1st Test: England v Australia at Lord's, 21-25 Jul 2005

Ball-by-Ball Commentary


Match State: Match start scheduled for 10.30am local time (9.30am GMT)

       A big hello and a very warm welcome to Cricinfo's coverage of the
        biggest Ashes series in a long, long time.
       The day everyone has been waiting for - July 21 - has finally
        arrived, and it is a perfect one for cricket.
       Lord's, the cathedral of cricket, is bathed in sunshine, and the
        stage is well and truly set. The moment of reckoning is
        near.
       No series has generated as much interest in recent time, and the
        time for talk is well and truly over.
       In a short while Michael Vaughan, the captain of a resurgent
        England team, will walk out to toss with Ricky Ponting, leading
        Australia for the first time in an Ashes series
       Before every Ashes series the hype is overwhelming, but this time
        around the excitement is real, for England have the guns
        in their armoury to stand up to Australia.
       Ponting acknowledges as much in his pre-match press conference,
        when he said:
        An Shes series is the biggest an Australia team ever plays and
        this one made more special by the way England team have played of
        late.
       England would do well to remember that Australia have not lost a
        Test match at Lord's since 1934.
       But, history is one thing, and today truly is a new day.
       Steve Harmison has proven himself as one of the best fast bowlers
        in the world
       He is well supported by Andrew Flintoff, Matthew Hoggard, Simon
        Jones and Ashley Giles.
       England's batting is also at its healthy best - Marcus Trescothick
        and Andrew Strauss get things under way.
       The classy Vaughan comes in at one-drop, followed by the promising
        and solid with Ian Bell at No. 4.
       The real explosiveness is in the middle order with Kevin Pietersen
       Geriant Jones, whose batting has never been in doubt tops off a
        most capable line-up.
       But let's not get too carried away just yet.
       Man for man Australia has the personnel to do as well or better
        than the England team.
       Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden have plundered English bowlers for
        years now.
       Hayden won't be pleased at suggestions that he is past his best and
        will want to prove a point.
       Ricky Ponting struggled for form at the start of the summer but
        roared back just in time
       Damien Martyn was at his silken best in the warm-up match against
        Leicestershire, scoring 154.
       Simon Katich is the strong, silent type in the middle order, all
        solidity
       Then there's the flash and excitement of Michael Clarke, who comes
        in one place behind Katich.
       Just when you've had enough of the Australian batting line-up, out
        walks Adam Gilchrist, the most destructive batsman in world
        cricket today
       The bowlers are no chumps either - Shane Warne for spin, Glenn
        McGrath, the eternal nemesis of English batsman, Brett Lee in
        barnstorming form and Jason Gillespie keen as anything to do well
        and silence his critics
       We're happy to tell you the captains have now made their way out to
        the middle for the toss, accompanied by Ranjan
        Madugalle, the former Sri Lankan cricketer, and match referee for
        the series
       News has just come in that Australia have won the toss and chosen
        to bat.
       Not particularly surprising considering the pitch at Lord's is
        traditionally good for batting to start with
       To recap, here are the teams for you:
       Australia: Langer, Hayden, Ponting, Martyn, Clarke, Katich,
        Gilchrist, Warne, Lee, Gillespie, McGrath
       England: Trescothick, Strauss, Vaughan, Bell, Pietersen, Flintoff,
        Geriant Jones, Giles, Hoggard, Harmison, Simon Jones
       The players are on the field now
       Michael Vaughan has his players around him in a huddle, going
        through a last pre-match chat
       Hayden and Langer now stride onto the field
       The appreciative and healthy crowd at Lord's cheers as this game is
        about to get under way
       It will be Justin Langer taking first strike and he will face Steve
        Harmison
   0.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off stump, Langer watches the ball carefully and lets it go
        through to the wicketkeeper, and with that the Ashes are finally
        under way!
   0.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a good length once more,
        this time on the stumps, Justin Langer takes his eyes off the ball
        and cops a nasty blow on the arm, just above the elbow
       Langer in a bit of pain there. The ball hit him just above where
        the forearm protector ends. That is a painful blow. Errol Alcott
        the Australian physio has run on
       Already the first bit of action in this series
       Harmison right on the money from the word go here
   0.3 Harmison to Langer, three runs, and Langer responds in style,
        whipping a slightly fuller delivery through midwicket
       This brings Hayden to the crease
   0.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, play and a miss! Hayden has a go at one
        outside the off stump and the ball swings just enough, and just
        late enough, to beat the bat
   0.5 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short and down the legside, Hayden fends
        awkwardly at it and the ball runs off down to fine-leg off the
        glove
   0.6 Harmison to Hayden, two runs, short ball, pulled away well wide of
        the midwicket fielder

End of over 1 (9 runs) Australia 9/0
SJ Harmison 1-0-9-0
JL Langer 3* (3b) ML Hayden 6* (3b 1x4)

   1.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish to begin with from Hoggard,
        Langer leans forward and has a poke, the ball squirts off to the
        legside
   1.2 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, just slightly short and Langer wastes no
        time unveiling an aggressive shot, flaying the ball backward of
        point
   1.3 Hoggard to Langer, no run, down the legside and very full, swinging
        a bit as well, easily left alone
   1.4 Hoggard to Langer, no run, Langer has another heave, this time the
        ball comes in just a touch and goes between bat and pad to the
        wicketkeeper
   1.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run, once again down the legside, and once
        again left well alone as the ball shapes away
   1.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, and another one down the legside to end
        the over

End of over 2 (4 runs) Australia 13/0
MJ Hoggard 1-0-4-0
ML Hayden 6* (3b 1x4) JL Langer 7* (9b 1x4)

   2.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run
   2.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, down the leg side, the ball clips the
        pad as Hayden tries to work it to the on side, and runs down to
        Geriant Jones
   2.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, far outside the off stump this time and
        Hayden watches the ball carefully but leaqves it alone to the
        wicketkeeper
   2.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, once again very short and a bit wide
        from Harmison, Hayden has no interest in chasing that one
   2.5 Harmison to Hayden, one run, on the stumps this time and Hayden
        plays a stroke, punching the ball back past Harmison with the full
        face of the bat for a quick single
   2.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, A beauty from Harmison, on te stumps,
        lifting off a good length almost, Langer in two minds is cut in
        half and the ball sails through to Jones behind the stumps

End of over 3 (1 run) Australia 14/0
SJ Harmison 2-0-10-0
ML Hayden 7* (8b 1x4) JL Langer 7* (10b 1x4)

   3.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, the ball swings in
        late, that's just what Hoggard is looking for. Punched confidently
        to the off side
   3.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, once again full and shaping in to the
        left-handed Hayden. This time the whipping on-drive heads to mid-
        on
   3.3 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, down the leg side, and Hayden has no
        difficulty walking slightly across his stumps and working the ball
        away down to the fine-leg fence
   3.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, Hoggard gets back on target and Hayden
        is up to it, covering the swing with his broad bat, playing a
        straight drive so straight that it clatters onto the stumps at the
        non-striker's end
   3.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, once again just slipping onto the pads,
        Hoggard wants to avoid that. Hayden jabs it awkwardly to the on-
        side
   3.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, Much better ball this time around, on
        the off and swinging in a touch, Hayden drives back but Hoggard
        fields in his follow-through and flings the ball back towards the
        stumps

End of over 4 (4 runs) Australia 18/0
MJ Hoggard 2-0-8-0
JL Langer 7* (10b 1x4) ML Hayden 11* (14b 2x4)

   4.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, good bounce and carry. This time Langer decides to take
        the safe option and leaves the ball alone instead of havving a big
        heave
   4.2 Harmison to Langer, one run, fuller and on the off, no movement in
        the air, Langer brings the bat down firmly and pushes that one
        through the covers for an easy single
   4.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a length, Harmison
        digging the ball in on a placid pitch, easily tucked away to the
        on-side
   4.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short one again and Hayden goes for the
        pull. He misses it completely and cops one on the helmet! Hayden
        jarred as the ball hits him smack on the badge
       Harmison has now struck both openers with well-directed short balls
       Hayden just takes his helmet off to check that everything is ok
   4.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, and Harmison bangs another one in! This
        time Hayden leaves it alone. The crowd loves it and roars in
        apprciation of Harmison.
   4.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, slightly fuller but well directed just
        outside the off stump, left alone to the keeper. End of a fine
        overfrom Harmison!

End of over 5 (1 run) Australia 19/0
SJ Harmison 3-0-11-0
JL Langer 8* (12b 1x4) ML Hayden 11* (18b 2x4)

       Don't go anywhere, the Ashes are well and truly under way here
   5.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, full and on the off, that's Hoggard's
        length and line, quite different from Harmison who is more pacy
        and back of a length, and Langer watchfully defends
   5.2 Hoggard to Langer, (noball) FOUR, No-ball! is the call from the
        umpire, and the ball is short and wide as well, Langer loves it
        there, spanked magnificently through point
   5.2 Hoggard to Langer, no run, now it's down the leg side, not the best
        control from Hoggard, left well alone
   5.3 Hoggard to Langer, no run, just short of a length this time, still
        a bit of swing in to the left-handed Langer. Defended carefully
        back down the pitch.
   5.4 Hoggard to Langer, one run, Langer uses soft hands this time as the
        ball curls into him from the off side, the ball drops to the off
        side and the batsmen scamper through for a single
   5.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, outside the off, not much swing there,
        left alone without any difficulty
   5.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the stumps, pushed away to
        the off side to end the 6th over

End of over 6 (6 runs) Australia 25/0
MJ Hoggard 3-0-14-0 (1nb)
JL Langer 13* (17b 2x4) ML Hayden 11* (20b 2x4)

       Not the most convincing of starts from either batsman, but the
        scoreboard looks quite healthy at 25 for no loss after the first
        half-hour of play
   6.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, again just short of a length from
        Harmison, left well alone purely on height
   6.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, slightly shorter from Harmison and the
        ball climbs nicely as it goes past Langer who just opens up a
        shade to get out of the way
   6.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, outside the off this time and Langer
        has no trouble whatsoever leaving the ball. No chances against
        Harmison seems to be the plan at the moment
   6.4 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off stump,
        that is a half-volley, Harmison's first bad ball, Langer welcomes
        it with a smile and cracks it through cover
   6.5 Harmison to Langer, one run, Now Harmison overcompensates and
        spears the ball onto the pads, Langer fiddles the ball away to the
        on-side for a single
   6.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, Hayden watchfully leaves a trademark
        Harmison lifter alone

End of over 7 (5 runs) Australia 30/0
SJ Harmison 4-0-16-0
JL Langer 18* (22b 3x4) ML Hayden 11* (21b 2x4)

   7.1 Hoggard to Langer, one run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Langer pushed the ball towards cover and runs, Pietersen
        sprints in and has a shy, if that had hit Langer was gone for all
        the world! Risky single that
   7.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, down the leg side again from Hoggard.
        Unless he takes a wicket this might well be the last over of this
        spell for him
   7.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, better line and length this time,
        outside the off, perhaps a touch too wide to make the batsman
        play, though, left alone easily to the wicketkeeper
   7.4 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, on the stumps this time and there is
        just a hint of late swing, Hayden plays it away to the off side
        with ease and saunters a single
   7.5 Hoggard to Langer, three runs, another poor delivery down the leg
        side, Langer tickles it away to fine-leg where Harmison is forced
        to dive to save the boundary
   7.6 Hoggard to Hayden, OUT: There's the peach from Hoggard. Perfectly
        pitched up, swinging in late, Hayden leans forward to drive and
        misses as the ball shatters the off stump! Hoggard strikes! Now
        you can bet he'll be bowling another over or two!

       Australia 35/1, Partnership of 35
       ML Hayden  b Hoggard  12 (25b 2x4 0x6)

End of over 8 (5 runs) Australia 35/1
MJ Hoggard 4-0-19-1 (1nb)
JL Langer 22* (24b 3x4) 

       Hoggard struggled early to consistently hit a line and length, but
        when he did get it all right it was a beauty. Hayden will be
        utterly disappointed, but you can see England are over the moon
       Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, comes out to the middle at
        he fall of the first wicket
   8.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball from Harmison, good pace and
        bounce, Langer drops his wrists and leaves the ball alone to the
        keeper
   8.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, once again just short of a length and
        lifting well, Langer shoulders arms and the ball sails through to
        Geriant Jones
   8.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, back of a length, on the leg stump and
        anglin in to Langer, defended to the on side
   8.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, plenty of pace and bounce from Harmison
        early on, and Langer is watchful
   8.5 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, outside the off, not quite full enough
        for the drive but Langer launches himself into it, driven on the
        up, and beautifully so, through point
   8.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, on the pads this time, tucking Langer
        up a bit, off the pad to the off side

End of over 9 (4 runs) Australia 39/1
SJ Harmison 5-0-20-0
RT Ponting 0* (0b) JL Langer 26* (30b 4x4)

   9.1 Hoggard to Ponting, (noball) no run, No-ball from Hoggard as
        Ponting takes his first delivery, it's outside the off and goes
        through to the keeper
   9.1 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, full and swinging away, Ponting drives
        hard at it and the edge flies to Pietersen in a close gully, and
        he puts down a sharp chance!
   9.2 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, down the leg side and Ponting won't
        play at that
   9.3 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, and again the ball slips well down the
        leg side
   9.4 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, on the stumps, just short of a length,
        Ponting chops the ball down awkwardly
   9.5 Hoggard to Ponting, three runs, on the pads and Ponting has no
        trouble getting off the mark flicking that one through square leg
   9.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, defended
        with hard hands to point

End of over 10 (4 runs) Australia 43/1
MJ Hoggard 5-0-23-1 (2nb)
RT Ponting 3* (6b) JL Langer 26* (31b 4x4)

  10.1 Harmison to Ponting, bye: one run, short but badly directed, well
        down the leg side, Ponting leaves it alone and Geriant Jones can't
        stop it properly either
  10.2 Harmison to Langer, two runs
  10.3 Harmison to Langer, three runs, again on the pads and once more
        Langer has no trouble in clipping the ball off his pads through
        the big gap at midwicket
  10.4 Harmison to Ponting, no run, and it is Ponting's turn now! Short
        ball, Ponting goes for the pull and cops a nasty blow on the grill
        of the helmet
       Another disruption in play here as the helmet seems to have jammed
        on Ponting's face and caused a bit of bleeding
       It looks a bit gory there as the blood pours down Ponting's cheek,
        but it's not as bad as it looks
       The physio has come onto the field and is attending to Ponting
       Meanwhile the umpires have called for drinks

Match State: Drinks

       The physio is still trying to stop the bleeding on Ponting's face
       Ponting taking the treatment quite bravely here - it looks like he
        might even be getting a stitch or two
       Now there's a plaster come on, just between his right ear and eye
  10.5 Harmison to Ponting, one run, just slipping onto the pads, and
        Ponting walks across and lkncks the ball down to fine-leg to pick
        up a single and take Australia to 50
  10.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, slightly fuller, very quick again from
        Harmison, Langer defends with utmost care, the ball goes hard onto
        the pitch and bounces back towards the keeper

End of over 11 (7 runs) Australia 50/1
SJ Harmison 6-0-26-0
RT Ponting 4* (9b) JL Langer 31* (34b 4x4)

  11.1 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, good length and line, just on the off
        and shaping away from the right-handed Ponting who moves early and
        defends well to the off side
  11.2 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, down the leg side this time, Ponting
        thinks about playing at it but leaves the ball alone in th eend
  11.3 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, Hoggard gets one to come back in now,
        almost like an offcutter, Ponting plays and misses and is hit on
        the pad
  11.4 Hoggard to Ponting, one run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Ponting eases the ball through the off side for a
        single
  11.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run, full and swinging in, driven to the on
        side
  11.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, slightly slower from Hoggard, almost
        floating down the pitch, Langer defends very carefully, watching
        the swing till bat meets ball

End of over 12 (1 run) Australia 51/1
MJ Hoggard 6-0-24-1 (2nb)
RT Ponting 5* (13b) JL Langer 31* (36b 4x4)

  12.1 Harmison to Ponting, FOUR, down the leg side from Harmison and
        Ponting wastes no time walking across and glancing the ball fine
        for four
  12.2 Harmison to Ponting, no run, left alone this time, Ponting not
        going after everything, just taking his time getting set
  12.3 Harmison to Ponting, no run, on the off, climbing up from a decent
        length, Ponting is more than up to the task, clipping the ball to
        the leg side with a straight bat
  12.4 Harmison to Ponting, no run, fuller this time and played gently
        back down the pitch
  12.5 Harmison to Ponting, OUT: Harmison strikes! Just short of driving
        length and outside the off, Ponting drives and edges, the ball
        carries well to Strauss in the slips who takes an important catch!

       Australia 55/2, Partnership of 20
       RT Ponting  c Strauss b Harmison  9 (18b 1x4 0x6)
       JL Langer 31* (36b 4x4) SJ Harmison 6.5-0-30-1

       Just reward for Harmison there, he's bowled a magnificent spell on
        a pitch that doesn't have too much in it for fast bowlers
       England are overjoyed, and why not? Thatw as a key wicket.
       Martyn is the new batsman
  12.6 Harmison to Martyn, two runs, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Martyn waits on the ball and caresses it through the off
        side for a brace to get off the mark

End of over 13 (6 runs) Australia 57/2
SJ Harmison 7-0-32-1
JL Langer 31* (36b 4x4) DR Martyn 2* (1b)

  13.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, quicker and quite full from Hoggard,
        defended awkwardly to the on side
  13.2 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, short and wide, you don't bowl there to
        someone who grew up batting at the WACA! Cut brutally for four
  13.3 Hoggard to Langer, two runs, this one is eased away down to fine
        leg for a couple, Langer is scoring freely here
  13.4 Hoggard to Langer, three runs, full and swinging in towards the off
        stump, punched well through cover. That takes Langer to 39, and
        1000 runs versus England
  13.5 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, outside the off, swinging away, Martyn
        very watchful early on, leaves the ball well alone to Jones behind
        the stumps
  13.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, a bit wider this time from Hoggard and
        Martyn is not even tempted to play a shot

End of over 14 (9 runs) Australia 66/2
MJ Hoggard 7-0-33-1 (2nb)
JL Langer 40* (40b 5x4) DR Martyn 2* (3b)

       The first bowling change of the day - Andrew Flintoff replaces
        Harmison at the Pavilion End
  14.1 Flintoff to Langer, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, flintoff gets it on target right away, Langer chops the
        ball to the off side
  14.2 Flintoff to Langer, no run, once again Langer is watchful as he
        dabs the ball away. Flintoff getting good bounce from a decent
        length
  14.3 Flintoff to Langer, no run, another ball bang on target from
        Flintoff - just on the stumps and short of a length - and Langer
        is forced to defend back ddown the pitch
  14.4 Flintoff to Langer, OUT: short ball, Langer goes for the pull but
        can't get hold of it. The ball flies high in the air but Harmison
        watches it carefully and settles under it at square leg

       Australia 66/3, Partnership of 11
       JL Langer  c Harmison b Flintoff  40 (44b 5x4 0x6)
       DR Martyn 2* (3b) A Flintoff 0.4-0-0-1

       Australia are in disarray at 66 for 3 and Flintoff has struck with
        his first over in an Ashes Test!
       England off to a roaring start in their campaign to wrest back the
        Ashes
  14.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just short of a length, dug in , Clarke
        defends to the on side
  14.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, fuller and on the stumps, Flintoff
        bowling very intelligently here, Clarke is up to the task and
        works the ball to the on side

End of over 15 (maiden) Australia 66/3
A Flintoff 1-1-0-1
DR Martyn 2* (3b) MJ Clarke 0* (2b)

       Another bowling change, Simon Jones comes into the attak
  15.1 SP Jones to Martyn, OUT: Simon Jones strikes with his first
        delivery! Just short of a length and oustdie the off, Martyn goes
        for the shot and can only manage an edge to the keeper!

       Australia 66/4, Partnership of 0
       DR Martyn  c GO Jones b SP Jones  2 (4b 0x4 0x6)
       MJ Clarke 0* (2b) SP Jones 0.1-0-0-1

       Jones has struck with his very first ball and Australia are now in
        deep trouble at 66 for 4!
  15.2 SP Jones to Katich, no run, Jones gets his second ball through as
        well, good pace and bounce, Katich leaves the ball alone to the
        keeper
  15.3 SP Jones to Katich, one run, on the pads, clipped down to fine leg
        for a single
  15.4 SP Jones to Clarke, FOUR, outside the off and swinging away, Clarke
        drives at it. The ball goes off the bat, but not especially
        convincingly, down to the third man fence
  15.5 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, this one is left alone outside the off
        stump
  15.6 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, a good outswinger from simon Jones,
        Clarke watches it well and leaves iot alone

End of over 16 (5 runs) Australia 71/4
SP Jones 1-0-5-1
SM Katich 1* (2b) MJ Clarke 4* (5b 1x4)

  16.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, Flintoff bangs one in very short,
        Katich takes note and lets the ball go to the keeper. Good stuff
        this from flintoff, taking over from where Harmison left off
  16.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run
  16.3 Flintoff to Katich, (noball) no run, just short of a length and on
        the stumps, played back down the pitch
       Flintoff now comes round the wicket
  16.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, Katich struggles as the ball jags in
        towards his pads, awkward defense but the ball goes off the pads
  16.4 Flintoff to Katich, one run, a touch down the leg side and Katich
        is able to nurdle the ball away down to fine leg for a single and
        put clarke back on strike
  16.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short one, Clarke sees it early though,
        and ducks well under it
  16.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, outside the off this time and quite
        full, Clarke lets the ball go through to the keeper

End of over 17 (2 runs) Australia 73/4
A Flintoff 2-1-2-1 (1nb)
SM Katich 2* (7b) MJ Clarke 4* (7b 1x4)

  17.1 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a driving length and
        outside the off, a hint of swing in to the left-handed Katich,
        left alone to the keeper
  17.2 SP Jones to Katich, no run, Jones takes his turn to bang it in
        short, but it's not a threat, Katich leaves it alone
  17.3 SP Jones to Katich, no run, full this time but far too wide outside
        the off stump, left alone to the keeper
  17.4 SP Jones to Katich, wide: no run, sprayed so far wide by an over-
        enthusiastic Simon Jones that Rudi Koertzen has to call that a
        wide!
  17.4 SP Jones to Katich, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off, Katich
        waits on the ball and drives it beautifully through cover to pick
        up his first boundary
  17.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, outside the off and full, this one
        shapes away from the left-handed Katich. Through to the keeper
  17.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, outside the off and left alone

End of over 18 (5 runs) Australia 78/4
SP Jones 2-0-10-1 (1w)
MJ Clarke 4* (7b 1x4) SM Katich 6* (13b 1x4)

  18.1 Flintoff to Clarke, no run
  18.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short and a bit of width outside the
        off, Clarke goes for the cut but the ball goes off the bottom edge
        to the slips
  18.3 Flintoff to Clarke, (noball) no run
  18.3 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and slnting in
        to Clarke, inside edge onto the pads
  18.4 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, outside the off, and it is a quick one,
        Clarke shapes to leave the ball alone but the ball comes in and
        hits the bat
  18.5 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, tucked away towards midwicket for a
        single
  18.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, pushed to point

End of over 19 (2 runs) Australia 80/4
A Flintoff 3-1-4-1 (2nb)
MJ Clarke 5* (13b 1x4) SM Katich 6* (14b 1x4)

  19.1 SP Jones to Clarke, one run, full and on the pads, Clarke flicks it
        away with a clever use of the wrists, only a single as there's a
        man on the fence at square leg
  19.2 SP Jones to Katich, no run, outside the off, this one shoots
        straight though, left alone
  19.3 SP Jones to Katich, no run
  19.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, outside the off, just short of a
        driving length, this one from Jones angles away from the left0-
        handed Katich, no stroke offered and the ball goes through to the
        keeper
  19.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, quick one, full, swinging in late,
        Katich shiuffles across and drives, the ball beats bat thanks to
        late inswing and sneaks between bat and pad and goes to the keeper
  19.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, left alone outside the off, through to
        the keeper, end of another good over from Jones

End of over 20 (1 run) Australia 81/4
SP Jones 3-0-11-1 (1w) - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 6* (14b 1x4) SM Katich 6* (19b 1x4)

  20.1 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just back of a length and slanting in
        to the right-handed clarke. Defended to the on side
  20.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, clipped to the on side but straight to
        the man under the helmet
  20.3 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, attempted yorker speare in, dug out to
        the on side for a single
  20.4 Flintoff to Katich, (noball) no run
  20.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off and left well alone
  20.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, shoirt of driving length once more,
        good pace and carry from Flintoff. Katich is being very watchful
        and leaves the ball alone
  20.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, shorter and outside the off, once again
        the ball sails through to the keeper

End of over 21 (2 runs) Australia 83/4
A Flintoff 4-1-6-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 7* (17b 1x4) SM Katich 6* (23b 1x4)

  21.1 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, full and way down the leg side, off the
        pad to the keeper
  21.2 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, outside the off, a shade of away
        movement, Clarke shoulders arms and the ball goes through to the
        keeper
  21.3 SP Jones to Clarke, FOUR, Clarke gets hold of this one - a touch
        too straight - well and clips iot through midwicket for his second
        boundary
  21.4 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, outside the off and swining away,
        Clarke has a big drive without quite moving his feet, the ball
        goies just past the edge to the keeper
  21.5 SP Jones to Clarke, OUT: Full delivery, pitches just outside the
        line of off stump and hurries onto Clarke. He plays and misses and
        is struck on the pad. Loud shout from the England team and slow
        finger of death from Rudi Koertzen sends Clarke on his way

       Australia 87/5, Partnership of 21
       MJ Clarke  lbw b SP Jones  11 (22b 2x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 6* (23b 1x4) SP Jones 3.5-0-15-2 (1w)

       Incredible scenes here at Lord's! A resurgent England team have
        Australia on the run.
       Australia have lost five wickets and it isn't even lunch on the
        first day yet.
       But here comes Adam Gilchrist. He has come in with Australia
        struggling before and turned things around. Can he dpo it again?
  21.6 SP Jones to Gilchrist, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Gilchrist gets well behind the ball and defends

End of over 22 (4 runs) Australia 87/5
SP Jones 4-0-15-2 (1w) - Nursery End
SM Katich 6* (23b 1x4) AC Gilchrist 0* (1b)

  22.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
        Katich calm as ever, lets iot go
  22.2 Flintoff to Katich, one run, angled into Katich, he defends
        awkwardly, the ball runs down to the off side
  22.3 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, quick, perfectly pitched just
        outside the off and shaping away, Gilchrist plays and misses. That
        is a cracker of a ball!
  22.4 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, After playing and missing at one
        Gilchrist gets well on top of the next one and chops it down to
        the point fence
  22.5 Flintoff to Gilchrist, (noball) no run, A no-ball from Flintoff to
        extend this over, probably the last one before lunch
  22.5 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, outside the off and full, Gilchrist
        has a go, the ball flies over gully to the fence
  22.6 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full one on the pads,, Gilchrsit
        tries to work the ball to the leg side but misses. The ball goes
        off the pads towards the slips cordon

End of over 23 (10 runs) Australia 97/5
A Flintoff 5-1-16-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
SM Katich 7* (25b 1x4) AC Gilchrist 8* (6b 2x4)

Match State: Lunch - Day 1

       And that, is lunch on the first day of the first Ashes Test of this
        series
       England are well and truly on on top. Who would have imagined
        Australia would be five down with less than hundred on the board
        before lunch on the first day?
       This has set up a cracking day
       The players are off for lunch now, and Cricinfo's coverage will
        return minutes before play starts, in about 30 minutes. That's at
        12.10 GMT.
       Welcome back to Cricinfo's coverage of the first Test. The post-
        lunch session is about to get under way.
       It will be simon Jones to get us started, and Simon Katich facing
  23.1 SP Jones to Katich, no run, good line and length, Jones on the spot
        first thing after lunch, Katich is up to it. Defends watchfully to
        the off side
  23.2 SP Jones to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off
        stump, chopped away nicely but Giles dives to his right and stops
        the ball at gully
  23.3 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps. Defended to the on side.
  23.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a driving length this
        time. Outside the off stump. A shade of inswing. Left alone to the
        wicketkeeper.
  23.5 SP Jones to Katich, one run, just short of a good length once more.
        A shade outside the off stump. Katich goes back and across and
        pushes the ball to the off side for a single.
  23.6 SP Jones to Gilchrist, no run, A bit quicker to gilchrist, on the
        off, defended to the off side. Good tidy over after lunch from
        jones

End of over 24 (1 run) Australia 98/5
SP Jones 5-0-16-2 (1w) - Nursery End
SM Katich 8* (30b 1x4) AC Gilchrist 8* (7b 2x4)

