Australia have hit back in very impressive fashion after defeat in the first Test. An unbroken second wicket partnership of 259 from 75 overs sees Australia on 329 for 1 this morning, leaving England to play catch-up throughout the rest of the match.
It could have been marginally worse for England, with David Warner’s wicket as a result of him hitting the ‘self-destruct’ button just after drinks.
Chris Rogers, who plays county cricket at Lords, and Steve Smith, currently ranked the world’s number one batsman, seemed untroubled for most of the day, both comfortably passing the century mark after tea.
Smith is currently undefeated on 129 from 217 balls, with 13 fours and a six to his name. The veteran Rogers will resume on a career best innings of 158 from 282 balls with precisely 100 of his runs coming from boundaries.
England’s best hope is possibly with the pitch. Provided it doesn’t degrade too badly, it’s possible that conditions will stay favourable for a draw – although Australia’s pacemen may benefit come the third day. But after the euphoria of the first test, it’s very much back to earth for England.
