Jimmy Riddle

SECOND DAY

There is only the tiniest doubt that England will win the final Test

To lunch (230-8) The two and a half hour first session saw the end of Haddin, Hussey, Smith and Siddle but left the dangerous Johnson on 30. He and Hilfenhaus - who grinned each time the ball beat bat and stumps and finished - still grinning - on 34 added 76 for the ninth wicket. Australia reached 280, which probably shocked the wildest optimists in their dressing room.

To tea (73-0) Strauss, with the scent of victory in his nostrils, went off so quickly that he had 49 by the interval in 16 overs

To close (167-3) Strauss went soon after tea and Trott was also bowled in the next over. Just when Pietersen seemed ready to play one of his memorable innings he top-edged a ball from Johnson to long leg so that England's star bowler Anderson had to battle his way through four overs as nightwatchman. Phil Edmonds once declined the offer to undertake this job. "I've done my work for the day," he snarled and I sympathise. Why is it necessary to have a poorer batsman protect a man whose main role is to bat? Cricketers never take the point and get very upset if a nightwatchman makes a mistake. I don't understand it. "Hey, your job is batting - go out there and don't bother coming back if you get out in the short time left today."