"It was a good day and it turned out to be a good toss to lose for us. We knew there might be something in the pitch, there was a tinge of green for us so if we bent our backs we knew there might be something for us."
A day that started horrendously for Australia and barely improved as the day progressed, leaving Australia reeling, having been the first side to be bowled out on the first day at Adelaide since 1997.
Both sides would have been seeking early momentum after the drawn test in Brisbane, but it was England who struck early. And then again. And again.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, concensus was that Adelaide was very much a pitch in the batsman's favour, but before the fans had made themselves comfortable Australia were three down. Poor running did for Katich (cruelly without facing), whilst the ability of Anderson to swing the Kookaburra ball (who'd have thought?) did first for Ponting first ball with a slightly loose stroke and then Clarke. 2-3 and Australia were reeling.
Like at The Gabba, Australia were indebted to the trio of Watson, Hussey and Haddin who made up the bulk (over 80%) of their total. Also like at The Gabba, England rolled through the tail in quick time once Hussey had been dismissed, a wicket that brought an end to a fascinating contest between the left-hander and Graeme Swann, Swann having the last laugh as he did for Hussey in the flight.
England swarmed around Australia all-day, bowled superbly and dismissed Australia for their lowest total at Adelaide in any Test since 1992. Australia need to hit back on day 2, and hit back early.
If they don't, and England take control, it could have ramifications not just for this Test, but the series as a whole.


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