DISASTER AVERTED AS SMITH, MARSH DIG IN
AUSTRALIA captain Steve Smith produced another match- saving innings late yesterday to repel England’s brave attack at fortress Gabba.
Veteran English quicks Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson rose as one to put Australia to the sword on day two before Smith and Shaun Marsh short- circuited a potential disaster with a magnificent partnership.
For the second day, the teams finished with their arms locked around each other’s throats, a compelling battle that hangs on a knife’s edge.
Australia were on the brink of crisis at 4- 76 chasing England’s first- innings 302, but Smith’s unfailing ability to stand up in pressure- cooker moments turned the tide and by stumps the home side were back in the contest at 4- 165 and 137 runs in arrears.
Early wickets on day three could still have England in a position to break Australia’s extraordinary 30- year record of dominance in Brisbane but as it stands Smith ( 64 not out) is setting himself up for one of the finest centuries of his career.
“You have confidence in your own players to put on a good partnership but there’s obviously a lot of nerves,” spinner Nathan Lyon said.
“But there’s a lot of confidence in that change room with each and every one of those players.
“The way SOS ( Marsh) and Smithy batted there, especially in the first hour after tea was probably one of the hardest hours they’ve faced for a long time.’’
When David Warner had a momentary lapse and popped one to short- midwicket for 26, it continued an early Australian batting slide that started when debutant Cameron Bancroft and spin- averse Usman Khawaja made quick exits.
Peter Handscomb’s crushing lbw to Anderson brought Australia’s most scrutinised cricketer to the crease to join Smith — but not for the first time this