Talk show host Piers Morgan jumped into the MCG nets on Friday to face an over from former fast bowler Brett Lee as the Australian batting attack crumbled on day two of the fourth Test.
Morgan survived the full brunt of a brief stint from Lee, but came out of the experience more than a little sore, saying “there’ll be a few bruises tonight” after facing deliveries reaching speeds of 130km/h.
A consistent Twitter participant (with nearly 4 million followers), Morgan has spent the past few weeks bashing his beloved Poms and he refused to let up on his team after the go around with Le, throwing another few barbs maybe a little too early.
“That’s what I call British spirit (referring to his effort against Lee) and that’s what I want to see from the England team going forward,”
“I hope (England coach) Andy Flower is watching, because I showed more guts in that 10-minute session than his team have shown in four Test matches.”
Having already declared the England players needed to “grow a pair” during the current Australian tour, Morgan’s ‘heroics’ appeared to inspire the visitors.
England added just 29 runs to their day one total of 226 before the final four wickets fell, but fared far better with the ball as they triggered an Australian collapse.
A pathetic start saw the Aussies stumble to 3-62 as David Warner, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke combined for 29 runs.
Chris Rogers (61) and Steve Smith carried the Australians to 110, but just as the home side looked to have steadied the ship, the duo were dismissed along with George Bailey (0) over the space of a 12-run span.
Australia finished 9-164 at stumps and resume tomorrow with Brad Haddin (43) and Nathan Lyon chasing England’s 93-run lead. James Anderson and Stuart Broad took three wickets each in the walkover.
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