Australia poised to thrash England

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 3rd Test - Waca, Perth - Day 3

My picks of the third day:

Mike Hussey's 13th Test century and Shane Watson's 95 lifted Australia to 309 all out, giving England a target of 391 to win and putting a shadow over Chris Tremlett's first five-wicket haul. But man of the moment Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris took two wickets each late on in the day, crashing and bashing England to 81-5, still 310 behind, at the end of day three. Australia are back on track and look poised to thrash England to make it 1-1 and the contest evenly poised heading to Christmas and the fourth Test starting Boxing Day in Melbourne.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 211-4, 292 ahead, at lunch: Australia's morning, Hussey on 69 off 86, England with chances and semi-chances, but after only taking one wicket this morning, the guests are left needing to work hard to get in there and break Australia.

2nd session, Australia 297-8, 378 ahead, at tea: Australia continue building a strong lead, looking strong and comfortable despite losing four wickets this session, Hussey still the main man on 111 and has now more than 500 runs this series and is keeping on scoring, as long as there are partners left for him.

3rd session, Australia 309 all out, 390 ahead, England 81-5, 309 behind, at the end of day three: Australia looking poised to win this match and make the series all evens after three matches at 1-1 tomorrow. England were all over the place, throwing five wickets away, Collingwood caught out by Smith off Harris with the last ball of the day to put the icing on the Aussie's cake.

Partnerships: The 113-partnership between Hussey and Watson frustrated England through the morning session. Eventually Watson was caught out lbw by Tremlett, but that was when Hussey just got started. He held through till the end, being the last wicket to fall, out for 116 off 172, caught at deep square leg by Graeme Swann off Tremlett after Australia scored 82 runs in the morning and 86 in the afternoon, keeping a healthy run rate even when and after the wickets fell, giving England a target of 391 to chase to win.
If openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook would have held through the 20ish overs till the end of the day, England would have been in it with a shout on day four, but instead England crumbled devastatingly to 81-5, Paul Collingwood falling off the last ball, caught at third slip by Steven Smith off Harris, not happy he was at the crease as James Anderson was at the other end watching rather than doing his job as the nightwatchman. Dire scorecard reading for England, dire forecast and likely outcome for them on day four.

Bowling: Tremlett's five-wicket haul got lost and forgotten under all the Australian runs and Johnson's and Harris' descruction of England. England didn't bowl bad, although Swann was quickly layed off after he conceded 51 off only 9 overs, the Aussies all after him. I think it was more a case of Australia being pre-warned and more cautious after the first innings and coming into the second innings better prepared and more confident after destroying England 187 all out on day two. Australia's bowling at the end of the day on the other hand, was not destructive-perfect, it was more England's confidence that left them and their rationality and professionalism with it, giving their wickets away rather than staying put. No discrediting Johnson, who has had a fantastic comeback in this match, but it is the difference in pitch and England's fallen ego and confidence that went all for him and Australia in this match. Melbourne will be a cracker to see who can and will take advantage there.

Ups: And it is certainly a competition again! Australia had their doubters, me included, but Johnson and co certainly turned that around. At least that will make the last two matches over Christmas and New Year that more crunchy, topsy, turvy, juicy.

Downs: England can't throw the whole series away like this can they? After all the shine and confidence of the first two Tests, this will hopefully have woken them back up to reality that it is never easy to beat the Aussies, but not impossible either! So, come on, hopefully they will turn it on, up and around again in the fourth Test!

Hero to zero: From double century record scorer to a giveaway clown. Kevin Pietersen took a new bat and gave away a needless wicket going after a wide ball and serving an easy catch to Shane Watson at slip off Ben Hilfenhaus. KP will want to forget this match very quickly after scores of 0 and 3...

Australia v England third Test third day as it happened

1st session:

- Mitchell Magic Johnson is the man of the moment and in the headlines getting 6 of the 13 wickets we saw yesterday at the Waca, destroying England. The England bowlers will have to step up in similar fashion on the third day of the third Test if they want to stay in this match with a shout.

