Tail wag never enough to save England

First Test, Brisbane, result
Australia 602-9 & 202-1 dec v England 157 & 370
Australia win by 277 runs

By Chris O'Keefe

Kevin Pietersen may have had immeidate eyes on reaching a century and build a defence for England but that lasted just four balls as he held to short mid-wicket leaving England vulnerable. Australia took advantage and England floundered...again.

Geraint Jones fought hard for his 33 before dragging a Glenn McGrath onto his stumps. The tail wagged reasonably but Stuart Clark still managed to clean up and secure the win for the hosts within 21 overs of the morning's play. The tail's 77 runs was reasonable but in the face of relentless Australian attack, it was never going to be any better.

Now commentators out in Australia are suggesting a good result for England would be to get a draw from Adelaide to keep them in the series, a far cry from 14 months ago. Australia feel incredibly confident and their performance shows. Perhaps it is a good result whilst some of the rabble amongst the team remember they are playing at the highest level of the sport.

England can take heart from the fact that Shane Watson's absence will mean Australia can only field four front line bowlers, including the suspect heel of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee who didn't have a wonderful test match (famous last words).

Australia take an early lead the five match series. The second test starts on Friday morning (01.30 UK) which could work either way for England. They can either repeat the dose of the Gabba (poor bowling and on the whole poor batting) or they take their anger out on Australia.

It may help them play with a purpose, something drastically lacking in Brisbane.