Andrew Starkie’s Ashes Diary (13)

ASHES DIARY

Entry 13

Thursday January 6, 2011

With Walkman in ear, I went for a stroll around the quiet, sunny streets of Reservoir during the morning session, day 4.  Lawn mowers grumbled and old ladies waited for the bus.  The singlet wearing Italian from up the road proudly gave me a few apricots from the tree in his front garden.  They tasted great.

Prior scored his century from almost as many balls.  Swann took Johnson for 20 in one over.  All four of our top bowlers had gone for over 100; Mitchell, well over 150.  England made 150 for the session and at 9/636 equalled their highest ever score in Australia.

I sent a text to Yorkshire Adrian: ‘Surrender’.  He replied:’No! Having too much fun!’  He’s painting the house and having the time of his life this Ashes series.

Boycott was interviewed during Lunch.  In typical style he spoke about preparation, rising for the battle, digging in, not giving up your wicket.  And of course, his favourite topic, uncovered pitches.  Adrian sent a text: ‘You can take the man out of Yorkshire, but you can’t…’

First ball after Lunch, Swann caressed past backward square to break the innings record.  I could almost hear him laugh.

Australia trailed by 364 on the first innings.  Watson started well as usual.  He drove Tremlett  through mid-on and covers easily.  Hughes leant on the back foot and pushed Swann to a vacant mid-wicket and he and Watson casually set off for the first run.  At mid-on, Pietersen was slow to set off in pursuit of the ball.  Both players were ball watching when Watson decided on a second.  Hughes turned for the second before deciding against it.  Watson kept coming.  They both finished at the bowler’s end.  KP returned to the keeper and Watson was run out.

Hughes was out edging soon after.

Say no more.

Australia 2/77 at Tea.

Clarke 19

Khawaja 4

Now or never, Clarkey

Comments

  1. I reckon every suburb in Melbourne (more than 40 years old) contains at least one European bloke in a singlet proudly giving away stone fruit from the tree in his garden.

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