- Chris Tremlett to start the procedings against Mike Hussey who is on 24 (28) and sharing a 55 (74) partnership with Shane Watson 61 (102), Australia 119-3, 200 ahead. A maiden.

- James Anderson against Watson at the other end, who is looking to finally get a three-figure score; and gets a single off the last ball, Australia 120-3, 201 ahead.

- A single off the third over, Australia 121-3, 202 ahead.

- Appeal for a catch by wicket keeper Matt Prior against Watson off Anderson, only Prior shouting. England debate and decide not to review it, replays show the ball give Watson's arm a hint of a brush, nothing on the bat or glove. Wise decision by England. Three runs this over, Australia 124-3, 205 ahead.

- 127-3, 206 ahead after the fifth over of the day, Australia on a 3.33 run rate on day 3 of the 3rd day, is 3 their lucky number? First boundary of the day goes to Watson which takes him to 72. A couple here, inside edge and another run there takes Australia to 134-3, 215 ahead, Watson on 75.

- Singles off the over make it 137-3 after 7 overs, Australia 218 ahead.

- Just a single from the 8th over, Australia 138-3, 219 ahead.

- Steven Finn is brought on for Tremlett, England looking for a breakthrough, no wickets for them yet after 8 overs and 19 runs on the day. Finn starts with a maiden, Australia staying on 138-3, Watson and Hussey on a 74 off 127 balls partnership.

- Anderson stays on at the other end. A communication breakdown between Watson and Hussey nearly costs them a run out, but only nearly, England clutching onto straws... 139-3, Australia 220 ahead at the end of the 10th over of the day.

- Four leg byes off the last ball make it 145-3, slow but happy progress by Australia.

- Nice strike by Watson against Anderson, two off the last ball, takes the opener to 80, Australia 147-3.

- Maiden by Finn, Watson and Hussey staying put at a 83-run partnerhip off 152 balls, the best if the match so far.

- A boundary by Hussey v Anderson brings up the 150 for Australia, Australia 152-3, 233 ahead and finding their stride and hour into day three.

- Watson hits two successful boundaries smoothly through extra cover, England desperate for breakthrough and a breakdown by Australia. Another boundary brings on 100 partnership, 101 off 164, Watson on 90 (169) contributing 60(102), Hussey 36 (62), Australia 165-3, 246 ahead and cruising. Drinks come on. 15 overs so far today, no wickets, 46 runs, just over 3 runs per over.

- Tremlett is back on, three off the first ball after drinks. Problems with the side boards, the players have a break, Kevin Pietersen has a lay-down... Hussey polishes his helmet... Tremlett his face... And cheers go around when the side screen is back moving. Now, the camera keeps blacking out. Problem after problem... About 5 minutes break gone there, can England get the breakthrough after that little interruption? Hussey answers that question by smacking the ball away for four. Australia 174-3 after 49 overs, 16 on the day.

- A couple of singles take Australia to 177-3 after 50 overs, 258 lead, Watson on 95, Hussey on 46.

- WICKET - Watson given OUT lbw off Tremlett, he sends it straight to review on 95, hits him just under the knee pad, the ball hits the wickets, STILL OUT, Watson gone in the 90s again, missing out on another Ashes century, shaking his head saying he has hit it, replays nor hawkeye nor white spot show anything on the ball, looks like he knicked his pad with the bat missing the ball by inches, Australia 177-4, England finally get the breakthrough! They want and need an Aussie collapse now before lunch! Steven Smith in at number six and off the mark with a single. Australia 180-4 at the end of the over, Australia 261 ahead.

- WICKET - Smith caught at slip by Strauss off Finn, sends it straight to review shaking his head, replays shows his bat misses the ball by an inch, but the ball hits his pad, the third umpire checks for lbw, but the ball would have gone over, DECISION OVERTURNED Smith not out, Australia still 180-4. 184-4 at the end of the over, Tremlett had a chance for a dive-catch down the boundary line, but it fell maybe too short for him, Smith safe for nowm Australia 265 ahead, 6 wickets in hand.

