Strauss stumped as Australia break through
Captain Andrew Strauss was out for 110 as Australia finally broke England’s opening partnership on the afternoon of the fourth day of the first Ashes Test against Australia on Sunday.
Stepping down the wicket to part-time bowler Marcus North’s off-spin, Strauss was left stranded as Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin removed the bails to end the stand with Alastair Cook at 188 runs.
England, who made 260 in their first innings, were still 32 runs behind Australia’s opening effort of 481 and Strauss left the field clearly furious with himself.
Out for a duck in the first innings, he had reached his 19th Test century, and first since his 161 at the Lords Test in the last Ashes series in July 2009, soon after lunch.
His innings was not without chances, most notably an inside edge to a Peter Siddle delivery when he was on 61 that somehow missed the wicket and a good catching chance off Doherty that Mitchell Johnson spilled when he was on 70. The 33-year-old’s stand with Cook was England’s highest opening partnership in a Test at the Gabba.
Strauss hit 15 fours in his 224-minute innings. - Reuters
