Day 1 at The Gabba: Gritty Haddin saves Australian blushes after Broad heroics

THE EVENTS

The first day of an Ashes series is pretty special. To see Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook walk out for the toss in the pristine turf of The Gabba, backed by thousands of vociferous Australians and members of The Barmy Army. Quite magical.

Michael Clarke spun the coin for the sixth Ashes test of the year. Alastair Cook didn’t guess right and Michael Clarke elected to bat first without hesitation. It was a warm day in Brisbane with a pitch that promised an even contest between bat and ball. England were provided with a boost when wicketkeeper Matt Prior was declared fit to play. And Australia resisted the temptaion to go with 4 seamers and played with Nathan Lyon in the line up.

Out walked David Warner (3.0) and the seasoned Chris Rogers. Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad began the proceedings for England. And soon, Chris Rogers was sent back to the pavilion. Stuart Broad’s short ball brushed Rogers’ glove on the way to Ian Bell at gully. First blood to England.

However, the next one hour was entirely Australia’s. David Warner in particular showed remarkable restraint and picked his moments to attack the bowling. With the score at 1-71 in the over before lunch, Aussies gave themselves a pat on the back. However, it was Broad who struck again when he had Watson caught at slip. Michael Clarke had to survive three balls before lunch and he did.

And then, Clarke was removed by Broad with a short ball. Broad struck for the fourth time when David Warner drove straight to Pietersen when on 49. In walked George Bailey, the debutant. He looked nervous and edgy. Jimmy Anderson troubled him quite a bit before Bailey nicked one to Cook at slip. The Aussies were at big trouble when Brad Haddin joined Steve Smith at the crease at 100-5. And then, Smith was removed by Tremlett, leaving Australia reeling at 132-6.

Mitchell Johnson’s bowling has been spoken about a lot before the series but the role he played here was one not expected of him. He looked very comfortable as the ball lost its shine and the Haddin-Johnson pair denied England the perfect day. A huge partnership with both men crossing half centuries was broken by Broad removing Johnson with the second new ball, claiming his five-for.

And then Anderson removed Siddle leaving Harris to bat out the day with Haddin.

SCORES

Australia 273-8 - Haddin 78*, Warner 49 ....Broad 5-65

STAR OF THE DAY

Australia - Brad Haddin - The under-rated wicketkeeper was his team’s saviour with a gritty half century

England - Stuart Broad - The tall paceman was at his unplayable best. He accounted for Australia’s top 4.

FLOP OF THE DAY

Australia - George Bailey - Much was expected of the spirited Tasmanian but he disappointed

England - Graeme Swann. England’s mercurial off spinner was wicketless in the first day. Even the left handed duo Warner and Johnson handled him well.

DAY’S VERDICT

It was England’s day until the great partnership between Haddin and Johnson. But the wickets at the end suggest England might not be too unhappy after all. If you had given Alastair Cook 8-273 at the start of the day, I think he would have been very happy. Advantage England.