  24.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, left alone to the keeper who tidies up
        and ensures there are no extras
  24.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off stump from round the
        wickets, angled in towards the left-handed Katich, who shoulders
        arms and lets the ball go through to the keeper
  24.3 Flintoff to Katich, (noball) no run, No-ball again, left alone to
        the keeper
  24.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, sprayed well down the leg side, no
        trouble at all for Katich there
  24.4 Flintoff to Katich, (noball) no run, And the hundred comes up with
        a no-ball. Flintoff seems to be struggling a bit here just pushing
        himself for that extra yard of pace
  24.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, good pace and bounce this time as the
        ball lands outside the off and passes Simon Katich on its way to
        the keeper
  24.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, once again Katich is happy to wait and
        watch, leaving the ball alone to the keeper as it is harmlessly
        outside the off stump
  24.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full, fast and way down the leg side,
        somehow Jones scrambles to his right behind the stumps and cleans
        up

End of over 25 (2 runs) Australia 100/5
A Flintoff 6-1-18-1 (6nb) - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 8* (7b 2x4) SM Katich 8* (38b 1x4)

  25.1 SP Jones to Gilchrist, legbye: one run, down the leg side, short,
        Gilchrist plays and misses. Off the pads down to fine leg.
  25.2 SP Jones to Katich, legbye: two runs, This one from Jones swings in
        late, and quite sharply and hits the pad and runs down to third
        man for a leg bye
  25.3 SP Jones to Katich, FOUR, short and slipping down the leg side,
        Katich swivels and pulls it fine to the fence past the man at fine
        leg
  25.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, left alone to the keeper
  25.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, and again Katich watchfully lets the
        ball go through to the keeper
  25.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, full and swinging into the pads,
        clipped to the on side

End of over 26 (7 runs) Australia 107/5
SP Jones 6-0-20-2 (1w) - Nursery End
AC Gilchrist 8* (8b 2x4) SM Katich 12* (43b 2x4)

  26.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full and on the off, slanting in to
        Gilchrist, defended to the on side with a bat straighter than an
        arrow
  26.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, overpitched again but this time
        there's a bit of width for gilchrist to free his arms, and he does
        so fearlessly and the ball sails over the gully region for a
        boundary
  26.3 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, once again just a touch short. Would
        have been ok to most batsmen, but this is Gilchrist. He rocks back
        and creams the ball through the cover-point region
  26.4 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, chopped down towards the off side
  26.5 Flintoff to Gilchrist, (noball) one run
  26.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run
  26.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run

End of over 27 (10 runs) Australia 117/5
A Flintoff 7-1-28-1 (7nb) - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 17* (13b 4x4) SM Katich 12* (45b 2x4)

  27.1 SP Jones to Gilchrist, FOUR, just a touch short and Gilchrist
        climbs into it, pulling in front of midwicket
  27.2 SP Jones to Gilchrist, one run, single stolen to midwicket
  27.3 SP Jones to Katich, no run
  27.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, defended
  27.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, pushed to the off side
  27.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, full and outside the off stump, left
        alone to the keeper

End of over 28 (5 runs) Australia 122/5
SP Jones 7-0-25-2 (1w) - Nursery End
AC Gilchrist 22* (15b 5x4) SM Katich 12* (49b 2x4)

  28.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full and on the stumps, angled in
        from wide of the crease, well defended back down the pitch
  28.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, short and a bit of width, Gilchrist
        goes for it, all arms whirling, the ball flies over the slips and
        races to the fence
  28.3 Flintoff to Gilchrist, OUT: Flintoff gets sweet revenge! Full and
        shaping away late, Gilchrist goes for the big drive, the ball does
        just enough to beat the middle of the bat and take the outside
        edge before disappearing into Geraint Jones's waiting gloves

       Australia 126/6, Partnership of 39
       AC Gilchrist  c GO Jones b Flintoff  26 (18b 6x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 12* (49b 2x4) A Flintoff 7.3-1-32-2 (7nb)

       That's the big one! England are well and truly in control of this
        game now. Make no mistake about that!
       Shane Warne is the new man in with Australia struggling at 126 for
        6
  28.4 Flintoff to Warne, (noball) no run, Flintoff follows the wicket up
        with a no-ball
  28.4 Flintoff to Warne, legbye: one run, on the pads, Warne walks across
        and tries to whip the ball to fine leg, off the pads
  28.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and on the stumps to Katich, who
        defends carefully after sizing up the line and length of the
        delivery
  28.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off this time and Katich is
        not tempted. Left alone to the keeper

End of over 29 (6 runs) Australia 128/6
A Flintoff 8-1-33-2 (8nb) - Pavilion End
SK Warne 0* (2b) SM Katich 12* (51b 2x4)

  29.1 SP Jones to Warne, no run, short ball outside the off, swinging
        away as well, Warne thinks about going for the pull and then
        decides against it
  29.2 SP Jones to Warne, FOUR, short ball, this time on the stumps. Warne
        goes for a half-hearted pull and somehow manages to get it away
        from the fielder at fine leg
  29.3 SP Jones to Warne, one run, quick one, pushed through a bit fuller,
        Warne jams the bat down on the ball and gets it away to the leg
        side for a single to bring Katich back on strike
  29.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, fuller and outside the off, Katich in
        no mood to nibble leaves it well alone
  29.5 SP Jones to Katich, FOUR, slightly fuller this time and Simon
        Katich won't pass up such an offering. He gets his front foot well
        down the ground and times the ball sweetly past mid-off for four
  29.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, swinging full delivery, defensive shot
        played and missed. Rapped on the pad. but no danger of an lbw
        shout.

End of over 30 (9 runs) Australia 137/6
SP Jones 8-0-34-2 (1w) - Nursery End
SK Warne 5* (5b 1x4) SM Katich 16* (54b 3x4)

  30.1 Flintoff to Warne, no run, short one speared in towards Warne's
        chest. He backs away and fends the ball towards the slips
  30.2 Flintoff to Warne, FOUR, another well-direct short ball! This one
        screams up at Warne's throat and all he can do is open the face of
        the bat and fend the ball over the slips cordon. A lucky boundary
        that
  30.3 Flintoff to Warne, FOUR, A bit of width and Warne gets a legitimate
        boundary carving the ball over point for four
  30.4 Flintoff to Warne, no run, slightly fuller, outside the off, Warne
        has a go but misses. The ball goes past the edge to the keeper.
  30.5 Flintoff to Warne, no run, Flintoff goes for the swinging yorker
        but Warne sees it early enough to keep the ball out
  30.6 Flintoff to Warne, one run, another full one, this time slipping
        down the leg side, clipped away to fine leg

End of over 31 (9 runs) Australia 146/6
A Flintoff 9-1-42-2 (8nb) - Pavilion End
SK Warne 14* (11b 3x4) SM Katich 16* (54b 3x4)

  31.1 SP Jones to Warne, no run, Jones bowls another beauty, quick and
        swinging away late. Warne has a poke but misses. Dangerously close
        there!
  31.2 SP Jones to Warne, FOUR, just short of a driving length, but we
        know Warne isn't one to resist temptation, he goes for a flowing
        drive on the up and sends the ball sailing to the cover fence
  31.3 SP Jones to Warne, no run, closer to the stumps and quick enough to
        hurry Warne. He defends awkwardly to the on side
  31.4 SP Jones to Warne, no run, Warne drives to mid-off, Vaughan fields
        and has a massive shy at the stumps, Warne just manages to get out
        of the way of the ball, but falls firmly on the most padded part
        of his body doing so! Laughter all around!
  31.5 SP Jones to Warne, FOUR, short one and Warne responds with a
        rasping pull that beats both the men on the fence on the leg side
  31.6 SP Jones to Warne, one run, Warne keeps the strike with a glance to
        fine leg

End of over 32 (9 runs) Australia 155/6
SP Jones 9-0-43-2 (1w) - Nursery End
SK Warne 23* (17b 5x4) SM Katich 16* (54b 3x4)

       Harmison comes back into the attack, replacing Flintoff at the
        Pavilion End.
  32.1 Harmison to Warne, no run, Harmison begins with a full one to
        Warne. Defended back down the pitch.
  32.2 Harmison to Warne, one run, short ball, Warne fends uncomfortably.
        The ball bobs up towards Strauss at gully who leps up and
        stretches fully to reach for the ball, but can only get fingertips
        to the ball! Almost another wicket there
  32.3 Harmison to Katich, two runs, on the pads and full to Katich who
        calmly places the ball down to fine leg for a brace
  32.4 Harmison to Katich, no run
  32.5 Harmison to Katich, no run, defended back down the pitch to the
        bowler
  32.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, full and on the pads, clipped to the
        leg side

End of over 33 (3 runs) Australia 158/6
SJ Harmison 8-0-35-1 - Pavilion End
SK Warne 24* (19b 5x4) SM Katich 18* (58b 3x4)

  33.1 SP Jones to Warne, one run, on the pads, Warne doesn't mind it
        there. Flicked down to backward square leg for a single
  33.2 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        off, punched efficiently to the off side
  33.3 SP Jones to Katich, no run, full and on the off, driven well back
        down the pitch. Jones stretches and fields well in his follow-
        through
  33.4 SP Jones to Katich, FOUR, just a bit of width, a touch overpitched,
        and Katich gets down on one knee and plays a languid cover-drive!
        Shot!
  33.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, down the leg side, Katich shapes to
        pull but misses
  33.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        defended

End of over 34 (5 runs) Australia 163/6
SP Jones 10-0-48-2 (1w) - Nursery End
SK Warne 25* (20b 5x4) SM Katich 22* (63b 4x4)

  34.1 Harmison to Warne, bye: FOUR, Warne walks across his stump and
        Harmison's quick delivery swinging far down the leg side beats
        everyone and runs away for four byes
  34.2 Harmison to Warne, no run, full but far outside the off stump,
        Warne drives with pad well in front of bat, the ball ricochets off
        the pad to the off side
  34.3 Harmison to Warne, no run, glance played and missed to a ball
        slipping down the leg side, off the pad
  34.4 Harmison to Warne, no run, once again Warne walks right across his
        stumps, drives, but is happy to take the ball on the pad
  34.5 Harmison to Warne, one run, This time Warne gets bat to ball,
        walking across and flicking to fine leg for a single
  34.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, left alone to the keeper

End of over 35 (5 runs) Australia 168/6
SJ Harmison 9-0-36-1 - Pavilion End
SK Warne 26* (25b 5x4) SM Katich 22* (64b 4x4)

       Hoggard comes back at the Nursery End, replacing simon Jones
  35.1 Hoggard to Warne, one run, overpitched and outside the off, Hoggard
        looking for some swing here, driven through cover for a single
  35.2 Hoggard to Katich, one run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, eased past gully for a single
  35.3 Hoggard to Warne, no run, perfectly pitched outswinger from
        Hoggard, Warne plays and misses
  35.4 Hoggard to Warne, one run, straighter and on the pads, Warne tucks
        it away to fine leg for a single
  35.5 Hoggard to Katich, FOUR, outside the off, no swing on that one,
        Katich drives magnificently off the back foot through point
  35.6 Hoggard to Katich, no run, fuller and outside the off, left well
        alone to the keeper

End of over 36 (7 runs) Australia 175/6
MJ Hoggard 8-0-40-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
SK Warne 28* (28b 5x4) SM Katich 27* (67b 5x4)

Match State: Drinks

       Rudi Koertzen signals drinks and the players can take a well-earned
        break.
       Australia may have lost a lot of wickets, but they are running
        along at a fast clip. At the moment they are going at over 4.8 and
        over, and they don't look like slowing down.
  36.1 Harmison to Warne, OUT: Warne gets a bit too cheeky, walking across
        his stumps. Harmison spears one in full, fast and on the leg
        stump. The stump flies out of the ground and Warne's entertaining
        cameo comes to an end

       Australia 175/7, Partnership of 49
       SK Warne  b Harmison  28 (29b 5x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 27* (67b 5x4) SJ Harmison 9.1-0-36-2

       A wicket right after the drinks break. Harmison has done just as
        his captain wouold have wanted. Australia in serious trouble now.
       Brett Lee is in, and he too can bat a bit.
       Expect a few short ones to fly from Harmison to Lee
  36.2 Harmison to Lee, three runs, Harmison decides to begin with a full
        one and Lee manages to get it away through cover
  36.3 Harmison to Katich, OUT: Short one, Katich goes for it, sensing
        he's running out of partners, the pull is mistimed, th eball goes
        off the edge and flies straight up in the air. The wicketkeeper
        waves the slip cordon away and settles under the catch!

       Australia 178/8, Partnership of 3
       SM Katich  c GO Jones b Harmison  27 (68b 5x4 0x6)
       B Lee 3* (1b) SJ Harmison 9.3-0-39-3

       Australia in deep, deep trouble now, and it's Jason Gillespie the
        new man, but he won't face as the batsmen crossed while the catch
        was being taken
  36.4 Harmison to Lee, no run, left alone outside the opff
  36.5 Harmison to Lee, no run, down the leg side and ignored
  36.6 Harmison to Lee, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
        pushed down to point

End of over 37 (3 runs) Australia 178/8
SJ Harmison 10-0-39-3 - Pavilion End
JN Gillespie 0* (0b) B Lee 3* (4b)

       Flintoff comes back into the attack at the Nursery End
  37.1 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, down the leg side and Gillespie gets
        out of the way of that one
  37.2 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, just short of a good length and
        speared in at Gillespie who gingerly defends the ball to the off
        side with an angled bat
  37.3 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, a repeat of the last ball, though
        Gillespie manages to play the ball back down the pitch
  37.4 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, on the pads, flicked down towards
        square leg
  37.5 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, outside the off this time, just
        short of a good length, Gillespie stands tall and defends to the
        off side
  37.6 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, short one outside the off, Gillespie
        has a nibble but misses

End of over 38 (maiden) Australia 178/8
A Flintoff 10-2-42-2 (8nb) - Nursery End
B Lee 3* (4b) JN Gillespie 0* (6b)

  38.1 Harmison to Lee, no run, quick one on the off, Lee brings the bat
        down in a hurry to squeeze the ball to the off side
  38.2 Harmison to Lee, no run, short and outside the off, Lee pokes at it
        and the ball goes straight to Pietersen at gully who puts down a
        sitter! Second miss of the day for Pietersen!
  38.3 Harmison to Lee, no run, short one, through to the keeper
  38.4 Harmison to Lee, OUT: Harmison fires one of his rockets and Lee is
        cut in half, the ball squeezes between bat and pad - there's a
        loud sound as it goes through - and Jones behind the stumps takes
        a sharp catch

       Australia 178/9, Partnership of 0
       B Lee  c GO Jones b Harmison  3 (8b 0x4 0x6)
       JN Gillespie 0* (6b) SJ Harmison 10.4-0-39-4

       It's not entirely clear if that was off bat, glove or nothing at
        all, but it must be said that it looked out when it happened
       Glenn McGrath is at the crease, batting, and it's not even the 40th
        over of the Australian innings
  38.5 Harmison to McGrath, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, McGrath shapes to play and then pretends to withdraw
  38.6 Harmison to McGrath, FOUR, overpitched and on the pads, even
        McGrath can get that one away. Good timing and placement and the
        ball races away to the square-leg fence

End of over 39 (4 runs) Australia 182/9
SJ Harmison 11-0-43-4 - Pavilion End
JN Gillespie 0* (6b) GD McGrath 4* (2b 1x4)

  39.1 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, short and down the leg side,
        gillespie is not troubled by that one and can sway inside the line
        easily and let the ball go through to the keeper
  39.2 Flintoff to Gillespie, one run, full and on the pads, flicked past
        mid-on for a single that brings McGrath on strike
  39.3 Flintoff to McGrath, (noball) two runs, pushed away past point for
        a brace, and it is a no-ball as well
  39.3 Flintoff to McGrath, no run, short ball, left alone easily even by
        No. 11
  39.4 Flintoff to McGrath, FOUR, short one outside the off, fended over
        third and fourth slip for a streaky boundary
  39.5 Flintoff to McGrath, no run, another short one, this time at pace,
        defended awkwardly but safely
  39.6 Flintoff to McGrath, no run

End of over 40 (8 runs) Australia 190/9
A Flintoff 11-2-50-2 (9nb) - Nursery End
JN Gillespie 1* (8b) GD McGrath 10* (7b 2x4)

  40.1 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, fast and furious from Harmison,
        steaming in looking for his fifth wicket, rapped on the pad, loud
        shout, but denied. The ball might well ahve gone over the stumps
  40.2 Harmison to Gillespie, OUT: This time it's fuller, just as straight
        and Jason Gillespie is dead in the water as the abll hits pad.
        Aleem Dar signals the end of the Australian innings!

       Australia 190/10, Partnership of 12
       JN Gillespie  lbw b Harmison  1 (10b 0x4 0x6)
       GD McGrath 10* (7b 2x4) SJ Harmison 11.2-0-43-5

       Amazing scenes here at Lord's as Australia are bowled out on the
        first day having faced just 40.2 overs. Stephen Harmison came to
        the party - 5 for 43 - and wrecked Australia
       This is Harmison's 6th five-wicket haul. But he did not work alone,
        he was well supported by Hoggard, Jones and Flintoff
       There will be a short break as England prepare to bat. Don't go
        anywhere though, there's sure to be more excitement soon!
       Welcome back to Lord's
       It's McGrath to Trescothick
   0.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and on the stumps, shaping in,
        played at and missed, taken on the pad
   0.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, through to the
        keeper past the outside edge
   0.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, left alone outside the off stump
       Remember McGrath is on 499 Test wickets, just one more to join an
        elite club
   0.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, bang on target from McGrath, a
        little lift off the pitch, the ball hits the bat high up and falls
        at the batsman's feet
   0.5 McGrath to Trescothick, FOUR, outside the off and fullish,
        Trescothick opens the face of the blade and runs the ball down to
        the third man fence
   0.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, outside the off and left alone to
        the keeper

End of over 1 (4 runs) England 4/0 (trail by 186 runs)
GD McGrath 1-0-4-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 0* (0b) ME Trescothick 4* (6b 1x4)

   1.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, Lee begins with a loosener outside the off
        and Strauss leaves it well alone to the keeper
   1.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick one on the stumpds, defended back
        down the pitch with a straight bat
   1.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, this one
        threatens to come back in but goes straight through to the keeper
   1.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, shorter and outside the off, left alone to
        the keeper
   1.5 Lee to Strauss, legbye: FOUR, very quick, very straight, Strauss
        tries to get out of the way but the ball flies off the shoulder
        and runs down for four leg byes
   1.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
        off, left alone

End of over 2 (4 runs, maiden) England 8/0 (trail by 182 runs)
B Lee 1-1-0-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 4* (6b 1x4) AJ Strauss 0* (6b)

   2.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, McGrath on target again, just back
        of a length and outside the off, Trescothick leaves the ball alone
   2.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just short of a length once more -
        precision McGrath bowling - and on the stumps, defended to the off
        side
   2.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, slightly straighter this time and
        rising on Trescothick, he defends to off
   2.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, once again bang on target and the
        ball is pushed away to the off
   2.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, McGrath spears in the perfect
        yorker, swinging in late. Trescothick does well to get his feet
        out of the way and jam the bat down on the ball
   2.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, defended to off and McGrath
        completes his first maiden over

End of over 3 (maiden) England 8/0 (trail by 182 runs)
GD McGrath 2-1-4-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 0* (6b) ME Trescothick 4* (12b 1x4)

   3.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, outside the off and left alone to the
        keeper
   3.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick, quick ball from Lee, the ball flies
        past Strauss and there's some sound, Gilchrist goes up
        immediately, loud shout, not out is the call from Koertzen and
        it's a good one. The ball missed bat and clipped shirt sleeve on
        the way to the keeper
   3.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, through to the keeper without any fuss this
        time
   3.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a length and Lee steaming in
        here, defended watchfully
   3.5 Lee to Strauss, one run, on the pads, Strauss squeezes that one
        onto his pad for a single to get off the mark
   3.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short and well down the leg side, left
        alone to the keeper

End of over 4 (1 run) England 9/0 (trail by 181 runs)
B Lee 2-1-1-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 1* (11b) ME Trescothick 4* (13b 1x4)

   4.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, pushed to cover
   4.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, played back down the pitch
   4.3 McGrath to Strauss, one run, a touch too straight from McGrath and
        Strauss manages to tuck the ball away to fine leg for a single
   4.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, perfect line and
        length, good seam position, beats the bat and hurries through to
        the keeper
   4.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, almost a carbon copy of the last
        ball but this time Trescothick leaves it well alone
   4.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, slightly straighter, Trescothick
        pops it to the leg side

End of over 5 (1 run) England 10/0 (trail by 180 runs)
GD McGrath 3-1-5-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 2* (14b) ME Trescothick 4* (16b 1x4)

   5.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a length and outside the off,
        left alone. Quite quick from Lee. He can afford to steam in, this
        is probably the last over before tea
   5.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, slightly fuller and on the stumps, played
        down with soft hands to gully
   5.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, faster, fuller and outside the off, left
        well alone to the keeper
   5.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, just back of a good length once more, left
        alone with an eye on the people in the dressing room heating up
        the water for tea
   5.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, short one banged in. It's quick, but well
        down the leg side and poses no problems for Strauss
   5.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick one, rapped on the pads, half-hearted
        lbw shout, denied, and that's tea!

End of over 6 (maiden) England 10/0 (trail by 180 runs)
B Lee 3-2-1-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 4* (16b 1x4) AJ Strauss 2* (20b)

Match State: Tea - Day 1

       England have won both sessions that have gone so far
       We leave you briefly now but will be back with all the action in
        about 15 miutes time at 1410 GMT
       Welcome back to Lord's for the final session of play in what has
        been an action-packed day already
       41 overs to be bowled today if we can get that many in
       That may not happen though this is an extended session
       McGrath to continue
   6.1 McGrath to Trescothick, OUT: Glenn McGrath gets it bang on target
        first ball after the break! That's wicket number 500 for a
        tireless champion! Trescothick tries to turn one to the on side
        and edges straight to Langer in the slips! Australia strike

       England 10/1, Partnership of 10
       ME Trescothick  c Langer b McGrath  4 (17b 1x4 0x6)
       AJ Strauss 2* (20b) GD McGrath 3.1-1-5-1

       This is a big moment for McGrath and he holds the ball up to the
        crowd. And why not? He fully deserves it, does McGrath.
       Michael Vaughan now comes in to bat
   6.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, coming back in just a touch, Vaughan leaves it alone on
        height and it goes through to the keeper
   6.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, once again left alone to the keeper,
        McGrath hitting a good line and length here
   6.4 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, fuller and on the off, Vaughan drives
        well through cover. Half-stopped by the fielder but a single
        results
   6.5 McGrath to Strauss, OUT: Another perfect ball from McGrath and
        Strauss can do nothing but edge to Warne at first slip who takes a
        good sharp catch just centimetres from the ground!

       England 11/2, Partnership of 1
       AJ Strauss  c Warne b McGrath  2 (21b 0x4 0x6)
       MP Vaughan 1* (3b) GD McGrath 3.5-1-6-2

       Don't you leave your seat for a minute, Australia are doing
        everything they can to get right back into this game after a
        dismal batting performance earlier. Glenn McGrath is showing the
        way in style
       Ian Bell comes to the crease for his first Ashes innings with the
        score on 11 for 2
   6.6 McGrath to Bell, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, coming in off the seam, Bell plays and misses and the ball
        goes through to the keeper

End of over 7 (1 run) England 11/2 (trail by 179 runs)
GD McGrath 4-1-6-2 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 1* (3b) IR Bell 0* (1b)

   7.1 Lee to Vaughan, no run, A rather gentle one outside the off to
        Vaughan first up from Lee, left alone easily to the keeper
   7.2 Lee to Vaughan, two runs, short one and Vaughan goes for the pull,
        very unconvincing shot. The ball loops up but out of reach of the
        fielders and lands at square leg
   7.3 Lee to Vaughan, no run, quick one from Lee but far enough outside
        the off stump for Vaughan to leave alone to the keeper
   7.4 Lee to Vaughan, no run, slightly closer to the stumps this time and
        Vaughan goes towards the ball before pulling his bat away
   7.5 Lee to Vaughan, no run, quick one, fuller and outside the off, left
        alone to Gilchrist who takes the ball that comes in at pace and
        height
   7.6 Lee to Vaughan, no run, another quick one, Vaughan plays it well,
        using soft hands to fend the ball down to the slips cordon

End of over 8 (2 runs) England 13/2 (trail by 177 runs)
B Lee 4-2-3-0 - Nursery End
IR Bell 0* (1b) MP Vaughan 3* (9b)

   8.1 McGrath to Bell, no run, outside the off and full, Bell leaves it
        alone even as it seams back in towards him
   8.2 McGrath to Bell, no run, slightly shorter with this one and outside
        the off, chopped down to point
   8.3 McGrath to Bell, one run, full one again, this time seaming in,
        Bell defends and the ball runs away off the inside edge to the on
        side for the young batsman to get off the mark
   8.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, Great leave from Vaughan as McGrath
        shoulders arms to one that pitches outside off but seams in and
        goes just over the stumps
   8.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, another one jags back in sharply, raps
        Vaughan on the pads, McGrath has got more seam movement than
        anyone else so far
   8.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, slightly short of a length and on the
        stumps, Vaughan gets everything behind it and manages to keep it
        out

End of over 9 (1 run) England 14/2 (trail by 176 runs)
GD McGrath 5-1-7-2 - Pavilion End
IR Bell 1* (4b) MP Vaughan 3* (12b)

   9.1 Lee to Bell, no run, quick and just outside the off, Bell has a
        nervous poke and the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper
   9.2 Lee to Bell, no run, very quick from Lee, Bell is late on the shot
        and the ball thuds into the pads on the way down the leg side
   9.3 Lee to Bell, no run, more pacy stuff from Lee, Bell leaves this
        alone outside the off
   9.4 Lee to Bell, no run, full and quick, Bell is careful this time and
        defends with the full face of the bat
   9.5 Lee to Bell, no run, just short of a length and outside the off,
        Bell is up to the task and leaves the ball alone well
   9.6 Lee to Bell, no run, Lee wraps up a quick over that is a maiden as
        well with one outside the off that Bell is content letting go

End of over 10 (maiden) England 14/2 (trail by 176 runs)
B Lee 5-3-3-0 - Nursery End
MP Vaughan 3* (12b) IR Bell 1* (10b)

  10.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the stumps, curving in just
        a touch, Vaughan does well to defend to the on side
       This is an intriguing battle here, two great players up against
        each other, Vaughan and McGrath
  10.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper
  10.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, straight one further away outside the
        off, Vaughan has no trouble in letting that go
  10.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, McGrath drags his line closer to the
        stumps and Vaughan responds by defending watchfully towards gully
  10.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, Absolute jaffa! Line, length, seam
        movement, Vaughan does well not to edge it as it goes past his bat
  10.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, This time Vaughan sees the ball early
        and is in full control leaving it alone

End of over 11 (maiden) England 14/2 (trail by 176 runs)
GD McGrath 6-2-7-2 - Pavilion End
IR Bell 1* (10b) MP Vaughan 3* (18b)

  11.1 Lee to Bell, no run, defended to the on side with soft hands
  11.2 Lee to Bell, no run, full one, Lee testing Bell here, but he is up
        to it, driving to the on side
  11.3 Lee to Bell, no run, short one, quick and well directed, but Bell
        shows exactly how to leave a ball alone, keeping his eyes on the
        ball and swaying perfectly out of the way
  11.4 Lee to Bell, FOUR, overpitched from Lee and Bell plays the shot of
        the day - a perfect copybook cover drive! What a glorious shot
        from a young man facing a stern test against some high quality
        bowling
  11.5 Lee to Bell, no run, slightly shorter and outside the off, left
        alone to the keeper
  11.6 Lee to Bell, no run, short one but it's wasted, slipping well down
        the leg side

End of over 12 (4 runs) England 18/2 (trail by 172 runs)
B Lee 6-3-7-0 - Nursery End
MP Vaughan 3* (18b) IR Bell 5* (16b 1x4)

  12.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, McGrath hits another one right on the
        spot, outside the off and just short of a length, left alone. We
        might see a bit of caution from Vaughan here
  12.2 McGrath to Vaughan, OUT: Just as we wondered if Vaughan would be
        careful McGrath shoots him down! Unfortunate for Vaughan as the
        ball keeps low and scuttles under his bat and wrecks the stumps

       England 18/3, Partnership of 7
       MP Vaughan  b McGrath  3 (20b 0x4 0x6)
       IR Bell 5* (16b 1x4) GD McGrath 6.2-2-7-3

       Glenn McGrath is on fire here at Lord's. It's as though he's
        telling England's bowlers, 'whatever you do, I can do better'
       Here's Kevin Pietersen, the man all England has been waiting to
        watch in an Ashes match
  12.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and shaping in, Pietersen
        defends very carefully
  12.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, left alone outside the off
  12.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, low full toss on the off, Pietersen
        strokes it to mid-off
  12.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, once again outside the off, once
        again Pietersen leaves it alone and it's a wicket maiden for Glenn
        McGrath who now has figures of 3 for 7

End of over 13 (maiden) England 18/3 (trail by 172 runs)
GD McGrath 7-3-7-3 - Pavilion End
IR Bell 5* (16b 1x4) KP Pietersen 0* (4b)

  13.1 Lee to Bell, no run, quick one, outside the off, left alone to the
        keeper
  13.2 Lee to Bell, no run, another quick one, again just short of a
        length, left alone on heighht even though th eball is on the
        stumps. Might be a dangerous ploy after seeing how Vaughan losts
        his stumps to one that kept low
  13.3 Lee to Bell, no run, just short of a length and on the stumps,
        defended back down the pitch
  13.4 Lee to Bell, no run, outside the off and just back of a length,
        defended with an open face
  13.5 Lee to Bell, no run, short one that climbs on Bell, there's nowhere
        to go for the batsman and he only manages to fend the ball away
  13.6 Lee to Bell, one run, just short of a length and on the pads, Bell
        works it away well to fine leg for a single

End of over 14 (1 run) England 19/3 (trail by 171 runs)
B Lee 7-3-8-0 - Nursery End
IR Bell 6* (22b 1x4) KP Pietersen 0* (4b)

  14.1 McGrath to Bell, no run, outside the off, perfect shape in, left
        well alone
  14.2 McGrath to Bell, no run, outside the off, perfect shape in, left
        well alone
  14.3 McGrath to Bell, OUT: And there's the perfect ball from McGrath.
        You can not play that. Perfect line and length, just enough seam
        movement to come in and take the inside edge and clatter into the
        leg stump! Australia are well and truly back in this game now!

