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“As a group, we were disappointed how we started but we turned that around this afternoon”
Australia fast bowling coach Craig McDermott has announced that he was impressed with the way the bowling attack bounced back after England made a fantastic start to their innings.
England’s opening pair of Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry put together an 85-run partnership before pace bowler Ryan Harris finally made the breakthrough.
Following Carberry’s dismissal, England lost Joe Root, Cook and Kevin Pietersen in quick succession.
“We started a bit rough with the ball, I suppose and not as full as I’d like,” McDermott told Sky Sports. “It wasn’t the lines I’d like to see our guys bowling, either. We got our act together after the break.
“Short-pitched bowling is not the way to go here. As a group, we were disappointed how we started but we turned that around this afternoon. Everyone bowled really well and the ball was swinging for us too.
“The last three or three-and-a-half hours, we bowled really really well and those crucial wickets in the last session was a great end to the day for us.”
McDermott was also pleased to see the Australian pace attack working in unison, especially since left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Johnson failed to take a wicket.
“Watto (Shane Watson) is back to his best now and Nathan Lyon picked up Alastair Cook with a bit of bounce against the cut shot,” he said. “It’s the second time that’s happened now in the series.
“Everyone keeps chiming in with wickets for us and it’s just a really good all-round attack from my point of view.
“As an ex-tail-ender, I wouldn’t be too keen on facing him (Johnson). Tomorrow morning, we’ve got to bowl well, start well as we finished well today with the old ball. We’ll hopefully get a wicket in those first 12 overs.
“I enjoy all facets of it (coaching). I like getting around the boundary and talking to guys and see how they’re travelling and what plans they’re thinking of. I just let them know that there’s someone here that they can have a chat to.”
McDermott added that Australia will continue to play “good, aggressive cricket”.
“I think the contests have been really great and I hope it’s something that never disappears from Test cricket,” he said. “It’s something I always liked to do as a bowler. I think it should stay and the guys are having a good time. It’s good, aggressive cricket.”