5th Test: England v Australia at The Oval, 8-12 Sep 2005
Ball-by-Ball Commentary
Match State: Day 1 start scheduled for 10.30am Local Time (09.30 GMT)
Hello and welcome to coverage of the final Test of this cracking
Ashes series
The series has reached its climax, and The Oval plays host to the
fifth Test
Let's cut to the chase and give you the early news - England have
won the toss and chosen to bat
Every match in this series has seen enthralling passages of play,
and there's no reason to believe this game will be any different
England have got the early edge in this game, winning the toss, but
Australia could just as easily wrest that back
There's still about 20 minutes before play gets under way, at 0930
GMT, 1030 local time
I'm Anand Vasu, your commentator for this game. It's been a
pleasure calling the first four games for you. I can only hope
this one does not disappoint
If you want to get an early word in do feel free to write in at
http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
And in a moment play will get under way at The Oval in South London
The Australian team is already on the field and in position
England's openers Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss walk down
the pavilion steps amidst rousing applause
Paul Collingwood comes in to the England team for Simon Jones
Glenn McGrath, fit again, comes in for Michael Kasprowicz
It will be Trescothick on strike, with McGrath to bowl
Play is the call from the umpire and we're under way!
0.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and slipping
down the leg side, decent pace and carry, left alone to the keeper
0.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a driving length, McGrath
is on target, defended carefully
0.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, left well alone this time, nerves must be
jangling in the early overs of this high-pressure match
0.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, slightly fuller and outside the
off, left alone as the ball hints at shaping away
0.5 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, fullish and outside the off,
Trescothick pushes that one into the off side for the first run of
this match, Trescothick and England are under way
Strauss will face his first ball now
0.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short one banged in, Strauss watches
the ball carefully and lets it go through to Adam Gilchrist
End of over 1 (1 run) England 1/0
GD McGrath 1-0-1-0
ME Trescothick 1* (5b) AJ Strauss 0* (1b)
Tidy start from McGrath, but then you've come to expect nothing
short of that of this man
Brett Lee will share the new ball with McGrath
1.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, very full and quite pacy, the ball
swings in quite sharply and quite late and Trescothick takes the
ball on the pad as he tries to flick and misses
1.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and far down the leg side, no
trouble for Trescothick in leaving this one alone
1.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, another one slipping down the leg side,
once again left alone without any trouble at all
1.4 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, once again Lee is off line as he slides
one onto the pads, the swing takes it further towards the leg
side, Trescothick walks across his stumps and punches that well
through square leg for the first boundary of the match
1.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length this time and
just on the off stump, Trescothick leaves it alone on bounce and
the ball carries well to Adam Gilchrist
1.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full once more, driven to cover. End of
Lee's first over, and it was not a bad one. Encouragement in terms
of swing, but the line was not the greatest
End of over 2 (4 runs) England 5/0
B Lee 1-0-4-0
AJ Strauss 0* (1b) ME Trescothick 5* (11b 1x4)
2.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, McGrath's wrist action gets the ball to bounce nicely and
the batsman leaves the ball well alone
2.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and on the off this time, punched
well, off the middle of the bat, but to the man at mid-off
2.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length once more and
outside the off, easily left alone to the keeper
2.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, driven at,
off the edge towards gully
2.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off stump, left alone to the keeper, neither batsman has taken
a chance so far
2.6 McGrath to Strauss, two runs, back of a length and on the pad,
Strauss works the ball to the fine-leg region for a brace that
gets him off the mark
End of over 3 (2 runs) England 7/0
GD McGrath 2-0-3-0
ME Trescothick 5* (11b 1x4) AJ Strauss 2* (7b)
3.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full swinging delivery, played at and
missed, hit on the pad, loud shout from Lee, it's a good one, but
turned down
3.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and on the
stumps, played back down the pitch
3.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short ball banged in and no trouble for
the batsman to duck under that
3.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and angling away from
the left-handed Trescothick who tucks the bat well inside the line
of the ball
3.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the off, Trescothick
defends down with soft hands, the batsmen think about a quick
single but Lee fields in his followthrough and puts paid to that
thought
3.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the off, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 4 (maiden) England 7/0
B Lee 2-1-4-0
AJ Strauss 2* (7b) ME Trescothick 5* (17b 1x4)
A better second over from Lee, it's a maiden.
4.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper, good true bounce here at The Oval
4.2 McGrath to Strauss, bye: FOUR, That one takes off! Bouncer banged
in and it jags sharply away after hitting the deck and almost
decapitates Shane Warne at first slip
4.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, closer to the off and a touch fuller,
Strauss gropes awkwardly for that one like an adolescent in the
back row of a cinema, lucky not to get an edge!
