England: Australia's Ashes fightback is no surprise

Michael Clarke (R) and Steve Smith of Australia walk off at the end of play during day one of the 3rd Investec Ashes Test

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Agency

2 August 2013

England insist Australia's Ashes fightback was no surprise to them as Michael Clarke's century gave the tourists a foothold at last, on another controversial day in the Investec series.

The Australia captain finished unbeaten on 125 out of 303 for three, sharing an unbroken stand of 174 with Steve Smith (70no) after opener Chris Rogers set the tone with a Test-best 84.

The tourists therefore hinted at a much-needed revival at Emirates Old Trafford as they battle to somehow save the urn from 2-0 down.

Yet that was only half the story of the opening day in Manchester, with Cricket Australia so bemused by the DRS process which saw Usman Khawaja caught behind for just a single off Graeme Swann as to issue a statement that chief executive James Sutherland is seeking clarification from the InternationalCricket Council.

It is the latest instance of review system controversy blighting this summer's Ashes, both former Australia great Shane Warne - on television commentary - and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd voicing incredulity at Khawaja's dismissal.

Clarke ensured that Australia did not lose their cool with an exemplary 169-ball century, after which England seamer Tim Bresnan gave due credit for a gritty performance the hosts knew was always in the offing.

"The conditions were pretty good for batting, so we're quite pleased with the way we stuck in there," he said.

"It's not like we didn't create any chances. We passed the outside edge frequently.

"On another day those might be nicks. We might come back tomorrow morning and get the nicks we didn't get today. We hope we'll get our rewards in the end."

Clarke's innings was a perfect demonstration of a captain leading from the front.

"Credit to him," added Bresnan.

"We were expecting a fight. I think every time you play against Australia you expect them to fight hard.

"Their backs were against the wall, so why wouldn't they push even harder?

"We were expecting something like this. It's up to us now to counteract that tomorrow."

Cricket Australia will be hoping not only that England fail to do so, but also for an update from ICC on the DRS grievance.

Sutherland said last night: "Cricket Australia has sought an explanation from the ICC on the dismissal of Usman Khawaja.

"In our view, the on-field decision and referred decision using DRS were both incorrect.

"CA remains a strong supporter of DRS and believes it is important that cricket continues to improve and build confidence in the DRS.

"We understand and accept that from time to time mistakes can be made. However - in this instance on behalf of the player, the team and all cricket fans - we feel duty-bound to seek further explanation as to how this decision was arrived at."

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