       England 19/4, Partnership of 1
       IR Bell  b McGrath  6 (25b 1x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 0* (4b) GD McGrath 7.3-3-7-4

       Have a look at those figures 7.3-3-7-4. What more can a captain ask
        for?
  14.4 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Flintoff defends well
  14.5 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, outside the off, slightly fuller,
        Flintoff very carefullyh leaves it alone to the keeper
  14.6 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, once again on target, pushed to gully,
        and end of another wicket-maiden for McGrath

End of over 15 (maiden) England 19/4 (trail by 171 runs)
GD McGrath 8-4-7-4 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 0* (4b) A Flintoff 0* (3b)

  15.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, down the leg side, left alone to the
        keeper
  15.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, outside the off, full and quick,
        Pietersen leaves it alone
  15.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, and once again Pietersen respectfully
        lets the ball go outside the off stump
  15.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, driven well, but
        straight to mid-off
  15.5 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, Pietersen eases a full one through the
        covers for a brace to get off the mark in Test cricket
  15.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short ball, well pushed to the on side

End of over 16 (2 runs) England 21/4 (trail by 169 runs)
B Lee 8-3-10-0 - Nursery End
A Flintoff 0* (3b) KP Pietersen 2* (10b)

  16.1 McGrath to Flintoff, OUT: McGrath gets another one bang on target,
        Flintoff can do nothing as the ball keeps low and crashes into the
        stumps! McGrath has five wickets and England are in deep, deep
        trouble.

       England 21/5, Partnership of 2
       A Flintoff  b McGrath  0 (4b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 2* (10b) GD McGrath 8.1-4-7-5

  16.2 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, good length, outside the off, probing
        line and length from McGrath, Jones defends carefully
  16.3 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, slightly shorter, quicker as well,
        good pace and carry through to the keeper as Jones leaves the ball
        alone
  16.4 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, Jones defends another one carefully
        towards gully
  16.5 McGrath to GO Jones, FOUR, just a touch short and a bit of width
        and Jones shows he's not too overawed to crash the ball away when
        it is there to be hit. Cracking shot for a boundary through point!
  16.6 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, on the stumps this time and fuller,
        defended carefully

End of over 17 (4 runs) England 25/5 (trail by 165 runs)
GD McGrath 9-4-11-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 2* (10b) GO Jones 4* (5b 1x4)

       The first bowling change of the innings. Gillespie replaces Lee at
        the Nursery End.
  17.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, short and outside the off,
        Pietersen goes for an expansive shot outside the off and misses
  17.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Pietersen cuts to point
  17.3 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, outside the off and full, just a
        hint of away movement, Pietersen leaves it alone
  17.4 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just back of a length and outside
        the off, Pietersen gets well behind the line of the ball and
        punches to point
  17.5 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, on the off and slanting in a touch,
        Pietersen defends carefully with a straight bat
  17.6 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, left
        alone to the keeper, Gillespie starts with a maiden

End of over 18 (maiden) England 25/5 (trail by 165 runs)
JN Gillespie 1-1-0-0 - Nursery End
GO Jones 4* (5b 1x4) KP Pietersen 2* (16b)

Match State: Drinks

  18.1 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, pushed through full and just on the
        off, the ball shapes in nicely but Jones gets behind the line well
        and defends
  18.2 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, left well alone to the keeper
  18.3 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, full again and outside the off, the
        ball seams in a bit and keeps low as well. Tough to play that
  18.4 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, defended carefully towards point
  18.5 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, full and on the off, pushed back past
        the bowler to mid-on
  18.6 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, full one outside the off, Jones lets
        it go to the keeper

End of over 19 (maiden) England 25/5 (trail by 165 runs)
GD McGrath 10-5-11-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 2* (16b) GO Jones 4* (11b 1x4)

  19.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, FOUR, short and wide, terrible ball from
        Gillespie, Pieterson stands tall and smashes that through cover,
        superb shot that!
  19.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fuller this time and swinging away
        a bit, Pietersen leaves the ball alone to the keeper
  19.3 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fuller and a touch straighter,
        Pietersen walks across and drives to mid-on
  19.4 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, quick one from Gillespie, fuller
        and outside the off, Pietersen throws everything at it but misses
  19.5 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, defended to the off side off the back foot
  19.6 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fuller and straighter, Pietersen
        gets behind the line nicely and strokes the ball to mid-on

End of over 20 (4 runs) England 29/5 (trail by 161 runs)
JN Gillespie 2-1-4-0 - Nursery End
GO Jones 4* (11b 1x4) KP Pietersen 6* (22b 1x4)

  20.1 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, fullish and on the off, Jones defends
        carefully
  20.2 McGrath to GO Jones, FOUR, short and a bit of width, Jones hits
        another one perfectly through point for four
  20.3 McGrath to GO Jones, one run, fuller and on the pads, clipped past
        midwicket for a single
  20.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fuller and on the off, shaping in,
        defended carefully
  20.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, just outside the off, just short of a
        length, driven well off the back foot to cover
  20.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, slightly fuller and on the stumps,
        seaming in, off bat onto pad

End of over 21 (5 runs) England 34/5 (trail by 156 runs)
GD McGrath 11-5-16-5 - Pavilion End
GO Jones 9* (14b 2x4) KP Pietersen 6* (25b 1x4)

  21.1 Gillespie to GO Jones, (noball) no run, Gillespie starts his third
        over with a no-ball that Jones pushes to mid-on
  21.1 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Jones has a go at that but misses
  21.2 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, closer to the stumps, still not full
        enough to drive, pushed away to the off side
  21.3 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, slightly shorter, angling in, the
        ball hits the pitch and seams away, very tough to play that
  21.4 Gillespie to GO Jones, FOUR, fullish and outside the off, Jones
        drives well through cover. Clarke half stops it at cover but the
        ball runs away to the fence and England have a batsman in double
        figures
  21.5 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, clipped to the on side
  21.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, short of a length, outside the off,
        moving away a little bit, cut played and missed, through to the
        keeper

End of over 22 (5 runs) England 39/5 (trail by 151 runs)
JN Gillespie 3-1-9-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 6* (25b 1x4) GO Jones 13* (21b 3x4)

  22.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, swinging in,
        defended back down the pitch
  22.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, left well alone to Gilchrist behind the stumps
  22.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, once again just back of a length and
        outside the off, left alone to the keeper. McGrath bowling his
        12th over but showing no sign of tiring and is deadly accurate
  22.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, pushed to mid-
        off
  22.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, McGrath bangs one in short, Pietersen
        goes for the pull but only manages to hit the ball to short-
        midwicket
  22.6 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, squeezed through th eon side for a
        single

End of over 23 (1 run) England 40/5 (trail by 150 runs)
GD McGrath 12-5-17-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 7* (31b 1x4) GO Jones 13* (21b 3x4)

  23.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, just a
        hint of away movement, Pietersen eases the ball to the off side
  23.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, one run, pushed just wide of Michael Clarke
        at cover for a quick single
  23.3 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and on the
        stumps, defended back with the full face of the bat
  23.4 Gillespie to GO Jones, two runs, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Jones does well to keep the ball down and get it to third
        man for a brace
  23.5 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, on th eoff and short of a driving
        length. Jones goes back and defends.
  23.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, one run, just short of a length once more, a
        bit of width this time and Jones can push it past point for a
        single

End of over 24 (4 runs) England 44/5 (trail by 146 runs)
JN Gillespie 4-1-13-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
GO Jones 16* (25b 3x4) KP Pietersen 8* (33b 1x4)

  24.1 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and on the
        stumps, McGrath goes on, Jones defends
  24.2 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, outside the off and fullish, left well
        alone to the keeper
  24.3 McGrath to GO Jones, FOUR, short and a bit of width, Jones really
        likes it there. He creams this one backward of point for a
        boundary, his fourth in this innings
  24.4 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, full and straight this time, driven to
        the man at short cover
  24.5 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, this one screams back in from outside
        the off, a lot of seam movement, cuts Jones in half. The ball
        brushes Jones's trousers on the way to the keeper
  24.6 McGrath to GO Jones, no run

End of over 25 (4 runs) England 48/5 (trail by 142 runs)
GD McGrath 13-5-21-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 8* (33b 1x4) GO Jones 20* (31b 4x4)

  25.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and outside the
        off, driven to point
  25.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, one run, just short of a length and on the
        pads, worked away to the on side for a single
  25.3 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, slightly quicker and outside the
        off, a hint of away movement, left alone to the keeper
  25.4 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, short one that takes off a bit off
        the pitch, Jones looks to play and then tries to back off and gets
        hit flush on the arm. Very strange bounce from this first-day
        Lord's pitch
  25.5 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, slightly fuller and outside the off,
        Gillespie plugging away here trying to find a rhythm. Remember he
        isn't in the best of form at the moment.
  25.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, outside the off once more and moving
        away, left alone

End of over 26 (1 run) England 49/5 (trail by 141 runs)
JN Gillespie 5-1-14-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 9* (35b 1x4) GO Jones 20* (35b 4x4)

       Lee replaces McGrath at the Pacilion End
       That's Pavilion End, apologies.
  26.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, a bit of a
        loosener, Pietersen leaves it alone to Gilchrist
  26.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, quicker, and on the stumps, Pietersen has
        to work hard to keep this one out
  26.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off stump, driven to mid-
        off
  26.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, quick again from Lee, and he's keeping it
        full at the moment, defended. The short ball can't be too far away
        though
  26.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run, down the leg side, slightly short,
        Pietersen has a go at a pull shot but misses
  26.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, outside the off and full, left alione.
        Lee begins a fresh spell with a maiden

End of over 27 (maiden) England 49/5 (trail by 141 runs)
B Lee 9-4-10-0 - Pavilion End
GO Jones 20* (35b 4x4) KP Pietersen 9* (41b 1x4)

  27.1 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, fullish and outside the off, left
        alone to th ekeeper
  27.2 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, left well alone once more
  27.3 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, pushed slightly further up, there's
        a bit of shape going away. Defended to off
  27.4 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, slightly closer to the stumps, the
        ball hits the deck and moves away quite nicely. Jones plays and
        misses. Shades of the old Dizzy Gillespie here
  27.5 Gillespie to GO Jones, FOUR, short and wide, just as we were
        wondering Gillespie was finding form, cut away in specatcular
        fashion to the point fence
  27.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, fuller and on the stumps, rapped on
        the pads, loud shout from the keeper and the slips cordon but the
        ball is going down leg

End of over 28 (4 runs) England 53/5 (trail by 137 runs)
JN Gillespie 6-1-18-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 9* (41b 1x4) GO Jones 24* (41b 5x4)

       Lee to continue, bowling over the wicket to Pietersen
  28.1 Lee to Pietersen, one run, short and drifting down the leg side,
        worked away to long-leg for an easy single
  28.2 Lee to GO Jones, no run, good length delivery outside the off
        stump, Jones leaves it for the keeper
  28.3 Lee to GO Jones, one run, angling in from outside the off stump,
        Jones gets behind the ball and defends it to the on side, quick
        single taken, McGrath had to move in from mid-on
  28.4 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, bit of room outside the off stump and
        Pietersen manages to find the gap between point and cover,  driven
        away standing tall on the back-foot
  28.5 Lee to Pietersen, one run, turned away on the leg side for an easy
        single
  28.6 Lee to GO Jones, FOUR, four more! good length delivery outside the
        off stump, Jones gets into a good position and drives it away
        through covers

End of over 29 (11 runs) England 64/5 (trail by 126 runs)
B Lee 10-4-21-0 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 15* (44b 2x4) GO Jones 29* (44b 6x4)

  29.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, FOUR, on the pads now and flicked away the
        square-leg fence. Yet another boundary!
  29.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Pietersen tries to drag the ball from well outside off
        through midwicket, the ball bounces away to the on side
  29.3 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and outside the
        off. This time Pietersen leaves it well alone
  29.4 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fullish and outside the off side,
        left alone with ease
  29.5 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fuller and outside the off, once
        again Pietersen stays patient and lets the ball go through
  29.6 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, this one is angled in, Pietersen
        defends watchfully

End of over 30 (4 runs) England 68/5 (trail by 122 runs)
JN Gillespie 7-1-22-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
GO Jones 29* (44b 6x4) KP Pietersen 19* (50b 3x4)

  30.1 Lee to GO Jones, no run, quick one from Lee, sliding in from
        outside the off, left alone to the keeper
  30.2 Lee to GO Jones, no run, quick and angled in towards the stumps,
        driven to mid-on
       When will we see Shane Warne? Surely Ponting must be thinking about
        giving him a bowl
  30.3 Lee to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and on the stumps.
        This one keeps a little low but Jones is able to watch it onto his
        bat and defend late
  30.4 Lee to GO Jones, no run, full and outside the off, very pacy, left
        alone to the keeper
  30.5 Lee to GO Jones, no run, straight and on a good length, defended
        back down the pitch
  30.6 Lee to GO Jones, no run, slanted in to the stumps, Jones defends
        well to the on side

End of over 31 (maiden) England 68/5 (trail by 122 runs)
B Lee 11-5-21-0 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 19* (50b 3x4) GO Jones 29* (50b 6x4)

  31.1 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, Gillespie
        now slanting the ball in from wide of the crease, defended to mid-
        on
  31.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, this one pitches outside the off
        and goes away off the pitch, left alone to the keeper
  31.3 Gillespie to Pietersen, FOUR, too straight and too full from
        Gillespie. That is Pietersen's strength, he moves across and
        flicks magnificently through midwicket. That brings up the 50
        partnership as well!
  31.4 Gillespie to Pietersen, FOUR, short one from Gillespie and
        Pietersen rocks back and launches this one over mid-on. Cracking
        shot that!
  31.5 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, left alone to the keeper this time. Pietersen
        showing good temperemant.
  31.6 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, driven fluently but straight to the
        man at mid-off

End of over 32 (8 runs) England 76/5 (trail by 114 runs)
JN Gillespie 8-1-30-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
GO Jones 29* (50b 6x4) KP Pietersen 27* (56b 5x4)

  32.1 Lee to GO Jones, no run, Excellent swinging yorker from Lee. Jones
        shows his stuff keeping it out well. Top cricket all around.
  32.2 Lee to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length this time and
        outside the off, a bit of curve in to the right-handed Jones,
        defended to the on side
  32.3 Lee to GO Jones, no run, slipping down the leg side, Jones has a
        flick and a miss, through to the keeper
  32.4 Lee to GO Jones, (noball) one run, short one, fended away to fine
        leg, and it's a no-ball to boot
  32.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, another short one, Pietersen watches it
        well and sways out of harm's way
  32.5 Lee to Pietersen, one run, nurdled away to the leg side
  32.6 Lee to GO Jones, no run, uncomfortably quick one on the stumps,
        shaping in to Jones who manages to fend the ball to the ons ide

End of over 33 (3 runs) England 79/5 (trail by 111 runs)
B Lee 12-5-24-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 28* (58b 5x4) GO Jones 30* (55b 6x4)

       And there's the moment. Shane Warne comes in to the attack,
        replacing Gillespie at the Nursery End
       Warne to Pietersen, here we go!
  33.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, drifting onto the pads, Pietersen
        defends and misses, shout for lbw, turned down
  33.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and outside the leg stump, a
        bit of turn, rapped on the pad
  33.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, outside the leg stump and Pietersen
        goes for a sweep, off the glove bouncing down to the keeper
  33.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the off this time, nice loop going,
        Pietersen defends
  33.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up a bit more and outside the
        off, driven firmly but straight to short cover
  33.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, slower this time and on the leg stump,
        Pietersen defends carefully and Warne starts with a maiden over

End of over 34 (maiden) England 79/5 (trail by 111 runs)
SK Warne 1-1-0-0 - Nursery End
GO Jones 30* (55b 6x4) KP Pietersen 28* (64b 5x4)

       A couple of overs probably left in the day
  34.1 Lee to GO Jones, OUT: Lee bangs one in short and it flies off the
        pitch, Jones can only fend the ball straight into the air for
        Gilchrist to catch! Lee gets a well-deserved wicket. He has
        absolutely steamed in all day

       England 79/6, Partnership of 58
       GO Jones  c Gilchrist b Lee  30 (56b 6x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 28* (64b 5x4) B Lee 12.1-5-24-1 (1nb)

       England in more trouble, losing that vital wicket just as a
        partnership was building, with the end of the day nearing
  34.2 Lee to Giles, no run, Lee goes for the inswinging yorker but Giles
        seems to know it's coming and defends well
  34.3 Lee to Giles, no run, bouncer to follow the yorker, Giles ducks
        well under that
  34.4 Lee to Giles, no run, just short of a length and on the stumps,
        tapped to the on side
  34.5 Lee to Giles, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the off,
        Giles pokes at it and the ball just evades the slip fielder and
        runs down to the third man fence
  34.6 Lee to Giles, (noball) no run, short and very quick, that is a
        lethal Lee delivery! Giles pops up a catch but it's a no-ball!
  34.6 Lee to Giles, FOUR, full this tiome and Giles pushes it beautifully
        through mid-on for a boundary

End of over 35 (9 runs) England 88/6 (trail by 102 runs)
B Lee 13-5-33-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 28* (64b 5x4) AF Giles 8* (6b 2x4)

  35.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads, Pietersen kicks
        it away tucking bat behind pad
  35.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, once again on the pads and Pietersen
        does the same thing again, kicking the ball to short leg
  35.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the pads and Pietersen tries to
        flick but can't quite manage
  35.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, short and a bit of width, should have
        been put away but Pietersen can only chop it into the ground
  35.5 Warne to Pietersen, one run, punched off the back foot to the left
        of cover for a single
  35.6 Warne to Giles, one run, on the pads, tucked away to fine leg for a
        single and Giles will keep the strike for what should be the last
        over of the day

End of over 36 (2 runs) England 90/6 (trail by 100 runs)
SK Warne 2-1-2-0 - Nursery End
AF Giles 9* (7b 2x4) KP Pietersen 29* (69b 5x4)

  36.1 Lee to Giles, no run, short one from Lee just outside the off,
        Giles watches it carefully and leaves it alone to the keeper
  36.2 Lee to Giles, no run, another short one, just about fended past the
        man at short leg
  36.3 Lee to Giles, no run, and predictably another short one, and
        equally predictably Giles ducks under it
       Lee now comes round the wicket. Plenty of eddoft into each ball
        here from the fast bowler.
  36.4 Lee to Giles, no run, banged in short and slanting in to Giles,
        through to the keeper
  36.5 Lee to Giles, two runs, just short of a length and outside the off,
        punched past mid-off for a brace
       And here's the last ball of the day ...
       Over the wicket again comes Lee
  36.6 Lee to Giles, OUT: slightly short, slipping down the leg side, good
        pace, and Giles goes for a glance, through to the keeper and up
        goes the finger!

       England 92/7, Partnership of 13
       AF Giles  c Gilchrist b Lee  11 (13b 2x4 0x6)

End of over 37 (2 runs) England 92/7 (trail by 98 runs)
B Lee 14-5-35-2 (2nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 29* (69b 5x4) 

       Apologies for the confusion on that last dismissal. The excitement
        of a long, full day's cricket is getting to all of us!
       But what a day it has been ...
       England over the moon with getting Australia out for just 190,
        Stephen Harmison kicking in with a superb 5 for 43
       Then came Glenn McGrath, the metronome, and picked up his 500th
        Test wicket, following it up with a brilliant spell that left
        England reeling at 21 for 5
       Geraint Jones and Kevin Pietersen then forged a recovery of sorts,
        but at the end of the day england are still 98 behind and
        struggling at 92 for 7
       We hope you enjoyed the day's play as much we enjoyed bringing it
        to you
       That's it for the moment from us. Join us again tomorrow at 9.30am
        GMT for all the action from the second day's play

Match State: Stumps - Day 1

       Hello and welcome to the Cricinfo's coverage of the second day's
        play of this amazing Ashes Test match at Lord's
       I'm Anand Vasu, and I'll be your commentator for the day.
       Amazing scenes greeted a packed house on the first day. Stephen
        Harmison began the rout with a fierce spell, and ended with 5 for
        43
       But it was Glenn McGrath, the never-say-die metronome, who had the
        last laugh, with a five-wicket burst that broke the back of the
        English batting line-up
       All of a sudden, with England reeling at 92 for 7, and even getting
        there only thanks to Geraint Jones and Kevin Pietersen,
        Australia's 190 doesn't seem so dismal
       The second day has dawned cloudy and a bit overcast, which should
        help McGrath and a pumped up Brett Lee
       The forecast is for a cloudy day with sunny intervals
       The temperature should be in a moderate, pleasant range and the
        humidity is not especially high
       This match has been set up perfectly, as if to prove that loads of
        runs are not the only way you can have an exciting game
       The players have come out on to the field now and play should get
        under way any moment
       Kevin Pitersen is on strike and he has Matthew Hoggard for company
       It will be Shane Warne to start things off at the Nursery End
       This should be fun ... Warne to KP
       The field is attacking - a short leg and a slip for Warne
  37.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and drifting down the leg
        side, goes past Pietersen's pad and to Gilchrist
  37.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, this is a straight one and on the
        stumps, Pietersen pads up with bat close, loud, loud shout for lbw
        but Pietersen is well forward and survices
  37.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, a bit of width and short, chopped to
        point
  37.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flatter and on the pads, Pietersen
        sqeezes it to the on side
  37.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, slower and on the stumps, Pietersen
        gets well forward and defends carefully
  37.6 Warne to Pietersen, one run, on the pads again and this time
        Pietersen can work it away through square for a single

End of over 38 (1 run) England 93/7 (trail by 97 runs)
SK Warne 3-1-3-0 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 30* (75b 5x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (0b)

       Good first over from Warne, keeping the pressure on Pietersen and
        getting a very good shout in. It's not going to be easy to keep
        Warne out of this game even if the quick bowlers have taken all
        the wickets to fall so far
       Five-star McGrath to bowl from the Pavilion End.
       Pietersen backs away as McGrath comes in to bowl and McGrath lets a
        gentle one go anyway. Pietersen slides out of the way and there's
        laughter all round
  38.1 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Pietersen flashes it hard through point to the third man
        fence
  38.2 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, just short of a length and on the
        off, Pietersen works it to mid-on, his scoring zone, and scampers
        a single
       Hoggard now faces his first ball
  38.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Hoggard leaves it well alone. You can't help think McGrath is
        setting up Hoggard by bowling it so far wide of the stumps
  38.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, another one well outside the off and
        Hoggard can leave it alone. But the tailender better watch out ...
  38.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, and another from McGrath far outside
        the off, he doesn't bowl there without a reason
  38.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short one to end the over, Hoggard
        sways out of the way

End of over 39 (5 runs) England 98/7 (trail by 92 runs)
GD McGrath 14-5-26-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 35* (77b 6x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (4b)

  39.1 Warne to Pietersen, one run, eased past mid-on
  39.2 Warne to Hoggard, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Hoggard gets
        well forward and defends with bat and pad held close together
  39.3 Warne to Hoggard, no run, down the leg side this time and Hoggard
        just takes it on the pad
  39.4 Warne to Hoggard, no run, that's the straight one, slightly quicker
        too, Hoggard struggles and is beaten but manages not to get out,
        the ball goes through to Gilchrist
  39.5 Warne to Hoggard, no run, floated, teasing, tossed up delivery on
        the pads, spins and takes the outside of the bat and rolls to slip
  39.6 Warne to Hoggard, no run, slightly short and wide, Hoggard goes for
        the cut and misses

End of over 40 (1 run) England 99/7 (trail by 91 runs)
SK Warne 4-1-4-0 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 35* (78b 6x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (9b)

  40.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, shaping in to
        the right-handed Pietersen, who walks across and tries to whip the
        ball to the on side, the ball goes to mid-on
  40.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off,Pietersen gets on the back foot and defends
  40.3 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, McGrath goes for the yorker but
        Pietersen squeezes it through midwicket and England get to three
        figures
  40.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, another attempted yorker, Hoggard keeps
        it out well
       Two slips and a gully for McGrath when Hoggard is batting, and a
        man at short leg as well
  40.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, outside the off ad well short of a
        driving length, left alone
  40.6 McGrath to Hoggard, bye: one run, Gilchrist fumbles one and the
        batsmen can go through for a single

End of over 41 (2 runs) England 101/7 (trail by 89 runs)
GD McGrath 15-5-27-5 - Pavilion End
MJ Hoggard 0* (12b) KP Pietersen 36* (81b 6x4)

  41.1 Warne to Hoggard, no run, tossed up and on the pads, spinning
        across Hoggard, he leaves it alone and it just passes the off
        stump
  41.2 Warne to Hoggard, no run, outside the leg stump now and Hoggard can
        kick it away easily
  41.3 Warne to Hoggard, no run, flat and on the pads, defended with bat
        and pad held close together
  41.4 Warne to Hoggard, OUT: Warne gets his man! Hoggard cuts one that is
        short and a bit wide, Hayden parries the ball that comes fast to
        him and takes a good one-handed reflex catch after. Fine slip
        fielding and Warne has his first wicket of the game!

       England 101/8, Partnership of 9
       MJ Hoggard  c Hayden b Warne  0 (16b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 36* (81b 6x4) SK Warne 4.4-1-4-1

  41.5 Warne to Harmison, no run, full and on the off, defended carefully
  41.6 Warne to Harmison, no run, just past the outside edge of Harmison's
        bat. End of a successful over from Warne

End of over 42 (maiden) England 101/8 (trail by 89 runs)
SK Warne 5-2-4-1 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 36* (81b 6x4) SJ Harmison 0* (2b)

  42.1 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, Cracking shot! McGrath is full and
        Pietersen bludgeons that back past the bowler for four. That is
        some hand-eye co-ordination!
  42.2 McGrath to Pietersen, SIX, Maximum! Glenn McGrath being treated by
        a club bolwer on this occasion! Pietersen gets to th epitch of the
        ball and creams it into the stands over long-off. That is an
        incredible shot!
  42.3 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, And now a spanking cover drive to bring
        up his half-century! Pietersen really turning it on with power and
        panache. Great knock from him in his first Test innings
  42.4 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, slanted down to third man for a single
  42.5 McGrath to Harmison, no run, left well alone outside the off stump
       All feedback about the game and our coverage are welcomed http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
  42.6 McGrath to Harmison, no run, once again left well alone and
        Harmison survives

End of over 43 (15 runs) England 116/8 (trail by 74 runs)
GD McGrath 16-5-42-5 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 51* (85b 8x4 1x6) SJ Harmison 0* (4b)

       Just to remind you, we welcome all feedback - positive and negative
        - on our coverage and on the game. Please write in to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
  43.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, back foot punch through cover but
        Pietersen turns down the single to keep Harmison away from the
        strike
  43.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and inviting the big hit,
        Pietersen goes for it but can't make clean contact
  43.3 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, He's certainly taken the invitation this
        time, and clobbered Warne over midwicket into the hospitality
        boxes in the stands! Audacious shot that!
  43.4 Warne to Pietersen, OUT: Pietersen goes for another mighty hit and
        the ball sails high and handsome between midwicket and long on,
        Damien Martyn charges about twenty metres to his left, dives full
        length and pulls off a stunning catch just metres from the ropes!