4.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fuller this time and on the off,
defended carefully back down the pitch
4.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short one banged in and Strauss goes
for the pull, can't quite get hold of it and the ball passes the
edge and goes through to the keeper
4.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the pads, worked to the
leg side, the man under the helmet at short-leg cleans up
End of over 5 (4 runs, maiden) England 11/0
GD McGrath 3-1-3-0
ME Trescothick 5* (17b 1x4) AJ Strauss 2* (13b)
5.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, down the leg side, no shot played, off
the thigh pad to the keeper
5.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run
5.3 Lee to Trescothick, (noball) no run, full and outside the off,
driven with an angled bat to gully
5.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short ball banged in outside the off,
the batsman drops his wrists and leaves the ball alone
5.4 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off,
Trescothick opens the face of the bat and runs the ball down to
third-man past the slips cordon
5.5 Lee to Trescothick, FOUR, too full and too straight, driven well
through midwicket this time and another one finds the boundary
5.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
End of over 6 (9 runs) England 20/0
B Lee 3-1-13-0 (1nb)
AJ Strauss 2* (13b) ME Trescothick 13* (24b 3x4)
6.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, just short of a driving length and
outside the off, once again Strauss plays with an angled bat,
steering the ball down to gully
6.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fuller this time and perhaps a touch
too straight, slipping onto the pads, clipped to the leg side with
a turn of the wrists
6.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, fuller and on the off, Strauss drives
firmly back down the pitch, McGrath bends low and scoops the ball
up in his followthrough
6.4 McGrath to Strauss, one run, single pinched to the leg side
6.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the off, Trescothick
watches the ball carefully and drives back down the pitch to the
bowler
6.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, beauty! The ball pitches on off and
moves a touch, a bit of extra bounce as well, Trescothick is
forced to play at it but is well beaten. Good ball to end the over
End of over 7 (1 run) England 21/0
GD McGrath 4-1-4-0
AJ Strauss 3* (17b) ME Trescothick 13* (26b 3x4)
7.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
Strauss watches the ball carefully and plays late, defending back
down the pitch with a straight bat
7.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, short ball banged in, Strauss sees it
coming and sways out of the way without difficulty
7.3 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, short and plenty of width outside the off,
Strauss gets under this one and carves it over the gully fielder
for a boundary to the vacant third-man region
7.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick one outside the off, left alone to
the keeper this time, good decision as there was not enough width
on that one for the cut
7.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the off
stump, left well alone to the wicketkeeper
7.6 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off stump, driven
well through point for a boundary
End of over 8 (8 runs) England 29/0
B Lee 4-1-21-0 (1nb)
ME Trescothick 13* (26b 3x4) AJ Strauss 11* (23b 2x4)
8.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and outside the
off stump, Trescothick is not tempted to play at that one. He
shoulders arms and leaves the ball alone to the keeper
8.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, excellent ball! Closer to the
stumps and just full enough to invite the shot. Trescothick plays
and misses
8.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, another one just outside the off
stump and shaping away a touch, this time left alone to the
keeper, McGrath is settling into a good rhythm here
8.4 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, just short of a good length and
just slipping onto the pads, worked past short-leg for a single
8.5 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, too full this time and a bit of width,
Strauss crunches this one through the covers. Rare loose ball from
McGrath and Strauss cashes in!
8.6 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, overpitched and on the pads this time,
that's two loose balls in a row from McGrath! driven well through
midwicket for yet another boundary
End of over 9 (9 runs) England 38/0
GD McGrath 5-1-13-0
ME Trescothick 14* (30b 3x4) AJ Strauss 19* (25b 4x4)
Shaun Tait into the attack now
9.1 Tait to Trescothick, no run, full and far outside the off, a
loosener from Tait, left alone to the keeper
9.2 Tait to Trescothick, no run, fullish and outside the off, defended,
the ball goes off the inside edge back onto the pad
9.3 Tait to Trescothick, no run, full and far outside the off, driven
to point with an angled bat
9.4 Tait to Trescothick, no run, full and far down the leg side,
exaggerated swing, played at and missed, hit on the pad, loud
shout for the lbw, turned down
9.5 Tait to Trescothick, one run, once again full as Tait searches for
the one that swings late, drifting on to the pad, Trescothick
works the ball away through square leg for a single
9.6 Tait to Strauss, (noball) no run, short ball banged on, not much
pace or bounce on that one, outside the off too, left alone easily
and it is a no-ball to boot
9.6 Tait to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off, cut
hard but straight to the man at point
End of over 10 (2 runs) England 40/0
SW Tait 1-0-2-0 (1nb)
ME Trescothick 15* (35b 3x4) AJ Strauss 19* (27b 4x4)
10.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, left alone to the keeper
10.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the stumps,
Trescothick gets the front foot well down the pitch and defends
with the full face of the bat
10.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, on the pads this time, just short
of driving length, clipped to short midwicket but there's no
chance of a run
10.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off, driven
well but straight to the man at mid-off
10.5 McGrath to Trescothick, FOUR, short ball well down the leg side,
Trescothick is quickly onto it and pulls very fine, struck with
power and fine-leg does not stand a chance
10.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fuller and on the off, driven to
the leg side
End of over 11 (4 runs) England 44/0
GD McGrath 6-1-17-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 19* (27b 4x4) ME Trescothick 19* (41b 4x4)
11.1 Tait to Strauss, (noball) legbye: two runs, full swinging delivery,
down the leg side, played at and missed, down to fine-leg, no-ball
called
11.1 Tait to Strauss, FOUR, outside the off this time and the ball is
eased through cover to bring up the England 50! They've barely
worked up a sweat getting there
11.2 Tait to Strauss, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
pushed past cover-point for a single
11.3 Tait to Trescothick, one run, full, fast yorker, almost breaches
Strauss's defence as he jams the bat down at the last minute
11.4 Tait to Strauss, FOUR, full and on the stumps, punched back down
the ground, big Shaun Tait cannot get down in time and the ball
races away to the long-on fence
11.5 Tait to Strauss, one run, full and on the pads, clipped to the leg
side for a single
11.6 Tait to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and on the
pads, worked to the leg side
End of over 12 (14 runs) England 58/0
SW Tait 2-0-16-0 (2nb) - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 29* (32b 6x4) ME Trescothick 20* (43b 4x4)
12.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, defended towards the off side with an angled bat
12.2 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, fullish and on the off, Trescothick
drives well back past the bowler to the long-on boundary. That is
well timed!
