Ashes: Siddle helps Australia bundle out England for 260 in Brisbane Test

November 25th, 2010 - 3:15 pm ICT by ANI  

Brisbane (Australia), Nov.25 (ANI): The first Ashes Test of 2010 between Australia and England got off to an exciting start with the hosts bundling out the visitors for 260 on the first day of the five-day encounter on Thursday. In reply, Australia closed at 25 for no loss.

Australia had birthday boy and Victorian fast bowler Peter Siddle to thank for putting them in the driver’s seat at the start of a series that has been much talked about in the days running up to its start.

Peter Siddle, a controversial selection for this match, ended up with career-best figures of 6 for 54, including a hat trick. The only two England batsman to stand up to the Australian bowlers were left-hand opener Alastair Cook who played calmly for his 67, and middle-order batsman Ian Bell, who scored a combative 76.

Kevin Pietersen chipped in with 43 before becoming the first of Siddle’s six victims.

Siddle’s moment of glory came in the final session after England had reached 4 for 197. He was recalled to the attack and in his second over back persuaded Cook, after 168 balls of concentration, to push outside off and edge to first slip. That was followed by a full, fast delivery which Matt Prior barely had time register and the hat-trick ball was again homing in on the stumps but instead struck Stuart Broad’s boot.

The atmosphere at the ‘Gabba’ was electric at that point of time.

Siddle hadn’t played since January after suffering a stress fracture of his back, but was preferred to left-arm pacer Doug Bollinger.

His other three victims were Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Graeme Swann.

Ben Hilfenhaus claimed the wicket of England captain Andrew Strauss who was caught in the gully area by Mike Hussey of a short arm jab.

Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, making his debut, claimed two wickets, that of Bell and James Anderson, while Jonathan Trott was bowled by Shane Watson.

In six Tests at the Gabba since 1990, England have passed 300 only twice in their first innings. Ian Bell’s 76 is his fifth half century in 11 innings in Australia and his ninth against Australia overall. (ANI)

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Feature |

Subscribe