Ashes 2002/3 | Australia v England 1st Test | Gabba

Australia v England Gabba - Brisbane 1st Test match 7th - 11th Nov 2002 (5-day match)

Result: Australia won by 384 Runs

Umpires : SA Bucknor (WI) and RE Koertzen (SA)

Match Reports : Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4

Morning Session Report Day 2

Considering their position, it was an unexpected nervy start by Australia this morning. Resuming on 2/364, Martyn punished a loose early over by Hoggard hitting him for two fours. Hayden, three short of a well deserved double hundred fell to Andy Caddick while attempting to hook an innocuous ball. The Queenslander gloved the ball to Alec Stewart, Caddick was the only player to appeal, but fortunately for England it wasn't left to the umpire to judge, Hayden walked before a decision was necessary.

Steve Waugh, fresh from his fine century in Sharjah got off the mark with a lovely shot through mid on for three. For the second time in the match but with a different ball, the new ball was replaced after only 15 overs. After yesterday's injury to Jones, it was noticeable that the English fielders were reluctant to slide for anything today, much preferring the 1930's style run down deep in the outfield. The typical Brisbane pitch is now showing signs of wear and tear, the cracks have increased due to the intense heat in the middle. The result has shown the occasional ball to act erratically, causing Steve Waugh to flinch on one occasion off Hoggard during a fiery over.

After a prolonged tight spell from all three main bowlers, it was White who benefited when he had Martyn caught at first slip at the second attempt by Marcus Trescothick for 26. England at this point have a firm hold of the session, and it wasn't long before they struck again. Caddick accounted for the Australian captain for only 7 runs and White chipped in with his second of the innings when he had Gilchrist caught in the gulley without scoring, Giles the fielder.

Shane Warne and Darren Lehmann saw Australia to the luncheon interval without loosing any further wickets. Warne survived a vociferous appeal from Caddick just before lunch but the slimline Victorian was still there on 10. Without a doubt it was England's morning, they bowled with more purpose and a lot more aggression, only time will tell if they can continue this newly found attitude after lunch.

Mid Afternoon Session Report Day 2

Warne and Lehmann continued their partnership after lunch, Warne being the more aggressive of the two stroking the ball to all parts of the ground with ease and control. It wasn't long before Warne made it to a well deserved half century off only 48 balls including eight fours. His fifty came from a fine leg sweep with three runs coming off his gloves and the ball went under Alec Stewart's reach at the wicket.

Lehmann was the first to go after a superb partnership with Shane Warne, Butcher took the catch at short extra, Giles the bowler. Local boy Bichel came to the wicket to a rousing reception, but he wasn't to savor the occasion as he went first ball, caught leg before by the English spinner who was now on a hat-trick. Gillespie came in and managed to hold off the spinner with a solid forward defensive shot. With Warne (57) falling to Caddick as he attempted to hook the Somerset man and McGrath trapped in front of the wicket, Australia fell eight runs short of 500 runs. Despite Warne's tail end knock, England will be pleased to have bowled out Australia for under the 500 mark. It was Warne's highest knock against England in international cricket.

England in reply safely navigated the 35 minute session until tea, Vaughan the pick of the two openers knocking McGrath all around the park on the way to his quickfire 24.

Evening Session Report Day 2

England's response was decisive and emphatic, a complete turn around to yesterday's sub standard Test performance in the field. Michael Vaughan (32) and Marcus Trescothick (63*) started to attack from the off, Glenn McGrath was uncharacteristically smashed around the ground by Vaughan for 24 runs in his first four overs.

However after tea, McGrath came back claimed Vaughan's wicket when the right-hander nicked an inside edge to Adam Gilchrist behind the wicket. Bichel looked good at the start and had England on the defensive at times and although Warne had them in trouble with his leg-spin, both Butcher and Trescothick managed to keep the scoreboard ticking with quick runs and well placed shots.

It was Australia's fielding that was the most disappointing, three chances were missed, Martyn dropped Trescothick at first slip, he was also dropped by Hayden at point and Butcher survived a stumping by Gilchrist when the Australian failed to gather the ball cleanly.

The run rate, although not as quick as Hayden and Ponting, was close on four runs an over and a positive response to a day that the England camp were keen to forget. 492 runs behind at the start of their reply, England can take their retort as a positive one and will look forward to tomorrow's play. Australia on the other hand were left wanting on the second day and will have to dig deep tomorrow if they want to force their weakening advantage.

Images courtesy of the BBC

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