Australia might just win this Ashes.

Mitchell Johnson bowled like a man reborn. He bowled with the same vigor and accuracy that he bowled a few years back, specifically 2009 against S.Africa. Johnson has had a very roller coaster ride in terms of performance. A very high up and then a low down.

The 1st Ashes test of this series, the second Ashes in the calendar year. Yes, a staggering 10 ashes within 12 months. Some would call it overdose but given how the first 2 days have proceeded at Brisbane, this is going to be something really special. Australia have won only 1 series out of the last 5, with England having one the last 3 in a row.

England began as real Favorites against this Aussie side, who lack the legends of the past and the willpower and aggressiveness and want to win. England have been on a good run of winning international cricket and were expected to make strong advances at the beginning of the series.

The men to look out for were Stuart Broad, who was booed at Brisbane for not having walked off the cricket field at Trent Bridge during the last ashes despite convincingly knowing that the ball touched his glove. He wasn’t affected by the boos, rather was very energized by them and took a five-for reducing the mighty Aussies to dust before Haddin and Johnson starred in a strong partnership that took Australia to a respectable total at the end of their innings.

England began strong but had a horrendous middle order collapse, losing 6 wickets for a mere 9 runs. That is by far one of the worst collapses ever from a side starting as favorites. They were bundled out very quickly by the fiery Johnson who was ably supported by Harris. England made 136 all out in their first outing and let aussies get to 65/0 in their second innings.

Australia now lead England by a big margin of 224 runs with 10 wickets remaining. An Aussie collapse is possible, and if it does happen then the match could really get intriguing.

This series was overcast by the news of Watson’s injury and Kevin Pietersen’s 100th test match. Both are arguable match winners for their side.

I shall soon upload an article on Pietersen and why he is probably England’s greatest batsmen in the last 20-30 odd years.