- Hussey finds the gap for four, which takes him to his 25th half century, the sixth successive one, a record that is. His average this series so far is 113, one century, two half centuries! Impressive, or what?! Chance for a run out! But Finn misses the stumps at the non-scorers end, Hussey safe and smashes the last ball for four, Australia 197-4, 278 ahead.

- Short leg comes in for Smith against Tremlett, an awkward bouncer bounces off the bat, no one can get to it, three runs bring up the 200 for Australia, followed by a boundary, the partnership races to 27 off 27, Australia 204-4, 285 ahead.

- Anderson is back on before the break. 207-4.

- WICKET for Tremlett - of the last ball before lunch, lbw given out against Hussey, he sends it to review straight away unimpressed, looks high maybe, hawkeye shows the ball goes high over the stumps, DECISION OVERTURNED AGAIN, these reviews are more than paying off for Australia, how England would have loved a wicket off the last ball just before lunch... Australia's morning, 211-4 after 57 overs, 292 ahead, Hussey on 69 off 86 at lunch, England with chances and semi-chances, left needing to work hard to get in there and break Australia.

2nd & 3rd session highlights:

- Due to personal (lack of sleep and optimism) reasons, I didn't catch much of the rest of the day, check out the BBC website for the the full day's action.

Hussey and Haddin make England suffer

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 1st Test - Brisbane - Day 3

My picks of the third day:

Australian duo Michael Hussey (195) and Brad Haddin (136) were the dictators of the day and match so far hammering England with a record partnership of 307. The mammoth sixth wicket stand wasn't ended until after tea with Hussey falling first against Graeme Swann (450-6) and Haddin following soon after against Steven Finn (458-7). James Anderson and Stuart Broad drew the most frustrated picture of the bowling lot with close shouts but nothing going their way after England had used up their reviews early in the innings. Swann and Finn finished the lot, getting Australia all out for 481 and a lead of 221. England ended the day unscathed on 19-0 after 15 overs, but have a huge mointain to climb on day four if they want to avoid defeat.

Run of play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 327 for 5, 67 ahead, at lunch: All Australia. England were close, but not close, nearly there but not there, close calls but no wickets. Hussey and Haddin riding the show, some brilliant and beautiful cricket. England need a wonder to spare them from total embarrassment!

2nd session, Australia 436 for 5, 176 ahead, at tea: Australia on top - to put it quite slightly/mildly! 107 runs, 0 wickets in this session. They couldn't have wished for anything better from Hussey and Haddin - dream partnership, HuHa, just a little bit!

3rd session, Australia 481 all out, 221 ahead, England 19-0, 202 behind, at the end of day three: Fine last session for England, finally finishing Australia off, 5 wickets for only 45 runs from it. The visitors survived early scares including a review and ended the day without losing an early wicket. They will have to emulate Australia's innings and neede a BIG BIG partnership on day four if they want to be in it with a shout.




Partnerships: Hussey and Haddin put on a Gabber record, hammering in a partnership of 307, the fifth best in any Test, 39 runs behind Don Bradman and Jack Fingleton at Melbourne in 1937. They didn't have an easy start to the early morning though, Anderson tormenting them with the second new ball of the innings and with cracks emerging on the surface. But after overcoming those early scares, they looked indestructible with one beautiful boundary after another. These two men are the difference between the two sides so far. They put on a show-and-a-half, unforgettable, they certainly entered their names into the legend books. Especially the older of the too will be the happier, Hussey having had to listen to many doubters whether he could still bring it - well, he has certainly answered that question!

Bowling: Anderson was the man of the moment in the early session. He looked like he was going to grab the Aussies and drag them out by their hair. In the end the hair ripped, decisions went against the bowler and Hussey and Haddin took over. Anderson and co grew more and more frustrated, Broad and Finn having forgettable innings, being hit around left, right and centre. In the end it was Swann who got the breakthrough and Finn took over from there ending up with six wickets in his first Test innings for 125 runs, flattering final figures. If this breakthrough would have come a couple of sessions earlier, England would have been in dreamland with five wickets for only 45 runs coming from it. If, if, if... It just didn't happen for England though!