12.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and on the pads, defended to the
leg side
12.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
12.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and straight, driven to mid-on
12.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
End of over 13 (4 runs) England 62/0
GD McGrath 7-1-21-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 20* (43b 4x4) AJ Strauss 33* (38b 7x4)
Shane Warne comes into the attack. That didn't take long!
13.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
13.2 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, tossed up and outside the off, Strauss has
a go at it, off the edge through gully down to the third-man
boundary
13.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up and outside the off, play and a
miss, through to the keeper, a bit of turn here
13.4 Warne to Strauss, one run, fullish and outside the off, played to
the right of Michael Clarke at point and a quick run is stolen
13.5 Warne to Trescothick, FOUR, too full and too wide, Trescothick
laces that one through the covers! Cracking shot to a poor
delivery
13.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run, flatter and on the pads, worked to
the leg side
End of over 14 (9 runs) England 71/0
SK Warne 1-0-9-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 38* (42b 8x4) ME Trescothick 24* (45b 5x4)
Match State: Drinks
At the drinks break we can take the chance to tell you that there
were some difficulties with the scoring earlier. This has meant
that we have been forced to make some changes to get everything
back on track. Apologies, but there's nothing you can do som
14.1 Tait to Strauss, FOUR, full-toss down the leg side and flicked away
without any difficulty to the midwicket fence
14.2 Tait to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
14.3 Tait to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
14.4 Tait to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, cut shot played, off the inside edge down towards the keeper
14.5 Tait to Strauss, no run, full and on the pads, driven to mid-on
14.6 Tait to Strauss, no run, very full and on the pads, worked to the
leg side but straight to the fielder at midwicket and there is no
chance of a run
End of over 15 (3 runs) England 74/0
SW Tait 3-0-19-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 25* (34b 5x4) AJ Strauss 41* (59b 9x4)
15.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, outside the off and not much turn on
that one, Trescothick plays and misses
15.2 Warne to Trescothick, two runs, short of a good length and outside
the off, punched off the back foot through cover for a couple
15.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and outside the off,
Trescothick heaves at this one and misses, through to the keeper
15.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run
15.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run
15.6 Warne to Trescothick, two runs
End of over 16 (4 runs) England 78/0
SK Warne 2-0-13-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 41* (59b 9x4) ME Trescothick 29* (40b 5x4)
16.1 Tait to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
played at and missed
16.2 Tait to Strauss, one run, picked off the hips through square leg
16.3 Tait to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
16.4 Tait to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and on the stumps,
played back down the pitch
16.5 Tait to Trescothick, no run, back of a length and on the off,
driven to cover
16.6 Tait to Trescothick, two runs, on the pads, tucked down to fine-leg
End of over 17 (3 runs) England 81/0
SW Tait 4-0-22-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 30* (42b 9x4) ME Trescothick 43* (63b 5x4)
17.1 Warne to Strauss, one run, swept to the leg side
17.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, defended
17.3 Warne to Trescothick, OUT: tossed up and outside the off,
Trescothick pokes at that one and only manages an outside edge.
Hayden at slip takes a good catch low down and to his left
England 82/1, Partnership of 82
ME Trescothick c Hayden b Warne 43 (65b 5x4 0x6)
AJ Strauss 31* (43b 9x4) SK Warne 2.3-0-14-1
17.4 Warne to Vaughan, no run, full and on the pads, defended
17.5 Warne to Vaughan, one run, driven to midwicket, Vaughan is off the
mark
17.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, defended
carefully
End of over 18 (2 runs) England 83/1
SK Warne 3-0-15-1 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 1* (2b) AJ Strauss 31* (44b 6x4)
With Warne having got the breakthrough, Ponting brings McGrath back
into the attack
18.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump, defended on the front-foot
18.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, another probing delivery outside the
off stump, this one is bit wide and Vaughan leaves it for the
keeper
18.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a good length delivery,
angling back in from outside the off stump, Vaughan gets right
behind the line and defends it cleanly
18.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, another good line and length delivery
outside the off stump, Vaughan forces it away towards gully
18.5 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, drifting down the leg side and Vaughan
turns it away to the fine leg region for a single
18.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, on the middle and off stump line,
Strauss gets right behind the line and defends, presenting the
full face of the bat and the ball rolls back down the track
End of over 19 (1 run) England 84/1
GD McGrath 8-1-22-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 2* (7b) AJ Strauss 31* (45b 6x4)
19.1 Warne to Vaughan, no run, tossed up, pitched outside the leg stump
and turning across the right-hander, Vaughan defends stretching
well forward
19.2 Warne to Vaughan, FOUR, too short, asking to be hit, Vaughan
fetches it from wide outside the off stump and pulls it away to
the midwicket fence
19.3 Warne to Vaughan, no run, defended on the front-foot
19.4 Warne to Vaughan, FOUR, shot! tossed up outside the off stump,
Vaughan gets forward and drives it through extra cover for the
second boundary of the over, elegantly shot that
19.5 Warne to Vaughan, one run, moves forward, takes it on the full and
flicks it away to deep square leg for a single
19.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, defended
End of over 20 (9 runs) England 93/1
SK Warne 4-0-24-1 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 11* (12b 2x4) AJ Strauss 31* (46b 6x4)
20.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, good length delivery, nipping back in
after hitting the deck but not enough to make Vaughan play at it
20.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, this one keeps its line after pitching
and Vaughan offers no shot
20.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fuller and outside the off stump,
