Australian Cricket ought to call for tenders for the position.)

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