18 July,2009 07:58 AM IST | | AFP
James Anderson starred with both bat and ball as England's quest for a first Test win over Australia at Lord's in 75 years gathered pace here yesterday. Ashes holders Australia were 156 for eight at stumps on the second day of the second Test still 269 runs behind England's first innings 425 and needing a further 70 runs to avoid the follow-on.
Swing bowler Anderson had taken four wickets for 36 runs in 17 overs his best Test figures against Australia after scoring 29 during a valuable 10th wicket stand of 47 with recalled quick Graham Onions.
Australia tailenders Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle were both three not out at the close. "It couldn't have gone much better at the start when Graham and I put a few on and with the ball we all did pretty well," Anderson, who defied Australia with the bat during a last-wicket stand that saw England escape with a draw in the first Test in Cardiff last week, told Sky Sports. "We were in a tricky situation (in the drawn first Test) at Cardiff and to get something there we now want to kick. We want to make the most of it.
"There's a lot of hard work to do. We've had a good day but that means nothing if we don't kick on tomorrow (Saturday) and produce another performance like we did today."
England, with the 26-year-old Anderson striking twice, had reduced Australia to 10 for two before lunch.
Left-handers Simon Katich and Michael Hussey two of only three Australia batsmen who made it into double figures along with Brad Haddin repaired the damage during a patient stand of 93
Katich, one of four Australia batsmen who made a century in Cardiff, was in sight of fifty when he casually pulled Onions and Stuart Broad at long leg took a fine diving catch.
Hussey, who missed out in Cardiff, did complete an 82-ball fifty.
He'd been leaving well but, on 51, he misjudged an Andrew Flintoff delivery and was bowled shouldering arms.
"We certainly have to fight hard and we'll see over the next three days. Every single one of us will have to do our job as well as we possibly can," Hussey said.