Vaughan leaves it for the keeper
20.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, again too wide outside the off stump
and Vaughan is not interested
20.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, closer to the off stump line and
Vaughan forces it away straight to the fielder at gully
20.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, pitched up and swinging in, Vaughan
gets forward and drives it away to the mid-off region and it's a
maiden over
End of over 21 (maiden) England 93/1
GD McGrath 9-2-22-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 31* (46b 6x4) MP Vaughan 11* (18b 2x4)
21.1 Warne to Strauss, no run
Warne bowling from round the stumps to the left-hander
21.2 Warne to Strauss, one run, flighted delivery outside the off stump,
Strauss steers it away to the third man region for a single
21.3 Warne to Vaughan, legbye: one run, turning in from outside the leg
stump, Vaughan fails to make contact, ball clips the pad and rolls
away fine
21.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, short and quicker, Strauss tuns it away
on the leg side, Warne moves across and fields
21.5 Warne to Strauss, one run, fuller on the pads and Strauss tucks it
away to the fine leg region for a single
21.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, fraction short, pitched in line with the
leg stump and turning across, Vaughan drives off the back-foot but
the shot is not timed well enough and the ball rolls back to Warne
End of over 22 (3 runs) England 96/1
SK Warne 5-0-26-1 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 33* (50b 6x4) MP Vaughan 11* (20b 2x4)
22.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, hit on the pad trying to work it away
on the leg side, bowled from round the stumps and that was missing
leg, half hearted appeal for lbw turned down
22.2 McGrath to Strauss, two runs, turned away off the pads to the
vacant deep square leg region, runs hard and comes back for the
second
22.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump, defended
22.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, again drifting on to the pads and
Strauss turns it away straight to the fielder at square leg
22.5 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, short and wide outside the off stump, not
too wide but Strauss leans back, makes room and cuts it away to
the backward point boundary, 100 comes up for England!
22.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, defended outside the off stump
End of over 23 (6 runs) England 102/1
GD McGrath 10-2-28-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 11* (20b 2x4) AJ Strauss 39* (56b 7x4)
23.1 Warne to Vaughan, no run, tossed up on the stumps, too full and
Vaughan drives it down the track to the mid-on region
23.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, on the middle and leg stump line, Vaughan
gets inside the line and punches it away towards extra cover
23.3 Warne to Vaughan, no run, fraction short and quicker, defended on
the back-foot
23.4 Warne to Vaughan, no run, another tossed up delivery and this time
Vaughan ends up driving it back to the bowler
23.5 Warne to Vaughan, OUT: gone! Warne strikes again! short ball,
pitched outside the leg stump and turning across, Vaughan goes
back looking to flick it away through midwicket but ends up
hitting straight to Clarke at short midwicket - England two down!
England 102/2, Partnership of 20
MP Vaughan c Clarke b Warne 11 (25b 2x4 0x6)
AJ Strauss 39* (56b 7x4) SK Warne 5.5-0-26-2
was not a wicket taking delivery but Vaughan failed to keep it down
- in the end a soft dismissal
Ian Bell is the next man in
23.6 Warne to Bell, no run, hit on the pad outside the line of leg
stump, end of a successful over
End of over 24 (maiden) England 102/2
SK Warne 6-1-26-2 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 39* (56b 7x4) IR Bell 0* (1b)
24.1 McGrath to Strauss, one run, on the pads and Strauss flicks it away
to the fine leg region
24.2 McGrath to Bell, no run, bouncer and Bell awkwardly ducks under it
24.3 McGrath to Bell, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump, defended watchfully
24.4 McGrath to Bell, no run
24.5 McGrath to Bell, no run, short rising delivery outside the off
stump, Bell defends - standing tall on the back-foot and the ball
rolls back to the bowler
24.6 McGrath to Bell, no run, short of a good length delivery outside
the off stump, left alone
End of over 25 (1 run) England 103/2
GD McGrath 11-2-29-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 40* (57b 7x4) IR Bell 0* (6b)
Warne to continue - slip, silly point and a short leg in place
25.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, wide outside the off stump and Strauss
leaves it alone
at the moment, Warne bowling round the stumps to Strauss
25.2 Warne to Strauss, no run
25.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up outside the off stump and
Strauss drives it straight into Ponting at silly point, that hurts
25.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, beaten outside the off stump, Strauss was
looking to force the ball away through cover
25.5 Warne to Strauss, one run, turned away off the back-foot to the
midwicket region
25.6 Warne to Bell, OUT: it's that man Warne again! the one that goes
straight after pitching and Bell trying to defend it on the front-
foot gets hit on the pad plumb in front of the stumps, loud appeal
and Bowden's crooked finger goes up
England 104/3, Partnership of 2
IR Bell lbw b Warne 0 (7b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 26 (1 run) England 104/3
SK Warne 7-1-27-3 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 41* (62b 7x4)
Pietersen is the next man in
26.1 Tait to Strauss, one run, full and on the legs, worked through the
leg side
26.2 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, full-toss outside the off, patted through
cover for a boundary, Pietersen gets off the mark with that
26.3 Tait to Pietersen, no run, low full-toss on the stumps, defended to
the leg side
26.4 Tait to Pietersen, no run, fullish and outside the off, a hint of
away swing, played at and missed, just past the outside edge
26.5 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, full-toss once more, this one is down the
leg side and easily tickled away down to the fine-leg boundary
26.6 Tait to Pietersen, two runs, fullish and outside the off, eased
through cover for a couple of easy runs and that is lunch
End of over 27 (11 runs) England 115/3
SW Tait 5-0-33-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 42* (63b 7x4) KP Pietersen 10* (5b 2x4)
The players go off the field for lunch on the first day. We'll be
back with all the action from the post-lunch session in about 35
minutes at 12.10GMT
Till then, this is your commentator, Anand Vasu, signing off,
asking you to bear with us for the moments in which we have had
scoring errors. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but every
now and then there are problems.