       England 122/9, Partnership of 21
       KP Pietersen  c Martyn b Warne  57 (89b 8x4 2x6)
       SJ Harmison 0* (4b) SK Warne 5.4-2-10-2

       That is an incredible catch to brinbg the curtain down on a fine,
        fine innings from Pietersen that saved England's blushes
  43.5 Warne to Harmison, one run, full toss, and Harmison gets down on
        one knee and laps the ball round the corner
  43.6 Warne to SP Jones, one run, outside the opff and Jones gets off the
        mark with a single to third man

End of over 44 (8 runs) England 124/9 (trail by 66 runs)
SK Warne 6-2-12-2 - Nursery End
SP Jones 1* (1b) SJ Harmison 1* (5b)

  44.1 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, full and on th epads, cramping Jones
        up, defended inside out towards mid-off
  44.2 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, played back to McGrath who collects in
        his follow through and has a shu at the stumps but misses
  44.3 McGrath to SP Jones, FOUR, slightly overpitched and Jones takes
        full toll driving through cover with power and placement.
        Excellent shot from Jones!
  44.4 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, bouncer banged in to Jones. He sees it
        early and ducks well under it. Well bowled, well played.
  44.5 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, another slightly short one, this time
        Jones has a go, misses. The ball sails through to Gilchrist
  44.6 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, another short one to end the over.
        Left well alone

End of over 45 (4 runs) England 128/9 (trail by 62 runs)
GD McGrath 17-5-46-5 - Pavilion End
SJ Harmison 1* (5b) SP Jones 5* (7b 1x4)

       Lee brought into the attack. Expect a bouncer or two ...
  45.1 Lee to Harmison, no run, short, fast and furious, airy swish from
        Harmison, but the ball sails through to the keeper without any
        difficulty
  45.2 Lee to Harmison, (noball) no run, No-ball from Lee, he's really
        giving it everything. 100% effort from the fast bowler
  45.2 Lee to Harmison, (noball) no run, And another no-ball. This time
        it's the bouncer. Goes through to the keeper.
  45.2 Lee to Harmison, one run, just back of a length and on the stumps,
        pulled to the on side for a single
  45.3 Lee to SP Jones, two runs, Short and a bit of width, Jones manages
        to get the ball away over the infield towards cover. Not the
        prettiest shot, but it's the result that counts at this stage
  45.4 Lee to SP Jones, FOUR, slightly short again and outside the off,
        Jones backs away and slices this one to the third man boundary.
        Clever batting from Jones
  45.5 Lee to SP Jones, three runs, and once more, not especially pleasing
        to look at, but Jones effectively scoops the ball over the
        infield, sending it towards cover for more invaluable runs
  45.6 Lee to Harmison, one run, now Harmison comes to the party carving
        Lee over point towards third man for a single

End of over 46 (13 runs) England 141/9 (trail by 49 runs)
B Lee 15-5-47-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
SJ Harmison 3* (10b) SP Jones 14* (10b 2x4)

  46.1 McGrath to Harmison, no run, full and down the leg side, Harmison
        swishes and misses, through to Gilchrist
  46.2 McGrath to Harmison, one run, just a bit of width and Harmison is
        able to chop the ball past point for a single
  46.3 McGrath to SP Jones, FOUR, Jones has another big heave and the ball
        slices off his blade and screams away to the third man fence.
        Again not classical from Jones, but precious runs being added
  46.4 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, full and straight, pushed to mid-on
  46.5 McGrath to SP Jones, one run, squeezed past mid-off for a quick
        single. Jones is batting well here
  46.6 McGrath to Harmison, one run, full and swinging in, Harmison has a
        go and the ball runs down to fine leg off the inside edge

End of over 47 (7 runs) England 148/9 (trail by 42 runs)
GD McGrath 18-5-53-5 - Pavilion End
SJ Harmison 5* (13b) SP Jones 19* (13b 3x4)

       Very vital partnership this. It's already worth 26 and that is a
        lot in the context of a low-scoring game.
       new bowl skw
       Warne back in the attack
  47.1 Warne to Harmison, FOUR, tossed up and on the pads, Harmison
        waltzes down the pitch and effortlessly lofts the ball over mid-
        on. That is not the shot of a No. 10 batsman! 150 for England
  47.2 Warne to Harmison, no run, rapped on thwe pad but slipping down the
        leg, half-hearted shout for lbw
  47.3 Warne to Harmison, one run, taken from well outside the off stump
        and swept through square leg for a single
  47.4 Warne to SP Jones, one run, Booming drive to a big turner from
        Warne. Inside edge runs to square leg
  47.5 Warne to Harmison, no run, quicker straight one, Harmison cuts and
        misses, stifled appeal for caught behind
  47.6 Warne to Harmison, one run, lap sweep tp the full toss, another
        single

End of over 48 (7 runs) England 155/9 (trail by 35 runs)
SK Warne 7-2-19-2 - Nursery End
SJ Harmison 11* (18b 1x4) SP Jones 20* (14b 3x4)

       Lee comes into the attack at the Pavilion End
  48.1 Lee to Harmison, OUT: Full and on the off, Harmison goes for a big
        hit but can only spoon a catch to Damien Martyn at mid-off

       England 155/10, Partnership of 33
       SJ Harmison  c Martyn b Lee  11 (19b 1x4 0x6)
       SP Jones 20* (14b 3x4) B Lee 15.1-5-47-3 (4nb)

       End of the England innings and they still trail by 35
       But Australia will not be especially pleased at the number of runs
        the England tail added
       63 runs scored off 11.1 overs this morning
       Australia will bat in their second innings shortly. That should be
        in about 10 minutes.
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off very briefly. See
        you again in about 10 minutes!
       Remember to write in to us with any comments you have about our
        coverage or the match. The place to do that is
        http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       And the players are back on the field and this is Anand Vasu
        welcoming you back to Cricinfo's coverage of this Ashes Test
       Australia are about to begin their second innings. Hayden and
        Langer run out onto the field to join the England team
       Harmison to begin, Langer on strike
   0.1 Harmison to Langer, one run, And Australia are under way
        immediately as Langer watches a full one and tucks it away to fine
        leg for a single
   0.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short ball, a bit of variable bounce as
        the ball does not climb as much as Hayden expected it, struck in
        the midriff
   0.3 Harmison to Hayden, one run, down the leg and Hayden swats it to
        fine leg to get off the mark
   0.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and speared in on the stumps,
        Langer manages to defend well with a straight bat
   0.5 Harmison to Langer, no run, just back of a length and outside the
        off - Harmison's standard line and length - and left alone to the
        keeper
   0.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, outside the off and short of a driving
        length, left alone to the keeper who gathers this one low. A touch
        of variable bounce once more on this Lord's pitch

End of over 1 (2 runs) Australia 2/0 (lead by 37 runs)
SJ Harmison 1-0-2-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 1* (2b) JL Langer 1* (4b)

   1.1 Hoggard to Hayden, two runs, full and a touch too straight, Hayden
        tucks the ball away down to fine leg
   1.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, just short of a driving length and
        outside the off, Hayden plays on the up to mid-off
   1.3 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, pushed wide of mid-off for a quick
        single
   1.4 Hoggard to Langer, no run, defended to the off side
   1.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run, full and just outside the off, driven to
        cover, Hayden backs up a touch too much and then has to dive back
        to the crease as Pietersen has a shy
   1.6 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, just a bit of width and Langer can help
        himself to a welcome boundary squeezing the ball past point

End of over 2 (7 runs) Australia 9/0 (lead by 44 runs)
MJ Hoggard 1-0-7-0 - Nursery End
ML Hayden 4* (5b) JL Langer 5* (7b 1x4)

       We can also tell you that Graham Thorpe has announced his
        retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. For
        all the news on that one please do look at http://www.cricinfo.com
   2.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, pushed to cover
   2.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, angling
        away from the left-handed Hayden, left alone to the keeper
   2.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, slightly wider outside the off, still
        full, but Hayden goes for it anyway and misses, the ball beats bat
        and goes to the keeper
   2.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, and once again left alone. Harmison a
        bit off the pace here today. About 85 mph rather than the 90s he
        was touching regularly yesterday
   2.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, good bounce and carry on this one as it
        sails through to the keeper after Hayden shoulder arms
   2.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, on the stumps and quite full, defended
        towards mid-on

End of over 3 (maiden) Australia 9/0 (lead by 44 runs)
SJ Harmison 2-1-2-0 - Pavilion End
JL Langer 5* (7b 1x4) ML Hayden 4* (11b)

   3.1 Hoggard to Langer, one run, pushed to the off side, Pietersen
        screams in and takes a shy at the stumps, Hayden dives in but that
        might well have been out had the ball struck its target!
   3.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, defended back down the pitch
   3.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
   3.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off stump, defended
        carefully towards point
   3.5 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, overpitched almost and outside the off,
        not much pace on it either, Hayden absolutely smashes that one
        through the covers. That is Hayden the big bully at his best!
   3.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the stumps, defended this
        time

End of over 4 (5 runs) Australia 14/0 (lead by 49 runs)
MJ Hoggard 2-0-12-0 - Nursery End
JL Langer 6* (8b 1x4) ML Hayden 8* (16b 1x4)

   4.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, good pace and carry through to the keeper as Langer shoulders
        arms
   4.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, short and a bit of width. Langer goes
        for the cut. He loves that shot. Straight to point though and no
        runs.
   4.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        a bit of awkward bounce, Langer defends
   4.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, fuller and straighter, clipped to the
        on side
   4.5 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper
   4.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, driven firmly but straight to point and
        that's another maiden over from Harmison

End of over 5 (maiden) Australia 14/0 (lead by 49 runs)
SJ Harmison 3-2-2-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 8* (16b 1x4) JL Langer 6* (14b 1x4)

       And here's Freddie! Flintoff replaces Hoggard, who has been
        struggling to swing the ball, at the Nursery End
   5.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, Flintoff starts round the wicket and
        lets one go outside the off and on a good length, left well alone
   5.2 Flintoff to Hayden, (noball) two runs, on the pads and full, eased
        through midwicket
   5.2 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, pushed into the off side for another
        easy single
   5.3 Flintoff to Langer, no run, Langer drops the ball down towards
        cover and sprints for a quick single. Kevin Pietersen - you can't
        keep this man out of the game for long - charges in from cover,
        picks the ball up one handed and throws the stumps down underarm,
        Langer dives ...
       But he is found well short by the trhird umpire!

       Australia 18/1, Partnership of 18
       JL Langer  run out (Pietersen)  6 (15b 1x4 0x6)

       Suicidal run from Langer that. He pushed his luck a touch too far
        taking on the fielder's arm and paid the ultimate price
   5.4 Flintoff to Hayden, (noball) no run, Flintoff sends down another
        no-ball
   5.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        off, defended back down the pitch
   5.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and this time on the stumps,
        driven back down the pitch with the full face of the bat
   5.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, outside the off and moving away a touch
        off the seam, left well alone

End of over 6 (5 runs) Australia 19/1 (lead by 54 runs)
A Flintoff 1-0-5-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
RT Ponting 0* (0b) ML Hayden 11* (23b 1x4)

       End of a successful over for England, and we will now see how
        Australia's captain responds to the challenge. Ponting, after
        receiving several stitches to the gash on his face that occurred
        when the ball hit his helmet yestrday, is at the crease.
   6.1 Harmison to Ponting, no run, good length and on the stumps,
        slanting in, jammed to the on side
   6.2 Harmison to Ponting, no run, Ponting gets in a bit of a tangle
        trying to work a full one to the leg side. The ball pops up back
        down the pitch
   6.3 Harmison to Ponting, two runs, And the Australian skipper is off
        the mark with a neatly played clip past mid-on for a brace
   6.4 Harmison to Ponting, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, left well alone to the keeper
   6.5 Harmison to Ponting, no run, outside the off, short of a length,
        but that one scoots through low and below Ponting's bat! That did
        not even get up shin high! This is tough for any batsman
   6.6 Harmison to Ponting, no run, short one, Harmison bends his back on
        this one and it climbs and soars past a weaving Ponting

End of over 7 (2 runs) Australia 21/1 (lead by 56 runs)
SJ Harmison 4-2-4-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 11* (23b 1x4) RT Ponting 2* (6b)

   7.1 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, pushed to the off side and a slight
        misfield from Pietersen gives away the single
   7.2 Flintoff to Ponting, three runs, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Ponting waits on the ball and punches it with
        fine timing and placement through point. Excellent running gives
        the batsman three as Jones throws the ball in from the outfield
   7.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, defended, off the edge towards the slips cordon
   7.4 Flintoff to Hayden, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Hayden stands tall, opens those powerful shoulders of his and
        biffs the ball past mid-off for four!
   7.5 Flintoff to Hayden, two runs, this one is easily worked to the on
        side for a couple
   7.6 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, overpitched and outside the off,
        driven to cover for a single

End of over 8 (11 runs) Australia 32/1 (lead by 67 runs)
A Flintoff 2-0-16-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
ML Hayden 19* (28b 2x4) RT Ponting 5* (7b)

   8.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short ball outside the off, Hayden goes
        for some sort of pull but can only bottom edge the ball down to
        the slips cordon
   8.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        driven to cover
   8.3 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short, a bit of width, and Hayden would
        not appreciate this one more if it was gift-wrapped. He climbs
        into it and brutalises it through cover!
   8.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, left well
        alone
   8.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, once again outside the off and left
        alone
       We're nearing lunch on the second day now, and Australia seem to
        have picked up the pace. Do write in with all your comments on our
        coverage at:  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
   8.6 Harmison to Hayden, one run, short one, Hayden once again tackles
        it awkwardly and the ball bobs off down the leg side

End of over 9 (5 runs) Australia 37/1 (lead by 72 runs)
SJ Harmison 5-2-9-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 24* (34b 3x4) RT Ponting 5* (7b)

       Simon Jones comes into the attack now
   9.1 SP Jones to Hayden, FOUR, Jones begins with a loosener down the leg
        side, only 84 mph and misdirected, Hayden has no trouble
        swivelling and cracking the ball down to fine leg!
   9.2 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        off, defended with a straight bat
   9.3 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, fuller and just a touch outside the
        off, the ball suggests it might swing in late but holds its line,
        Hayden wisely leaves it alone to the keeper
   9.4 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, full and wide outside the off, elft
        alone
   9.5 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
        the keeper once more
   9.6 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, on the stumps this time and shaping in,
        Hayden covers the swing and defends

End of over 10 (4 runs) Australia 41/1 (lead by 76 runs)
SP Jones 1-0-4-0 - Nursery End
RT Ponting 5* (7b) ML Hayden 28* (40b 4x4)

  10.1 Harmison to Ponting, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, no menacing pace though from Harmison today - or not yet
        anyway - and Ponting has no trouble watching the ball carefully
        and letting it go
  10.2 Harmison to Ponting, one run, on th epads and fuller, clipped away
        to the leg sidew for a quick single
  10.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        Hayden stands tall and defends
  10.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, left alone to the keeper
  10.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short one but the radar is off, down
        the leg side and the only person troubled isGeraint Jones
  10.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, left well alone to end the over

End of over 11 (1 run) Australia 42/1 (lead by 77 runs)
SJ Harmison 6-2-10-0 - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 6* (9b) ML Hayden 28* (44b 4x4)

  11.1 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-off
  11.2 SP Jones to Ponting, one run, once gain it 41 4;once again it is
        full and straight but tthis time Ponting manages to hit it to the
        right of mid-off and take a single
  11.3 SP Jones to Hayden, FOUR, short ball, a bit too straight, Hayden
        welcomes that and transfers his weight beautifully onto the back
        foot and pulls through square leg!
  11.4 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, overpitched and outside the off, driven
        to mid off
  11.5 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, outside the off, fullish, not doing
        much at all, left alone by Hayden
  11.6 SP Jones to Hayden, no run, and once again it's full, outside the
        off, and Hayden leaves it well alone knowing his lunch is waiting
        for him in the dressing room!

End of over 12 (5 runs) Australia 47/1 (lead by 82 runs)
SP Jones 2-0-9-0 - Nursery End
RT Ponting 7* (11b) ML Hayden 32* (48b 5x4)

Match State: Lunch - Day 2

       With that, it's lunch. Australia are 82 ahead and in decent control
        it appears.
       Hayden and Ponting will be back in 40 minutes to resume their
        battle against England's bowlers. We'll be there before that!
       Do join us in about 35 minutes, at 12.10GMT for all the action from
        the post-lunch session.
       Till then, this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off. Do
        write to us with all your thoughts on the game and our coverage at
        :  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       Hello again! This si Anand Vasu welcoming you to Cricinfo's
        coverage of the post-lunch session of play on the second day of
        the first Ashes Test
       The players are on the field and play is about to begin
       Ponting is facing and Flintoff will begin the attack
  12.1 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, fullish and on the off, slanting in to
        the right-handed Ricky Ponting. Defended carefully to the on side
  12.2 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, this one comes in with the arm,
        pitches just outside the off on a good length and moves away. Left
        well alone
  12.3 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, fuller and straighter, Ponting defends
        back down the wicket with a straight bat
  12.4 Flintoff to Ponting, one run, full and on the off, Ponting opens
        the face of the bat ever so slightly and guides the ball wide of
        mid-off to pick up a single and rotate the strike
  12.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, left alone outside the off, the ball
        goes to the keeper
  12.6 Flintoff to Hayden, two runs, short ball from Flintoff and Hayden
        goes for the pull. The ball goes off the edge and flies up but
        lands safe of the man at fine leg sho is quite square. Brings up
        the 50 for Australia

End of over 13 (3 runs) Australia 50/1 (lead by 85 runs)
A Flintoff 3-0-19-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 8* (15b) ML Hayden 34* (50b 5x4)

  13.1 SP Jones to Ponting, FOUR, leg stump full toss, don't bowl to
        Ponting there unless you want to see that Kookaburra bat flashing
        in an arc and sending the ball sizzling across the turf to the
        square leg fence
  13.2 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, left alone to the keeper
  13.3 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, a hint of outside, left well alone by Ponting who appears to
        be seeing the ball quite well here
  13.4 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, Ponting falls
        across a little but is well behind the line of the ball and can
        play it away to mid off with ease
  13.5 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, slightly shorter and slanting into the
        pads, Ponting works it away to square leg
  13.6 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, slightly shorter this time but it is a
        good ball, exaggerated away movement after pitching. Ponting
        leaves it alone and nods in appreciation

End of over 14 (4 runs) Australia 54/1 (lead by 89 runs)
SP Jones 3-0-13-0 - Nursery End
ML Hayden 34* (50b 5x4) RT Ponting 12* (21b 1x4)

  14.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, quick, keeping a touch low, speared
        into the pads, Hayden can't quite get his bat around his pads to
        play that one, but no damage done as the ball rolls away after
        hitting the pad
  14.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, slightly shorter, slanting away with
        the angle, Hayden resists temptation and leaves the ball alone
  14.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good, quick short one, approaching 90
        mph, Hayden sways out of the way and lets the ball pass on through
        to Geraint Jones who catches the ball about head height
  14.4 Flintoff to Hayden, OUT: Gone! Just short of a length and outside
        the off, the ball does not quite get up as much as Hayden expected
        and his pull shot sends the ball crashing onto the stumps via the
        bottom edge! Hayden makes the long walk back and Flintoff has
        struck

       Australia 54/2, Partnership of 36
       ML Hayden  b Flintoff  34 (54b 5x4 0x6)
       RT Ponting 12* (21b 1x4) A Flintoff 3.4-0-19-1 (2nb)

       That is an important wicket for England. Hayden had played some
        commanding shots in his innings of 34.
       Damien Martyn is the new man in
  14.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short one banged in outside the off,
        Martyn leaves it alone
  14.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, quick one just outside the off, Martyn
        dabs it down to gully. End of a good over. Wicket-maiden for
        Flintoff

End of over 15 (maiden) Australia 54/2 (lead by 89 runs)
A Flintoff 4-1-19-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 12* (21b 1x4) DR Martyn 0* (2b)

  15.1 SP Jones to Ponting, one run, on th epads and full, whipped down to
        deep backward square leg
  15.2 SP Jones to Martyn, one run, on the pads, comfortable played away
        to th eleg side for a single
  15.3 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, full and straight, loud shout from all
        of the England team as the ball hits the pad, not out says Aleem
        Dar and it is a fine decision. The ball clearly takes the inside
        edge before hitting pad. Well done.
  15.4 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, defended back down the pitch
  15.5 SP Jones to Ponting, one run, again on the pads, Ponting flicks
        well but there's now a fielder out in the deep and square leg so
        it's just a single
  15.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, terrific delivery! On the off and
        swinging out late, Martyn is forced to play but is beaten all ends
        up! Good end to the over from Simon Jones.

End of over 16 (3 runs) Australia 57/2 (lead by 92 runs)
SP Jones 4-0-16-0 - Nursery End
RT Ponting 14* (25b 1x4) DR Martyn 1* (4b)

  16.1 Flintoff to Ponting, one run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Ponting drops the ball at his feet with soft hands and
        steals a quick single
  16.2 Flintoff to Martyn, one run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Martyn is squared up a touch bumanages to get the
        ball past point
  16.3 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, short one, Ponting wants nothing to do
        with it and ducks clean under it
  16.4 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, clipped to the man under the helmet
  16.5 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, quick but going down the leg side,
        Ponting thinks about having a go but leaves it alone in the end
  16.6 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, outside the off and straight, left
        alone

End of over 17 (2 runs) Australia 59/2 (lead by 94 runs)
A Flintoff 5-1-21-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
DR Martyn 2* (5b) RT Ponting 15* (30b 1x4)

  17.1 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, good yorker on the stumps, equally well
        dug out
  17.2 SP Jones to Martyn, (noball) three runs, on the pads and full,
        Martyn walks across and flicks elegantly to midwicket
  17.2 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, quicker one just outside the off
        stump, no swing though, Ponting leaves it alone
  17.3 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, absolute crackerjack of a ball!
        Pitches just outside the off and takes off from a length, Ponting
        lucky not to edge that one as it flies past the outside edge to
        the keeper
  17.4 SP Jones to Ponting, FOUR, not so good this time - a half-volley
        and put away through the on side with consummate ease
  17.5 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, played back awkwardly to the bowler
  17.6 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, worked away to the on side

End of over 18 (8 runs) Australia 67/2 (lead by 102 runs)
SP Jones 5-0-24-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
DR Martyn 5* (7b) RT Ponting 19* (35b 2x4)

  18.1 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, back of a length and on the off, Martyn
        defends watchfully
       Things gone a bit quiet here with the batsmen trying get a grip of
        the game against some tidy bowling
  18.2 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, down the leg side and through to Jones
  18.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, full and outside the off, left well
        alone
  18.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, another one just short of a length and
        outside the off that curls away from the right-handed Martyn who
        is happy to let as many as possible go through to the keeper
  18.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, and again outside the off and a sedate
        Martyn lets it go
  18.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, the over ends, a miaden, with another
        one that goes straight through to the keeper

End of over 19 (maiden) Australia 67/2 (lead by 102 runs)
A Flintoff 6-2-21-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 19* (35b 2x4) DR Martyn 5* (13b)

  19.1 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        defended towards cover
  19.2 SP Jones to Ponting, three runs, full and outside the off, Ponting
        punches it well, all timing that, as the ball goes through the
        infield and the batsman gets three
  19.3 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, fuller and outside the off, Martyn
        leaves it alone
  19.4 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, another gerat ball from Jones! Pitches
        just on off and swings away nicely to beat the bat! He's asking
        plenty of questions of the batsmen here, especially Martyn
  19.5 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, slightly fuller and there's no swing
        this time for Jones. Martyn ges perfectly behind the line of the
        ball and blocks
  19.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, that goes right through Martyn! Some
        excellent deliveries from Jones here. If he keeps at it surely
        he's going top pick up a wicket.

End of over 20 (3 runs) Australia 70/2 (lead by 105 runs)
SP Jones 6-0-27-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
RT Ponting 22* (37b 2x4) DR Martyn 5* (17b)

  20.1 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, quick one on the pads, once again the
        inside edge saves Ponting. Another top decision from the umpire.
        This time it is Rudi Koertzen
  20.2 Flintoff to Ponting, bye: two runs, very short, very quick. Ponting
        ducks and the ball gets big on Jones
  20.3 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, good ball from Flintoff to follow that
        bouncer, Ponting plays and misses outside the off
  20.4 Flintoff to Ponting, FOUR, angling onto the pads again and this
        isn't going to trouble Ponting. He walks across his stumps and
        clips the ball to the fine leg boundary
  20.5 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, outside the off and just short of a
        length, defended away
  20.6 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, steady in defense
        is Ponting

End of over 21 (6 runs) Australia 76/2 (lead by 111 runs)
A Flintoff 7-2-25-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
DR Martyn 5* (17b) RT Ponting 26* (43b 3x4)

  21.1 SP Jones to Martyn, one run, on the pads and straight, clipped to
        the on side
  21.2 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, defended
  21.3 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, fuller and on the off, defended
  21.4 SP Jones to Ponting, no run, punched to mid-on
  21.5 SP Jones to Ponting, one run, on the pads and full, worked past
        square leg for a single
  21.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, full and on the off, driven back to the
        bowler

End of over 22 (2 runs) Australia 78/2 (lead by 113 runs)
SP Jones 7-0-29-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
RT Ponting 27* (47b 3x4) DR Martyn 6* (19b)

  22.1 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, full and straight, Flintoff beginning
        the over tidily, defended back to the bowler
  22.2 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, clipped to short leg
  22.3 Flintoff to Ponting, (noball) two runs, eased past point
  22.3 Flintoff to Ponting, three runs, on the pads and short leg has no
        chance as Ponting whips the ball to midwicket
  22.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short one, jags back in but does not
        bounce at all, Martyn doesn't play a stroke and takes it on the
        body
  22.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, fullish and outside the off, again good
        movement off the seam, Martyn pads up to that one on height
  22.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, driven to mid-on

End of over 23 (6 runs) Australia 84/2 (lead by 119 runs)
A Flintoff 8-2-31-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 32* (51b 3x4) DR Martyn 6* (22b)

       Hoggard comes back into the attack
  23.1 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, full and just outside the off stump,
        Ponting is struck on the pad and there's a shout but he is struck
        outside the line
  23.2 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, fullish and on the off, defended
        towards cover
  23.3 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, full and outside the off, swinging
        away, left alone to the keeper
  23.4 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        this one shapes away a touch from the right-handed Ponting, left
        alone to the keeper
  23.5 Hoggard to Ponting, one run
  23.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and on the off, guided to point

End of over 24 (1 run) Australia 85/2 (lead by 120 runs)
MJ Hoggard 3-0-13-0 - Nursery End
RT Ponting 33* (56b 3x4) DR Martyn 6* (23b)

  24.1 Flintoff to Ponting, two runs, on the pads and nurdled to fine leg
        for a single
  24.2 Flintoff to Ponting, two runs, short one, Ponting goes for the
        pull. He does not quite connect properly. Still two runs result as
        the ball runs down to square leg
  24.3 Flintoff to Ponting, three runs, hit through aquare leg. Ian Bell
        and Aleem Dar almost crash into each other, have a quick hug, and
        in the meantime the batsmen get three
  24.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, let alone to the keeper
  24.5 Flintoff to Martyn, two runs, on the pads again and easily tucked
        away for a brace
  24.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, defended carefully to the off side

End of over 25 (9 runs) Australia 94/2 (lead by 129 runs)
A Flintoff 9-2-40-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 40* (59b 3x4) DR Martyn 8* (26b)

  25.1 Hoggard to Ponting, one run, on the off and fullish, threatening to
        swing away, defended towards point and a quick single takes Ricky
        Ponting to 7000 Test runs
  25.2 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and on the stumps, defended to mid-
        on
  25.3 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
  25.4 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, short ball, Martyn thinks about a big
        pull shot and restrains himself
  25.5 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and outside the off, left well
        alone
  25.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, punched well off the back foot but
        straight to mid-off

End of over 26 (1 run) Australia 95/2 (lead by 130 runs)
MJ Hoggard 4-0-14-0 - Nursery End
RT Ponting 41* (60b 3x4) DR Martyn 8* (31b)

       The drinks are on the field. Short break for the players.

Match State: Drinks

       Harmison is back into the attack
       two slips and a gully waiting
  26.1 Harmison to Ponting, no run, starts off with a bouncer, angling in
        from outside the off stump, Ponting comfortably ducks under it
  26.2 Harmison to Ponting, legbye: one run, fuller and angling in,
        Ponting ends up with an inside edge onto his pad, was looking to
        push it away on the leg side, ball rolls away on the off side and
        a quick single is taken
       6-3 offside field in place for Martyn
  26.3 Harmison to Martyn, FOUR, short and wide outside the off stump,
        Martyn leans back and cuts it away to the third man boundary, 100
        comes up for Australia
  26.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run
  26.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, pulled away to the midwicket region,
        not a well timed shot
  26.6 Harmison to Martyn, no run, defended back to the bowler

End of over 27 (5 runs) Australia 100/2 (lead by 135 runs)
SJ Harmison 7-2-14-0 - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 41* (62b 3x4) DR Martyn 12* (35b 1x4)

  27.1 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, full and on the stumps, Ponting pads up
        and there's a loud shout but the ball is swinging away and ould
        have missed off, not out says Aleem Dar
  27.2 Hoggard to Ponting, no run, again rapped on the pads, no danger
        there
  27.3 Hoggard to Ponting, OUT: short of a length and outside the off,
        Ponting cuts but it is uppish and straight to the man  at point.
        James Hildreth, the substitute pouches the simple chance and
        that's the end of Ponting!

