The Ashes, 2009

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The second day started with England in sparkling form, as their lower order batsmen took the fight to the Australian bowlers, and added 99 runs in just 17 overs for the last 3 wickets. Hauritz, Australia's inexperienced spinner, took three wickets, and the quick bowlers shared the rest. The English batsmen almost all made reasonable starts but none of them went on to build a really big total - 60s, 50s, 40s, nothing more.

Australia were required to bat for 30 minutes before lunch, with Katich playing cautiously and new country lad Hughes swinging lustily. Both survived until lunch, at least partly because of rather tame bowling by England.

After lunch Flintoff took the ball for England and immediately looked dangerous, having Hughes caught behind off an inside edge by a very sharp catch by keeper Prior with the score on 60.

That was England's last highlight for the day, as Katich and Australian captain Ponting knuckled down and built a professional, determined innings. They saw off the threatening Flintoff, defended against the spin of Swann and Panesar, and took runs as they were available.
By tea, Australia was 1 for 142, and by stumps the score was 1 for 249. Katich is 104 not out, and Ponting is 100 not out, both will resume in the morning.

Australia still trail by almost 200 runs, but, with 9 wickets in hand, are in a very strong position. The big difference between the teams is the determined application shown by the Australian batsmen. The English batsmen almost all made starts but then got out through ill discipline, whereas Ponting and Katich played steadily throughout the day.

Australia will be looking to post a big total in the second innings, because they will be chasing in the fourth innings and the pitch looks like it will become increasingly difficult to bat on.