Ups: For England, the last session saved their faces for the day. They finally broke through and got the Aussies out and didn't lose any early wickets themselves. It just depends now how they fight through the fourth day... Anderson was the only man who showed fight for England on this day.


Downs: The bowling came to nothing. All the shouts and scares were forgotten for Hussey and Hadden in the second session, England having wasted their reviews early, the Aussies had nothing to worry about and took over the game and were in total control in the afternoon. Entertaining for neutral spectators, wonderful batting and boundaries - sour and dire truth for England fans.


Hero to zero: Again, Andrew Strauss was made to eat his words from the pre-match and pre-tour interviews. With all his confidence and optimism they could control this relatively inexperienced Aussie side, this day hopefully and should have most certainly made him wake up to reality. Never underestimate and Australian side, especially in Australia. Extraordinary underestimation on Strauss' behalf I say (and many other over-optimists, including me!


Australia v England first Test day three as it happened

- Early start to the third day, Australia on 220-5. James Anderson and Stuart Broad try to get early wickets and have a couple of shouts, one lbw given out but then overturned for Anderson against Michael Hussey. Apart from that heart-in-the-mouth moment, no genuine scares early on for Australia, 7 runs from the first 6 overs of the morning.


- 229-5 after 7 overs, Anderson with a couple more lbw appeals in a wonderful over, he is on Hussey's case most certainly, but as England have no reviews remaining, there's not much to keep on shouting about, all given not out.


- 229-5 after 8 overs, partnership of 86 off 211 deliveries with Hussey on 86 off 165 and Brad Haddin on 24 off 96. Resolute batting against consistently challenging bowling in the first half hour.

- 230-5 after 9 overs.


- Steven Finn comes on for Broad and another massive lbw appeal not given, it's just not happening for England. It's not going their way, but they have to be patient, stay in there and it'll pay off hopefully. That looked high and hawkeye says the ball would have gone over. 233-5 after the first 10 overs of the morning. 10 overs, 13 runs, 0 wickets, 13.5 over rate, 1.5 run rate.


- Anderson v Hussey again, lovely deliveries to keep the top scorer of the match so far on his toes, sweet pressure. 237-5, 23 behind after 11 overs. Cracks having their effect and showing movemement, goody goody for Anderson.

- Finn on Haddin's case, the ball fizzing just past his bat, the batsman with some solid shots after that little scare, fielded and picked up well by Colly and co, but no on one can stop the boundary off the last ball, 241-5 after 12 overs, drinks come on.

- Fielding error by Broad brings up 100 partnership off 241 balls; 57 off 125 contributed by Hussey, 30 off 116 by Haddin. Anderson not happy about that. 243-5 after 13 overs.


- Boundary, fine drive by Haddin v Finn. Three fine runs bring 250 on the board for Australia after 14 overs, 10 runs behind.


- Haddin strong high shot boundary v Anderson, Australia getting onto a roll, not good for England. A wide given for a too high delivery to add salt onto the wound for the visitors. More sloppy fielding by Finn too, Anderson must be exploding inside! Hands on hips for England. 257-5 after 15 overs.

- 258-5 after 16 overs.- Broad on for Anderson v Hussey on 92, Australia trailing by just the two, Haddin on 41. 260-5 after 17 overs.

- Finn staying at the other end, Graeme Swann left waiting again, Australia moving ahead on the scoreboard with a beautiful boundary by Haddin, another fine shot brings four and him onto his 6th test fifty, well played. He wants to get going now, Australia want to get going now their ahead, you can sense it. Hussey still on 92. Has he gone all quiet on us?! Haddin seems to be taking over the fin batting... 126 partnership off 271 balls.

- Close shave for Haddin, ball from bat onto boot and could have gone anywhere, 269-5 after 19 overs, Broad knows.

- Swann on for Finn finally, see what he can do... Hussey pushes forward second ball and moves onto 96 with a boundary through mid-off. Will he or won't he go for it now? That's the question... Not really's the answer, just a single off the last ball, Hussey on 97, Australia 274-5 after 20 overs.

