Hussey launches Australian fightback at the Gabba

Hosts trail England by 40 runs with five wickets on day two.

BRISBANE: Mike Hussey anchored a mid-innings revival to propel Australia towards England’s first-innings total when rain ended play early on the second day of the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba.

The veteran left-hander dispelled doubts over his place in the team after a lean trot to spearhead Australia’s fightback following the loss of four wickets in the post-lunch session. When rain forced play to be abandoned, Australia were 220 for five and trailing England by 40 runs with Hussey unbeaten on 81 and wicket-keeper Brad Haddin not out on 22.

“The game’s pretty interestingly poised, it’s pretty tight, it’s probably 50-50 at the moment,” said Hussey.

He survived a near-catch in the slips off his first ball to share in an unbroken 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Haddin to refuel Australia’s charge after England’s first innings 260. Hussey went on to blunt the English momentum after Australia had been rocked by the loss of four wickets after lunch to slump to 143 for five.

Pacemen Steve Finn and James Anderson were England’s heroes, bowling the tourists back into contention straight after lunch. Anderson claimed the prized wicket of Ricky Ponting for 10 after the interval. Finn produced a spectacular return catch to dismiss opener Simon Katich for 50.

Michael Clarke struggled for fluency throughout his 50-ball stay at the crease before his innings came to an end on nine when he attempted a pull shot off Finn only to top edge a catch to Matt Prior.

At stumps, Finn had two for 61 and Anderson stood at two for 40.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2010.