Match State: Lunch - Day 1
Do send any feedback you have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Hello and welcome back to coverage of the post-lunch session
The players are on the field, and for the second time in the day,
play is about to get under way ...
Warne has the ball and he's done well so far
27.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off, driven
at and missed, past the edge to the keeper
27.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
defended with the full face of the bat
27.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, flat and on the stumps, nudged to the leg
side
27.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and far outside the off, kicked away
27.5 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up a touch and outside the off,
defended carefully with bat held close to pad
27.6 Warne to Strauss, two runs, on the pads this time and Strauss can
work the ball through leg for a comfortable brace
End of over 28 (2 runs) England 117/3
SK Warne 8-1-29-3 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 10* (5b 2x4) AJ Strauss 44* (69b 7x4)
Lee from the Pavilion End
28.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, just a
suggestion of away swing, left alone to the keeper
28.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, good length ball outside the off, a bit
more pace on that one, left carefully alone to the wicketkeeper
once more
28.3 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, a bit too straight and too full,
Pietersen can move across and work the ball through his favourite
leg side
28.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, the ball threatens to come back in but largely holds its
line, left alone to the keeper
28.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length once more, on the
off, Pietersen pushes the ball out to cover but there is no chance
of a run
28.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
Pietersen gets behind the line well and works the ball wide of
mid-on for a single that will keep him on strike
End of over 29 (3 runs) England 120/3
B Lee 5-1-24-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 13* (11b 2x4) AJ Strauss 44* (69b 7x4)
29.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the stumps, Pietersen gets
well forward and defends to the leg side
Slip and forward short-leg in place
29.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads, flick played and
missed, off the pads to the leg side
29.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and fired in on the pads, kicked
away
29.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, slightly short and a bit of width
outside the off, Pietersen goes back and punches, he hits it well
but finds te fielder at cover
29.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flatter and fuller, on the pads, kicked
away without much fuss
29.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, very full and on the leg stump, driven
back to Warne to cap off a maiden over
End of over 30 (maiden) England 120/3
SK Warne 9-2-29-3 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 44* (69b 7x4) KP Pietersen 13* (17b 2x4)
30.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, slanting away
from the left-handed Strauss who leaves the ball well alone
30.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
played at and missed, through to the keeper
30.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, short ball banged in, decenbt pace as well,
Strauss watches keenly and leaves the ball alone
30.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
30.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, driven well to the
man at cover
30.6 Lee to Strauss, one run, short of a good length and on the pads,
worked to the on side for a single, that's the only run off a tidy
over
End of over 31 (1 run) England 121/3
B Lee 6-1-25-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 45* (75b 7x4) KP Pietersen 13* (17b 2x4)
31.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up and outside the off, Strauss
comes forward to defend but plays and misses, the ball goes past
the edge to the keeper
31.2 Warne to Strauss, three runs, tossed up and this time Strauss is
able to get a foot out and drive nicely through cover, Martyn
gives chase and fields
31.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the pads, defended down the
pitch
31.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and far down the leg side, kicked
away to the on side
31.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and flat, on the stumps, defended
to the leg side
31.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the legs, a bit of turn,
defended carefully to the off side
End of over 32 (3 runs) England 124/3
SK Warne 10-2-32-3 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 48* (77b 7x4) KP Pietersen 13* (21b 2x4)
32.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and on the pads,
Strauss works the ball to the leg side
32.2 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, short and enough width for Strauss to shift
his weight onto the back foot and crash the ball past point to the
boundary! Half-century for Strauss with that
32.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, back of a length and on te stumps, played
to the leg side with a straight bat
32.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, short and a bit of width, cut hard but the
man at point is good enough to stop that
32.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, good length ball on the off, the ball
climbs a bit on Strauss who fefends well
32.6 Lee to Strauss, (noball) one run, full and on the pads, worked down
to fine-leg and it's a no-ball as well, so two runs to the total
32.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, full and on the stumps, heading towards
leg, helped along wide of short midwicket for a single
End of over 33 (7 runs) England 131/3
B Lee 7-1-32-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 14* (22b 2x4) AJ Strauss 53* (83b 8x4)
33.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and down the leg side, Pietersen
sweeps and misses
33.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, fuller, well flighthed and on the pads,
driven to mid-on
33.3 Warne to Pietersen, OUT: tossed up and on the pads, drifting in
towards the leg stump, Pietersen tries to flick but the ball spins
enough to beat the bat and crash into the stumps! What a spell
this is from Warne the magician
England 131/4, Partnership of 27
KP Pietersen b Warne 14 (25b 2x4 0x6)
AJ Strauss 53* (83b 8x4) SK Warne 10.3-2-32-4
Flintoff is the new batsman
33.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and on the leg stump, flick played
and missed, off the pad to the off side
33.5 Warne to Flintoff, two runs, on th epads again, that is the line
