England has really ripped open the Aussie heart. Their batting has been so good, the Aussies are looking in their pockets, trying to find a way to get some wickets. Ponting had to call upon himself to get wickets, which he did, thankfully for Australia.

229/4 at the end of day 1 was sort of an ok end of the day for Australia. They must have hoped that if they get a couple of early wickets, that they could restrict the first innings total.

Neither of that happened, and England was able to pile up 477. Flintoff probably would be the man of the series, adding a quick century to his name.

And then, I am not sure what happened, but Australia came out completely defensive. I have not seen this happen in a long long time. But the bottom line is that Australia are probably just hoping to not lose the Ashes.

They just lost the woefully out of form Hayden and the problems at the top continue.

So let’s see: Bowling has no firepower, at least not without McGrath. Fielding has given up some easy catches. And the batting has not fired much.

Kinda makes me think I am talking about the Indian team! Did not think that would happen with Australia.