Adelaide, Dec 3 : Mike Hussey says early wickets Saturday will be crucial if Australia is to have a chance of getting back into the second Ashes test against England.
After winning the toss and batting first, Australia were 2-3 Friday before Hussey hit 93 to take his side's score over 200. He then fell to Graeme Swann in the third session, prompting a collapse to 245 all out.
Hussey admitted to being shocked when Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke all fell in the first three overs sending him to the middle, and suggested that their final total was not too bad considering their start.
"I was rushing to get my gear ready, it was all happening very quickly," Hussey said. "I couldn't really believe it to be honest. Before I blinked I was out in the middle.
"I was actually looking forward to having a nice relax for the first couple of hours and watching the first session."
Hussey is taking heart from the way England recovered after being dismissed for 260 on the first day of the first test at Brisbane's Gabba ground to dominate with the bat later in the match, and says Australia can do the same.
"We know tomorrow's a big day in this test match but we can take a lot of heart from England were bowled out for 260 in the first test up in Brisbane and came back very strongly," Hussey said.
Hussey said there is enough variable bounce in the wicket and the potential for reverse swing on the second day.
"It's going to be hard, but I know looking in the eyes of the guys in there that they're willing to do the hard work," he said. "We're gonna have to attack with the new ball and try and get a couple of wickets. Then, as England did, we're going to have to bring our lengths back and be really patient."
Hussey said keeping a positive attitude was key to remaining competitive in the match.
"It doesn't mean we've lost the test match whatsoever we can still come into the game really positive. It's going to be hard cricket like today was and we'll see where we are at the end of the day."
Hussey said experience is the key to James Anderson bowling so much better on this tour than he did four years ago. After being unfortunate not to take more wickets in the first test, Anderson took 4-51 on Friday.
"He knows his game really well, he's bowled very well, had a bit of luck and its gone his way," Hussey said. "He's learned how to bowl in these conditions very well. He's got experience and you can't buy that." AP
