Unfussy Hussey - Day Two at Brisbane

Yesterday it was Peter Siddle, today it is Mike Hussey. Tomorrow, who knows? Mitchell Johnson? Marcus North? Stranger things have happened…

This was another intriguing day of cricket although with the run rate at 2.75 runs per over Lalith Modi may not agree. It was slightly odd watching Sky’s round-up this morning, for it created the illusion of an orgy of Australian boundaries when, in fact, England bowled with discipline and Australia batted pretty sensibly.

Hussey, of course, stole the show, using more of the energetic approach that he adopts in one day cricket than has been the case in his test outings of late. Having survived his first ball he played exceptionally well, punishing anything loose, running well between the wickets and showing good judgement when leaving the ball. England will hope that this is his one major contribution of the series. Brad Haddin also deserves credit for eschewing his natural attacking game and playing the conditions rather than some imaginary game in his head. Their partnership has already tilted the game back towards Australia – if they can see off the new ball in the morning then they could set a platform for victory.

In amongst all of this, England bowled pretty well after a dicey start. Anderson, in particular, is a different beast from that which toured four years ago, and Finn settled into a good length after a while. Graeme Swann will be disappointed, but he is good enough to come again and recovered from his initial shellacking to return economical figures. As a group, they certainly showed enough to suggest that this series will be very competitive, especially if Michael Clarke continues his current run of form.

It’s easy to imagine Clarke regaining his form, assuming that his back holds out (and how many people believed Justin Langer’s assertion that he is 100% fit?), but it is less easy to imagine Marcus North still being part of this team come Sydney. His bowling is useful and he seems like a good bloke, but after yet another single figures score his place must surely be on the line.

It’s an important first session tomorrow morning. If England can get off to a flyer with the new ball and restrict Australia to around 300 then it will be game on, but if Australia can get a decent lead then they will be firm favourites. Bring it on.