The SquizLog

Oooh, Arrh!!!

This morning's news was music to my ears.

Having eagerly awaited the First Test, last night I had been watching the first day's play unfold on television.

When I went to bed a little after midnight England were no wickets for ten in reply to Australia's admittedly disappointing total of 190. The Pommie commentators were positively crowing about how well Trescothick and Strauss were batting, concentrating on accumulating runs. The expectation was clear. They were going to show the Aussies how batsmen are supposed to play in Test cricket.

The first ball after the tea break, delivered by none other than GD McGrath, signalled the end of those hopes.

Trescothick c Langer b McGrath 4. McGrath's 500th Test wicket. Ten overs later "Pigeon" had taken 5-for and reduced England's innings to tatters. Five for 21. Even at stumps, following a recovery of sorts, they were in a position few would have thought possible when Australia were 5 for 97 at lunch. At the end of day one, England had three first innings wickets in tact and were still 98 runs in arrears.

Isn't Test cricket a wonderful game?

Update: Fittingly, McGrath earned his third successive Man of the Match award at Lords as he took four second innings wickets to help Australia wrap up the Test.

Posted to Cricket by Keith Pitty