       Australia 102/3, Partnership of 48
       RT Ponting  c sub (JC Hildreth) b Hoggard  42 (65b 3x4 0x6)
       DR Martyn 12* (35b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 4.3-0-14-1

  27.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, driven to cover
       There was some confusion about a leg bye and a run off the bat so
        our scores were momentarily up and down. Apologies for that. We've
        now got it just right.
  27.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run
  27.6 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, on the pads and Clarke can whip it away
        through midwicket for a boundary to get off the mark

End of over 28 (4 runs) Australia 104/3 (lead by 139 runs)
MJ Hoggard 5-0-18-1 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 12* (35b 1x4) MJ Clarke 4* (3b 1x4)

  28.1 Harmison to Martyn, bye: FOUR, far down the leg side and very
        quick. Harmison beats everyone with that and the ball runs away
        for four byes
  28.2 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short one, and this is more on target,
        Martyn ducks under it
  28.3 Harmison to Martyn, no run, full and straight, worked away to mid-
        on
  28.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short one outside the off, Martyn sways
        inside the line of this one
  28.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run
  28.6 Harmison to Martyn, no run, very full and very straight, dug out to
        the on side

End of over 29 (4 runs, maiden) Australia 108/3 (lead by 143 runs)
SJ Harmison 8-3-14-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 4* (3b 1x4) DR Martyn 12* (41b 1x4)

  29.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, fullish and on the stumps, that one does
        not swing and Clarke defends easily
  29.2 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, full and on the pads, Clarke whips it
        wristily to Harmison at long leg
  29.3 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and on the stumps, good line and
        length from Hoggard, Martyn defends. The batsmen are being kept
        very quiet here.
  29.4 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, just outside the off and a hint of away
        swing, pushed to cover
  29.5 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, once again Martyn defends and no run is
        possible
  29.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, left well alone to end the over

End of over 30 (1 run) Australia 109/3 (lead by 144 runs)
MJ Hoggard 6-0-19-1 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 5* (5b 1x4) DR Martyn 12* (45b 1x4)

  30.1 Harmison to Clarke, no run, short of a length and climbing into
        Clarke's ribs, defended to the on side, that was 89 mph, so
        Harmison is working up some pace here
  30.2 Harmison to Clarke, no run, outside the off and short of a good
        length, the ball moces in a fair bit off the seam but Clarke is
        happy to leave the ball alone on length
  30.3 Harmison to Clarke, no run, on the stumps this time, again a
        typical Harmison length, just short of good, defended well
  30.4 Harmison to Clarke, legbye: one run, on the pads, Clarke shapes to
        flick but the ball runs away off the thigh pad for a leg bye
  30.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, defended
  30.6 Harmison to Martyn, two runs, worked down to Hoggard at long leg,
        the batsmen take on his arm and come back for the second

End of over 31 (3 runs) Australia 112/3 (lead by 147 runs)
SJ Harmison 9-3-16-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 5* (9b 1x4) DR Martyn 14* (47b 1x4)

  31.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and on the off, Clarke does well to
        get under the ball and drive, Pietersen dows one better in saving
        some runs at cover
  31.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, driven to point
  31.3 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, slightly shorter this time and Clarke
        is able to swivel and help the ball down to fine leg
  31.4 Hoggard to Martyn, one run, inside edged onto pad for a single to
        fine leg
  31.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and straight, but Clarke's bat is
        just as straight in defense
  31.6 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, once again full and straight. Once again
        defended.

End of over 32 (2 runs) Australia 114/3 (lead by 149 runs)
MJ Hoggard 7-0-21-1 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 15* (48b 1x4) MJ Clarke 6* (14b 1x4)

  32.1 Harmison to Martyn, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left alone to the keeper
  32.2 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short ball, Clarke is not tempted, he
        ducks under it with ease
  32.3 Harmison to Martyn, no run, outside the off and short of a good
        length, left well alone
  32.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run, another short one, and Martyn is not
        tempted at all, left well alone. Quiet passage of play here.
  32.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, slightly fuller and on the off, driven
        to mid-off
  32.6 Harmison to Martyn, no run, great ball to end a fine over from
        Harmison! The ball pitches just outside the off, invited Martyn to
        play but moves away late and just evades the outside edge on the
        way to the keeper

End of over 33 (maiden) Australia 114/3 (lead by 149 runs)
SJ Harmison 10-4-16-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 6* (14b 1x4) DR Martyn 15* (54b 1x4)

  33.1 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, Clarke relieves the monotony by crunching
        a half-volley through cover for four!
  33.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, straight and full, defended back to the
        bowler
  33.3 Hoggard to Clarke, two runs, clipped away for a quick brace
  33.4 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, whipped past mid-on for a single
  33.5 Hoggard to Martyn, legbye: one run, on the pads, flick played and
        missed, off the thigh pad to the on side
  33.6 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, overpitched and on the pads, Clarke makes
        the most of a rare scoring opportunity flicking majestically
        through midwicket!

End of over 34 (12 runs) Australia 126/3 (lead by 161 runs)
MJ Hoggard 8-0-32-1 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 15* (55b 1x4) MJ Clarke 17* (19b 3x4)

       Will we see Ashley Giles bowling for the first time soon enough?
  34.1 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short one outside the off stump, plenty
        of seam movement in to the batsman, but left well alone
  34.2 Harmison to Martyn, one run, a bit too straight from Harmison and
        Martyn can whip the ball down to long leg for a single
  34.3 Harmison to Clarke, no run, short one from Harmison this time,
        Clarke will have none of it and leaves the ball well alone
  34.4 Harmison to Clarke, no run, once again left alone though the ball
        is coming in after pitching. Clarke leaving the ball alone on
        height here
  34.5 Harmison to Clarke, no run, short one on the stumps, Clarke
        awkwardly jams that towards Bell at short leg, but it falls safe
  34.6 Harmison to Clarke, no run, another one that comes in and hits the
        pad, feeble shout for the catch at short leg

End of over 35 (1 run) Australia 127/3 (lead by 162 runs)
SJ Harmison 11-4-17-0 - Pavilion End
DR Martyn 16* (57b 1x4) MJ Clarke 17* (23b 3x4)

       Ashley Giles comes into the attack
  35.1 Giles to Martyn, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Martyn comes
        down the pitch and defends
  35.2 Giles to Martyn, no run, flatter and on the stumps, defended
        carefully
  35.3 Giles to Martyn, no run, outside the leg stump this time, Martyn
        defends warily
  35.4 Giles to Martyn, one run, well outside the ;leg stump this time and
        Martyn pushes the ball through square leg for a single
  35.5 Giles to Clarke, no run, pitching outside leg, from Giles bowling
        over the wicket, padded away
  35.6 Giles to Clarke, two runs, Clarke flicks this one neatly through
        square leg to pick up a couple of runs as Harmison tidies up on
        the ropes

End of over 36 (3 runs) Australia 130/3 (lead by 165 runs)
AF Giles 1-0-3-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 17* (61b 1x4) MJ Clarke 19* (25b 3x4)

  36.1 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short and wide outside the off, left
        well alone to the keeper
  36.2 Harmison to Martyn, two runs, just back of a length and outside the
        off, Martyn opens the face of the bat and runs the ball down to
        third man for a couple
  36.3 Harmison to Martyn, no run, just short of a length and on the
        stumps, defended back down the pitch
  36.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short ball, Martyn has to be careful in
        defense as the ball gets big on him. He manages.
  36.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, once again short of a length and
        outside the off, Martyn tucks his bat in and lets the ball go
        through to the keeper
  36.6 Harmison to Martyn, no run, and again martyn gets the bat inside
        the line of the ball and lets it go through to the keeper

End of over 37 (2 runs) Australia 132/3 (lead by 167 runs)
SJ Harmison 12-4-19-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 19* (25b 3x4) DR Martyn 19* (67b 1x4)

  37.1 Giles to Clarke, no run, defended to the on side
  37.2 Giles to Clarke, one run, Clarke comes down the pitch and whips the
        ball wide of mid-on for a single
  37.3 Giles to Martyn, one run, now it's Martyn's turn to come down the
        pitch and steal a single
  37.4 Giles to Clarke, one run, Clarke stays back this time and waits for
        the ball before flicking the ball away to square leg for a single
  37.5 Giles to Martyn, FOUR, short and wide from Giles, Martyn has been
        patient and here he cashes in rocking onto the back foot and
        caressing the ball through the off side
  37.6 Giles to Martyn, no run, careful defense to end the over

End of over 38 (7 runs) Australia 139/3 (lead by 174 runs)
AF Giles 2-0-10-0 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 21* (28b 3x4) DR Martyn 24* (70b 2x4)

       Jones comes on for what could be the last over before tea
  38.1 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, Dropped! Clarke hits a short one
        straight to Pietersen at cover and he puts down a simple chance!
        that's the third catch Pietersen has floored in his debut Test
  38.2 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, left well alone outside the off stump
  38.3 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, great ball from Jones! Pitches and
        swings away from Clarke who plays and misses
  38.4 SP Jones to Clarke, one run, full and down the leg side, clipped
        down to fine leg for a single
  38.5 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, full and far outside the off stump,
        Martyn lets it go with ease
  38.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, just outside the off stump, left alone
        and that is tea on the second day

End of over 39 (1 run) Australia 140/3 (lead by 175 runs)
SP Jones 8-0-30-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 22* (32b 3x4) DR Martyn 24* (72b 2x4)

Match State: Tea - Day 2

       The players take a short break now and so will we.
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off, inviting you to
        send any feedback on our coverage to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       We will be back with all the action in about 15 minutes, at 1430
        GMT.
       Welcome back to Cricinfo's coverage of this game. This is Anand
        Vasu saying hello to you again as the players take the field for
        the final session of the second day
       Clarke will face and it's Giles to continue
  39.1 Giles to Clarke, no run, tossed up, full and on the stumps,
        defended back down the pitch
  39.2 Giles to Clarke, no run, flat and on the stumps, defended
        watchfully
  39.3 Giles to Clarke, no run, on the pads once more and Clarke dutifully
        kicks it away
  39.4 Giles to Clarke, no run, down the pitch comes Clarke and defends
        carefully
  39.5 Giles to Clarke, no run, full and flat, blocked easily
  39.6 Giles to Clarke, no run, short and a bit of width, cut off the back
        foot but straight to the man at point

End of over 40 (maiden) Australia 140/3 (lead by 175 runs)
AF Giles 3-1-10-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 24* (72b 2x4) MJ Clarke 22* (38b 3x4)

  40.1 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
        left alone easily
  40.2 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        Martyn stands tall and punches with a straight bat
  40.3 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, on the stumps and a good length, worked
        to the on side with ease
  40.4 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, once again worked to the on side but no
        chance of a single
  40.5 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, on the stumps, clipped away well but
        straight to the fielder at square leg
  40.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, back of a length and a touch of width,
        Martyn tries to hit it through point and misses

End of over 41 (maiden) Australia 140/3 (lead by 175 runs)
SP Jones 9-1-30-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 22* (38b 3x4) DR Martyn 24* (78b 2x4)

  41.1 Giles to Clarke, three runs, down the pitch comes Clarke and flicks
        beautifully through midwicket, two fielders after it. Pietersen
        saves the ball and Strauss throws the ball in
  41.2 Giles to Martyn, one run
  41.3 Giles to Clarke, no run
  41.4 Giles to Clarke, FOUR
  41.5 Giles to Clarke, no run
  41.6 Giles to Clarke, one run

End of over 42 (9 runs) Australia 149/3 (lead by 184 runs)
AF Giles 4-1-19-0 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 30* (43b 4x4) DR Martyn 25* (79b 2x4)

  42.1 SP Jones to Clarke, no run
  42.2 SP Jones to Clarke, FOUR, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, Clarke stands tall and drives beautifully. That is a good
        on deive and will beat everyone and run away to the fence to bring
        up the 150!
  42.3 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        tapped to square leg
  42.4 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, full and on the off, driven well but
        Pietersen saves at cover
  42.5 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, fuller and on the pads, Clarke tries to
        flick and misses, rapped on the pad
  42.6 SP Jones to Clarke, no run, full and on the off, pushed to cover

End of over 43 (4 runs) Australia 153/3 (lead by 188 runs)
SP Jones 10-1-34-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
DR Martyn 25* (79b 2x4) MJ Clarke 34* (49b 5x4)

  43.1 Giles to Martyn, no run, well flighted and way down the leg side,
        left alone
  43.2 Giles to Martyn, no run, flatter and on the stumps, driven back to
        the bowler
  43.3 Giles to Martyn, bye: three runs, tossed up and far outside the leg
        stump, Martyn sweeps and misses and the ball runs away past the
        keeper
  43.4 Giles to Clarke, one run, down the pitch and taken on the full,
        clipped to deep midwicket
  43.5 Giles to Martyn, no run, kicked away
  43.6 Giles to Martyn, no run, another one down the leg side and half
        kicked and half flicked

End of over 44 (4 runs) Australia 157/3 (lead by 192 runs)
AF Giles 5-1-20-0 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 35* (50b 5x4) DR Martyn 25* (84b 2x4)

  44.1 SP Jones to Clarke, legbye: one run, full and slipping down the leg
        side, flick played and missed. The ball runs down to fine leg.
  44.2 SP Jones to Martyn, four runs, on the pads and that poses no
        problem for Martyn who unveils a silken touch to whip the ball
        through midwicket. Harmison pulls the ball up short of the ropes
        but the batsmen have run four anyway
  44.3 SP Jones to Martyn, FOUR, outside the off and back of a length,
        Martyn eases the ball past gully and to the vacant third-man
        region for four
  44.4 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, short ball. One handed pull from Martyn
        has he falls down. Straight to square leg.
  44.5 SP Jones to Martyn, FOUR, once again slipping down leg and once
        more Martyn takes full toll, clipping the ball to the boundary
        backward of square! Classy batting from Martyn here/
  44.6 SP Jones to Martyn, no run, full and on the off, Martyn drives to
        mid-off. Good over for Australia there - 13 off it

End of over 45 (13 runs) Australia 170/3 (lead by 205 runs)
SP Jones 11-1-46-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 35* (51b 5x4) DR Martyn 37* (89b 4x4)

  45.1 Giles to Clarke, FOUR, tossed up a bit and Clarke comes beautifully
        down the pitch and drives straight back past the bowler with
        power. Top shot that!
       Giles comes round the wicket now
  45.2 Giles to Clarke, no run, well flighted and on the off stump, Clarke
        defends with bat and pad held close together
  45.3 Giles to Clarke, no run, Clarke comes down the pitch and takes the
        ball on the full but cannot meet the man at point
  45.4 Giles to Clarke, one run, worked wide of mid-on for a quick single
  45.5 Giles to Martyn, two runs, down the pitch and a wristy tuck away
        through square leg for two more
  45.6 Giles to Martyn, one run, short and a bit of width, chopped wide of
        point for a single

End of over 46 (8 runs) Australia 178/3 (lead by 213 runs)
AF Giles 6-1-28-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 40* (91b 4x4) MJ Clarke 40* (55b 6x4)

       Flintoff comes back into the attack at the Pavilion End
  46.1 Flintoff to Martyn, one run, very full and on the stumps, Martyn
        gently dabs the ball to the on side and scampers a quick single
  46.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        chopped to point
  46.3 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, slightly fuller but far enough outside
        the off for Clarke to leave the ball alone
  46.4 Flintoff to Clarke, FOUR, overpitched and on the stumps, Clarke
        sees it early and whips the ball strongly past mid-on to bring up
        another boundary. Very good shot this from Clarke in the middle of
        a crucial innings
  46.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just outside the off and left alone
  46.6 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, back of a length and speared in to
        Clarke who nudges to the leg side for a quick single

End of over 47 (6 runs) Australia 184/3 (lead by 219 runs)
A Flintoff 10-2-46-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 45* (60b 7x4) DR Martyn 41* (92b 4x4)

  47.1 Giles to Clarke, no run, down the pitch and bang! but straight to
        short cover.
  47.2 Giles to Clarke, one run, on the pads and a touch too ful, Clarke
        glances to fine leg
  47.3 Giles to Martyn, two runs, Martyn gets to the pitch of the ball and
        wristily uses the angle to send the ball to fine leg
  47.4 Giles to Martyn, no run, short and wide but left well alone
  47.5 Giles to Martyn, one run, whipped to midwicket and this partnership
        is already the highest of the match so far. A crucial one at tjhat
  47.6 Giles to Clarke, no run, outside the off, left well alone

End of over 48 (4 runs) Australia 188/3 (lead by 223 runs)
AF Giles 7-1-32-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 44* (95b 4x4) MJ Clarke 46* (63b 7x4)

  48.1 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, full and far outside the off, left
        alone. War of attrition on here
  48.2 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, once again a line far outside the off
        and quite full. Martyn isn't going fishing just yet
  48.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, slightly closer to the stumps but still
        wide enough to be easily left alone
  48.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, another one that harmlessly goes from
        Flintoff to Geraint Jones without any interference from Martyn
  48.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, and another passes by to the keeper
  48.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, angling in to the batsman, defended

End of over 49 (maiden) Australia 188/3 (lead by 223 runs)
A Flintoff 11-3-46-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 46* (63b 7x4) DR Martyn 44* (101b 4x4)

  49.1 Giles to Clarke, FOUR, tossed up and on the stumps, Clarke jumps
        joyously down the pitch and whips the ball through midwicket,
        cracking shot to bring up a half-century! Clarke punches the air
        and gestures to his dressing room! Great knock under pressure here
  49.2 Giles to Clarke, no run, defended
  49.3 Giles to Clarke, FOUR, inside out and through the man at cover.
        That was a powerful hit but aided by a misfield. Clarke picks up
        another boundary
  49.4 Giles to Clarke, no run, flat and on the pads, kicked away
  49.5 Giles to Clarke, no run, once again a restrictive line from Giles,
        Clarke sweeps and misses, hit on the body
  49.6 Giles to Clarke, no run, there's one that beats the bat. Giles
        lands one in the rough and it spins across the face of Clarke's
        bat

End of over 50 (8 runs) Australia 196/3 (lead by 231 runs)
AF Giles 8-1-40-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 44* (101b 4x4) MJ Clarke 54* (69b 9x4)

  50.1 Flintoff to Martyn, (noball) five runs, played down to cover, risky
        single to Pietersen who has a massive throw and misses, the ball
        runs away for four overthrows and that brings up the 200 and the
        100 partnership!
  50.1 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, good length ball on the stumps, flicked
        to the on side with care
  50.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, good bouncer from round the wicket. Not
        much Clarke can do other than duck under this one.
  50.3 Flintoff to Clarke, three runs, back of a length and a bit of width
        outside the off, Clarke punches it off the back foot but his
        timing is not 100%
  50.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, fullish and outside the off, jagging in
        a bit off the seam, left alone
  50.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, full and on the stumps, clipped to the
        on side
  50.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover

End of over 51 (9 runs) Australia 205/3 (lead by 240 runs)
A Flintoff 12-3-55-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 57* (72b 9x4) DR Martyn 49* (105b 4x4)

       Martyn is playing a very fine hand here. He doesn't always get much
        attention in a team full of stars, but he has played exceptionally
        well, showing patience and determination on a tough pitch against
        some quality bowling
  51.1 Giles to Clarke, one run, down the pitch and driven past mid-off
  51.2 Giles to Martyn, no run, again outside the leg stump and defended.
        Martyn wants one for 50
  51.3 Giles to Martyn, no run, far outside the leg stump and going
        straight. That is a really negative line from Giles.
  51.4 Giles to Martyn, one run, on the stumps and Martyn flicks backward
        of square to bring up a very, very crucial half-century. This has
        been an innings of great character from Martyn. Thoroughly
        deserved!
  51.5 Giles to Clarke, no run, defended
  51.6 Giles to Clarke, FOUR, down the pitch and BANG! Clarke hits one
        hard at long off where Matthew Hoggard makes a complete mess of
        things and lets the ball go away for four

End of over 52 (6 runs) Australia 211/3 (lead by 246 runs)
AF Giles 9-1-46-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 50* (108b 4x4) MJ Clarke 62* (75b 10x4)

       England getting a bit ragged here, both with the bowling and with
        the fielding. This is a bit more like the Ashes we're used to
        seeing over the last few contests! Vaughan needs to use this
        drinks break to regroup.

Match State: Drinks

  52.1 Flintoff to Martyn, two runs, full and outside the off, Martyn
        eases this one through extra cover
  52.2 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, angled in to the right-handed Martyn
        from slightly wide of the crease. Defended watchfully with a
        straight bat
  52.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
        punched to point
       This is a good time to let you know that Damien Martyn has also
        gone past 4000 Test runs in the course of this innings
  52.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, left well alone outside the off stump
  52.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, slightly fuller but wide outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper
  52.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, fullish and on the pads, clipped to the
        on side

End of over 53 (2 runs) Australia 213/3 (lead by 248 runs)
A Flintoff 13-3-57-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 62* (75b 10x4) DR Martyn 52* (114b 4x4)

       As Australia begin to take control of this match, are you enjoying
        the play or tearing your hair out? Let us know at  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       Michael Vaughan taking a gamble here, giving Ian Bell a go at the
        Nursery End
  53.1 Bell to Clarke, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        straight too, defended
  53.2 Bell to Clarke, no run, on the off and a decent line and length,
        defended
  53.3 Bell to Clarke, FOUR, gentle outswinger that begins on off, but
        Clarke knows what to do with those! Driven elegantly through cover
        for a boundary
  53.4 Bell to Clarke, no run, clipped to the on side
  53.5 Bell to Clarke, no run, just a hint of away swing, on the stumps,
        defended competently
  53.6 Bell to Clarke, FOUR, lovely floating outswinger outside the off
        stump, Clarke licks his lips, picks his gap and gives the ball an
        almighty thrash through cover! This man is getting his eye well
        and truly in.

End of over 54 (8 runs) Australia 221/3 (lead by 256 runs)
IR Bell 1-0-8-0 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 52* (114b 4x4) MJ Clarke 70* (81b 12x4)

  54.1 Flintoff to Martyn, one run, inside out through cover for a single
       round the wicket to the right-hander
  54.2 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, fraction short, Clarke goes after it
        eyeing the midwicket fence but ends up with an inside edge down to
        the fine leg region
       back to over the stumps
  54.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, outside the off stump and left alone
        through to the keeper
  54.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, beaten outside the off stump by the
        extra bounce
  54.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, good length delivery outside the off
        stump, Martyn watchfully leaves it
  54.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, defended to covers

End of over 55 (2 runs) Australia 223/3 (lead by 258 runs)
A Flintoff 14-3-59-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 71* (82b 12x4) DR Martyn 53* (119b 4x4)

       Bell is out of the attack, Hoggard is back
  55.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, good length delivery outside the off
        stump, Clarke gets behind the line and defends it to the cover
        region
  55.2 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, take that! fraction short, Clarke quickly
        leans back and dispatches the ball to the midwicket region, made
        it look easy
  55.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, forced away to the cover region
       just the one slip in place now
  55.4 Hoggard to Clarke, two runs, on the middle and off stump line,
        worked away behind square on the leg side, runs hard and gets back
        comfortably for the second
  55.5 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, shot and wide outside the off stump,
        Clarke slashes hard at the ball and ends up with a thick edge down
        to the third man region
  55.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, short of a good length delivery, Martyn
        tries to pull it away, ball clips the inside edge and hits the
        pad, half hearted appeal for lbw turned down

End of over 56 (7 runs) Australia 230/3 (lead by 265 runs)
MJ Hoggard 9-0-39-1 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 78* (87b 13x4) DR Martyn 53* (120b 4x4)

  56.1 Flintoff to Clarke, FOUR, more runs! driven off the back-foot to
        the cover fence, another elegant shot
  56.2 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, driven down to the third man region,
        easy single
  56.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, angling in from outside the off stump,
        defended on the back-foot
  56.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, another good delivery, again pitched
        outside the off stump and angling in, makes Martyn defend it
  56.5 Flintoff to Martyn, FOUR, slower ball, Flintoff needs a new radar,
        ends up as a low fulltoss outside the off stump, Martyn makes good
        contact and the ball races away to the cover fence
  56.6 Flintoff to Martyn, FOUR, runs at will now, this one is on the pads
        and is beautifully turned away to the backward square leg
        boundary, end of an expensive over

End of over 57 (13 runs) Australia 243/3 (lead by 278 runs)
A Flintoff 15-3-72-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 83* (89b 14x4) DR Martyn 61* (124b 6x4)

  57.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, punched off the back foot to cover
  57.2 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, just a touch short and Clarke launches
        into that one! Pulled brutally btween the bowler and where mid-on
        might have been. What an audacious shot that is from a class act!
  57.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, driven hard but straight to the fielder
        at mid-on
  57.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and outside the off, struck
        beautifully but straight to the man at extra cover
  57.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, once again a flowing drive but straight
        to the man at cover. Clarke going for his strokes here
  57.6 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off and Clarke leaves this one alone

End of over 58 (4 runs) Australia 247/3 (lead by 282 runs)
MJ Hoggard 10-0-43-1 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 61* (124b 6x4) MJ Clarke 87* (95b 15x4)

       Clarke in imperious mood here. England will be in for some serious
        leather hunting if they don't dismiss him soon.
  58.1 Harmison to Martyn, no run, Harmison begins with a dot ball
  58.2 Harmison to Martyn, no run, fullish and on the stumps, defended
        watchfully by Martyn
  58.3 Harmison to Martyn, no run, short and a bit of width, Martyn gets
        well on top of that one and cuts to point
  58.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        played back down the pitch to the bowler
  58.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, once again just short of a length and
        on the off, Harmison can't quite generate the same pace and menace
        today as he did yesterday, defended carefully
  58.6 Harmison to Martyn, FOUR, just slightly short and a bit of width,
        Martyn sees it and laces it through cover! That is a shot of true
        class. Marto you beauty, you can almost hear the Australians
        yelling in the stands!

End of over 59 (4 runs) Australia 251/3 (lead by 286 runs)
SJ Harmison 13-4-24-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 87* (95b 15x4) DR Martyn 65* (130b 7x4)

  59.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
        the keeper
       Hoggard bowling to a 7-2 off side field now
  59.2 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, short and a bit of width, punched off
        the back foot through cover
  59.3 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Martyn has a nibble, a play and a miss after a long time from
        Martyn
  59.4 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, full and wide of off stump, Martyn
        leaves it alone with ease
  59.5 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, once again full, once again outside the
        off, left alone
  59.6 Hoggard to Martyn, no run, angling in to the stumps, defended back
        down the pitch

End of over 60 (1 run) Australia 252/3 (lead by 287 runs)
MJ Hoggard 11-0-44-1 - Nursery End
MJ Clarke 88* (97b 15x4) DR Martyn 65* (134b 7x4)

  60.1 Harmison to Clarke, no run, short and wide, Clarke goes after it
        anyway and misses
  60.2 Harmison to Clarke, no run, fuller and outside the off, Clarke
        shoulders arms and lets that one go through to Geraint Jones
  60.3 Harmison to Clarke, one run, full and on the off, defensive shot
        played, off the pad to the on side for a quick single
  60.4 Harmison to Martyn, no run, back of a length and on the off stump,
        Martyn defends carefully
  60.5 Harmison to Martyn, no run, outside the off and shaping away after
        pitching. Martyn flirts with that one and is lucky not to get an
        edge
  60.6 Harmison to Martyn, no run, Brute of a ball from Harmison climbing
        up from an awkward length. Martyn somehow manages to get bat and
        body behind it.

End of over 61 (1 run) Australia 253/3 (lead by 288 runs)
SJ Harmison 14-4-25-0 - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 89* (100b 15x4) DR Martyn 65* (137b 7x4)

  61.1 Hoggard to Clarke, two runs, fullish and outside the off, Clarke
        flashes hard and the ball flies off the edge to third man where
        Jones dives and saves two
  61.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, driven to mid-off
  61.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and oln the off, Clarke opens the
        face of the bat and runs the ball to point
  61.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, again full and far outside the off,
        driven hard to cover
  61.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, slightly closer to the stumps and Clarke
        watches it carefully and lets it go
  61.6 Hoggard to Clarke, OUT: Rush of blood from Clarke and gone! that
        was unfortunate! Clarke drives hard at a wide one and the ball
        comes back off inside edge onto his boot and then trickles back
        onto the stumps

       Australia 255/4, Partnership of 155
       MJ Clarke  b Hoggard  91 (106b 15x4 0x6)

End of over 62 (2 runs) Australia 255/4 (lead by 290 runs)
MJ Hoggard 12-0-46-2 - Nursery End
DR Martyn 65* (137b 7x4) 

       That's the wicket England were so desperately looking for. You have
        to feel for Clarke though. So close to an Ashes hundred and yet so
        far. But he's played brilliantly and the crowd at Lord's gives him
        generous applause as he walks off the field
       Disappointment for Clarke, relief for England, write in with your
        thoughts no matter who you support. At Cricinfo we welcome all
        kinds of feedback! Go to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
  62.1 Harmison to Martyn, OUT: And another! Back of a length and on the
        stumps, the ball jags back a lot and keeps a touch low, Martyn is
        trapped in front of the stumps! Unlucky for Martyn but England now
        have two in two balls!

