Related Links: Ashes 2013/14 in Australia – Schedule | Scorecard of Second Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval
Chris Rogers was the top scorer on Day 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Second Ashes Test at Adelaide saw an even contest on the opening day’s play with Australia at 273 for 5. Batting first after winning the toss, Australia lost last match centurion David Warner for 29 in the 8th over to Stuart Broad. After the early loss, the hosts got through a solid partnership for the 2nd wicket which was worth 121 runs. Shane Watson, who contributed 51 in that partnership got out, caught and bowled by James Anderson. Watson’s 51 came in 119 balls with 6 fours and a six.
Opener Chris Rogers, who was anchoring the hosts got out in the next over after Watson’s exit. Rogers scored 72 from 167 balls with 11 fours. Australia slipped to 174 for 4 with Steven Smith falling cheaply to Monty Panesar. The hosts lost three wickets for 19 runs in less than 7 overs.
Fortunately by the close of play, the Aussies got through a fighting partnership of 73 that revived their position. Skipper Michael Clarke saw through the day with an unbeaten 48 from 99 balls with 5 fours. His partner in the 5th wicket – George Bailey got out to Stuart Broad having scored 53. Bailey batted out 93 balls striking 4 fours and 3 sixes in what is his maiden Test fifty.
England bowled a lot of spin on a drop-in pitch at the Adelaide Oval which saw as many as 91 overs bowled on Day 1. And that was despite three rain breaks in the morning session which was cut short to 14.2 overs. The visitors, who are trailing behind by 0-1 in this 5-match Ashes Test Series, made two changes. Monty Panesar and Test Debutant Ben Stokes taking the places of Chris Tremlett and Jonathan Trott respectively. Australia kept faith in their winning combination.
