Australia closing fast on faint English hopes

Fifth Test, Sydney (Day 2 - Stumps)
England 291 v Australia 188-4

Chris O'Keefe

Australia's new ball attack disposed of any English desire for a strong first innings total as they lost their final six wickets for just 57 runs and then set about the depleted bowling attack at Andrew Flintoff's disposal.

It was Flintoff that provided the only true resistance as he added another 47 to his overnight 42 before being dismissed by the ever impressive Stuart Clark. Clark took three wickets along with McGrath and Brett Lee. It's hard to believe that Stuart Clark was seen as the safe option going into the start of the series, he is a certain fixture for years to come.

England might think they are seeing the back of the best players after this match but they would do well not to underestimate Clark, Hussey and Symonds leading the new breed of Australian firebrand cricketers ready to take on the Poms.

It was Hussey and Symonds who saw Australia to the close with six wickets in hand. The difference is that with Gilchrist and a stronger tail than England's to come, it looks unlikely that Flintoff's men will preserve a first innings lead. They have just 103 runs to spare and no wicket taking bowlers in that kind of form worthy of beating the best side in the world.

The importance of England showing some fight will have consequences for any future aspirations to try and conquer the best sides in the world. That word fight hasn't looked particularly prominent in any display since England touched down in November, taking that home is something (if the only present to take home) to build on.

England need century to avoid inevitable

Fifth Test - Sydney (Day 1 - Stumps)
England 234-4 v Australia

Chris O'Keefe

England needed to banish the memory of a diabolical performance at Melbourne by scoring runs and whilst they gave themselves the starts they wanted, the tourists failed to capitalise.

Strauss 29, Cook 20, Pietersen 41 and even Ian Bell's knock of 71 was a chance missed to score a century and put Australia on the back foot. However, despite a century partnership between Bell and Pietersen, Australia will fancy bowling over England remaining batsmen cheaply if they can get Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood early on.

Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Justin Langer were finally bidding their farewells in the baggy green of Australia and it was McGrath who gave the best showing on a rain delayed opening day. He took the wickets of Bell and Pietersen in the space of three balls. However, his first wicket was a gift.

Pietersen, again playing at four, was being targeting by bouncers and fell for the three card trick. His shot was wild and irresponsible at a time when England had finally seemed to get on top of the the hosts as they seek to deny the first whitewash for 85 years.

Hussey was grateful to receive the catch and England allowed the advantage to slip. Bell was given a great ball that squared him up and suddenly the tail was within reach.

However a partnership of 67 denied the Australians the joy of chewing on the rump of England's batting carcass. Collingwood, typically restrained was able to anchor the partnership whilst Flintoff tried to regain some form by attacking, what he should have done from the start of the series but didn't.

He needs to continue, if England are to get in anywhere near a competitive position in this test, otherwise the torment continues.