The Ashes 2013: How Day Two's Action Shapes Old Trafford Test

As much focus and forensic examination as there is around cricket pitches, especially in the build-up to a Test match, a good score can never be fully judged until both sides have had a chance to bat.

For that reason, it's so often the second day of a Test that proves key in determining the outcome, or at least in setting the tone and pattern of a game.

By then, both sides have familiarised themselves with conditions and one team is generally in the ascendancy, with the other fighting to catch up. As with the first two Ashes Tests, this is likely to prove the case at Old Trafford, in the third Test.

At Lord's England closed Day 1 on 289-7, a score that many doubted would be strong enough to take control of the game. However, after an absorbing second day, England extended their lead to 361 and, crucially, had bowled Australia out for 128. 

Even though Alastair Cook's side ended that day on 31-3, the game was already firmly in England's grasp and by the close of play a victory seemed all but secured.

Similarly at Trent Bridge, despite the game proving unpredictably close during the latter stages, Day 2 also produced some of the more decisive swings in momentum.

Having been bowled out for 215, again a total viewed as grossly under par for England, Day 1 finished with Australia on 75-4.

From there, Day 2 saw a dramatic Australian collapse to 117-9. Regardless of the fact Ashton Agar temporarily salvaged the situation with a gutsy 98—taking Australia past England's score—the vulnerability in the visitors' batting lineup was fully exposed.

England closed the day on 80-2 and, with a far superior batting card at their disposal, appeared more likely to press forward to a match-winning total.

In the opening Ashes Test, revealing your opponents' batting core to be so susceptible to a collapse is a major breakthrough, and something England could take with them for the rest of the series.

It would have undoubtedly boosted the home side's confidence at Lord's and the fact Australia did not pass 250 during the second Test would have had a lot to do with Day 2 at Trent Bridge.

At Old Trafford, for Australia to rescue the series they must take control of the second day's play for the first time this series.

Having won the toss, they now have their best chance to do this. They must bat on, take full advantage of the favourable conditions, and when the time comes for Ryan Harris and Mitchell Starc to run in with the new ball, they must ensure it's England who are creaking under some weighty scoreboard pressure.