AUSTRALIA: CRICKET - England and Australian fans arrive at the Adelaide oval for the start of the 2nd test

England captain Andrew Flintoff has won the toss and elected to bat in the second Ashes Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval. England has made a sound start to its innings after winning the toss and batting on what is expected to be a good wicket for the batsmen. England named the same side which lost the first Test in Brisbane by 277 runs, and resisted the urge to bring in Monty Panesar as a second spinner. Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath is playing after proving he had overcome a nagging heel problem, by bowling three overs in the nets today untroubled. McGrath's inclusion means Australia retains the same side from Brisbane. Fine and mild conditions are forecast for the first two days, with hot conditions expected on the last three. Fans arriving at the ground seemed more subdued than at Brisbane, quickly passing through security and moving into the ground. England fans were fairly stoic about their chances in overcoming the Australians, "I think we have got a chance of winning this one, said one English fan, I think we are slowly getting our confidence, hopefully Harmison has got?his bowling sorted, yeah I think we can do it".? Another hoping for an England win felt it would be good for the game,? "I think we can nick this one, I think it would be good for cricket if we nick this one as then it would least have to get to Melbourne.", he said. While some hoped for a good game, others were just there to see the England team lose,?"The more we beat the poms the better", was one Australian verdict. Others while still supporting Australia couldn't resist the odds being offered by local bookmakers on an England victory, "Last night I went down to the TAB (betting shop) and put a bet on the poms" said one Australian supporter, "It's a two horse race and they were paying eight dollars (8/1) on the tab so you never know." . He said however he will happy to lose his money in the event of an Australian victory.

ITN Source | December 2, 2006

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