JASON GILLESPIE'S ASHES 2006-07

Honours even at the end of day one for mine. There was a bit of nibble off the wicket for the Aussie quicks early, and Strauss and Cook negotiated this tough period well.

Australia was rewarded for the umpteenth time this series for disciplined line-and-length bowling. The key to batting success in international cricket is making the fast bowlers come back for their second, third and fourth spells without breakthroughs.

Yes, it sounds obvious but what it does do is make the bowlers set slightly more defensive fields and not attack quite as much. For instance, if England were 2/250, the Aussies would not have three slips, gully and a short leg. Runs become an issue for the fielding side. They would have what we call a 'ring' field: two slips, gully, point, cover and mid-off with three fielders on the leg side and a bowling line of attack just outside the off stump.

For most of this series, with the obvious exception of Adelaide, Australia has been able to attack with positive fielding positions because they have been able to get breakthroughs pretty consistently. They aren't having to wait until their fourth or fifth spells to bowl to England's middle order.

In short, the England openers have not given their team the start that they need. The best time to bat in five-day cricket is generally after tea when the bowlers are tiring, the wicket is flat and the ball is older. This is when you want your strokemakers in to make the most of a tiring attack.

The speed gun on the TV coverage gives you some clues as to how the bowlers are going. When bowlers are into their spells later in the day, you can see that generally the speed of the ball is 5-10km per hour slower than in the first session. (With the exception of Glenn McGrath, who is consistently slow!) Ha ha! Sorry, Pidge! I know you love reading my blogs!

This morning will be interesting. The new ball will again nip around so Australia will have a great opportunity to get into the lower order early. If England gets to lunch with minimal damage, they can go big and put some pressure on the Aussie batting line-up.

Till next time,

Dizzy