5th TEST THIRD DAY

WEDNESDAY 5th DECEMBER

  Made some rolls for cricket and we set off on foot for Eastwood Station soon after 8.00am.  Called into a chemist to buy some nail clippers as I had cracked a fingernail, and couldn't find the one I had - it wasn't where I had left it.  The weather turned out much better than the forecast, so I was quite warm in my long trousers, long sleeved shirt, socks and shoes. We caught an earlier train and got into Central about 9.00am.  There was hardly any queue for the buses so we were good and early at the ground, and found our seats in Bay 5 of the Concourse.  We had the two end seats in row N which was handy as we didn't disturb anybody if we wanted to move.  I spotted Len and Patrick a few rows in front of us to our left.

Unfortunately they had a band of "warriors" in front of them who not only kept on moving in and out of their seats but also kept on standing up no doubt hoping to attract the attention of the TV cameras.

Today was "Jane McGrath Day" in aid of breast cancer, so named after the late wife of Aussie fast bowling legend Glen McGrath.  Everybody was encouraged to come wearing something pink, which Len and Patrick certainly did.  Alan and I joined the party by buying a pink cap and pink bandana respectively, the proceeds of which went towards the Jane McGrath Cancer Fund.  The Barmy Army produced a T-shirt for the occasion which stated  "The Barmy Army like Boobs.  So look after yours and get them checked out".  It was announced during the day that this had raised $15,000 for the fund.

(Of course it was possible to wear both the cap and bandana, as Alan later demonstrated in the Eastwood when we met up with Rob!).

  I had expressed the hope that England would make 450 today whilst Len, more conservatively had hoped for at least 350 from England.  After night watchman Anderson and Collingwood were out early, England went from strength to strength.  In the event both our expectations were exceed with England scoring 488-7 with Bell notching up his maiden century against Australia and Cook going on to get 189 giving him an aggregate score for the series of 766, the second highest by an Englishman in an Ashes series. He also batted longer (36 hours 11 minutes) than any other batsman in an Ashes series.  He was reprieved again when "caught" by Hughes off Beer, but on review it appeared that the catch was taken on the half volley so he was given not out.  Bell also had some good fortune when he reviewed his caught behind decision and the Hot Spot camera dedected nothing.  Umpire Alim Dar reversed his decision enabling Bell (at that time 67) to get his ton.  "Snicko" later detected a noise suggesting that Dar's original decision had probably been correct.  At the close of play Prior was still in having notched up a fifty along with Bresnan on nought.

England take a wicket!

  Alan and I caught the bus back to Central and then the train to Eastwood and went shopping in Woolies for provisions, before ringing Robert to say we were at the Eastwood.  He joined us there for our evening meal and then gave us a lift home.  Things are looking good for the morrow, and the weather forecast is excellent.