Australia pacer Michael Neser got the massive wicket of Joe Root for 160 runs on second day of the Sydney Test. He also proved to be the side's top performer in the bowling department and racked up four wickets in his spell of 18.3 overs as Australia bundled out England for 384 runs in their first innings.
Following the conclusion of the day, Neser highlighted the plan that he used for getting rid of Root. He remarked how he tried to surprise the England batter by bowling him a bouncer. This plan eventually ended up working as Root chipped it straight into the air and Neser took an easy catch to send him back to the pavilion.
“I haven’t bowled a bouncer to him in ages, and I think I might surprise him if I try to bowl a bouncer there. And it’s one of those rare occasions where it actually came off and worked. The chances don’t come very often, so you’ve got to try to take everything. I’ve always prided myself on catching," Neser told reporters after the day's play.
“He’s a tricky one to bowl to, especially when he’s in that touch. Your margin of error is very small. He seems to manipulate the ball very well off the stumps. Even then, when you go a bit wider in the channel, he works you off down to third man so well. He’s a class player. That’s why he’s going to go down as one of the all-time greats," he added.
Head bats in stunning fashion on Day 2
Meanwhile, even though England managed to post a great first-inning total, Australia fought back brilliantly thanks to Travis Head. The left-hand batter played in explosive fashion and remained unbeaten on 91 runs from just 87 deliveries as Australia finished off the day with 166 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets.
Australia still have a long way to go
Marnus Labuschagne also contributed well to the total and played a valiant knock of 48. He formed a big partnership of 105 runs alongside Head and played a key role in the hosts putting England on the backk-foot on the second day. With the Baggy Greens still trailing by 218 runs, it remains to be seen if they will go on to take the lead on Day 3.