Swann still confident despite Aussie fightback
SPINNER Graeme Swann insists England remain favourites to clinch the second Test at Lord’s today, while preventing Australia from blasting their way into the record books.
Chasing a first Ashes victory at Lord’s in 75 years, the hosts moved into cruise control after reducing the Australians to 128-5 at one stage – still 403 short of victory.
But a monumental sixth-wicket partnership of 185 from centurion Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin saw the Aussies edge to 313-5 at the close, just 209 runs adrift of the 522 victory target.
The current world record for a successful fourth innings run chase stands at 418-7 set by the West Indies against Australia in 2003. But Swann insists the new ball this morning will ensure England end the Australian dream and take a 1-0 serie lead.
“They will have to break a world record to beat us,” said the Notts spinner. “We still have a new ball with Andrew Flintoff roaring in at 90mph and James Anderson swinging it at the other end. “It’s a massive chase and if they manage to get 500 then fair play to them, but I still think we’re favourites.”
England began the day by declaring their second innings on 311-6, giving the Australians two full days to achieve their almighty task. And it looked completely out of the question early on when Andrew Flintoff threw down a furious spell of 2-9 off seven overs, taking the wickets of openers Simon Katich (6) and Phil Hughes (17) – albeit controversially it must be said – with 34 on the board.
Convinced Andrew Strauss had not properly caught Hughes in the slips, Australia captain Ricky Ponting played with purpose until he stepped back onto his stumps for 38 when smashing a Stuart Broad delivery.
Swann then took over and had the Lord’s crowd anticipating an early finish with two wickets in six overs. First, Mike Hussey was harshly adjudged to have nicked a turning ball to Paul Collingwood at slip, but there was no debate about the second wicket, Marcus North clean bowled through the gate.
But just as England had victory in sight, Clarke and Haddin came together and ruined the victory party with a glorious three-hour stand which has Australian coach Tim Neilson believing in miracles. “At some stage in the future a team will chase down 500, I hope it’s us on Monday,” he said.