       Australia 255/5, Partnership of 0
       DR Martyn  lbw b Harmison  65 (138b 7x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 0* (0b) SJ Harmison 14.1-4-25-1

       Here's Gilchrist now
  62.2 Harmison to Gilchrist, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        tucked away to the on side to get off the mark
       Plenty of changes being made to the field
  62.3 Harmison to Katich, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the
        off, Katich shapes to leave but the ball hits the bat and runs
        away to the third-man fence
  62.4 Harmison to Katich, no run, fuller and just a touch outside the
        off, Katich watches it carefully and leaves it alone
  62.5 Harmison to Katich, no run, short one, Katich drops his wrists and
        leaves the ball alone to the keeper
  62.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, on the stumps and full, defended to the
        on side

End of over 63 (5 runs) Australia 260/5 (lead by 295 runs)
SJ Harmison 15-4-30-1 - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 1* (1b) SM Katich 4* (4b 1x4)

       Vhange in the bowling. Flintoff comes in to bowl at the Nursery End
  63.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, fuller and on the stumps, driven to
        the on side
  63.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full and outside the off, easily
        left alone to the keeper
  63.3 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, just short of a driving length and
        outside the off once more, left alone to the keeper
  63.4 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, closer to the stumps and still that
        nagging length, defended carefully to the off side
  63.5 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, slightly fuller this time and
        Gilchrist pats the ball back to the bowler
  63.6 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, pushed to mid-off. End of a testing
        maiden over from Flintoff

End of over 64 (maiden) Australia 260/5 (lead by 295 runs)
A Flintoff 16-4-72-1 (4nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 4* (4b 1x4) AC Gilchrist 1* (7b)

  64.1 Harmison to Katich, no run, short one banged in, Katich watches as
        the ball sails over his head to the keeper
  64.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, slightly closer to Katich's half, on
        the off, played with an angled bat to point
  64.3 Harmison to Katich, one run, on the off and short of driving
        length, defended to the off for a quick single
  64.4 Harmison to Gilchrist, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        squeezed down to fine leg for a single
  64.5 Harmison to Katich, no run, on the off and full, driven to cover
  64.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, again full and a bit of width outside
        the off, punched to point

End of over 65 (2 runs) Australia 262/5 (lead by 297 runs)
SJ Harmison 16-4-32-1 - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 2* (8b) SM Katich 5* (9b 1x4)

  65.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, two runs, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Gilchrist times it sweetly through cover for a brace
  65.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, one run, back of a length and angled onto
        the pads, clipped to the on side to bring up the 300 lead!
  65.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off, left well alone
  65.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and outside the off, left alone
        once more
  65.5 Flintoff to Katich, FOUR, outside the off and full, Katich eases
        the ball perfectly into the gap to pick up a boundary
  65.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run

End of over 66 (7 runs) Australia 269/5 (lead by 304 runs)
A Flintoff 17-4-79-1 (4nb) - Nursery End
AC Gilchrist 5* (10b) SM Katich 9* (13b 2x4)

  66.1 Harmison to Gilchrist, no run, bouncer! Gilchrist thinks about
        going for the booming pull and at the last minute withdraws.
        Through to the keeper
  66.2 Harmison to Gilchrist, one run, short once more and climbing on
        Gilchrist. He plays it well standing tall and deflecting the ball
        down to fine leg
  66.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the
        Katich, watchful as ever, leaves the ball alone to Geraint Jones
  66.4 Harmison to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off
        once more. And once more Katich leaves it alone easily
  66.5 Harmison to Katich, no run, pushed across the batsman a little
        wider, Katich certainly won't consider hitting that
  66.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, close to off stump line to end the
        over, Katich defends with care

End of over 67 (1 run) Australia 270/5 (lead by 305 runs)
SJ Harmison 17-4-33-1 - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 6* (12b) SM Katich 9* (17b 2x4)

  67.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, short and just a bit of width,
        Gilchrist goes back and whacks that one through point. This man is
        not going to hang around idly!
  67.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, OUT: Gone! That's the big one! Flintoff
        works his magic yet again! Flintoff bowls a perfect delivery, line
        and length bang on target and Gilchrist can only edge this one
        back onto his stumps!

       Australia 274/6, Partnership of 19
       AC Gilchrist  b Flintoff  10 (14b 1x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 9* (17b 2x4) A Flintoff 17.2-4-83-2 (4nb)

       That's a huge wicket for England in the dying moments of the second
        day. They must feel they are back in this game, but don't forget,
        the leasd is already a very healthy 309
       Warne is the new batgsman
  67.3 Flintoff to Warne, one run, Warne walks across his stumps and
        tickles this to the on side
  67.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
        cover
  67.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, once again quite full and outside the
        off, pushed away towards point
  67.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off this time, fended away
        to point

End of over 68 (5 runs) Australia 275/6 (lead by 310 runs)
A Flintoff 18-4-84-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
SK Warne 1* (1b) SM Katich 9* (20b 2x4)

       Flintoff proving talismanic again. Bowling with great heart and
        intelligence.
  68.1 Harmison to Warne, legbye: one run, Warne walks across and tries to
        flick again, and misses, rapped on the pad. Very, very good shout
        from Harmison. Can't see why Koertzen did not give that.
  68.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, left well alone outside the off
  68.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, and once again the Ice Man of this
        team, Simon Katich, calmly lets one pass to the keeper
  68.4 Harmison to Katich, one run, back of a length and on the off,
        pushed to cover
  68.5 Harmison to Warne, no run, down the leg side. Is Harmison trying to
        bowl Warne around the legs again? Not a bad idea seeing how far
        Warne is walking across his stumps
  68.6 Harmison to Warne, one run, on the pads once again and Warne
        manages a flick down to long leg where Andrew Strauss fields well

End of over 69 (3 runs) Australia 278/6 (lead by 313 runs)
SJ Harmison 18-4-35-1 - Pavilion End
SK Warne 2* (4b) SM Katich 10* (23b 2x4)

  69.1 Flintoff to Warne, one run, full and on the stumps, worked away to
        the on side for a single
  69.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone
  69.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, defended carefully
  69.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, on the stumps and full, defended
        watchfully to the leg side
  69.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off
        and left well alone. Not much time leftr here so Katich not tking
        any chances
  69.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and speared in on the stumps,
        Katich defends manfully

End of over 70 (1 run) Australia 279/6 (lead by 314 runs)
A Flintoff 19-4-84-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
SK Warne 2* (5b) SM Katich 10* (28b 2x4)

       Nearing the end of the day's play here. Possibly the last over. Do
        be sure to send in all your comments to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       It will be Harmison to bowl the last over of the day
  70.1 Harmison to Warne, no run, just short of a good length and oiutside
        the off, Shane Warne moves across his stumps once more and defends
        energetically
  70.2 Harmison to Warne, OUT: Harmison spears a short one in, Warne tries
        to work the ball to the leg side but closes the face of the bat
        too early and can only present Giles a simple catch at gully off
        the leading edge

       Australia 279/7, Partnership of 5
       SK Warne  c Giles b Harmison  2 (7b 0x4 0x6)
       SM Katich 10* (28b 2x4) SJ Harmison 18.2-4-35-2

       With that it will be stumps for the day
       End of another rollicking day's cricket at Lord's
       This game has seen so many ups and downs already
       After a shaky start Michael Clarke played a great hand, falling
        just 9 runs short of an electric century
       Damien Martyn scored a rock solid 65 and kept his team in the game
       Through it all Stephen Harmison toiled away like a man possessed
        and was well aided by Andrew Flintoff
       Australia end the second day on 279 for 7 and lead by a very
        healthy 314

Match State: Stumps - Day 2

       We thoroughly enjoyed bringing you this day's cricket. We hope you
        enjoyed it with us. Please do send in all your comments on our
        coverage to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off, wishing you all
        a very good evening, and hoping to see you again tomorrow when we
        take up the action at 0930 GMT!
       Hello and welcome to coverage of the third day's play of this Ashes
        Test match!
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator for the day, welcoming you to
        what should be another exciting day's cricket
       The match has been set up perfectly - we have had two action-packed
        days. So much has happened with the pendulum swinging this way and
        that
       We have one bit of news for you. The official scorers have
        indicated that Ashley Giles was in fact caught behind and not hit
        wicket. We have made this change to our scorecard.
       There was much confusion over how he was out as there was a loud
        shout for the caught behind as he trod on his wicket. Well, the
        matter has been settled once and for all (we hope!) and Giles has
        been declared out caught behind
       The players are just onto the field now
       England are having a team talk in the outfield
       Australia's batsmen walk out and get ready to rejoin battle
       Conditions are quite overcast here and that is certain to help the
        bowlers
       It will be Steve Harmison to begin the attack
       Lee takes strike
  70.3 Harmison to Lee, FOUR, full and outside the off, Lee has a swish
        and the ball flies past the slips cordon and races to the third-
        man fence
  70.4 Harmison to Lee, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        defended to the on side
  70.5 Harmison to Lee, no run, quick one from Harmison cuts Lee in half,
        the ball just misses the stumps and flies through to the keeper
  70.6 Harmison to Lee, no run, back of a length and on the off now,
        defended watchfully

End of over 71 (4 runs) Australia 283/7 (lead by 318 runs)
SJ Harmison 19-4-39-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 10* (28b 2x4) B Lee 4* (4b 1x4)

  71.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and outside the off, swinging
        away, left alone to the keeper
  71.2 Flintoff to Katich, two runs, worked away through the on side for a
        couple of runs
  71.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, not much lateral movement there, left alone to the keeper
  71.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, outside the off and shaping away,
        Katich calm as ever leaves it alone to the keeper
  71.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
        left alone to end the over
  71.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, and again left well alone

End of over 72 (2 runs) Australia 285/7 (lead by 320 runs)
A Flintoff 20-4-86-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
B Lee 4* (4b 1x4) SM Katich 12* (34b 2x4)

  72.1 Harmison to Lee, no run, back of a length and on the stumps, jammed
        down to the off side
  72.2 Harmison to Lee, no run, short and lifting, a bit of width too, Lee
        tries to cut but misses
  72.3 Harmison to Lee, no run, once again short and quite wide, this time
        Lee desists from slashing. Safely through to the keeper
  72.4 Harmison to Lee, no run, back of a length and on the stumps this
        time, defended to the on side
  72.5 Harmison to Lee, one run, back of a length and outside the off,
        fended towards cover for a single
  72.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, short one climbing on Katich, left
        alone to the keeper

End of over 73 (1 run) Australia 286/7 (lead by 321 runs)
SJ Harmison 20-4-40-2 - Pavilion End
B Lee 5* (9b 1x4) SM Katich 12* (35b 2x4)

  73.1 Flintoff to Lee, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, defended with care to the off side. We haven't really
        seen Lee have a go yet
  73.2 Flintoff to Lee, no run, once again a tidy line and length and Lee
        is happy to defend
  73.3 Flintoff to Lee, no run, slanting onto the pads, defended to the on
        side
  73.4 Flintoff to Lee, no run, this one is closer to the off stump,
        climbing steeply on Lee who defends carefully
  73.5 Flintoff to Lee, two runs, Lee drives this time and the resultant
        inside edge runs down to fine leg. Lucky not to drag that back on
        the stumps is Lee
  73.6 Flintoff to Lee, one run, outside the off and full squeezed to
        third man for a single

End of over 74 (3 runs) Australia 289/7 (lead by 324 runs)
A Flintoff 21-4-89-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
B Lee 8* (15b 1x4) SM Katich 12* (35b 2x4)

  74.1 Harmison to Lee, no run, OUT! another awkward short one, Lee fends
        it towards gully and takes off for a quick single. Giles picks the
        ball up, takes aim and hits the middle stump at the bowler's end
        with a perfect direct hit! Lee's dive is in vain and England
        strike!

       Australia 289/8, Partnership of 10
       B Lee  run out (Giles)  8 (16b 1x4 0x6)

       That was a very good bit of fielding from Giles. Just what England
        needed
  74.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        once more Katich is happy to leave the ball alone
  74.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, once again outside the off, this time a
        bit fuller. Katich has no trouble whatsoever in leaving it alone
        though
  74.4 Harmison to Katich, no run
  74.5 Harmison to Katich, one run, a touch too straight this time. Katich
        is able to walk across his stumps and tuck the ball through the on
        side for a single
  74.6 Harmison to Gillespie, no run

End of over 75 (1 run) Australia 290/8 (lead by 325 runs)
SJ Harmison 21-4-41-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 13* (39b 2x4) JN Gillespie 0* (1b)

  75.1 Flintoff to Katich, two runs, full and outside the off stump,
        driven well through cover for two runs
  75.2 Flintoff to Katich, one run, short one, Katich goes for the pull
        but does not quite get hold of it, the ball lands safely between
        two fielders
       There's a deep midwicket, cover point, long leg and third man
  75.3 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        quick too, defended carefully
  75.4 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, far outside the off stump this time
        and Gillespie can leave it alone with ease
  75.5 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, once again left alone to the keeper
  75.6 Flintoff to Gillespie, FOUR, back of a length and slipping onto the
        pads, Gillespie manages to walk across his stumps and turn the
        ball down to the fine-leg fence

End of over 76 (7 runs) Australia 297/8 (lead by 332 runs)
A Flintoff 22-4-96-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 16* (41b 2x4) JN Gillespie 4* (5b 1x4)

  76.1 Harmison to Katich, one run, back of a length and outside the off
        stump, Katich angles the bat and eases the ball past cover for a
        single
  76.2 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, slightly fuller, but only just, the
        ball does not rise much and Gillespie fends at it awkwardly. It
        lands at his feet
  76.3 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, a touch of inswing there as Harmison
        pushes one in quick, Gillespie watches it carefully and defends
        off the back foot
  76.4 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, and once again Gillespie is careful
        in defense as he watches a short one right onto his bat
  76.5 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, Harmison goes for the full one this
        time and it's on the stumps. Gillespie brings his bat down quickly
        and jams the ball away to the leg sinde
  76.6 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and outside the
        off, a hint of late away swing. Gillespie leaves that alone to the
        keeper

End of over 77 (1 run) Australia 298/8 (lead by 333 runs)
SJ Harmison 22-4-42-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 17* (42b 2x4) JN Gillespie 4* (10b 1x4)

  77.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, slightly full and outside the off,
        Flintoff operating from round the wicket to the left-handed
        Katich, who shoulders arms and lets the ball sail through to the
        keeper
  77.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, short and quick, not especially well
        directed, Katich moves across and lets the ball go past him to the
        keeper
  77.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, on the off this time and just short of
        a driving length, defended
  77.4 Flintoff to Katich, FOUR, short and wide, Katich loves it there. He
        goes for the cut and does not even bother to keep the ball down.
        The ball sails over gully and races to the fence behind point
  77.5 Flintoff to Katich, FOUR, once again too much room outside the off
        but this time Katich opts for the traditional square cut. He goes
        back and across and cracks that in front of point to the fence.
        That is a beautiful stroke from a man brought up batting on the
        WACA!
  77.6 Flintoff to Katich, FOUR, on the pads this time and full, Katich
        makes it three in three, tickling the ball very fine to the fence.
        Long leg has no chance of cutting this off! Good over that for
        Australia!

End of over 78 (12 runs) Australia 310/8 (lead by 345 runs)
A Flintoff 23-4-108-2 (4nb) - Nursery End
JN Gillespie 4* (10b 1x4) SM Katich 29* (48b 5x4)

  78.1 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and outside the
        off, left well alone to the keeper
       Two slips and a short leg in place for Gillespie
  78.2 Harmison to Gillespie, FOUR, quick one but not terribly well
        directed, Gillespie helps the ball along on its way to the fine-
        leg fence
  78.3 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, good yorker to follow from Harmison,
        Gillespie is up for it and digs the ball out
  78.4 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, on the pads and full, worked away to
        the on side
  78.5 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, short one that gets quite big on
        Gillespie. Once again the No. 10 batsman is up for it, defended
        carefully
  78.6 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, shout for lbw as the ball hits pad
        but it's clearly missing leg

End of over 79 (4 runs) Australia 314/8 (lead by 349 runs)
SJ Harmison 23-4-46-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 29* (48b 5x4) JN Gillespie 8* (16b 2x4)

       Change in the bowling from the Nursery End. Matthew Hoggard comes
        on.
  79.1 Hoggard to Katich, three runs, full and on the off, Katich scoops
        this one beautifully, lofting it over the man at short cover to
        take three runs as the ball runs into the outfield and Bell fields
  79.2 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and on the off,
        Gillespie defends with an angled bat and the ball runs to the off
        side
  79.3 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, much fuller, much straighter, but the
        broad bat of Gillespie defends
  79.4 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone to the keeper
  79.5 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, once again Gillespie keeps it simple
        and defends
  79.6 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off, Gillespie contents himself with pushing the ball
        to cover

End of over 80 (3 runs) Australia 317/8 (lead by 352 runs)
MJ Hoggard 13-0-49-2 - Nursery End
SM Katich 32* (49b 5x4) JN Gillespie 8* (21b 2x4)

       80 overs gone and England waste no time in taking the new ball
  80.1 Harmison to Katich, FOUR, Harmison digs one in short and Katich
        takes first bite of this new cherry pulling beautifully in front
        of square. Cracking shot!
  80.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, quite wide down the leg side this time
        and left alone
  80.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
        the keeper
  80.4 Harmison to Katich, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        Katich works the ball to fine leg and takes a single
  80.5 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, nack of a length and outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper
  80.6 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and pacy, jagging
        back sharply into Gillespie. He tries to defend but the ball
        misses bat and strikes him on the body

End of over 81 (5 runs) Australia 322/8 (lead by 357 runs)
SJ Harmison 24-4-51-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 37* (53b 6x4) JN Gillespie 8* (23b 2x4)

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        mmentary.html
  81.1 Hoggard to Katich, two runs, just a bit of width outside the off
        and Katich squeezes the ball past point for a couple of runs
  81.2 Hoggard to Katich, no run, fuller this time and outside the off,
        left alone to the keeper on this occasion
  81.3 Hoggard to Katich, no run, again just short of a length and the
        ball does not swing, left alone to the keeper
  81.4 Hoggard to Katich, two runs, outside the off once again and easily
        worked to third man for more runs
  81.5 Hoggard to Katich, no run, full and far wide of the stumps, left
        alone
  81.6 Hoggard to Katich, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, just a hint of inswing but not enough to worry Katich who
        shoulders arms and lets the ball go to the keeper

End of over 82 (4 runs) Australia 326/8 (lead by 361 runs)
MJ Hoggard 14-0-53-2 - Nursery End
JN Gillespie 8* (23b 2x4) SM Katich 41* (59b 6x4)

  82.1 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, on the off, short of a good length,
        defended to the leg side
  82.2 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, short one just outside the off, this
        one does not quite bounce as much as Gillespie expects it, off the
        inside edge to the leg side
  82.3 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, anoher short one climbing on
        Gillespie. He manages to defend well, watching the ball carefully
  82.4 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, slightly fuller, very quick, bat
        misses ball and hits Gillespie in the unmentionables. That is a
        very painful blow. Gillespie grimaces and drops to the floor
        immediately. That is very painful.
  82.5 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, full and wide of the stumps,
        Gillespie defends towards point
  82.6 Harmison to Gillespie, no run, short one outside the off, left
        alone to the keeper

End of over 83 (maiden) Australia 326/8 (lead by 361 runs)
SJ Harmison 25-5-51-2 - Pavilion End
SM Katich 41* (59b 6x4) JN Gillespie 8* (29b 2x4)

  83.1 Hoggard to Katich, no run, full and outside the off, Katich leaves
        it alone
  83.2 Hoggard to Katich, no run, full and on the off, driven well towards
        mid-off
  83.3 Hoggard to Katich, no run, fuller still, looking for that inswing
        to the left-handed batsman, defended carefullyto the off side
  83.4 Hoggard to Katich, (noball) one run, short one this time and a
        rasping pull from Katich, the ball races away towards the boundary
        but Andrew Strauss comes across well at long leg and fields
  83.4 Hoggard to Gillespie, (noball) no run, left alone outside the off
        stump, but one run results as it's a no-ball again
  83.4 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run
  83.5 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run
  83.6 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run

End of over 84 (3 runs) Australia 329/8 (lead by 364 runs)
MJ Hoggard 15-0-56-2 (2nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 42* (63b 6x4) JN Gillespie 8* (33b 2x4)

       Aleem Dar calls the drinks onto the field

Match State: Drinks

       Harmison to continue
       two slips in place for Katich
  84.1 Harmison to Katich, no run, bouncer, 81.5 mph delivery, Katich
        comfortably ducks under it
  84.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, beauty, short of a good length and
        angling across the left-hander, draws Katich into the shot and
        beats him
  84.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, again fraction short, forced away off
        the back-foot to the point region
  84.4 Harmison to Katich, no run, another short of a good length delivery
        angling across the left-hander, this one is bit wider and is left
        alone by Katich
  84.5 Harmison to Katich, no run, wide outside the off stump, Jones is
        the only person interested
  84.6 Harmison to Katich, no run, finishes off the over with a bouncer to
        keep Katich away from the strike

End of over 85 (maiden) Australia 329/8 (lead by 364 runs)
SJ Harmison 26-6-51-2 - Pavilion End
JN Gillespie 8* (33b 2x4) SM Katich 42* (69b 6x4)

  85.1 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        defended to the off side
  85.2 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, and once again Gillespie shows the
        full face of the bat and defends
  85.3 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, dabbed down to gully
  85.4 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, outside the off and a hint of away
        movement, Gillespie looks to drive and misses
  85.5 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, fuller and on the stumps, defended
        watchfully back down the pitch
  85.6 Hoggard to Gillespie, no run, once again very full and very
        straight. Once again Gillespie defends

End of over 86 (maiden) Australia 329/8 (lead by 364 runs)
MJ Hoggard 16-1-56-2 (2nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 42* (69b 6x4) JN Gillespie 8* (39b 2x4)

       Flintoff replaces Harmison at the Pavilion End
  86.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone to the keeper. Decent line and length to start
        with from Flintoff
  86.2 Flintoff to Katich, one run, fuller and on the off, Katich opens
        the face of the bat and runs the ball down to cover for a single.
        Flintoff not that quick so far, just 78 mph that ball.
  86.3 Flintoff to Gillespie, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        Gillespie turns it to square leg where Jones fumbles the ball and
        allows Gillespie to get off the strike
  86.4 Flintoff to Katich, one run, back of a length and outside the off,
        played down to third man for a single
  86.5 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, very full this time and quite
        straight, Gillespie defends stoically again
  86.6 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, that one is outside the off and back
        of a length but keeps a bit low and beats Gillespie's bat on the
        way to the keeper

End of over 87 (3 runs) Australia 332/8 (lead by 367 runs)
A Flintoff 24-4-111-2 (4nb) - Pavilion End
SM Katich 44* (72b 6x4) JN Gillespie 9* (42b 2x4)

  87.1 SP Jones to Katich, one run, Jones comes into the attack and pushes
        one through full and wide of off stump, driven to third man for a
        single
  87.2 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, full and on the off, a hint of away
        swing. Gillespie pokes and edges. The simplest of catches goes to
        Geraint Jones and he goes one handed and grasses it! That's a very
        poor effort from Geraint Jones going one handed and late.
  87.3 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, loud shout for the lbw but the ball
        is going well down the leg side
  87.4 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, big swing and miss outside the off
        stumps
  87.5 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, another good ball from Jones testing
        Gillespie with pace and late movement, played at and missed
  87.6 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, just short of a good length and on
        the off, Gillespie stands tall and defends

End of over 88 (1 run) Australia 333/8 (lead by 368 runs)
SP Jones 12-1-47-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 45* (73b 6x4) JN Gillespie 9* (47b 2x4)

  88.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, left well alone outside the off
  88.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, this one is further wide and angling
        away as well, poked at and missed
  88.3 Flintoff to Katich, two runs, back of a length and on the pads,
        easily worked away for two runs backward of square on the leg side
  88.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, left well alone this time
  88.5 Flintoff to Katich, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        tucked away neatly towards midwicket for a single
  88.6 Flintoff to Gillespie, no run, quick one jagging back into the
        right-handed Gillespie, rapped on the pad

End of over 89 (3 runs) Australia 336/8 (lead by 371 runs)
A Flintoff 25-4-114-2 (4nb) - Pavilion End
SM Katich 48* (78b 6x4) JN Gillespie 9* (48b 2x4)

  89.1 SP Jones to Katich, no run, outside the off and quite full, easily
        left alone to the wicketkeeper, and yeah, he catches this one
  89.2 SP Jones to Katich, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        clipped away off the hips to the midwicket region for a single
  89.3 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, full and straight, Gillespie works
        the ball to Ian Bell under the helmet at short leg
  89.4 SP Jones to Gillespie, no run, quick and into the blockhole,
        Gillespie is unperturbed as he defends stoutly
  89.5 SP Jones to Gillespie, FOUR, short and quick, slipping down the leg
        side, Gillespie manages to get some bat or glove on that and the
        ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary. That brings up
        the 50 of the partnership!
  89.6 SP Jones to Gillespie, OUT: Terrific ball from Jones and he gets
        his reward! On the off stump, climbing just enough to hit the top
        of the stump, Gillespie plays down the wrong line and Jones
        strikes! Just reward for a bowler who has toiled hard

       Australia 341/9, Partnership of 52
       JN Gillespie  b SP Jones  13 (52b 3x4 0x6)

End of over 90 (5 runs) Australia 341/9 (lead by 376 runs)
SP Jones 13-1-52-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 49* (80b 6x4) 

       Glenn McGrath comes out to bat. Now this should be fun!
       But it will be Katich to face as the wicket fell off the last ball
        of the previous over
  90.1 Flintoff to Katich, one run, full and on the pads, Katich works the
        ball to the man at long leg and takes the single that will give
        him a very well-deserved half-century! Top knock from him once
        again!
  90.2 Flintoff to McGrath, one run, back of a length and on the off,
        McGrath defends towards cover and pinches a single to get off the
        strike
  90.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, fullish and on the stumps, defended
  90.4 Flintoff to Katich, (noball) one run, full and on the stumps,
        driven to mid-on for a single
  90.4 Flintoff to McGrath, legbye: one run, on the stumps and somehow
        McGrath gets something on it and takes off for a single
  90.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, defended to cover
  90.6 Flintoff to Katich, FOUR, too full, too wide and Katich unfurls one
        of those trademark languid cover-drives! The ball screams to the
        cover fence! Shot!