Warne is bowling to Flintoff, driven through the on side for a
couple
33.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and on the stumps, played back down
the pitch to Warne
End of over 34 (2 runs) England 133/4
SK Warne 11-2-34-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 53* (83b 8x4) A Flintoff 2* (3b)
End of a successful over. Warne has done extremely well to pick up
four wickets on this first-day pitch
34.1 Lee to Strauss, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
steered wide of point for a single
34.2 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short ball banged in to flintoff who ducks
under this one, not going for the pull or hook
34.3 Lee to Flintoff, no run, another one dragged a bit short, very
quick as well, Flintoff leaves it alone
34.4 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short ball, decent pace again, good effort
from Lee, defended to the leg side
34.5 Lee to Flintoff, legbye: FOUR, QUICK! 93.4 mph bouncer bang on
target! Flintoff does not have time to duck and cops a blow on the
helmet. That is a painful blow
34.6 Lee to Flintoff, no run, once again quick, that was 96.2 mph,
defended back down the pitch, quality bowling from Lee here to
back up Warne
End of over 35 (5 runs) England 138/4
B Lee 8-1-33-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 54* (84b 8x4) A Flintoff 2* (8b)
35.1 Warne to Strauss, two runs, full and outside the off, sweep played
down towards fine-leg
35.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, and there's the googly! turns away from
Strauss who leaves the ball alone
35.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, flatter and on the stumps, defended back
down the pitch
35.4 Warne to Strauss, one run, full and outside the off, predetermined
sweep shot, the ball runs down to fine-leg
35.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and outside the off, cut played and
missed
35.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and quick, down the leg side, left
alone to the keeper
End of over 36 (3 runs) England 141/4
SK Warne 12-2-37-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 57* (88b 8x4) A Flintoff 2* (10b)
36.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, quick one again from Lee, Strauss sways
safely out of harm's way, taking no chance, Lee is steaming in
here
36.2 Lee to Strauss, one run, slower ball, good idea but the execution
is not great, full and too straight, easily woirked through
midwicket for a single
36.3 Lee to Flintoff, no run, quick one slipping down the leg side, left
well alone once more
36.4 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short ball banged in, good pace and carry
at 94 mph, left alone to the keeper, this is a hostile spell from
Lee
36.5 Lee to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on with
a dead straight bat
36.6 Lee to Flintoff, FOUR, short of a length and enough width for
Flintoff to time the ball well and place it through cover for a
boundary
End of over 37 (5 runs) England 146/4
B Lee 9-1-38-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 58* (90b 8x4) A Flintoff 6* (14b 1x4)
37.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and on the stumps, worked
to the leg side
37.2 Warne to Strauss, one run, full and on the pads, worked awell
through fine-leg for a run
37.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, tossed up and outside the off, driven
well, inside out, through cover
37.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, Beauty! well flighted, drifting in
towards the pads, the ball pitches and rips past Flintoff's bat.
What a ball!
37.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the leg stump, kicked back
down the pitch
37.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, slower this time, ,on the stumps,
defended awkwardly down the pitch
End of over 38 (1 run) England 147/4
SK Warne 13-2-38-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 59* (92b 8x4) A Flintoff 6* (18b 1x4)
38.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and on the off from round the wicket,
the ball comes in with te arm, defended towards cover with a
straight bat
38.2 Lee to Strauss, one run, short of a length and down the leg side,
worked through the on side with a turn of the wrists
38.3 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
defended off the back foot towards the fielder at mid-off, no
chance of a run
38.4 Lee to Flintoff, FOUR, full and outside the off, drive pplayed but
the result is a thick outside edge that goes past the slips cordon
and runs down to the third-man fence
38.5 Lee to Flintoff, one run, just short of a length and outside the
off, played down to the sweeper on the off-side fence with an
angled bat
38.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, coming in with the angle, defended towards cover
End of over 39 (6 runs) England 153/4
B Lee 10-1-44-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 11* (21b 2x4) AJ Strauss 60* (95b 8x4)
39.1 Warne to Flintoff, one run, tossed up and on the stumps, driven to
the on side for a single
39.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off, kicked
away
39.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
Strauss gets behind the line and drives to cover
39.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, thrown up further wide of the off stump,
left alone
39.5 Warne to Strauss, two runs, full and down the leg side, clipped to
fine-leg
39.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted, quite slow, outside the
off, defended carefully towards cover
End of over 40 (3 runs) England 156/4
SK Warne 14-2-41-4 - Vauxhall End
A Flintoff 12* (22b 2x4) AJ Strauss 62* (100b 8x4)
McGrath is back in the attack, at the Pavilion End
40.1 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, fullish and outside the off, left
alone, McGrath is on the spot right away
40.2 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, full and outside the off, shaping in,
defended to gully with an angled bat
40.3 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, full and outside the off, left alone
to the keeper
40.4 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, driven to the
bowler
40.5 McGrath to Flintoff, one run, short of a length and outside the
off, flintoff goes back and chops the ball through cover
40.6 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, leg stump half-volley, Strauss crunches
the ball through midwicket for a boundary bang on the drinks break
End of over 41 (5 runs) England 161/4
GD McGrath 12-2-34-0 - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 13* (27b 2x4) AJ Strauss 66* (101b 9x4)
Match State: Drinks
It will be Warne to continue after the drinks break
41.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, tossed up, pitched outside the leg stump
and turning across, Flintoff gets his left leg forward and takes
