1st Ashes Test: Cardiff – Day One Review

Afternoon Session

The afternoon session was decidedly England’s as both Root and Ballance continued to move the score along at a more gentile pace than the previous hour. The pick of the Australian bowlers continued to be Hazelwood who was bowling a line similar to that of one of his predecessors Glen McGrath, a nagging outside off stump line with a hint of movement for the 6ft 5in Australian.

Chances were at a premium with both England batsman becoming more cautious as they looked to continue their partnership that had gone past fifty just after the lunch break.  Root was first to reach his half-century, though it was very nearly a good chance for the Australian bowlers as a leading edged scooted between two fielders, allowing Root through for two runs that brought up the outstanding Yorkshire-man’s 50 off 56 balls.

Ballance at the other end was working hard to get through his slump and began to grow as the impressive Root’s fine batting began to rub off on his fellow teammate. An edge off Mitchell Starc fell narrowly short of Shane Watson at slip but Ballance continued to grind through the session, being tested regularly with a short ball, that was causing the number three trouble throughout.

Root survived a close LBW shout that Australia reviewed but England continued to fight and the partnership reached 100 before Ballance worked his way to a half-century off 127 balls. England saw the session through to reach tea on 190-3

England 190-3

Batsmen: Ballance 59* (147), Root 93* (110)

Fall of wickets: 7-1 (Lyth 6), 42-2 (Cook 20), 43-3 (Bell 1)

Bowling figures: Starc 11-3-47-1, Hazlewood 15-5-42-1, Johnson 12-0-55-0, Lyon 10-2-24-1, Watson 4-0-12-0