Australia put up a brilliant show to take complete charge on day One of headingley test
Australia put up a brilliant show to take complete charge on day One of headingley test
Peter Siddle took his Test-best figures and Stuart Clark marked his return to international cricket with three wickets as Australia bowled out England for just 102 at Headingley yesterday.
ADVERTISEMENT
England, who won the toss, were routed on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test with Siddle taking five wickets for 21 runs in 9.5 overs and Clark three for 18 in 10 as Australia looked to level the five-match series at 1-1.
Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, then made 78, before falling short of his third hundred at Headingley in as many Tests, to help his side to 196 for four at stumpsu00a0a lead of 94.
Michael Clarke was 34 not out and Marcus North seven not out after Ponting and opener Shane Watson shared a second-wicket stand of 119.
Good rhythm
"It was a good day. I got into a good rhythm and was more consistent with my line," said Siddle.
"I always want to do well and contribute to the team as I was a little off earlier in the series."
Clarke was hit flush on the helmet by a Stephen Harmison bouncer on 27 and then, after several minutes of treatment, survived a huge appeal for caught behind following another short ball from the Durham quick.
Australia were on the verge of building an impregnable lead when fast bowler Stuart Broad took two wickets for four runs in six balls to have both Ponting and Michael Hussey leg before.
Australia, who had lost three wickets for 18 runs in 19 balls in total, were then 151 for four. But that was nothing compared to England's collapse.
Clark took three wickets in quick succession as England, who won the toss, slumped to 72 for six at lunch before Siddle polished off the tail with four wickets for three runs in 14 balls.
Matt Prior (37 not out) and opener Alastair Cook (30) were the only England batsmen to make it into double figures in an innings that featuring four noughts and lasted less than 34 overs.
Clark made a dramatic return in what was his first Test in nine months. The 33-year-old upheld his reputation for economical accuracy by taking three wickets for five runs in 21 balls.
Brief scores:u00a0 England 1st innings 102 (Prior not out 37, Siddle 5-21) vs Australia 1st innings 196 for 4 (Ponting 78, Watson 51).
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