it on the pad
41.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run
41.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, fuller and quicker, Flintoff makes no
contact trying to drive it away on the leg side, ball clips the
pad and pops up straight to Ponting at silly point, loud appeal
turned down
41.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, defended to the leg side
41.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run
41.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, defended with the full face of the bat
on this occasion, that's the end off a testing over
End of over 42 (maiden) England 161/4
SK Warne 15-3-41-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 66* (101b 9x4) A Flintoff 13* (33b 2x4)
42.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, good length delivery on the middle and
leg stump line, Strauss presents the full face of the bat and the
ball rolls back to the bowler
42.2 McGrath to Strauss, two runs, on the pads and Strauss flicks it
away to the deep midwicket region, sweeper is square and they
comfortably come back for the second
change of angle, McGrath decides to come round the wicket to the
left-hander
42.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length delivery,
pitched outside the off stump and angling in, defended on the
back-foot
42.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, drifting down the leg side, Strauss
looking to turn it away on the leg side fails to make contact,
ball kisses the pad and goes to the keeper, appeal for caught
behind turned down
42.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run
42.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length delivery outside
the off stump, Strauss stands tall on the back-foot and punches it
back to the bowler, got right behind the line and presented the
full face of the bat
End of over 43 (2 runs) England 163/4
GD McGrath 13-2-36-0 - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 13* (33b 2x4) AJ Strauss 68* (107b 9x4)
43.1 Warne to Flintoff, one run, full and on the pads, tucked away
through square-leg for a single
43.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, from round the
wicket, kicked away towards slip.;full and on the off, a bit of
spin in, kicked away to the off side
43.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, a bit of spin in,
kicked away to the off side
43.4 Warne to Strauss, one run
43.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, fullish and on the off, defended back
down the pitch
43.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and drifting on to the
pads, played back to the bowler
End of over 44 (2 runs) England 165/4
SK Warne 16-3-43-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 69* (110b 9x4) A Flintoff 14* (36b 2x4)
44.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
slanting in with the angle, defended back down the pitch
44.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full again and on the off, driven to
the off side
44.3 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
cover off the front foot
44.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short ball banged in, Strauss sways
inside the line of the ball and leaves it alone
44.5 McGrath to Strauss, one run, full and this time slanting down leg,
worked easily to fine-leg
44.6 McGrath to Flintoff, two runs, short of a length and outside the
off, Flintoff chops well through cover-point
End of over 45 (3 runs) England 168/4
GD McGrath 14-2-39-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 70* (115b 9x4) A Flintoff 16* (37b 2x4)
45.1 Warne to Strauss, one run, tossed up and on the off, worked well
through midwicket for a single that gets Flintoff on strike
45.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the stumps, defended back
down the pitch
45.3 Warne to Flintoff, one run, tossed up and on the off, defended, off
the inside edge down towards fine-leg
45.4 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, tossed up and outside the off, crunched
through cover, clarke fields but takes the ball over the ropes
with him
45.5 Warne to Strauss, one run, worked through the leg side for a single
45.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the stumps,
defended back down the pitch
End of over 46 (7 runs) England 175/4
SK Warne 17-3-50-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 76* (118b 10x4) A Flintoff 17* (40b 2x4)
46.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, dead straight,
Strauss watches the ball onto the bat and drives back towards mid-
on
46.2 McGrath to Strauss, one run, short and down the leg side, paddled
away towards fine-leg
46.3 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, good length ball on the off, a touch
of inswiing, defended back down the pitch
46.4 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, slightly slower and on the off, driven
to mid-on with a straight bat
46.5 McGrath to Flintoff, no run, slightly shorter and Flintoff goes for
the pull and misses, rapped on the pad
46.6 McGrath to Flintoff, FOUR, full and outside the off, Flintoff jams
the bat down and squeezes the ball past slip for a boundary
End of over 47 (5 runs) England 180/4
GD McGrath 15-2-44-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 77* (120b 10x4) A Flintoff 21* (44b 3x4)
47.1 Warne to Strauss, one run, big spinning legbreak, tucked away to
the leg side
47.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and drifting onto the pad,
flicked to midwicket
47.3 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, fullish and outside the off, Flintoff goes
for the booming drive seeing that mid-off is up, well placed and
the ball races awy for four
47.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the stumps, defended with an
angled bat
47.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and outside the leg stump, kicked
back down the pitch
47.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and down the leg side, sweep played
and missed, off the pad past slip
End of over 48 (5 runs) England 185/4
SK Warne 18-3-55-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 78* (121b 10x4) A Flintoff 25* (49b 4x4)
Tait back in the attack
48.1 Tait to Strauss, no run, full and just outside the off, Strauss
defends back down the pitch without any trouble
48.2 Tait to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, defent pace too, left alone
48.3 Tait to Strauss, one run, short of a length and slipping onto the
pads, clipped through square leg for a single
48.4 Tait to Flintoff, no run, full and very straight, perhaps a touch
of late swing in, Flintoff flicks and misses, hit on the pad,
half-hearted shout for lbw from Tait, clearly slipping down leg
though
48.5 Tait to Flintoff, no run, full and far outside the off, driven to
mid-off