End of over 91 (9 runs) Australia 350/9 (lead by 385 runs)
A Flintoff 26-4-122-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
GD McGrath 1* (2b) SM Katich 55* (85b 7x4)

  91.1 SP Jones to McGrath, FOUR, on the pads and McGrath flicks that away
        nonchalantly to the square-leg fence! Top piece of timing from
        McGrath gets him four!
  91.2 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        the ball swings away a touch and McGrath misses it. Then again so
        does Geraint Jones, fumbling the most straightforward of
        collections
  91.3 SP Jones to McGrath, one run, very full and on the pads, McGrath
        once again unveils the flick, tucking the ball away to long leg
        with relish
  91.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, now Jones gets his line and length
        right, with Katich on strike, left alone to the keeper
  91.5 SP Jones to Katich, one run, very full and very straight, punched
        to mid-off for a quick single
  91.6 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, McGrath is up to the task of keeping a
        full one out and Australia's lead inches up towards 400

End of over 92 (6 runs) Australia 356/9 (lead by 391 runs)
SP Jones 14-1-58-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 56* (87b 7x4) GD McGrath 6* (6b 1x4)

  92.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and on the stumps, defended back
        down the pitch
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  92.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off stump, left well alone to the keeper
  92.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, back of a good length and on the
        stumps, defended down the pitch with soft hands and a straight bat
  92.4 Flintoff to Katich, one run, enough room outside the off for Katich
        to defend and steal a single as the ball rolls towards cover
  92.5 Flintoff to McGrath, no run, short one at McGrath, he moves across
        and has a swat at it, smiles all round as the ball sails through
        to the keeper
  92.6 Flintoff to McGrath, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        pads, clipped to square leg

End of over 93 (1 run) Australia 357/9 (lead by 392 runs)
A Flintoff 27-4-123-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
SM Katich 57* (91b 7x4) GD McGrath 6* (8b 1x4)

  93.1 SP Jones to Katich, one run, dribbled down to mid-on for a single
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  93.2 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, another short one, McGrath plays and
        misses
  93.3 SP Jones to McGrath, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
        flicked down to long leg
  93.4 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a driving length and this
        one gets a bit big on Katich who defends
  93.5 SP Jones to Katich, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper as lunch beckons
  93.6 SP Jones to Katich, no run, slightly fuller, outside the off, left
        alone once more

End of over 94 (2 runs) Australia 359/9 (lead by 394 runs)
SP Jones 15-1-60-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
GD McGrath 7* (10b 1x4) SM Katich 58* (95b 7x4)

       Giles into the attack for what could be the last over before lunch
  94.1 Giles to McGrath, one run, tossed up and on the off from round the
        wicket, whipped through midwicket for a single
  94.2 Giles to Katich, no run, flatter and on the off, Katich defends
        carefully
  94.3 Giles to Katich, no run, slightly slower and on the off, Katich
        defends with utmost caution
  94.4 Giles to Katich, one run, slightly short and on the off, Katich has
        time to ease the ball past mid-on for a single
  94.5 Giles to McGrath, two runs, flat and on the pads, McGrath heaves
        that past short fine leg for a couple of runs. There's the sweep
        from McGrath, what next?
  94.6 Giles to McGrath, legbye: one run, another sweep, but not a clean
        connection this time and a single results as the ball squirts down
        towards fine leg

End of over 95 (5 runs) Australia 364/9 (lead by 399 runs)
AF Giles 10-1-50-0 - Pavilion End
GD McGrath 10* (13b 1x4) SM Katich 59* (98b 7x4)

  95.1 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        McGrath defends carefully back down the pitch. He's not taking any
        chances against Jones yet.
  95.2 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, bouncer attempted, but the ball does
        not really get up very high. McGrath still manages to duck under
        it
  95.3 SP Jones to McGrath, legbye: one run, very full and on the pads,
        McGrath flicks and misses, the ball goes off pad towards fine leg
  95.4 SP Jones to Katich, one run, once again on the pads and quite full,
        easily turned to long leg
  95.5 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, McGrath defends carefully back down the pitch
  95.6 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, almost the perfect yorker and somehow
        McGrath keeps it out by jamming his bat quickly down on the ball

End of over 96 (2 runs) Australia 366/9 (lead by 401 runs)
SP Jones 16-1-61-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 60* (99b 7x4) GD McGrath 10* (18b 1x4)

  96.1 Giles to Katich, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
        back towards the bowler
  96.2 Giles to Katich, two runs, steered down to third man and Katich
        sprints across for two
  96.3 Giles to Katich, FOUR, tossed up just a touch extra and Katich is
        able to get his foot to the ball and time the ball sweetly through
        extra cover. That is a top shot from Katich!
  96.4 Giles to Katich, no run, full again and on the off, this time
        stroked to cover
  96.5 Giles to Katich, no run, flat and on the off, defended watchfully
  96.6 Giles to Katich, no run, Katich defends carefully and you can make
        sure his mates would have laid out a good lunch for this man! Well
        played Katich and Australia are still at the crease as we go in to
        lunch

End of over 97 (6 runs) Australia 372/9 (lead by 407 runs)
AF Giles 11-1-56-0 - Pavilion End
GD McGrath 10* (18b 1x4) SM Katich 66* (105b 8x4)

Match State: Lunch - Day 3

       Australia have a massive lead of 407 now. It's going to be very
        hard work for England from here on in this Test.
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for the moment.
        We'll be back with all the action from the post-lunch session in
        about 30 minutes time, at 12.10 GMT. Be sure you're with us then!
       Do send all your feedback to us. We love to hear from you.
        http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       And here we go again. This is Anand Vasu, your commentator,
        welcoming you back to Cricinfo's coverage of this Ashes Test.
       For those of you just logging on, Australia lead by a mammoth 407
        and have one wicket in hand. Play is about to get under way
  97.1 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, full and on the off, swinging late,
        McGrath plays and misses
  97.2 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, straight one this time, defended
        carefully
  97.3 SP Jones to McGrath, FOUR, short and wide, McGrath leans back and
        square cuts magnificently. That is some shot from the Pigeon!
  97.4 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, full and on the stumps, defended back
        down the pitch
  97.5 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, full and wide outside the off, McGrath
        obliges with a regulation edge to Flintoff at second slip and he
        grasses it! Can you believe it? Jones now has four catches dropped
        off his bowling
  97.6 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, defended back down the pitch

End of over 98 (4 runs) Australia 376/9 (lead by 411 runs)
SP Jones 17-1-65-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 66* (105b 8x4) GD McGrath 14* (24b 2x4)

  98.1 Harmison to Katich, no run, full and on the stumps, worked away to
        the on side
  98.2 Harmison to Katich, one run, steered past cover
  98.3 Harmison to McGrath, two runs, full and outside the off, McGrath
        gets on the front foot and strokes the ball gracefully through the
        covers
  98.4 Harmison to McGrath, bye: one run, short and down the leg side,
        left alone, Jones fumbles it
  98.5 Harmison to Katich, no run
  98.6 Harmison to Katich, no run

End of over 99 (4 runs) Australia 380/9 (lead by 415 runs)
SJ Harmison 27-6-54-2 - Pavilion End
GD McGrath 16* (26b 2x4) SM Katich 67* (109b 8x4)

  99.1 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, left well alone to the keep[er
  99.2 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, back of a length and on the off,
        defended watchfully
  99.3 SP Jones to McGrath, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        played at and missed
  99.4 SP Jones to McGrath, no run
  99.5 SP Jones to McGrath, FOUR, on the pads and very full, McGrath whips
        it beautifully through square leg for a boundary
  99.6 SP Jones to McGrath, no run

End of over 100 (4 runs) Australia 384/9 (lead by 419 runs)
SP Jones 18-1-69-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
SM Katich 67* (109b 8x4) GD McGrath 20* (32b 3x4)

 100.1 Harmison to Katich, no run, short one, McGrath cops it hard on the
        glove and it flies up in the air, Jones comes running in from
        nbehind the stumps and dives but can't hold on to it!
       McGrath is in pain though. That was a hard knock.
 100.2 Harmison to Katich, no run, short one, Katich watches it carefully
        and ducks under the ball
 100.3 Harmison to Katich, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        slanting away from the left-handed Katich who has a waft and
        misses
 100.4 Harmison to Katich, no run, once again outside the off and short of
        a good length, left well alone this time
 100.5 Harmison to Katich, OUT: short one from Harmison, Katich can't
        resist having a go, he has a uppercut, sending the ball high and
        wide, Simon Jones runs around at third man and pouches the catch!

       Australia 384/10, Partnership of 43
       SM Katich  c SP Jones b Harmison  67 (114b 8x4 0x6)
       GD McGrath 20* (32b 3x4) SJ Harmison 27.5-6-54-3

       That's the end of the Australian innings. England are left chasing
        420 for an unlikely win
       It's going to be hard work, but there's plenty of time and action
        left in this match yet!
       There will be a short break now as the English prepare to bat.
        Don't go anywhere, the action resumes in less than 10 minutes!
       Please do take the chance to write in with all your feedback on our
        coverage and the game  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       And welcome back! Play resumes at Lord's and we're down to the
        business end of things! The final innings.
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, and the excitement is
        palpable
   0.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, McGrath bang on target first up.
        Fullish and on the stumps. Defended carefully
   0.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just outside the off and already a
        hint of swing, left well alone by Trescothick
   0.3 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, on the stumps, just a hint of seam
        movement, defended away to the on side for the first run of this
        innings
   0.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short and a bit of width outside the
        off, left well alone to the keeper
   0.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, good one from McGrath just a sliver
        outside the off and lifting well, left alone as the ball shapes in
        to the left-handed Strauss
   0.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, another perfectly pitched McGrath
        delivery brings an end to the over

End of over 1 (1 run) England 1/0 (419 more runs req)
GD McGrath 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 1* (3b) AJ Strauss 0* (3b)

   1.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        defended
   1.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, quick one climbing on Trescothick,
        defended watchfully
   1.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, quick and straight, Trescothick gets
        behind the line of the ball well and defends to the on side
   1.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, bouncer banged in, Trescothick wants
        none of it and ducks
   1.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off this time,
        Trescothick leaves it alone to the keeper
   1.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and straight, defended to the off
        and Lee begins with a maiden

End of over 2 (maiden) England 1/0 (419 more runs req)
B Lee 1-1-0-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 0* (3b) ME Trescothick 1* (9b)

   2.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, shaping away
        just a touch, left alone to the keeper
   2.2 McGrath to Strauss, one run, a bit too straight and Strauss can
        work the ball to the leg side to get off the mark
   2.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the off,
        edged to slip but the ball does not carry
   2.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, well pitched up on the stumps,
        defended to the off side
   2.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, played and missed
   2.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        tapped to the on side

End of over 3 (1 run) England 2/0 (418 more runs req)
GD McGrath 2-0-2-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 1* (5b) ME Trescothick 1* (13b)

   3.1 Lee to Strauss, one run, on the pads and back of a length, worked
        to the on side for another single
   3.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and outside the off
        stump, driven tentatively towards mid-off
   3.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short one, well directed too,
        Trescothick half ducks into this one and cops a painful blow on
        the body
   3.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, another pacy ball, this time on the off
        and punched back down the pitch to the bowler
   3.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and swinging late, defended
        towards the off side
   3.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, another one dug in short and once more
        Trescothick can't get out of the way quick enough and is hit on
        the body. Good pace and bounce from Lee in this fiery opening
        spell

End of over 4 (1 run) England 3/0 (417 more runs req)
B Lee 2-1-1-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 2* (6b) ME Trescothick 1* (18b)

   4.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a driving length and on
        the stumps, defended back down the pitch with a straight bat
   4.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, again perfect line and length, defended
        to the off side, not much more you can do with that
   4.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, perfect shape once more away from the
        batsman, McGrath bowling a good spell here first up, left alone to
        the keeper
   4.4 McGrath to Strauss, one run, a touch straight and Strauss works the
        ball to long leg for a single
   4.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fullish and outside the off,
        Trescothick takes his bat well inside the line of the ball and
        leaves it alone to the keeper
   4.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the pads,
        defended back towards the on side

End of over 5 (1 run) England 4/0 (416 more runs req)
GD McGrath 3-0-3-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 3* (10b) ME Trescothick 1* (20b)

   5.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, back of a length and on the stumps, played
        back down the pitch to Lee
   5.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, short and quick, more than 92 mph, Strauss
        ducks under it. Lee working up a fair pace
   5.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, pushed through a bit fuller and just
        outside the off stump, Strauss leaves it alone
   5.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, on the stumps and shaping away, driven to
        mid-off
   5.5 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, overpitched and just enough width outside the
        off for Strauss to lean into the shot and time the ball well
        through cover for the first boundary of the innings
   5.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick and full outside the off, this time
        Strauss resists temptation and leaves the ball alone

End of over 6 (4 runs) England 8/0 (412 more runs req)
B Lee 3-1-5-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 1* (20b) AJ Strauss 7* (16b 1x4)

   6.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and on the off, defended back
        down the pitch
   6.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, outside the off and left alone with
        ease. McGrath has come round the wicket.
   6.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, and again left alone outside the
        off
   6.4 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, slanting in to the left hander and
        Trescothick uses the angle to work the ball to long leg for a
        single
   6.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, the ball lands on the seam and moves away a touch, left
        alone
   6.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, this one comes in with the angle but
        starts wide enough outside the off for Strauss to leave alone

End of over 7 (1 run) England 9/0 (411 more runs req)
GD McGrath 4-0-4-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 2* (24b) AJ Strauss 7* (18b 1x4)

   7.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and quick. The ball
        climbs on Trescothick but he defends well
   7.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, bouncer this time. Lee bends his back.
        Trescothick is happy to just duck.
   7.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short one, does not quite get up as
        much as Trescothick expects, worked to the on side to Gillespie at
        square leg
   7.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, fuller, quicker, outside the off, left
        alone to the keeper
   7.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length but down the leg side
        and poses no problems for Trescothick
   7.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and on the off, driven to point

End of over 8 (maiden) England 9/0 (411 more runs req)
B Lee 4-2-5-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 7* (18b 1x4) ME Trescothick 2* (30b)

   8.1 McGrath to Strauss, two runs, full and on the off, squeezed through
        cover for a brace
   8.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, angling in to Strauss from round the
        wicket, dabbed to the on side
   8.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full once more and on the stumps,
        punched back down the pitch
   8.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just back of a length and outside the
        off, inviting Strauss to drive, he resists
   8.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, from over the
        wicket now and slanting away, left alone to the keeper
   8.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, back of a length and on the pads,
        fended awkwardly to the on side past the man under the helmet at
        short leg

End of over 9 (2 runs) England 11/0 (409 more runs req)
GD McGrath 5-0-6-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 2* (30b) AJ Strauss 9* (24b 1x4)

   9.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left alone to the keeper
   9.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short one on the stumps, Trescothick
        ducks under it
   9.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        defended to the off side
   9.4 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, back of a length and enough width for
        Trescothick to free his arms and crack the ball to the point fence
   9.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the off,
        defended to the off side
   9.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full this time and outside the off,
        punched to mid-off

End of over 10 (4 runs) England 15/0 (405 more runs req)
B Lee 5-2-9-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 9* (24b 1x4) ME Trescothick 6* (36b 1x4)

  10.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a length and on the
        stumps, Strauss lets it go purely on height and the ball sails
        through to the keeper
  10.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        defended towards cover
  10.3 McGrath to Strauss, two runs, back of a length and on the pads,
        tucked through square leg for a couple
  10.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, on the stumps, just short of a length,
        left alone to the keeper, Strauss has judged McGrath to perfection
        so far
  10.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fullish and a shade outside the off,
        defended back towards mid-off
  10.6 McGrath to Strauss, one run, nurdled to the on side for a sharp
        single

End of over 11 (3 runs) England 18/0 (402 more runs req)
GD McGrath 6-0-9-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 12* (30b 1x4) ME Trescothick 6* (36b 1x4)

       Gillespie comes in to bowl replacing Brett Lee
  11.1 Gillespie to Strauss, FOUR, short one to begin with from Gillespie,
        a bit of a loosener, and Strauss plays a magnificent pull shot for
        four!
  11.2 Gillespie to Strauss, no run, slightly fuller than the last one and
        outside the off, left alone to the keeper
  11.3 Gillespie to Strauss, one run, back of a length and outside the
        off, Strauss defends unconvincingly and the ball goes off the
        inside edge, just misses the stumps and runs down to fine leg
  11.4 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off,
        slanting away, left alone to the keeper
  11.5 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, Gillespie finding some rhythm
        there, outside the off and quite full, left alone
  11.6 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, once again good line and length
        and Trescothick leaves it alone to the keeper. Gillespie bowling a
        tidy over after that half-tracker he began with.

End of over 12 (5 runs) England 23/0 (397 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 1-0-5-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 17* (33b 2x4) ME Trescothick 6* (39b 1x4)

Match State: Drinks

       Drinks are on the field
       McGrath to continue
  12.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, good length delivery close to the off
        stump line, Strauss pushes forward to defend and the ball rolls
        away to the square leg region after clipping the inside edge
  12.2 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, short and pulled away to the fine leg
        fence, easy runs
  12.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, left alone outside the off stump, bit
        too wide to make the batsman play at that
  12.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, probing delivery, on the middle and off
        stump line, Strauss gets behind the line and defends it with a
        straight bat
  12.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, excellent delivery, pitched in line
        with the stumps and angling across the left-hander, draws Strauss
        into the drive and beats him all ends up
  12.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, again on the stumps and angling across,
        this time Strauss gets right behind the line and defends it back
        to the bowler

End of over 13 (4 runs) England 27/0 (393 more runs req)
GD McGrath 7-0-13-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 6* (39b 1x4) AJ Strauss 21* (39b 3x4)

       Gillespie to continue from the Nursery End
  13.1 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, left alone outside the off stump
  13.2 Gillespie to Trescothick, FOUR, shot! fraction short and angling
        across the left-hander, Trescothick stands tall on the back-foot
        and punches it away to the cover boundary, took at the top of the
        bounce and placed it to perfection
  13.3 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, defended back to the bowler
  13.4 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, outside the off stump and
        Trescothick leaves it for the keeper
  13.5 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, pitched up wide outside the off
        stump and angling away further, too wide to make the batsman play
        at it
  13.6 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run

End of over 14 (4 runs) England 31/0 (389 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 2-0-9-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 21* (39b 3x4) ME Trescothick 10* (45b 2x4)

  14.1 McGrath to Strauss, one run, too straight from McGrath and quite
        full, Strauss can easily work it away to fine leg
  14.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, back of a length this time and
        outside the off, left well alone
  14.3 McGrath to Trescothick, FOUR, outside the off and full, Trescothick
        opens the face of the bat and defends. The ball runs to the third-
        man fence off the outside edge
  14.4 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, punched just wide of mid-off
  14.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, straight, on the stumps, back of a
        length, knocked to the on side
  14.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, pushed to point

End of over 15 (6 runs) England 37/0 (383 more runs req)
GD McGrath 8-0-19-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 15* (48b 3x4) AJ Strauss 22* (42b 3x4)

  15.1 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, excellent delivery from Gillespie
        pitching just outside the off and shaping in, left alone and the
        ball just passes the off stump
  15.2 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, full and a bit of pace, outside
        the off, left alone and the ball carries nicely to the keeper
  15.3 Gillespie to Trescothick, (noball) no run, back of a length and on
        the off, defended to the off side, no-ball called
  15.3 Gillespie to Trescothick, (noball) no run, and another no-ball!
        Just when Gillespie was finding some rhythm ...
  15.3 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, fuller and outside the off,
        angling away, left alone to the keeper
  15.4 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the stumps,
        defended towards cover
  15.5 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the pads,
        flick played and missed, off the pads to the on side
  15.6 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, thrown out a bit wider, short of
        a length as well, left alone

End of over 16 (2 runs) England 39/0 (381 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 3-0-11-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 22* (42b 3x4) ME Trescothick 15* (56b 3x4)

       Lee comes into the attack
  16.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, clipped to the on side
  16.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, defended towards
        cover
  16.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, this one is quick and outside the off and
        keeps a touch low, Strauss plays at it and misses, that is an
        awkward bounce
  16.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, dug in a touch short and on the stumps,
        defended to the off side with an angled bat
  16.5 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, short and on the stumps, pulled away
        beautifully by Strauss. He does play this shot especially well.
        Struck well in front of square.
  16.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and outside the off, through to the
        keeper

End of over 17 (4 runs) England 43/0 (377 more runs req)
B Lee 6-2-13-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 15* (56b 3x4) AJ Strauss 26* (48b 4x4)

  17.1 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and outside the
        off, left alone to the keeper
  17.2 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, back of a length once more and
        outside the off, left alone with ease
  17.3 Gillespie to Trescothick, no run, outside the off once more,
        slightly short, left alone to the keeper
  17.4 Gillespie to Trescothick, one run, eased through the off side for a
        single to give Strauss the strike
  17.5 Gillespie to Strauss, no run, another good ball from Gillespie,
        well left by Strauss
  17.6 Gillespie to Strauss, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left alone to the keeper

End of over 18 (1 run) England 44/0 (376 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 4-0-12-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 16* (60b 3x4) AJ Strauss 26* (50b 4x4)

       England doing well here seeing off McGrath and being patient
        against Gillespie and Lee. How long will it be before we see Warne
        in the attack?
  18.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, pushed to cover
  18.2 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, full and wide, Trescothick drives at it
        and finds the gap, the ball goes past gully and runs down to the
        third man fence
  18.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, the response from Lee is stirring! A
        quick bouncer flies past the outside edge at 92.3 mph
  18.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, and another quick bouncer! Trescothick
        carefully takes evasive action
  18.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run
  18.6 Lee to Trescothick, three runs, just short of a length and outside
        the off, edged to Warne at slip. The ball bounces just in front of
        Warne and runs down towards third man off the hand, Ponting gives
        good chase and pulls the ball in just short of the ropes

End of over 19 (7 runs) England 51/0 (369 more runs req)
B Lee 7-2-20-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 23* (66b 4x4) AJ Strauss 26* (50b 4x4)

       Warne into the attack
  19.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and on the off, defended
        carefully
  19.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, outside the off and full, kicked away
        to the off side
  19.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, outside the off and spinning in,
        Trescothick kicks the ball away and is greeted by a loud shout for
        the lbw. Tough call that but this is a dangerous way to play Warne
  19.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, and again Trescothick pads up and
        this is even closer! Loud, loud shout! Again Aleem Dar says not
        out
  19.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run, clipped to the on side
  19.6 Warne to Trescothick, FOUR, outside the off and tossed up,
        Trescothick crunches that through cover in fine style to end
        Warne's first over of the second innings

End of over 20 (4 runs) England 55/0 (365 more runs req)
SK Warne 1-0-4-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 26* (50b 4x4) ME Trescothick 27* (72b 5x4)

  20.1 Lee to Strauss, no run
  20.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick bouncer, 92.7 mph, Strauss does well
        to get quickly out of the way of that one
  20.3 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, fuller and outside the off, Strauss runs this
        one through gully for a boundary
  20.4 Lee to Strauss, one run, clipped to the on side for a quick single
  20.5 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, back of a length and outside the off,
        Trescothick waits on it and punches well through cover, excellent
        timing and Clarke can't cut it off
  20.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, predictable response! Quick bouncer.
        Left alone

End of over 21 (9 runs) England 64/0 (356 more runs req)
B Lee 8-2-29-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 31* (54b 5x4) ME Trescothick 31* (74b 6x4)

  21.1 Warne to Strauss, one run, tossed up and full, on the off, Strauss
        laps it round the corner for a single
  21.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, another sweep tried, this time it's
        Trescothick, this time its more square and to the man at short leg
  21.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, straight one from the front of the
        hand, Trescothick is flummoxed and edges towards slip
  21.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, slower and on the off, defended
        carefully
  21.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the off, a bit flatter,
        defended well
  21.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up, on the off, spinning in,
        Trescothick plays back, the ball hurries on and hits pad, then
        bat, then pad again. Loud shout and should probably have been
        given, but Aleem Dar was unsure and says not out

End of over 22 (1 run) England 65/0 (355 more runs req)
SK Warne 2-0-5-0 - Nursery End
AJ Strauss 32* (55b 5x4) ME Trescothick 31* (79b 6x4)

       One must say you can't blame Dar on that occasion. The bat and pad
        were very close and it was hard to tell what it hit first without
        television replays
       Anyway, it's back to the dressing rooms for tea at the moment

Match State: Tea - Day 3

       This is Anand Vasu signing off for the moment. See you again after
        the tea break, in about 15 minutes, at 1430 GMT.
       Send in all your comments to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       Play is beginning after tea
       It's Lee to Strauss
  22.1 Lee to Strauss, one run, back of a length and on the pads, tucked
        to the on side
  22.2 Lee to Trescothick, legbye: FOUR, very fast and on the pads,
        Trescothick flicks and misses, the ball runs away off the pads to
        the fine-leg fence
  22.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short and outside the off, fended away
        to gully
  22.4 Lee to Trescothick, one run, short one, dropped down to the leg
        side and a quick single stolen
  22.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, short and outside the off, played at and
        misses as Lee comes round the wicket
  22.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, back of a length and on the pads, worked to
        the on side

End of over 23 (6 runs) England 71/0 (349 more runs req)
B Lee 9-2-31-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 32* (82b 6x4) AJ Strauss 33* (58b 5x4)

  23.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and on the off,
        defended carefully
  23.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, played and missed, rapped on the pads
  23.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, full toss on the off, swept to the
        man between midwicket and square leg
  23.4 Warne to Trescothick, one run, once again taken on the full,
        whipped through the on side
  23.5 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up, Strauss comes down the pitch
        and drives to midwicket
  23.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, another loud loud shout as Strauss plays
        back and gets it on the pad! Dar says there was a bit of bat
        involved. We'll have to look at the replays closely. There was an
        edge there. You can see it in the slow-motion replays. Hats off to
        Aleem Dar!

End of over 24 (1 run) England 72/0 (348 more runs req)
SK Warne 3-0-6-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 33* (86b 6x4) AJ Strauss 33* (60b 5x4)

  24.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run
  24.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off stump, driven
        to cover
  24.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short one, Trescothick sways out of the
        way
  24.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left alone
  24.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, left alone outside the off stumps
  24.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, fast full toss outside the off, played
        at and missed

End of over 25 (maiden) England 72/0 (348 more runs req)
B Lee 10-3-31-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 33* (60b 5x4) ME Trescothick 33* (92b 6x4)

  25.1 Warne to Strauss, bye: two runs, outside the off, the straight one,
        sweep played and missed, the ball goes right through everyone
  25.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, defended back down the pitch
  25.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, big legbreak outside the off, padded away
  25.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, Strauss pads up to another one. He has
        his front foot way down the pitch and that is a legbreak so it
        might have spun past leg stump. Dar says not out. That was
        almighty close. Strauss really struggling with Warne here
  25.5 Warne to Strauss, no run
  25.6 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, low full toss outside the off and Strauss
        picks it up well and bangs it through midwicket for four!

End of over 26 (6 runs) England 78/0 (342 more runs req)
SK Warne 4-0-10-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 33* (92b 6x4) AJ Strauss 37* (66b 6x4)

  26.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short one banged in from round the
        wicket, Lee straining hard here, left alone
  26.2 Lee to Trescothick, (noball) no run, extra effort and the no-ball
        slips in
  26.2 Lee to Trescothick, one run, worked through the on side for a
        single
  26.3 Lee to Strauss, OUT: short ball banged in at 90+ miles an hour,
        Strauss plays an awkward pull and the ball pops up in the air. Lee
        sees it and charges forward in his follow-through, sprinting like
        and athlete doing the 100 metres, he throws himself full length

       England 80/1, Partnership of 80
       AJ Strauss  c & b Lee  37 (67b 6x4 0x6)
       ME Trescothick 34* (95b 6x4) B Lee 10.3-3-33-1 (1nb)

       goalkeeper style and pulls of an incredible catch. England were
        dropping sitters here Lee has pulled out a stunner from nowhere.
        That is maximum effor, maximum commitment, and fine reward for Lee
       You're not going to see many like this, I assure you. That is a
        great effort from a fast bowler who has been steaming in
        tirelessly for some time now
       Vaughan is the new batsman
  26.4 Lee to Vaughan, no run, driven to cover
  26.5 Lee to Vaughan, FOUR, back of a length and outside the off, Vaughan
        angles it away past he slip cordon for a boundary
  26.6 Lee to Vaughan, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        stumps, defended to the on side

End of over 27 (6 runs) England 84/1 (336 more runs req)
B Lee 11-3-37-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 34* (95b 6x4) MP Vaughan 4* (3b 1x4)

  27.1 Warne to Trescothick, two runs, swept away fine for a couple of
        runs
  27.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and on the off, defended
        carefully
  27.3 Warne to Trescothick, FOUR, Warne drops one short and is punished,
        swept hard to the midwicket fence
  27.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, fullish and on the off, defended
        watchfully
  27.5 Warne to Trescothick, FOUR, Now Trescothick gets on the front foot
        and drives. That is a good straight drive for four
  27.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run, flat and on the pads, played at and
        missed, rapped on the pad

End of over 28 (10 runs) England 94/1 (326 more runs req)
SK Warne 5-0-20-0 - Nursery End
MP Vaughan 4* (3b 1x4) ME Trescothick 44* (101b 8x4)

       McGrath comes into the attack
  28.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, perfect line and length first ball of a
        new spell, Vaughan fiddles outside the off and misses
  28.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, on the off, just moving away a touch
        off the wicket, the ball goes off the edge towards the slips
        cordon
  28.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, once again perfect line and length in
        that corridor of uncertainty outside the off, left alone to the
        keeper
  28.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, bang on the spot again and Vaughan
        leaves it alone
  28.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fuller and slightly closer to the
        stumps, driven back to the bowler
  28.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, and again left alone outside the off to
        end a maiden over

End of over 29 (maiden) England 94/1 (326 more runs req)
GD McGrath 9-1-19-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 44* (101b 8x4) MP Vaughan 4* (9b 1x4)

  29.1 Warne to Trescothick, bye: two runs, down the leg side and spinning
        a lot, byes
  29.2 Warne to Trescothick, OUT: quick one on the off, Trescothick plays
        and edges. Hayden gleefully wraps his arms around the ball. This a
        classic Warne dismissal! Just what Australia wanted and what
        England did not need

       England 96/2, Partnership of 16
       ME Trescothick  c Hayden b Warne  44 (103b 8x4 0x6)
       MP Vaughan 4* (9b 1x4) SK Warne 5.2-0-20-1

       Two new batsmen at the crease with two bowlers who have more than
        500 Test wickets operating. Pressure on England now, serious
        pressure.
       Ian Bell is the new man
  29.3 Warne to Bell, no run, outside the off, quite a bit of turn but no
        bounce, Bell leaves it alone
  29.4 Warne to Bell, no run, big ripping legspinner, Warne setting up
        Bell by showing him how much the ball is turning. The straight one
        can't be far away
  29.5 Warne to Bell, no run, another one that spins, played down to slip
  29.6 Warne to Bell, one run, full and on the pads, tucked away to fine
        leg

End of over 30 (3 runs) England 97/2 (323 more runs req)
SK Warne 6-0-21-1 - Nursery End
IR Bell 1* (4b) MP Vaughan 4* (9b 1x4)

