Strauss Saves Middle-Order's Blushes

Andrew Strauss produced a captain’s knock on the first day of the second npower Ashes test at Lords with a brilliant 161 not out as England finished on 364-6.

After winning the toss Strauss and his partner Alastair Cook put on 196 for the first wicket, but the Essex man fell five short of his century as he was caught lbw by Mitchell Johnson.

At 222-1 England looked in a strong position but the next five wickets fell for just 111 runs, to leave the spoils equal going into day two.

England’s five man middle order will again be asked questions about their shot selection as tame dismissals yet again dominated an England innings on a flat deck.

The hosts suffered the same problems in the first test at Cardiff, with Ravi Bopara especially set to come under pressure as he failed again, scoring just 18.

He was a victim of a superb spell by Ben Hilfenhaus, the pick of the Australia bowlers who did for Andrew Flintoff as well, who began his final four test matches with a disappointing four.

Australia had to deal with the out of form Johnson, who went for over 100 runs on the first day, and an injury to Nathan Hauritz who dislocated finger on his bowling hand which left him unable to bowl for the remainder of the day.

England will be disappointed how they let their early domination slip away, as they let Australia back into a match that looked far from their grasp.

The day belonged fully to Andrew Strauss, who hit 20 boundaries on his way to a huge century, and he’ll be looking to complete his double century early on day two as the England tail began to be exposed.

Strauss’s record at his home ground for his country is one of the best around as he averages 60 in tests, and now has recorded his best score at the ground with today’s 161.

His opening partner Cook was unlucky not to record his tenth test match century, but his expansive drives has shown that he has replaced the void left by Marcus Trescothick.

Cook’s average, number of runs scored and centuries made are higher than Trescothick after 45 test matches played, and proves how Cook has taken to the task of replacing the Somerset man with consulate ease.

England perceived weakest area, that being their middle order, has come to fruition for the second match in a row and could yet again be behind an under par England total.

England will aim to bat for as much of tomorrow as possible, and with Strauss still at the crease a total over 500 is still possible, something that has to be achieved if England are too hit the front in this second test.