It was hot, really hot on day 1. Day 2 was even hotter. The official temperature reached 40 degrees during the day. But of course that’s the temperature in the shade. In the sun the temperatures were mid 40’s. At times, particularly during the morning session I felt really uncomfortable. There was obvious concern by the authorities for people’s welfare. Free water and sunscreen were handed out. I heard on the radio commentary reports that a number of people had collapsed. At lunchtime I headed for the neighbouring park and the welcome shade under the trees.
My lunchtime view from under a shaded tree
England had a good morning and bowled out Australia before lunch for 385. This was good given the Aussies overnight score of 326-6 but could have been even better but for a stubborn last wicket stand of 31 between Siddle and Lyon.
England started their innings well. We saw by far the best opening partnership of England’s innings so far. This reached 85 before Carberry fell for 43. Soon after the next wicket fell. It was controversial. Joe Root was given out caught behind off Watson. He was adamant he didn’t hit it and the wicket was reviewed by DRS. There was no hotspot, “snicko” indicated a possible nick but it was inconclusive. The decision was upheld. Joe was furious and so was I. I believe you Joe!
Some Leeds Utd football “fans” near me were turning my part of the ground into a zoo… They were getting annoying…
Michael Clarke, the Aussie captain, started geeing up the Aussie fans. Soon after this Alastair Cook was out for 72. He got caught out from the bowling of Lyon. He looked set fair for a bigger score.
After getting bogged down and scoring very slowly, Kevin Pietersen gave his wicket away. Yet again the wicket taker was Siddle. He always seems to trap KP. It was a brilliant catch from Johnson but why on earth was KP hitting a slog across the line of the ball? The Aussie fans were jubilant.
Eventually I had had enough of the Leeds fans. I walked round to square of the wicket and watched the last hour of play from a grass banking area. It was a lovely way to watch the action. I was in the shade and it was a very chilled, alcohol free, part of the ground.
The view from the grass bank
Despite some excellent bowling spearheaded by Johnson and Harris, England survived without any further loss of wickets. At close of play the England score is 180-4. The match is delicately poised…
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