Australia vs. England- 2nd Ashes Test- England’s For The Taking

Approaching the fourth morning, this Test match is there for the taking.

England wrapped up their third consecutive day as favourites, presenting them with a great opportunity to go 1-0 up in the series.

Kevin Pietersen returned to his vintage best, displaying an innings of absolute dominance and masterclass as England throttled the Australians on day three in Adelaide.

Pietersen, having spent the past 18 months without a Test century, turned his comeback hundred into a double as England once again turned on the screws against the hosts.

By the end of the day the equation is simple enough- Australia’s batting line up is going to have to survive six sessions against an in-form seam attack, as well as world class spinner pitching it into a rough that even Marcus North could turn a ball in.

While England have not officially declared as yet, it is simple to conclude that Strauss will most likely be doing so soon after, if not before, play commences today.

England’s batting dominance was cut short at the tea interval when the rain came down, however by that stage the visitors lead was already 306.

A shower or two has been forecast for Monday, with some wet weather expected on Tuesday as well, suggesting Strauss will feel compelled to take his bowling attack out as soon as possible.

Adding to Australia’s growing list of concerns- opener Simon Katich spent time off the field battling an Achilles tendon injury, which one would feel would hamper his chance of a marathon innings.

With hints of reverse swing late in the day, along with increasing amounts of turn off the rough- day four is being primed as a thriller.

Pietersen’s dramatic comeback will prove rather influential throughout the remainder of the series.

At stumps, Pietersen remained unbeaten on 213, the second double-century of his career. Even more surprising was his utter dominance against the Australians’ left arm spin- his supposed weakness.

Xavier Doherty’s return of 0 for 120 from 24 overs is proof of his ineffectiveness, with many assuming Nathan Hauritz to return for the next Test in Perth.

Cook has once again had an amazing Test match so far, with both Trott and Bell playing superb supportive roles. However, one cannot deny that coupled with a superb catch at point, Pietersen’s double hundred is the pick of a sensational batting display so far.

Australia has had few moments of relief so far, and the coming days are going to be pivotal if they are to attempt to show the Australian public that they are not the new whipping boys of world cricket.

There are no surprises that England is massive favourites to win in Adelaide; however there are still chances to make a penny on the Australian batting lineup.

Katich is something of a write-off considering the aforementioned injury, and with Watson being a rather ordinary opener, one would imagine the smart money would lie on the ‘usual suspects’ of Hussey and Ponting.

On the bowling front, the punters will be licking their lips.

Jimmy Anderson will haul a bundle here, having learnt to reverse swing the ball last summer. Graeme Swann will be turning it a mile on this deteriorating pitch- making these two the one’s to watch.

This Test is England’s for the taking, and bar the heavens opening and ruining proceedings, this should result in a dominant and convincing England win.