- Another single by Hussey brings him onto 98 and Haddin onto the crease v Broad. Single again, Hussey back on and he knows when his shot goes he can take two and his 12 test hundred with it and he's loving every moment of it and celebrating, 3rd v England, 2nd at the Gabba. True joy and big hug from Haddin. 286-5 after 22 overs, Australia earned their drinks. These two men are the difference between the two sides, especially the older guy everyone was doubting if he could still bring it... Ha to them, he's on 104 off 199 balls! Run rate of three on the day so far. Strong and on.

- Boundary brings on 150 partnership off 299 balls, Hussey contributing 73 runs off 148 balls (105 off 200 in total) and Haddin 62 off 152. 293-5 after 23 overs.

- Hussey drags down the ball, almost sweaps it for four. 299-5 after 24 overs.

- Paul Collingwood on for Anderson. Catch dropped/missed: Alastair Cook just quite couldn't get there, not far off the boundary line, tantallising once again, through his finger tips, Haddin let off to score another boundary. 306-5 after 25 overs.

- 307-5 after 26 overs, 47 ahead. 12.5 over rate, 3.35 run rate. 164 partnership off 320 balls.

- 308-5 after 27 overs.

- 311-5 after 28 overs, a couple of tight and close ones for Swann, still nothing for England though. So close and yet so far.

- 312-5 after 29 overs, Hussey on 111 off 213 and Haddin 75 off 176.

- 313-5 after 30.- Ball drops just short of Anderson... Another chance gone begging... 315-5 after 31. Umpires checking the ball...

- Anderson back on with just a couple of overs left before lunch. A couple of close calls again

- 327-5 after 32 overs.

- 329-5 after 33 overs, one more before lunch by Anderson and finishes the session with a maiden. 329-5 after 34 overs, 109 runs off it, Hussey on 124 off 230, Haddin 79 off 189, 186 partnership, Australia 69 ahead. All Australia. England were close, but not close, nearly there but not there, close calls but no wickets. Hussey and Haddin riding the show, some brilliant and beautiful cricket. England need a wonder to spare them from total embarrassment!

Lunch


- Australia 436-5 after 140 overs at tea, lead by 176. 107 runs, 0 wickets in this session, Aussies on top - to put it quite slightly/mildly. They couldn't have wished for anything better from Hussey and Haddin - dream partnership, HuHa, just a little bit!

- Finally England have something to cheer about! Haddin caught at first slip - legside - by Collingwood off Swann, out for 136 off 287, 450-6, parternship has come to an end at 307! Mitchell Johnson on, Australia lead by 190, Hussey on 187, this session so far: 6 overs, 14 runs 1 wicket.


- And Hussey leaves the stage, caught by Alastair Cook off Finn, 458-7, out for 195 off 330, priceless runs, outstanding innings, he receives a standing ovation and England are very glad to see the back of him! Xavier Doherty on v Swann. Big appeal first ball for lbw, close but not out. He's off the mark and scores his first test runs soon after and takes Australia's past 200, 461-7 after 150 overs.

- 462-7 after 12 overs.


- Finn back on in 13th over of the session v Johnson and bowls him out for a long duck with the third ball of the over, straight through all covers, 0 off 19 deliveries, 462-8, Peter Siddle on, off the mark with a single and Doherty follows on with a neat boundary. 13 overs 31 runs 3 wickets in this session so far, England would have loved these stats about two sessions ago! Australia 467-8.


- 5 wickets for Finn in his first Ashes test, something for England to celebrate. Siddle out for 6 off 16 after nicking it high up and off behind him, unusual decision, Australia crumbling to 472-9. Finn's figures so far: 31.4 - 1 - 121 - 5, puts a smile on his face.


- 17 overs, 43 runs and 4 wickets this session make it 479-9 after 157 overs, Australia lead by 219 runs.


- Honesty by Cook, everyone thought he caught the last wicket, but it just dropped short, no cheering.


- Finn's 6th, this time Cook could grab hold of the ball, Australia 481 all out in the 159th over, Doherty last man out for 16 off 30. Finn 33.4 - 1 - 125 - 6. Fine last session for England, but Australia have bossed the day and game overall so far and lead by 221. England will have at least an hour to start tackling the mountain to climb - if they want to get anything out of this game.