  30.1 McGrath to Bell, one run, full and on the off, nipping back into
        Bell, defended awkwardly to the on side
  30.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, left alone
  30.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, straight too,
        defended carefully
  30.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fullish and outside the off, shaping
        away a touch, left well alone
  30.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the pads, defended to the
        on side
  30.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, flowing off drive but straight to cover

End of over 31 (1 run) England 98/2 (322 more runs req)
GD McGrath 10-1-20-0 - Pavilion End
IR Bell 2* (5b) MP Vaughan 4* (14b 1x4)

  31.1 Warne to Bell, two runs, down the pitch and driven through the off
        side, confident shot for two that brings up the 100
  31.2 Warne to Bell, no run, again down the pitch, driven to point with
        the outside of the bat
  31.3 Warne to Bell, no run, well flighted legbreak, left alone to the
        keeper
       Bell is using his feet well to Warne. But he should be careful.
        Warne has struck a lovely rhythm here. Ian Bell will really have
        earned his stripes if he can see off Warne. If Warne sees even a
        tiny chink in Bell's armour there's danger for the batsman
  31.4 Warne to Bell, no run, flatter and on he pads, defended
  31.5 Warne to Bell, no run
  31.6 Warne to Bell, one run, nudged towards fie leg for a single

End of over 32 (3 runs) England 101/2 (319 more runs req)
SK Warne 7-0-24-1 - Nursery End
IR Bell 5* (11b) MP Vaughan 4* (14b 1x4)

  32.1 McGrath to Bell, no run, fu;llish and on the off, pushed towards
        cover
  32.2 McGrath to Bell, no run, outside the off and shaping away, left
        alone to the keeper
  32.3 McGrath to Bell, three runs, fullish and just outside the off, Bell
        plays it to third man with an angled bat
  32.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone to the keeper
  32.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, far outside the off, left alone again
  32.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the stumps, driven back to
        the bowler

End of over 33 (3 runs) England 104/2 (316 more runs req)
GD McGrath 11-1-23-0 - Pavilion End
IR Bell 8* (14b) MP Vaughan 4* (17b 1x4)

       Drinks are on the field

Match State: Drinks

       Warne to continue, slip, gully, silly point and a short leg in
        place
  33.1 Warne to Bell, OUT: got'm! quicker one does the trick, on the
        stumps and going straight on, Bell goes back to defend and gets
        hit on the pad plumb in front of the stumps, loud appeal and the
        finger of death goes up, second wicket for Warne

       England 104/3, Partnership of 8
       IR Bell  lbw b Warne  8 (15b 0x4 0x6)
       MP Vaughan 4* (17b 1x4) SK Warne 7.1-0-24-2

       Bell was playing for the spin and the ball just skidded across
       Pietersen walks in, can he pull England out this time around is the
        big question?!
  33.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run
  33.3 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, fraction short, cut away to the backward
        point boundary, Pietersen off the mark in style
  33.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, turned away to the midwicket region,
        easy single
  33.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run
  33.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, on the stumps, defended stretching well
        forward, presented the full face of the bat

End of over 34 (5 runs) England 109/3 (311 more runs req)
SK Warne 8-0-29-2 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 5* (3b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (19b 1x4)

  34.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the stumps, defended well
        to the off side
  34.2 McGrath to Pietersen, two runs, attempted yorker, slipping down the
        leg side, flicked through square leg for a couple
  34.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, left well
        alone to the keeper
  34.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, once again slipping down the leg
        side, Pietersen plays and misses
  34.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, short one dug in outside the off,
        Pietersen sways out of the way
  34.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, played back down the pitch to mid-on

End of over 35 (2 runs) England 111/3 (309 more runs req)
GD McGrath 12-1-25-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 4* (19b 1x4) KP Pietersen 7* (9b 1x4)

  35.1 Warne to Vaughan, no run, straight one just outside the off, cutto
        point
       Attacking field here, slip, gully, forward short leg, silly mid off
  35.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted and on the stumps, defended
  35.3 Warne to Vaughan, no run, slightly slower, on middle and leg,
        defended back down the pitch
  35.4 Warne to Vaughan, no run, outside the off and fullish, spinning
        away, Vaughan drives uppishly and almost finds Langer at cover!
        The ball falls just short
  35.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, again good turn and accuracy from Warne,
        defended carefully
  35.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, on middle and leg and spinning across
        Vaughan who is forced to watch the ball carefully and defend late

End of over 36 (maiden) England 111/3 (309 more runs req)
SK Warne 9-1-29-2 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 7* (9b 1x4) MP Vaughan 4* (25b 1x4)

       Warne is in the middle of an extremely good spell here. A thorough
        examination of Pietersen and Vaughan
  36.1 Lee to Pietersen, one run, on the pads, back of a length, a
        loosener, played away easily to deep backward square leg
  36.2 Lee to Vaughan, OUT: Lee steams in and delivers a perfect delivery
        pitching middle and off and swinging away just enough, just late
        enough, to beat Vaughan's bat and knock the off stump out of the
        ground!

       England 112/4, Partnership of 8
       MP Vaughan  b Lee  4 (26b 1x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 8* (10b 1x4) B Lee 11.2-3-38-2 (1nb)

       What a sight that is for any fast bowler! Vaughan totally cleaned
        up by that delivery from Lee and Australia are moving in for the
        kill here
  36.3 Lee to Flintoff, three runs, full and on the stumps, Flintoff lifts
        the ball just wide of mid-on and gets off the mark
  36.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, shartp bouncer from Lee! Boy oh boy is he
        pumped up! Brute of a bouncer that climbs on Pietersen and thuds
        into his shoulder before looping up to the keeper
  36.5 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, back of a length and slipping down the
        leg side, flicked through square leg for a brace
  36.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        coming in to Pietersen, the ball keeps low and Pietersen does well
        to keep that out

End of over 37 (6 runs) England 117/4 (303 more runs req)
B Lee 12-3-43-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 3* (1b) KP Pietersen 10* (13b 1x4)

       We're in the middle of some great cricket here. Don't miss a ball.
        And do remember to write in with all your comments at  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
  37.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
  37.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, on the leg stump, spinning a bit,
        defended with bat and pad held close together
  37.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, tossed up, delectably slow, outside the
        off, defended with hard hands
  37.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, another teasingly slow delivery from
        Warne. Flintoff defends but not entirely convincingly
  37.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, straighter one just outside the off,
        Flintoff shoulders arms and lets the ball go through to Gilchrist
  37.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, fuller, flatter and outside the off,
        defended away towards cover

End of over 38 (maiden) England 117/4 (303 more runs req)
SK Warne 10-2-29-2 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 10* (13b 1x4) A Flintoff 3* (7b)

  38.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, back fo a length and on the stumps,
        rising on Pietersen who stands tall and works the ball to the on
        side
  38.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, another short one, this time slipping
        down the leg side and Pietersen leaves it alone
  38.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
        slanting in to the batsman, defended back down the pitch
  38.4 Lee to Pietersen, one run, short one on the stumps, Pietersen walks
        across and helps the ball down to long leg. It was uppish though
        and not a million miles from Justin Langer at leg gully
  38.5 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short and on the stumps, ducked under
  38.6 Lee to Flintoff, no run, just short of a good length and on the
        off, defended back down the pitch

End of over 39 (1 run) England 118/4 (302 more runs req)
B Lee 13-3-44-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 11* (17b 1x4) A Flintoff 3* (9b)

  39.1 Warne to Pietersen, one run, chopped down to point for a single
  39.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, on the middle and leg, a bit of spin as
        well, defended carefully
  39.3 Warne to Flintoff, OUT: straight one just outside the off, Flintoff
        does not pick it. He has a massive cut and can only manage an edge
        to Gilchrist who take a sharp catch. That is the end of Flintoff
        and you can hear the crowd go silent as the big man walks back!

       England 119/5, Partnership of 7
       A Flintoff  c Gilchrist b Warne  3 (11b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 12* (18b 1x4) SK Warne 10.3-2-30-3

  39.4 Warne to GO Jones, no run, full and far outside the off, big turn,
        left well alone
  39.5 Warne to GO Jones, no run, tossed up, dipping fast on leg stumps,
        the ball spins sharply and bounces! What a ball! Beats bat and
        Gilchrist takes well
  39.6 Warne to GO Jones, no run, padded away and Warne ends another
        successful over

End of over 40 (1 run) England 119/5 (301 more runs req)
SK Warne 11-2-30-3 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 12* (18b 1x4) GO Jones 0* (3b)

  40.1 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, outside the off and good length, Pietersen
        strokes it well through cover. Good positive shot that!
  40.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full toss from Lee, one that got away.
        Swinging in and bang on the stumps. Pietersen makes as though it
        is a beamer but that certainly isn't. Struck just above the pads
        that is plumb in front. Can't see why Koertzen didn't give that!
  40.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, played and missed outside the off
  40.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, down the leg side, big bouncer, Gilchrist
        leaps full length and plucks that out of the air. Geraint Jones is
        watching that from the non-striker's end
  40.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run
  40.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, full swinging delivery, stroked through
        midwicket

End of over 41 (5 runs) England 124/5 (296 more runs req)
B Lee 14-3-49-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 17* (24b 2x4) GO Jones 0* (3b)

  41.1 Warne to Pietersen, one run, single as Pietersen drives through
        cover
  41.2 Warne to GO Jones, legbye: one run, on the pads, flick played and
        missed, off the pad to short fine leg
  41.3 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, Pietersen goes on the attack and heaves
        to leg. The ball goes high in the air but there's no-one at deep
        midwicket. The ball lands safely and trickes over the rope
  41.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, short and a bit of width, cut hard
        through cover-point
  41.5 Warne to GO Jones, no run, low full toss, sweep played and missed,
        hit on the full but struck outside leg. Loud shout. Turned down
        from Aleem Dar. Another top decision
  41.6 Warne to GO Jones, no run, flatter and on the stumps, defended

End of over 42 (7 runs) England 131/5 (289 more runs req)
SK Warne 12-2-36-3 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 23* (27b 3x4) GO Jones 0* (6b)

  42.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short one outside the off stump, left
        alone
  42.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and on the pads, clipped
        down to short fine leg
  42.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and outside the off
        stump, defended towards cover
  42.4 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, on the pads, flicked away for a brace
  42.5 Lee to Pietersen, SIX, short ball banged in. Pietersen sees it and
        pulls majestically! That is many many rows back into the stands!
        That is a BIG blow!
  42.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, flicked though midwicket for a single

End of over 43 (9 runs) England 140/5 (280 more runs req)
B Lee 15-3-58-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 32* (33b 3x4 1x6) GO Jones 0* (6b)

Match State: Drinks

  43.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and outside the off,
        crunching extra cover drive, Ponting makes a lightning stop at
        short cover
  43.2 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, again tossed up. Again beautifully hit!
        This time the placement is good and it is a fine boundary!
  43.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, fuller and on the pads, defended
        carefully
  43.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up well wide outside the leg
        stump, left alone
  43.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, outside the leg stump, into the rough,
        spinning in to Pietersen, kicked away
  43.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, again pitching outside the leg stump
        and again kicked away

End of over 44 (4 runs) England 144/5 (276 more runs req)
SK Warne 13-2-40-3 - Nursery End
GO Jones 0* (6b) KP Pietersen 36* (39b 4x4 1x6)

  44.1 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, hit to Katich no chance of a run
  44.2 Gillespie to GO Jones, FOUR, overpitched and on the pads, flicked
        effortlessly to the square-leg fence
  44.3 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, left alone to the keeper
  44.4 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, full and on the stumps, played back
        to the bowler. Gillespie bends low and fields
  44.5 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, defended to the off side
  44.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, just short of a good length and
        outside the off stump, left alone with ease

End of over 45 (4 runs) England 148/5 (272 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 5-0-16-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 36* (39b 4x4 1x6) GO Jones 4* (12b 1x4)

  45.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, far outside the leg side, into the
        rough, kicked away
  45.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, once again into the rough, Warne is
        trying Pietersen's patience, Pietersen kicks it away
  45.3 Warne to Pietersen, one run, on the off and full, driven to cover
  45.4 Warne to GO Jones, one run, on the pads, ,swept into the deep for
        the single that gives England 150
  45.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the pads once more,
        defended very carefully
  45.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, once again into the rough and spinning
        into Pietersen's pads, kicked away

End of over 46 (2 runs) England 150/5 (270 more runs req)
SK Warne 14-2-42-3 - Nursery End
GO Jones 5* (13b 1x4) KP Pietersen 37* (44b 4x4 1x6)

  46.1 Gillespie to GO Jones, one run, chopped down almost back onto the
        stumps, the ball dribbles to the on side
  46.2 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        driven to mid-on
       Light deteriorating and a drizzle beginning
  46.3 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and outside
        the off, Pietersen drives awkwardly towards mid-off
  46.4 Gillespie to Pietersen, no run, fuller this time and on the off,
        driven to cover
  46.5 Gillespie to Pietersen, one run, just short of a good length and on
        the off, tucked away well through midwicket for a single
  46.6 Gillespie to GO Jones, no run, fullish and on the pads, tapped to
        the leg side

End of over 47 (2 runs) England 152/5 (268 more runs req)
JN Gillespie 6-0-18-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 38* (48b 4x4 1x6) GO Jones 6* (15b 1x4)

  47.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, padded away
  47.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, far outside the leg stump again.
        Pietersen manages to kick it away as it turns in from the rough
  47.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, again on the same spot, kicked away to
        short fine leg
  47.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, big turn out of the bowlers' footmarks,
        Pietersen pads but almost misses the ball
  47.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, this time it's a good kick from
        Pietersen as the ball spins in from the rough
  47.6 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, Pietersen uses bat now, and How! Down on
        one knee and a cracking sweep square of the wicket!

End of over 48 (4 runs) England 156/5 (264 more runs req)
SK Warne 15-2-46-3 - Nursery End
GO Jones 6* (15b 1x4) KP Pietersen 42* (54b 5x4 1x6)

       The umpires have conferred and then offered the light to the
        batsmen who gratefully accept and walk off the pitch.
       That could well be the end of play for the day, but we will have to
        wait and watch just yet
       It's been another day of breathlessly good cricket. Excitement all
        the way.
       We've just got news that stumps have been drawn for the day.
       And that will be that from Lord's today.
       Do send us all your thoughts on our coverage and on the match.
        http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       For the moment this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, saying cheers
        and good night! See you tomorrow morning at 0930 GMT
       Hello and welcome to coverage of the fourth day's play of the first
        Ashes Test at Lord's
       The news from Lord's is not good.
       There's a steady drizzle on and it seems there's little chance of
        play starting on time
       We'll keep you updated on what is happening. Be sure to check back
        often as the rain could clear at any point.
       The game is at a crucial juncture - Pietersen is defiant and has
        Geraint Jones for company, but England are far behind Australia.
       Just as soon as there's more news we will keep you posted
       Update(10:00 GMT) - it's still raining steadily at Lord's and all
        the covers are in place, looks like we are in for a long delay
        (Update 1100 GMT) Hello again. I'm afraid the news from Lord's is
        still not good at all. It's still raining and local experts feel
        chances of play getting under way before the scheduled tea time
        are slim. But please do check in often.
       We will bring you all the action as soon as it begins.
       (Update 1240 GMT) Hello again everyone. It's disappointing to
        report that there's no chance of play at the moment. Rain is still
        falling and the ground is shrouded in covers. Water is gathering
        in little puddles on the covers.
       Keep checking this space. As soon as play starts we will bring it
        to you.
       (Update 1330 GMT) And we're back again and still there's no good
        news. The rain continues and we wait in hope. We'll be back with
        more when the weather improves.
       (Update 1420 GMT) And finally there's some good news! Looks like
        play will get under way shortly. The rain has stopped, covers are
        coming off and groundstaff are at work.
       People are talking of a possible start in about an hour. That would
        be approximately 1545 GMT
       There is no official word on this yet. But we're keeping a keen eye
        out and will let you know just as soon as there is something from
        the match referee or the umpires.
       We'll be back with more soon.

Match State: Delay - Day 4 - Play to start at 3.45 local time (2.45 GMT)

       The deal is that play will go on for as late as possible in an
        attempt to accomodate 42 overs
       Australia will be hoping that theis is enough time for them to bowl
        out England - the forecast for tomorrow is not extra special
       England of course are battling hard through Kevin Pietersen and
        Geraint Jones. But there isn't much batting to follow after
       It's so good to be able to have some cricket after all. Waiting
        around all day is never much fun, especially when a key match is
        poised so interestingly
       Remember to log on to http://www.cricinfo.com for all the
        features, comment and news on this Ashes series
       Brett Lee and Shane Warne certainly gave England plenty to worry
        about yesterday
       It might be even harder today with the conditions being as they are
       Lee has two wickets from 15 express quick overs
       Warne was one better with 3 for 46 from 15 overs
       The players are coming on to the field. You can imagine how eager
        the Australians are to get this under way
       It's still quite overcast hear and that should help the fast
        bowlers first up.
       Pietersen and Jones are preparing to rejoin battle
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator for the day. Let's hope we
        don't have any more interruptions.
       It will be Glenn McGrath to begin proceedings. Jones is facing.
  48.1 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, good inswinging delivery just outside
        the off, short of a good length, Jones defends watchfully back
        down the pitch
  48.2 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone as the ball goes straight through
  48.3 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, fuller and straighter, driven to mid-
        off
       McGrath has a gully and two slips in place
  48.4 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, once again shaping in late, defended
        towards mid-on
  48.5 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, dramatic movement off the seam, the
        ball jags back in and hits Jones in the midriff as he shapes to
        defend
  48.6 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, just short of a length and outside the
        off, chopped to point

End of over 49 (maiden) England 156/5 (264 more runs req)
GD McGrath 13-2-25-0 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 42* (54b 5x4 1x6) GO Jones 6* (21b 1x4)

       Warne will partner McGrath
  49.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the stumps, a bit of turn,
        defended back down the pitch
  49.2 Warne to Pietersen, one run, tossed up and on the stumps, driven
        uppishly towards mid-off for a single
  49.3 Warne to GO Jones, no run, Beauty! Ripper of a legbreak pitching
        outside leg and spinning sharply across the face of the bat.
        Beaten all ends up
  49.4 Warne to GO Jones, no run, flatter and not that much spin on this
        one, defended to the leg side
       More fielders close to the bat for Jones. Short leg, silly mid-off,
        slip, close man catching in the direction of cover
  49.5 Warne to GO Jones, no run, straight one on the off, Jones goes on
        the back foot and punches with a straight bat
  49.6 Warne to GO Jones, no run, slower and outside the off, eased to
        point

End of over 50 (1 run) England 157/5 (263 more runs req)
SK Warne 16-2-47-3 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 43* (56b 5x4 1x6) GO Jones 6* (25b 1x4)

  50.1 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, a touch short and outside the off,
        pulled awkwardly to the leg side
  50.2 McGrath to GO Jones, no run, fuller and on the off, Jones chops it
        down towards gully
  50.3 McGrath to GO Jones, OUT: short one outside the off, Geraint Jones
        goes for the pull and can do no more than spoon a catch to Jason
        Gillespie at mid-on! Tame dismissal that and Australia are on
        their way

       England 158/6, Partnership of 39
       GO Jones  c Gillespie b McGrath  6 (27b 1x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 44* (57b 5x4 1x6) GD McGrath 13.3-2-26-1

       From here it is going to be very, very difficult with Warne and
        McGrath bowling so well
       Giles is the new man in
  50.4 McGrath to Giles, no run, short one banged in from McGrath and
        Giles is forced to take evasive action. Expect plenty of short
        stuff here with a yorker for surprise
  50.5 McGrath to Giles, OUT: just short of a good length and outside the
        off, Giles pokes at it and can only edge to Hayden at gully. The
        bucket hands of Hayden swallow the ball and Giles is gone for a
        duck!

       England 158/7, Partnership of 0
       AF Giles  c Hayden b McGrath  0 (2b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 44* (57b 5x4 1x6) GD McGrath 13.5-2-26-2

  50.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        left well alone

End of over 51 (1 run) England 158/7 (262 more runs req)
GD McGrath 14-2-26-2 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 44* (57b 5x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 0* (1b)

  51.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and on the off, defended
        carefully
  51.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run
  51.3 Warne to Pietersen, one run, short and a bit of width, eased
        through cover-point
       Field coming in to surround Hoggard
  51.4 Warne to Hoggard, no run, full and on the off, Hoggard plants his
        front foot down the pitch and defends
  51.5 Warne to Hoggard, no run, on the stumps this time, defended
        carefully
       A drizzle has started. Not good news for Australia
       The players run off as the covers come on. Rain getting a bit
        harder here now.
       Barely 20 minutes of play was possible and Australia managed two
        wickets but npow it's back to the dressing rooms.

Match State: Delay - Day 4 - rain stops play

       The covers have come on now and the rain is quite steady
       Do send in all your comments to  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       The rain has stopped and the groundstaff are slowly peeling the
        covers off
       The umpires are walking towards the middle to have a look
       A little mopping up and we should be back with all the action in a
        few minutes
       The Australians are running on to the ground now, led by Ricky
        Ponting
       Would you believe it, the rain comes down once more as Hoggard and
        Pietersen begin to make their way out!
       For the moment the umpires are staying on the field
  51.6 Warne to Hoggard, no run, full and on the off, Hoggard manages to
        defend to the off side

End of over 52 (1 run) England 159/7 (261 more runs req)
SK Warne 17-2-48-3 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 45* (60b 5x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 0* (4b)

  52.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, just short of a good length and on
        the off, defended to the leg side
  52.2 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, back of a length and slanting onto
        the pads, defended to the leg side
  52.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, back of a length, quick and outside the
        off, left well alone
  52.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, another short one to Hoggard, left
        alone to the keeper
  52.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fuller and pushed wide outside the off
        stump, left well alone outside the off
  52.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, good one from McGrath, pitched on a
        good spot and moving away. Hoggard plays and misses

End of over 53 (1 run) England 160/7 (260 more runs req)
GD McGrath 15-2-27-2 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 46* (62b 5x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 0* (8b)

  53.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and down the leg side, no turn,
        quicker too, played at and missed, through to the keeper
  53.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, slower this time and drifting onto the
        pads, defended towards mid-on
  53.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the stumps this time and not much
        turn, inside edge to the leg side
  53.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, tossed up a bit more and outside the
        off, Pietersen takes it on the full and drives to long off
  53.5 Warne to Hoggard, no run, slow legbreak on the pads, defended with
        great care
       Quicker slider coming up now?
  53.6 Warne to Hoggard, no run, fuller, flatter and on the stumps,
        defended towards mid-off

End of over 54 (1 run) England 161/7 (259 more runs req)
SK Warne 18-2-49-3 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 47* (66b 5x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 0* (10b)

  54.1 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, fullish and on the off, Pietersen
        pushes past the bowler and steals a quick single. Hoggard will
        have to face a few from McGrath now
  54.2 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, just short of a good length and outside
        the off, played at and missed, through to the keeper
  54.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fuller and just outside the off,
        Hoggard dabs at it and the ball runs down to slip
  54.4 McGrath to Hoggard, bye: two runs, just short of a length and down
        the leg side, Hoggard leaves it alone and Gilchrist can only parry
        it as he dives full length to collect
  54.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, quick, outside the off, just short of a
        driving length, left alone to the keeper
  54.6 McGrath to Hoggard, OUT: full, quite straight, on the stumps, the
        ball nips back and keeps a bit low, Hoggard has no chance as the
        ball crashes into the pad! Dead in the water and Australia inch
        one wicket closer

       England 164/8, Partnership of 6
       MJ Hoggard  lbw b McGrath  0 (15b 0x4 0x6)

End of over 55 (3 runs) England 164/8 (256 more runs req)
GD McGrath 16-2-28-3 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 48* (67b 5x4 1x6) 

  55.1 Warne to Pietersen, two runs, short and a bit of width, pulled to
        deepmidwicket for a brace that gives Kevin Pietersen his second 50
        of the match! Fine start to a Test career here for him!
  55.2 Warne to Pietersen, one run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        driven to long-on
  55.3 Warne to Harmison, OUT: straight on, pitching on the stumps,
        missing off, certainly missing leg, but crashing into the middle
        stump halfway up if Harmison hadn't got a pad in the way! That is
        plumb!

       England 167/9, Partnership of 3
       SJ Harmison  lbw b Warne  0 (1b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 51* (69b 5x4 1x6) SK Warne 18.3-2-52-4

       Shane Warne now needs just one more wicket to get his name on the
        honours board in the dressing room at Lord's. He hasn't managed
        that in his career so far. But can the champion do it here?
  55.4 Warne to SP Jones, no run, full and on the stumps, Jones defends
        back down the pitch
  55.5 Warne to SP Jones, no run, another striaght one, just outside the
        off, Jones plays for the turn and misses
  55.6 Warne to SP Jones, no run, tossed up and outside the off, Jones
        drives hard and the ball spins sharply and goes between bat and
        pad and misses the stumps by just milimetres! How fitting that
        would have been, a wicket more for Warne and his name written down
        in history at Lord's

End of over 56 (3 runs) England 167/9 (253 more runs req)
SK Warne 19-2-52-4 - Nursery End
KP Pietersen 51* (69b 5x4 1x6) SP Jones 0* (3b)

  56.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, swinging in a
        touch, defended back down the pitch
  56.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, back of a length and outside the off,
        punched to cover
  56.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fullish and outside the off,
        Pietersen has a thrash at it, the ball goes off the bottom edge
        and bounces to Gilchrist
  56.4 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, full and on the stumps, clipped to
        the leg side for a single
  56.5 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, back of a length and on the stumps,
        defended to the bowler
  56.6 McGrath to SP Jones, no run, short one banged in, left alone to the
        keeper

End of over 57 (1 run) England 168/9 (252 more runs req)
GD McGrath 17-2-29-3 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 52* (73b 5x4 1x6) SP Jones 0* (5b)

  57.1 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, slog sweep to a tossed up delivery and
        Pietersen has made the cleanest contact possible! That is a huge
        six over midwicket. Some shot that from Pietersen!
  57.2 Warne to Pietersen, two runs, this time dragged wide of midwicket
        for a brace
  57.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the off, spinning away, driven
        inside out through cover but Pietersen decides against the single.
        After exposing both Hoggard and Harmison Pietersen has now decided
        to shield Jones
  57.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full toss, driven to long-off
  57.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, Warne charges in and sends down a
        bouncer! Good stuff this from Warne! Pietersen leaves it alone!
  57.6 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, tossed up and outside the off, Pietersen
        gets to the pitch of the ball beautifully and hits it over long-
        off for four!

End of over 58 (12 runs) England 180/9 (240 more runs req)
SK Warne 20-2-64-4 - Nursery End
SP Jones 0* (5b) KP Pietersen 64* (79b 6x4 2x6)

  58.1 McGrath to SP Jones, OUT: back of a length and outside the off,
        shot played,straightforward edge to Shane Warne at first slip and
        he pouches it!

       England 180/10, Partnership of 13
       SP Jones  c Warne b McGrath  0 (6b 0x4 0x6)
       KP Pietersen 64* (79b 6x4 2x6) GD McGrath 17.1-2-29-4

       And that, is the end of that! Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in
        this Ashes series
       In fine style Australia have pulled off a win at Lord's
       England were hopeful their resurgent team could take the fight to
        Australia. But the scorebook shows that Australia wrapped up
        victory by 239 runs in just a shade over three days
       England have a lot of work to do if they are to pull things back in
        this series. Ricky Ponting and his men don't often let go of a
        lead when they have it ...
       There's no need to look too far for the Man of the Match. When
        Australia were in deep trouble after being bowled out for 190
        Glenn McGrath cut England to ribbons. His 9 for 82 in this match
        are his best figures in a Test in England.
       We're just waiting for the presentation ceremony ... It should
        begin any time soon
       In the meantime do tell us what you thought of the match, and of
        our coverage:  http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html
       Michael Vaughan of England, the losing captain, comes forward to
        have a chat:
       It's been a tough game. Good effort to bowl out Australia for 190.
        Then McGrath bowled well and took it away from us.'
       'You have to give credit to Harmison, McGrath, Lee and Warne who
        bowled well and put pressure on the batsmen in this wicket.
        Pietersen's batting on debut was outstanding.'
       'Bit of pressure and perhaps a lack of concentration,' says Vaughan
        on the number of dropped catches
       Now the winning captain, Ricky Ponting, comes forward to have a
        chat
       'Very good Test win for us. After being bowled out for 190 to
        bounce back like that was a sign of the quality of the players in
        our team. McGrath and Warne bowled outstandingly.'
       'Both teams were out their trying to put a stamp on the series
        early on. England bowled well. It was a tough contest and you like
        that.'
       'They always do the job for us, particularly in big matches.' says
        Ponting of Warne and McGrath
       And it's official. The Man of the Match is Glenn McGrath
       'To have the chance to take my 500th wicket here, not much can beat
        that,' says McGrath
       McGrath waves out to the crowd who give him some warm applause and
        that is the end of proceedings at Lord's
       This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, saying goodbye, thanking you
        for being with us for this cracking match!
       It was tremendous fun bringing the game to you. We hope you enjoyed
        it as much as we did. Do write in to us at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
        mmentary.html

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