ADELAIDE, (Reuters) – Shane Watson and Simon Katich made a solid start to Australia’s second innings after England declared with a lead of 375 on the fourth morning of the second Ashes test today.
Watson, who had made 35, and Katich, who had hobbled his way to 42, survived a few close shaves to take the hosts to 78 without loss at lunch as they fight to save the match at the Adelaide Oval. Australia trail by 297 runs. England captain Andrew Strauss declared at 620 for five after his team had added 69 runs to their overnight total in nine overs of quickfire scoring on a sunny morning. England’s Kevin Pietersen was dismissed for 227 — his highest test score — after adding 14 runs to his tally, left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty finally getting some reward for his efforts when Katich took the catch at slip. Ian Bell put on 27 runs to reach his 25th half century to finish on 68 not out, while Matt Prior made 27 after being saved from a lbw dismissal off the bowling of Peter Siddle courtesy of a review of the tv pictures.
Australia’s woes were summed up when Prior swept the ball over square leg and skipper Ricky Ponting and Marcus North left the catch for each other. Katich, whose mobility was severely restricted by his injured Achilles heel, declined to use a runner but must be a doubt for the third test in Perth.
England spinner Graeme Swann caused the biggest problems for the Australians by pitching into the quick bowlers’ footmarks and was unlucky to go the break without a wicket having bowled eight overs for just 14 runs.
