Yes. Just got home from the ground. The pitch isn't a minefield but it looked like it might be a little slow. Certainly looked hard to score quickly early today and during Queensland's innings.
Maddinson looked very correct. Was looking set for another long stay when he cut one straight down gully's throat. Copeland looked very solid with the bat. Like I said it wasn't the toughest pitch to bat on and the Qld attack wasn't ferocious but he played some cracking shots. Especially confident against the short one including one perfect hook from right in front of his eyes. Got one bit of luck when he holed out to mid off but Feldman was called for about the only no ball of the day. Well deserved 50.
Hauritz batted like he wants to be named at No.3 if Ricky's break keeps him out of the Boxing Day test. Whilst Maddinson was still in he played well within himself to support the recognised batsman. Played out several maidens early on and never once looked troubled. Once Maddinson went and even more so after Clark was out he took charge. He and Copeland scored briskly enough up until lunch, but after lunch it was clear they'd been sent out with orders to get cracking and get cracking they did. Their hundred partnership was scored at just under 5 an over. Haurie's runs were brought up with classy cricket shots, no ugly tail ender hoiks involved. He gave one chance when Lynn grassed a tough one on 93. At that stage he was still batting for quick runs and not for his ton. After that he tightened up a bit as Hartley spread the field to prevent the fours. The crowd was a bit worried when Copeland fell with Haurie on 98, but Dougy stroked a nice cover drive for a single to rotate the strike. Haurie blasted a drive for 4 to bring up his ton and then followed up with 2 more boundaries on the next two balls before Sarfraz called the boys in. A very high quality innings from Ritzy that has really put the Blues in the box seat.
For Qld is was a tough day at the office. Feldman and Swan kept charging in but Feldman especially was taken to by the 9th wicket partnership. Swan hobbled off 1 ball into the last over of the innings with a hamstring strain and is long odds to contribute much more in the game. Boyce seemed tidy enough. I was sitting side on so I couldn't see if he was turning it much, but there was barely a play and miss in the entire NSW innings so probably wasn't doing much (but nor would you expect much on a 2nd day pitch).
In the Qld innings the top 3 really struggled to hit the ball off the square and took 27 overs to bring up the 50. Lynn unfortunately didn't hang around so I couldn't really say how he goes. Copeland was extremely miserly, but the openers were content to let a lot of balls through to the keeper. Was probably a little too short. Dougy charged in and picked up a couple of nicks, and Haurie was bowling fairly quick and flat mostly. Got a nice one through to knock over broad and had a few other shouts turned down.
All up a really good day at the cricket for a Blues fan. Blacktown is a really nice facility with the stand providing a great view (although side on if you prefer to be behind the bowler). The outfield looks like a carpet and pitch seems good. Hope they play out here more often.
