Australia batted themselves into a position of real power on day three of the opening Test at The Gabba.
Tricky position
There is no doubt that England's problems in Brisbane have been mostly of their batsmen's making. That was
certainly the view of James Anderson who admitted that Australia's imposing first innings lead had meant they were able to take the attack to England's bowlers second time around. The tourists struggled to exert any real control as Australia's batsmen played their shots and put the home side on course for an opening victory. England face a tall order to avoid defeat, although Anderson insists they have not yet thrown in the towel. "We're in a tricky position, we've got to show a lot of fight and character tomorrow which we know we've got, we've shown it in the past and if there are some clouds that can come over and help us then great."
Cause for concern
While we are still in the very early stages of a five-match Test series, there is no doubt England will be concerned by events over the first three days in Brisbane. All of a sudden there look to be very real problems for some of their most senior performers. Jonathan's Trott's frailty against the short ball has been ruthlessly exposed and, judging by his frenetic second innings at the Gabba, at present he does not look to know the answer. For so long England's rock at No.3,
Andrew Strauss feels Trott now looks "frazzled" and there's no doubting that Australia feel they have rumbled the right-hander. Equally, Graeme Swann cut a rather despondent figure at times as he struggled to impose himself on Australia's batsmen. Normally a menace to left-handers, David Warner showed no fear in despatching England's off-spinner to all parts. Clearly Australia's big lead allowed their batters freedom to attack Swann, but the tourists will be hoping it proves to be something of a one-off rather than the way of things in the weeks ahead.
