England v Australia A - Day One

It is seldom wise to draw too many conclusions after one day’s play, and today was no exception. England’s second string bowled pretty well in seamer friendly conditions and will be slightly disappointed to have let Australia A off the hook, but batting became easier as the ball became softer and the seam became flatter. Tomorrow should be a good test for England’s batsmen, particularly against the very useful Clint McKay.

Good Day

Steve O’Keefe

There’s a school of thought that O’Keefe should have had Xavier Doherty’s place in the uber-squad, in spite of only having played a handful of first class games. He batted well at a time when his side really needed him to and it will be interesting to see how he performs with the ball tomorrow.

Steve Smith

Another spinning all rounder who took his chance well. His batting can still be slightly agricultural at times and his bowling will need careful mentoring to avoid him turning into the new Cameron White, but there’s no doubting his talent.

Chris Tremlett

It’s easy to forget that Tremlett was in the twelve for the first four tests of the 2005 series and it’s a while since he last played for England, but the move to Surrey seems to have rejuvenated him and, once he’d got his length right, he was quite a handful.

Ajmal Shahzad

Shahzad was unlucky not to get a place on the full tour and he bowled at a good pace while moving the ball. One for the future, certainly.

Matt Prior

As Ian Ward said on Sky, he took five catches but did so without any fuss. If Australia select Haddin (as they will) then England will have the superior keeper, which I couldn’t possibly have imagined writing two years ago.

Bad Day

Australian Batsmen

It was unfortunate for the Australia A top order that they had to bat in difficult conditions and they didn’t make a great job of it. It was easy to see why Phil Hughes isn’t in the uber-squad in particular. Meanwhile, Watson, Katich, Hussey, North, Haddin and Ponting all failed in the Shield, albeit in tricky batting conditions. The only glimmers of hope came from O’Keefe, Smith and a return to batting form for Mojo Mitch. All he has to do now is land it on the cut strip.

Champagne Moment

Monty (or should it be Jonty?) Panesar’s diving one handed catch. Truly astonishing.