Third Ashes Test, Edgbaston (Day 1), Stumps.
England v Australia 126-1.
Chris O'Keefe
Shane Watson justified his selection to replace Philip Hughes at the top of the Australian batting order with a strong opening session and 62 not out in his first Ashes Test match whilst England's bowlers toiled.
The only success for the hosts came gift wrapped thanks to Simon Katich attempting a wild pull shot in the circumstances before being trapped lbw after a promising 46 off just 48 balls. Indeed Watson was lucky to fall to Graeme Swann in the same over but umpire Aleem Dar gave him a reprieve.
Other than that England's bowlers toiled. Andrew Flintoff bowled a shorter length than his fruitful spell at Lord's. James Anderson struggled to find any swing and the first change bowlers of Stuart Broad and Graham Onions were immediately dealt with by the Australians. Graeme Swann later admitted that England had bowled poorly
"The pitch was fairly slow and flat, it's a pretty good Edgbaston wicket. Hopefully it will quicken up a bit on Friday but it looks a good Test match wicket."
Swann added: "Shane was under a lot of pressure but he played really well and we'll have to come up with something different for him on Friday."
Watson hardly played a loose stroke during his innings which included 10 fours as he and Katich scored at over four runs per over. Andrew Flintoff tried to unsettle him with a bouncer and a stare, Watson merely smiled back and continued to construct a promising innings. Ironic that many thought Watson opening was a gamble and might not work. Whilst it is tough luck on Philip Hughes, Watson looked comfortable against the new ball, admittedly on a fairly feather bed surface but assured nevertheless.
Meanwhile England need to at least find an economical line and length and build up pressure. Remember that word? Yes, the buzz word that England players were attributing to their strong bowling performance at Lord's, certainly absent her but fortunately Australia only had two hours to punish that absence.
Australia will hope the pitch stays good for batting, including debutant Graham Manou who was drafted into the side at the 11th hour after Brad Haddin broke a finger. England captain Andrew Strauss was gracious enough to allow the change after his counterpart Ricky Ponting scurried around after the toss with Haddin still on the team sheet.
Manou will most likely play in this Test and the next at Headingley next week and possibly at the Oval in three weeks. He will hope his side make his baptism fairly painless and that includes Mitchell Johnson's line and length. For now he can put up his feet and watch Watson look to make his maiden Test century.
Image: BBC Sport Online
Graeme Swann's press conference http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8177524.stm
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