Australia 2025

Day 30 - Third test, Day One

The Tests in Australia start at 10.30 local time and the bigger stadia mean you have to be there earlier to get through security, especially since the Bondi Beach shootings a few days ago. Therefore, we had to leave the hotel at 9 as it's a good half an hours walk to the ground, as we had determined earlier.

Having cleared security, we found our seats in Level 5 - up in the gods but a good view and also in the shade as it was a hot day - 35 degrees and getting hotter in the middle of the week. This means lots of drinking water but the Adelaide Oval isn't as well served as Perth with water fountains so this is a bit of an issue.

England make a reasonable start having lost the toss and are fielding. Cummins is back for this test as is Lyon, who wasn't happy at being dropped at Brisbane. The Australians are 94-2 at lunch. We try and find Dr. Al but to no avail as the balcony is rammed. so we have to abandon that idea. Sorry Al.

After lunch, England make a double breakthrough and the game turns in our favour for a change. However, and this is one of the appeals of the game, Carey, the wicketkeeper, comes in and makes a careful 106. England always seem to have an Aussie wicketkeeper as their nemesis following Marsh, Haddin, Gilchrist, the list goes on. Carey is also the bete noire of England after running Bairstow out 18 months ago at Lord's. Almost as big a furore as Bodyline.

Inglis chops one on from Tongue and two batsmen chipped out to mid-off but Starc, who is having an excellent series, makes 54.

We are mainly sitting amongst the English but I have a couple of quiet Aussie neighbours. YJ is sitting next to a chap who works at Manchester Airport who does all the airside stuff such as moving the planes about, driving the baggage train etc. Quite interesting listening to his work day and that's considering he's in his 60's.

Australia finish the day at 326-8 Starc still in with Lyon. It's forecast 39 degrees tomorrow at least so lets see if we can wear the Aussies out a bit.

It's not so bad getting out of the ground but it takes a while for 51,000 to leave the place and there is quite a throng going over the footbridge. We stop off at the Mexican and a beer before heading back to the hotel for a much needed shower.

A beer and more Bond are the evening's entertainment. It's "For Your Eyes only" tonight, one of the better Roger Moore one.