Twitter Reactions: Alastair Cook’s 32nd Test ton helps England dominate Australia on day two

England surprisingly finished the second day of the Boxing Day Test in ascension courtesy their veteran opener Alastair Cook’s 32nd Test ton. They needed such a kind of day in the first couple of weeks to have a keep firm grip on the urn. But nevertheless, they have finally found the mojo down under and endured one of the perfect days on the field. The new-ball pair of Stuart Broad and James Anderson rattled the Aussie line-up in the morning after which they batted sensibly. However, Twitterati was up and active to witness Cook’s resilient ton which was much needed for him personally and his team as they erupted in joy.

The overnight pair of Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh continued on the second morning with an aim to post a huge total on the board. But the impregnable Aussie skipper was castled by the debutant Tom Curran which sparked a collapse of his team. Though Shaun and Tim Paine added 36 for the sixth wicket, the former was pinned in front by Stuart Broad as the hosts lost five wickets for only 13 runs. Interestingly, England didn’t allow the tail to wag which has troubled them all the series as Australia was bundled out for 327.

Cook’s homecoming to MCG

Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman then tried to build on the momentum gained by the bowlers with a steady start. However, it was Nathan Lyon once again who plucked an excellent return catch to send back the latter. James Vince’s woes against Josh Hazlewood continued as he was adjudged leg-before soon after the tea-break. The replays though suggested that the ball touched the bat before hitting the inside leg. At 80/2, Aussies hoped to pick few more wickets before the close as the visitors looked shaky during this period.

But Cook brought all his experience to the fore and slowly resurrected the innings with his skipper Joe Root. All his textbook shots were back as he brought back the memories of a young batsman who used to grind out on the 22 yards. Even the luck was with him on the day as he was dropped on 66 by Smith himself in the slips off Mitchell Marsh. He pounced on the opportunity and slammed his 32nd Test century in the last over of the day. More than anything else, he was a relieved man and the absence of Mitchell Starc surely played a part in his confident knock.

Root also looked assured for the most part of the innings and stayed unbeaten on 49 until stumps as England ended the day on 192/2 only 135 shy of the score posted by Aussies. The bowlers of the home side lacked the variations as they missed Starc badly with Jackson Bird and Pat Cummins struggling. Hazlewood and Lyon bowled extremely well and the third day will decide which way the game is moving. England have a great chance to take a huge lead and they would not want to miss out this time around.

Twitter hailed Cook and the bowlers of England for their stunning comeback after a tough first day during the Test.

Here’s how they reacted:

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