England going down fighting

First Test (Day 4 - Stumps)
Australia 602-9 dec & 202-1 dec v England 157 & 293-5

By Chris O'Keefe

England started the day staring down the barrel of defeat and finished the day in the same position, yet somewhere in between the visiting fans were hope by better batting (it couldn't have got any worse) from some of England's middle order.

However, the greater plus from England's perspective was how Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen were able to impose themselves on Australia's bowling without looking too troubled. Admittedly Glenn McGrath heel problem helped matters but confidence suddenly reached the tourists for the first time in the match. Now England looked more like the side of 2005.

Pietersen this time batted the situation with respect, taking time to settle at the crease before reaching 92 not out at the close. Collingwood after a nervy start finally looked like he belonged in an Ashes series, possibly to the surprise of the Australians.

Shane Warne once again proved a thorn in England's side with four of the Aussies' five wickets. However, his most notable contribution came when Kevin Pietsersen played the ball back to Warne. The spinner threw that ball at Pietersen who could only avoid a hit by using his bat. Needless to say he wasn't impressed and made sure Warne knew his disgruntlement, constantly chirping in his ear.

Fortunately for England his emotions didn't get the better of him as proceeded towards three figures. The same can't be said of Collingwood. Four short of century and the opposition wondering where the next wicket would appear, he danced down the pitch only to miss the spin of the ball and leave Gilchrist to seal the fate.

It may not be the case - given the selfless attitude of Collingwood towards his team- that he is upset with not hitting a century, he isn't vain enough for that. However, gifting Australia a lifeline could be the case.

Warne and company took full advantage by taking Andrew Flintoff miscuing a full toss down to an expectant Justin Langer on the boundary. Langer was celebrating before the ball reached his hands, probably knowing how important getting Flintoff early was to his side. Australia's decision to bat again looked odd but with a day to dismiss five they may feel easier than an hour earlier.

The problem now is that rain storms are now forecast for Brisbane. Whether that seriously eats into time needed to take wickets remains to be seen. England will now need Pietersen and wicketkeeper Geraint Jones to eat up the clock and pull off what still is a highly unlikely draw.