- Ben Hilfenhaus kicks the Aussie bowling off against Andrew Strauss, leaves the first ball, big lbw appeal, not given, sent for a review, just high, so decision stands, Australia used one of their reviews, Strauss off the hook - for now. What a start! No pressure on England then! The skipper's off the mark with a single - it's getting better and better for England! 1-0 after the first over.


- Peter Siddle v Strauss at the other end, the skipper leaves the first ball. 3-0 after two overs.

- England finish the day unscathed, 19-0 after 15 overs - what a difference a day makes, England will hope to emulate Australia with a strong innings on day four.

Defiant Hussey keeps Aussie heads high

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 1st Test - Brisbane - Day 2

My picks of the second day:

England were unable to take advantage of wickets taken and partnerships broken, with Mike Hussey staring and hitting in an unbeaten 81 to steady the ship. James Anderson and Steven Finn took two wickets each and Graeme Swann nicked one too after being left out for most of the day apart from one over here and one over there. Apart from those breakthroughs, the Aussies' beautiful batting and (numerous) exemplary boundaries took command of the second day at Brisbane, England needing a similar session to the second of today if they want to gain any kind of advantage in the game.


Run of play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 96 for 1, 164 behind, at lunch: The morning definitely goes to Australia, eventhough Anderson got a breakthrough for England, they looked solid and comfortable, dominating most of the morning and the scoreboard with it. Worrying for England.

2nd session, Australia 168 for 5, 92 behind, at tea: England - just! Hussey with some beautiful play and plenty of runs and boundaries, looking like he may be the one to save Australia from falling and failing similar to England after the visitors thought they were taking over control and the game.

3rd session, Australia 220 for 5, 40 behind, at the end of day two: Australia steady the ship - wonderful cricket and partnership by Hussey and Haddin with boundary after boundary, beauty after beauty, frustrating the England bowlers after they though they had taken over in the afternoon.



Partnerships: The opening partnership of 78 between Simon Katich and Shane Watson got England worried this could end up a thrash. They looked too comfortable in the first session. Then when the wickets started to fall in a regular-ish basis, it looked like the Aussies were going to fall similar to how England crumbled apart - but then Hussey and Brad Haddin took over the game in entertaining fashion. Hussey reached his 22nd Test fifty and continued in confident, solid fashion with some fine shots. Haddin joined in as good as he could with boundaries - a partnership 77 which brought up the 200 for Australia. Some cracking shots and boundary after boundary and good running between the two. England will be looking to break up this twosome as soon as possible on day three.

Bowling: Anderson and Finn enjoyed most control and success in the afternoon session. Both saw much more movement on the pitch which caused much more worry and flattering nerves for Australia. It was a surprise that Swann didn't see any more overs with his bowling history and record, against the Aussies and in general. Maybe we will see more of him on the third day, although he did concede a lot of runs against the confident and flashy Aussie batsmen. It depends on the weather, how the pitch will turn and who Andrew Strauss will choose to change the trend of the game so far... Stuart Broad hasn't had an innings to write home about so far, but, again, we will see how the conditions will change that. It is still early days... The third day will tell more...


Ups: For England, definitely the second session. They finally got the breakthrough and control they needed. It got the crowd and game going. It looked very much like the Aussies' innings could have ended up very similar to England's and the game much more competitive then expected. But then...

Downs: England gave away their reviews, losing the confidence and Australia took over the game again, bit by bit, boundary by boundary. Then the weather spoiled the end and any chance of wickets late on... Hopefully the pitch won't be too soaked through, otherwise the new ball will come at no advantage to England...

Hero to zero: Swann went from top to flop in a day, from the ECB Cricketer of the Year, to the odd-over bowler and conceding many runs. Obviously it depends on the pitch, weather and stage of the game, how the Aussies are tempered, but still, if you want to turn a game around, you have to make changes and I think Strauss didn't make enough on the day to keep the Aussies worried...

Australia v England first Test day two as it happened

- Aus 25-0 (245 runs behind): Katich 15*, Watson 9*

- Day two starts with Stuart Broad bowling 8th over of the innings v Shane Watson: NB, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 (83/84mph), 26-0 after 8 overs.

