Once again in this series, England found themselves in a good position but Australia managed to fight their way through to a position of dominance. At 84-5 and Ponting, Hussey and Clark gone for a combined total of 18 runs, there was an opportunity but Symonds and Hayden decided otherwise. And to think Symonds was born in Birmingham and could have played for England had he chosen to do so!

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/_images/misc//symonds_400.jpg
Andrew Symonds celebrating his maiden test century

The rookie tourists have settled in well. The Lancs/Notts CCC Member was seen looking at his blackberry before the start of play so he was asked for the Boxing day football results. Blackpool won 2-1 he replied whereupon the man sitting behind him said "Great win - we're in sixth place now and they had to delay the start because of the crowd". The last thing you expect is to meet two Blackpool fans in Melbourne but to then discover that there were another group of 18 Blackpool fans (absolutely true) nearby is too much to take. It makes you wonder how they managed a full house if 20 of their fans are over here.

The novice managed to get sunburn despite the fact there is no sun to be seen in Melbourne and she looks like a beetroot. Still, the alcohol takes away the pain.

I can also report that the Kent CCC Member is still sulking following the dropping of Geraint Jones in favour of Chris Read and it is proving difficult to have a sensible conversation at the moment.

So we enter day three with England once again on the back foot. At least the wicket has quietened down and should be easier to bat on than two days ago but we need three quick wickets and some real application.