Ponting & Katich keep England at bay

Cardiff 1st Test, Day 2

Day 2 was full of milestones, Ponting entered the elite 11000 runs club joining Allan Border (11,174), Brian Lara (11,953) and Sachin Tendulkar (12,773). Comparing the four of them Ponting has the highest average 56.71. He also completed his 38 ton and his 8th in Ashes, Only six batsmen have scored more hundreds in Ashes contests. Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more tons (42) then him. For a while Ponting seemed destined to become the game's leading run-scorer, but while he's only 34, it appears Tendulkar will take the mark well out of reach. Well i must say the 2nd day was a statisticians delight. Here's some crunching numbers :

1. 50.68 Ponting's average against England, at the end of the second day's play. The only country against whom he averages less than 50 is India (47.02).
2. Ponting also completed 2000 runs against England.
3. He has also scored hundreds in four Ashes series, a record matched by only Don Bradman and Steve Waugh.
4. 57.42 Katich's test average in the last 14 months. In 29 innings he has scored six centuries and seven fifties.

It was a turnaround for the tourists, who were given the run-around during the first session with England adding 99 in 16.5 overs of sparkling batting from the tail enders. Well to be fair to them I shouldn't be calling Swann and Broad tail enders they are more than handy with the bat. Then it was the turn of the aussies to bat. With only half hour to go before lunch English bowlers hold the key. Media regarded Phil Hughes as having a suspect technique. And for a man whose only 20, playing his first Ashes showed no nerves and guided aussies along with Katich safely to lunch.

Hughes played some crisp shots before being tested by Flintoff. The duo were on to each other right from the word go. Flintoff had the last laugh though. Dismissing Hughes for 36, australia 60 for 1. Then came the australian captain Ricky Ponting. He along with Katich gave no reason for english bowlers to smile and ended the day at 249 for 1. With Ponting looking in sublime form and Katich supporting him well its The Aussies who are holding the cards. The pitch is turning sqaure and its ominous signs for batsmen already. England can still comeback and remember Australia will have to bat last and England are with two quality spinners. At the end i would say it was an entertaining days play and The Ashes is up and running. Will join you tomorrow till then goodbye.