Never give a sucker an even break

Ashes 2009 First Test, Day 3 from Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. England 435 (Pietersen 69, Hauritz 3-95) Australia 5 for 479 (Ponting 150, Katich 122, Clarke 83, North 54no)

All of the questions that were asked prior to the start of this test match surrounded the Australian attack. What would be the make-up and the English questioned if they are up to standard considering the enormous shoes that were left to fill by Messers Warne and McGrath.

But at the close of day three the question marks firmly surround the England attack. It was another day dominated by Australian stroke-play and only rain halted their progress towards a significant and possible match-winning lead.

Ironically the day, to a certain extent, mirrored day one of this test match with some crucial differences. Australia cruised out of the blocks. You would expect nothing less from two men with centuries under their belt. Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich picked up where they left off on Thursday evening. Their partnership climbed quickly past 200.

England and Andrew Strauss had some decisions to make during that short period. There were nine overs from the first ball of the day until the new Duke was due. Strauss went with Stuart Broad and Monty Panesar, a clear indication Strauss was hedging his bets. Broad, bar exploding one ball through the top, hardly moved one off the straight. Strauss then turned to spin from both ends and the experienced Australian pair milked 40 off the first ten forcing England’s hand regarding the new ball.

It was a blessing in disguise as the game suddenly sprung to life. Firstly the crowd lifted with the introduction of Andrew Flintoff. His first ball was Harmison-esque in exercising umpire Aleem Dar. But he found some extra pace and hurried the Australian pair. Katich was beaten outside his off-stump and then pinned on the back by the big Lancastrian.

Jimmy Anderson swung the new ball at the other end and finally deceived Katich. A yorker swerved late back into the left-hander and Billy Doctrove had no choice but to finally raise his finger. Katich’s exit, after a superb 122, cued the entry of a nervous Mike Hussey.

Why he was nervous is an interesting aside. A week ago in Worcester he peeled off a majestic 150 and a flawless 62 not out. He had looked relaxed and assured, and his footwork and timing looked as sharp and as sweet as ever after his leanest 12 months in test cricket.

But the crucible of an Ashes test exposed the one doubt that Hussey had, which was his runs had not come in a test match. His helmet was clattered by Flintoff, and his feet were anchored as he drove at another full delivery from Anderson. The vagaries of swing bowling saw this ball hold its line when Hussey expected otherwise and Prior’s second catch shifted momentum back in England’s favour.

Ponting remained redoubtable. His 13th score of 150 in test cricket was a formality. It was obvious he was looking further into the future. He has four test double centuries but none against England. That thought vanished as he trudged off for an even 150, when a short ball from Panesar stopped in the wicket. Ponting, through the shot too soon, dragged it onto the stumps. His reaction, to his only mistake, could well have been noted by England’s top order that is renowned for being satisfied with consistent half-century scores. Ponting was far from satisfied. He was furious.

One more and England could have realistically considered a first-innings lead. Michael Clarke and Marcus North negotiated an awkward period to lunch. Both would return far from set, just as Pietersen and Collingwood had on day one.

And just as Ponting had turned away from his quicks after lunch on day one, Strauss played the same card. North and Clarke like Pietersen and Collingwood pulled the same three-card trick. Both are very accomplished players of spin. Clarke’s record on the subcontinent is outstanding. His footwork here was dazzling. He danced to anything tossed up, and propped and swiveled on anything short. All in the blink of an eye, and each shot found the rope.

North should not have been an unknown quantity to the England side given he has represented five counties in his decade-long professional career. North looked like an old county pro. He had a confident swagger, no doubt fuelled by his 191 not out in Worcester. He was not as fleet-footed as Clarke, but he struck the ball powerfully from his zones. He punched full-chested off the back foot, and he slog swept emphatically and successfully from one knee. And when Broad and Collingwood tempted him wide he showed no interest.

Both players cruised to half-centuries without trouble and without having to face Flintoff. Strauss’ two main men spent time off the field during the middle session. If indeed they were injured, questions must be asked of their fitness. If indeed they weren’t, questions must be asked of Strauss.

Flintoff’s return late in the session asked more questions than it answered. Clarke, not a naturally puller, swatted him twice forward of square as Flintoff’s usually “heavy ball” looked significantly lighter. Tea came and went and with the partnership paused momentarily at 132 the rain saved England’s day.

Australia’s lead was paused for two hours. They returned in artificial light, a first for test cricket in England, which only provided enough time for Clarke to glove Broad down the leg-side for the young quicks first wicket.

Clarke’s frustration at his exit for 83 was obvious. It would have compounded when both terms returned to rooms shortly after as the light was deemed insufficient to continue with Australia’s lead at 44.

Sadly for Ricky Ponting’s side the weather has settled in, and with the forecast looking gloomy their prospects of a win first up look equally bleak.

But it is not as bleak as England’s predicament. Their attack has failed to intimidate Australian batting. Their duel spin selection has not worked, and whilst false-assessment of the Sophia Gardens surface will be blamed the quality of their arsenal deserves examination. Monty Paneser had played just two of their last six test matches, having claimed just five wickets from those outings, whilst Graeme Swann has played just seven test matches. His 34 wickets at 28.78 look impressive, but the quality of those scalps can be questioned when 26 are players from the lowly ranked West Indies, and 23 are left-handers. That Ponting and Clarke picked him apart given those figures is hardly surprising.

Without Flintoff England would be battling. His first spell on day’s two and three were exceptional and game-shaping, but his failure to fire later in the day reeks of a man without significant cricket under his belt.

The England attacks best hope is the weather. They can also hope that their batsman can replicate Australian stubborn wont in search for three figure scores. The term “never give a sucker an even break” has never been truer.