- James Anderson 9th over v Simon Katich: 0, 1, 4, 1, 0, 2. First boundary of the day by Watson, fourth of the innings. Appeal against Katich for a catch behind, replay shows ball went through unscaved between bat and leg, not worth a review that one. 34-0 after 9 overs.

- Slow but comfortable start for the Aussies... Little encouragement for England so far...

- 37-0 after 10 overs.

- 5th boundary, 42-0 after 11 overs.

- Lbw appeal last ball of the over by a hopefull Broad, clearly comes off the bat though, another one not even worth a review, 42-0 after 12 overs.

- Mix up between the batsmen, Katich would have been way out, Watson sending him back, but Alastair Cook at square? misses the stumps. Will that get England going, finally putting on more pressure? 42-0 after 13 overs.

- Beauty by Broad v Watson, just missing a touch, boundary next ball though... England need to find something... The Aussies still too comfortable... Run rate 3:33 per over, 46-0 after 14 overs; Watson 21, Katich 22, Australia 214 runs behind.

- Single off the last ball makes it 47-0 after 15 overs.- Bouncer by Broad, ball comes off Watson's arm and down his body, he had to make sure that's didn't end up on the stumps, little shiver-shake there. Just a single off the over again, 48-0 after 16 overs.

- First bowling change of the day after a fruitless start for England: Steven Finn on for Anderson in the 10th over of the day (17th over of the innings). 50 comes up for the Aussies, Katich 27 off 49, Watson 21 off 51, partnership of 51 off 100 at 3.06 per over. It looks all too easy for Australia. Beautiful boundary, full stride down the onside by Watson, just underlines and shows the run Australia are on, too comfortable, too good for England's liking. 55-0 after 17 overs.

- Dead ball as Katich turns his head v Broad. Rare maiden over, 55-0 after 18 overs. 30 runs on the day so far, after 11 overs.

- Finn nowhere near the front line when he bowls... 56-0 after 19 overs.

- Anderson on for Broad, switching ends, see if that can get him going and more dangerous to the Aussies... 59-0 after 20 overs. Drinks come on after the first hour of day two, England still looking for a breakthrough from somewhere, Australia looking more than comfortable and solid. Watson 28, Katich 27, Australia 201 runs behind. When will Graeme Swann get the call today then? Just before lunch?

- Finn continues after the drinks, Watson drives a full on shot out for four, nice zap-boundary - if that's a cricket term... 63-0 after 21 overs.

- Anderson quite slow for his average, just around 80mph, his fastest overall so far 86.5mph... Maiden, 63-0 after 22 overs.

- Everyone's wondering why Swann's not on yet... Four through extra cover brings Watson to 36. Bouncer by Finn to end the over, 67-0 after 23 overs.

- Finally lbw by Anderson in his 10th over, given out by the umpire, sent to the third umpire by Australia: in line but, uh, maybe too high. Yep, too high, missing, not out, first Billy? Doctrove's decision to be turned around on his 65th wedding anniversary by the way. Two reviews remaining each, Katich stays in and puts next ball down legside for four. 74-0 after 24 overs.

- Overthrows by Finn... England need a change! 78-0 after 25 overs. 18 over, 53 runs, 0 wickets this session. All going Australia's way.

- Another lbw shout by Anderson, not given this time, England huddle up and decide to review, the analysis shows the ball is too high, misses off. England have wasted one, Watson stays in. Next ball, Anderson finally gets the first brekathrough, Watson caught by Strauss, out for 36 off 76, Australia 78-1, Ponting on. We'll see of England can turn Australia's lunch a little more sower... Slower balls by Anderson v the Aussie skipper, just under 80mph... 78-1 after 26 overs, wicket maiden for Anderson.

- Broad back into attack, replacing Finn. Single brings Ponting on to bat, just for one ball, defends it easy. 79-1 after 27 overs.

- 80-1 after 28 overs, Ponting defends the last ball.

- 81-1 after 29 overs, Ponting defends/leaves the last ball.

