Simon Katich vows Aussie fight back in Oval Test

Australian opener Simon Katich has predicted a fierce Australian fight back in the Ashes decider after England's Stuart Broad blitzed the touring side's batting line-up at The Oval.
 
Some 23 years after his father Chris batted England to victory in the 1986-87 Ashes series, Stuart put his side on track for more glory by capturing 5-19 in 47 balls in a superb 12-over spell in London.

Broad, 23, has long had the talent and pace but on Friday his execution was inch perfect as Australia's Ashes campaign unravelled as they lost 10-87 in just under 30 overs and 138 minutes.

In response to England's 332, Australia plunged from 0-73 to be all out for 160 with Broad's five for 37 and spinner Graeme Swann’s four for 38 on a crumbling deck.

The home side was 3-58 in its second innings at stumps on day two, a lead of 230 runs, with Andrew Strauss (32 not out) and Jonathan Trott (8 not out) at the crease.

Katich, who top scored for the Australians with 50, told the Daily Telegraph: "We will fight hard. The game is far from over and I think that is what we showed tonight by taking three late wickets. Guys got back out there, pulled themselves up and hopefully we can have another good session in the morning and claw our way back into the game.”

"We know it is going to be hard work but that is the beauty of playing Test cricket. You don't expect it any other way. There is the Ashes up for grabs so hopefully we can pull off something special,'' he said.

He said Australia's fourth-innings total of more than 400 in a losing effort at Lord's last month had demonstrated the team's fighting spirit.

He refused to blame the dusty deck for the carnage and credited Broad for turning the game.

Broad said his performance wouldn't really count for much unless England regained the Ashes.

Any total of more than 300 in the last innings is going to be enormously challenging for Australia, especially after their third batting collapse in seven innings this series.