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Pick of the day

We review the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide

Image: Michael Carberry looks on in disbelief having put down a simple chance from Brad Haddin

It was honours just about even by the close of the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

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Swann dive

While Rogers may have seen the odd demon in the pitch, Graeme Swann - the man who dismissed him - was of the opinion it remained very docile and declared England as "fairly pleased" with their five-wicket haul on day one. Whilst acknowledging there was turn to aid both him and spin partner Monty Panesar, as well as a hint of reverse swing, Swann still felt the pitch was a "typical" Adelaide track. But, perhaps unsurprisingly, the 34-year-old was particularly keen to talk about his efforts in field having pulled off a remarkable diving catch at square leg to dismiss Bailey, joking that a man of his age and mobility had no right to pull off such an athletic effort!

Missed opportunities

The old adage is that 'catches win matches' and England will know that they could and really should be in a stronger position. Panesar put down a sharp chance from Bailey off his own bowling, whilst it would have been filed under exceptional if Joe Root had managed to cling on to the opportunity at mid-wicket offered up by Clarke. But there was no excuse for Michael Carberry as he spilt a dolly from Brad Haddin just before the close that would have ensured England left the field with a real spring in their step. It remains to be seen just how costly that drop could be.

Another idiot abroad

Whilst England opted to prepare for the second Test with a two-day game in Alice Springs, a couple of the members of the Sky Sports commentary team signed up for a rather less conventional outing. Nasser Hussain and David Lloyd donned their wetsuits (although the latter needed some help!) and headed out to sea to go diving with sharks! Despite some initial reservations both seemed to have a whale of time (excuse the pun), although Bumble did produce a very passable impression of Karl Pilkington for most of the day!

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