- Ponting off the mark with an awkward four through the gap between second slip and gully v Anderson. 88-1 after 30 overs.

- Session so far: 23 overs, 63 runs, 1 wicket, 12.4 over rate, 2.74 run rate. Katich on 44, Ponting on 4, Australia trailing by 172 runs.

- 90-1 after 31 overs.

- Anderson's the last over before lunch, good line v Ponting, well bowled, squaring up and opening up the Aussie skipper, trying to get edge... No one at second slip though... 91-1 after 32 overs.

- Swann on for the last over before lunch... Only had one yesterday to which went for 10 runs, hopefully this one will be a bit better... Singles off the first two deliveries, short balls. Ponting coming out v spin, defending the next two, lbw shout as Ponting defends the next with his far-forward leg, nothing serious, three off the last ball after a fielding error. 96-1 after 33 overs. Katich on 46 from 99, Ponting on 10 from 24. The morning definitely goes to Australia, eventhough Anderson got a breakthrough for England, they looked solid and comfortable, dominating most of the morning and the scoreboard with it. Off for a lunch snooze.

Lunch

- First over after lunch, Anderson v Ponting, second ball, inside edge down legside caught behind by Prior, clear contact with the ball and out for 10 off 26 balls, no need for a review, the skipper knows, 96-2. Vice-captain Michael Clarke on, three slips and a gully ready for him, survives. Wicket maiden, 96-2 after 34 overs.

- Finn on the other end v Katich, who hits him for four to reach his 25th Test Fifty, 50 off 103. 100-2 after 35 overs.- 100-2 after 36 overs, one lbw shout for Anderson, but it clearly came off the bat.

- Terrific effort by Finn c & b Katich's outside edge, out for 50 off 106 balls, Australia 100-3. Hussey on, edges first delivery behind, drops just short of Swann at second slip, nervous times for Australia. Suddenly the ball is flashing England's way, good pace, 87mph, bounces, worrying the Aussies. 101-3 after 36 overs. After a quiet morning, the game has finally kicked off after lunch and England are finally challenging the home side, wonderful over by Finn, the ball nipping around.

- 101-3 after 37 & 38 overs.- Shout for a catch behind off Finn, not given, sent to be reviewed, Strauss was sure there was an inside edge, however, no hot spot, no sound, decision stands, England have used up their reviews, Clarke off the mark the next ball. 102-3 after 39 overs, Anderson and Finn take England on top and in control. What a difference an afternoon makes... Well, it's 3.10am on my clock...

- Much more movement on the seem for Anderson and England, Clarke still feeling it out... Maiden, 102-3 after 40 overs. Clarke and Hussey on 1 each.- RE: England's second review that wasn't given: Snicko actually shows Clarke's bat did make contact with the ball, but the decision has been made... Luck or just postponed doom?

- 106-3 after 41 overs. 8 overs, 10 runs, 2 wickets so far this session. Australia 154 runs behind.- Broad on for Anderson in 42nd over, aggressive running, four off the fourth ball, 110-3 after 42 overs.

- Hussey's starting to enjoy it, boundary after boundary, especially v Swann, 27 from 37 balls.- 140-4 Clarke caught behind by Prior off Finn, top edge, walks off, 9 off 59 balls.

- 143-5 genuine outside edge caught by Collingwood, North gone for 1 off 8, Swann a much happier man now.

- 168-5 at tea, Hussey with some beautiful play and plenty of runs and boundaries, looks like he may be the one to save Australia from falling and failing similar to England after the visitors thought they were taking over control and the game.

- 22nd Test Fifty for Hussey and he continues in confident, solid fashion with some fine shots, Haddin tries to join into with boundaries 53 off 103 balls partnership and they bring up the 200 for Australia. Some cracking shots and boundary after boundary and good running between the two. Steadying the ship for Australia.

- 220-5, new ball available, the umpires are checking the lights and conditions, flood lights are on, umpires call it a day, the crowd doesn't like that at all.- Rain ends the day then any way, Australia 220-5, trailing by 40, Hussey on 81 and in ominous form. Last session definitely goes to him and Australia for evening the ship again.