Timely batting by Michael Clarke and Test newcomer George Bailey enabled Australia to round out day one of the second Ashes Test in better shape at Adelaide Oval.
Bailey produced his first 50 in just his second Test match to help the Aussies escape what could have been an embarrassing total replicating the team’s play in England earlier this year.
Bailey’s heroics came with Australia on 4-174, stepping in after the home team endured a shocking 3-19 spell just short of the tea break.
Partnered with Clarke, Bailey scored 53 (including three sixes and four boundaries) after surviving a dropped catch on 10 before being caught by Stuart Broad off a Greame Swann spinner as the day neared its close.
The spin duo of Swann and Monty Panesar did a ton of day one damage as David Warner (29), Shane Watson (51), and Chris Rogers (72) and Steve Smith (6) all fell in front of 34,000 supporters in Adelaide.
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The sledging between the two sides continued as Broad sent Bailey back to dressing room with a screaming celebration. Chris Rogers said the Aussies remain unfazed in the midst of more on field chatter.
“A lot has been said but I don’t think either side is upset about it. It is pretty good,” Rogers said.
“I didn’t see excessive sledging or anything like that. It is still very competitive between the two sides but you expect that.”
Clarke remains at the crease on 48 with Australia resuming on Friday at 5-273.
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