Meanwhile, Down Under…
At the end of day two of the Second Ashes Test between England and Australia, England were 317 for 2 in response to Australia’s 245 all out. Cook is 136 not out and Petersen 85 not out. Going well for England down under in the heat of Adelaide, I’d say. Australian captain Ricky Ponting seems to be hoping for help from above..
..although, given that this is in Australia, surely his hands are actually pointing downwards?
In the Dark 
December 4, 2010 at 11:30 am
Our father who art in heaven
Donald be thy name…
(nicked from Mike Selvey in the Guardian)
December 5, 2010 at 12:00 am
Clerihews anyone?
December 5, 2010 at 11:39 am
Just to update, the third day was curtailed by rain with England on 551 for 4, a lead of 306 on the first innings (so far). It’ll be interesting to see how long we bat before the declaration. This is still a game that Australia can save if they bat well given that the pitch looks like a batsman’s dream.
I don’t think the current lead is enough, so I think England will go out and bat one more session or so, try to get a lead above 400 and then declare.
December 6, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Well, at the end of a rain-interrupted Day 4, Australia finished on 238-4 chasing England’s total of 620-5 declared.
Pretty good batting by the home side, North and Haddin still to come too. With bad weather forecast it seems the likeliest outcome now is a draw. Unless, that is, England can get through to the Aussie tail quickly tomorrow…
December 7, 2010 at 8:21 am
So there we have it. England win by an innings and 71 runs, the last 6 Australian wickets falling for 66 runs on the final morning!
England take a 1-0 lead in the series, with 3 to play; Australia need to win at least 2 of the 3 remaining games to reclaim the Ashes.
December 7, 2010 at 8:58 pm
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!