48.6 Tait to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, swinging in, driven
to mid-on
End of over 49 (1 run) England 186/4
SW Tait 6-0-34-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 79* (124b 10x4) A Flintoff 25* (52b 4x4)
Simon Katich comes on to bowl
49.1 Katich to Strauss, two runs, full and down the leg side, flicked
down to fine-leg for a couple
49.2 Katich to Strauss, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
back down the pitch
49.3 Katich to Strauss, FOUR, full and outside the of, a bit quicker,
Strauss squeezes that past the slip fielder for four that takes
him within 15 runs of a century
49.4 Katich to Strauss, no run, full and on the stumps, driven to the on
side
49.5 Katich to Strauss, one run, full and down the leg side, worked
through square leg
49.6 Katich to Flintoff, no run, tossed up a bit more and outside the
off, Flintoff comes forward and defends
End of over 50 (7 runs) England 193/4
SM Katich 1-0-7-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 86* (129b 11x4) A Flintoff 25* (53b 4x4)
50.1 Tait to Strauss, one run, overpitched and on the pads, easily
picked off through square leg for a single
50.2 Tait to Flintoff, no run, short of a length and on the off,
defended carefully towards cover
50.3 Tait to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-off, a
touch of reverse swing here bringing the ball in to the right-
handed Flintoff
50.4 Tait to Flintoff, no run, short ball banged in and easily ducked
under
50.5 Tait to Flintoff, FOUR
50.6 Tait to Flintoff, no run
End of over 51 (5 runs) England 198/4
SW Tait 7-0-39-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 87* (130b 11x4) A Flintoff 29* (58b 5x4)
51.1 Katich to Strauss, one run
51.2 Katich to Flintoff, one run
51.3 Katich to Strauss, no run
51.4 Katich to Strauss, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
worked threough the leg side for a single
51.5 Katich to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the of, defended
back down the pitch to the bowler
51.6 Katich to Flintoff, no run, full and outside the off, eased to
cover
End of over 52 (3 runs) England 201/4
SM Katich 2-0-10-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 89* (133b 11x4) A Flintoff 30* (61b 5x4)
52.1 Tait to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, decent pace,
played at and missed, through to the keeper
52.2 Tait to Strauss, no run, full once more and on the off, Tait
striving for swing, driven to cover
52.3 Tait to Strauss, one run, short of a good length and down the leg
side, worked down to fine leg for a single, Strauss into the
nervous nineties with that shot
52.4 Tait to Flintoff, one run, fullish and on the pads, easily flicked
through square leg for a single
52.5 Tait to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, defended
52.6 Tait to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, played back down
the pitch to the bowler
End of over 53 (2 runs) England 203/4
SW Tait 8-0-41-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 31* (62b 5x4) AJ Strauss 90* (138b 11x4)
53.1 Katich to Flintoff, one run, low full-toss outside the off, driven
through cover but it will be just the single
53.2 Katich to Strauss, one run, short of a length and on the stumps,
worked well through midwicket
53.3 Katich to Flintoff, no run, defended back down the pitch
53.4 Katich to Flintoff, no run, played back down the pitch once again,
to the bowler
53.5 Katich to Flintoff, no run, flat again and on the stumps, defended
carefully towards the bowler with bat and pad held close
53.6 Katich to Flintoff, two runs, fullish and outside the off, heaved
through square leg for a single
End of over 54 (4 runs) England 207/4
SM Katich 3-0-14-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 91* (139b 11x4) A Flintoff 34* (67b 5x4)
54.1 Tait to Strauss, no run, full and far outside the off, Strauss goes
fishing and is lucky not to get an edge on that one
54.2 Tait to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, driven to cover,
no chance of a run though
54.3 Tait to Strauss, one run, down the leg side and Strauss can work
the ball down to fine leg and get one run closer to three figures
54.4 Tait to Flintoff, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off, this is
fairly ordinary from Tait, beautiful cover drive for four!
54.5 Tait to Flintoff, one run, pushed past cover for a single
54.6 Tait to Strauss, no run, far down the leg side, full, left easily
alone and that is tea!
End of over 55 (6 runs) England 213/4
SW Tait 9-0-47-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 39* (69b 6x4) AJ Strauss 92* (143b 11x4)
The players take a short break for tea
We'll do the same
We'll be back in about 20 minutes, at 1430 GMT, for all the action
from the last session of the day
For the moment this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off
Do send any feedback you may have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Tea - Day 1
Welcome back to our coverage of this Test match. The last session
beckons and play is about get under way yet again ...
The players are on the field now ...
England's batsmen are now getting in place
Shane Warne comes into the attack after tea
55.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
towards the off side, no chance of a run
55.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, slower and on the off, played back down
the pitch to the bowler
55.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and down the leg side, defended to
the leg side with a straight bat
55.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flatter and a touch quicker, on the
middle and leg, defended
55.5 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, full and down the leg side, heaved over
midwicket for a boundary
55.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flatter and on the off, played back to
the bowler
End of over 56 (4 runs) England 217/4
SK Warne 19-3-59-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 92* (143b 11x4) A Flintoff 43* (75b 7x4)
Strauss on 92 will now face Lee
56.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and outside the off, from round the
wicket, the ball moves away after pitching, left alone to the
keeper
56.2 Lee to Strauss, one run, full and outside the off, squeezed down to
third man for a single
56.3 Lee to Flintoff, one run, full and outside the off, defended
towards cover for a quick single
56.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
round the wicket to the left-handed Strauss, left alone
56.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to cover
56.6 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, short of a length and enough width for
Strauss to go back and across and chop the ball to the third-man
boundary. This takes him on to 97, one stroke from a century
End of over 57 (6 runs) England 223/4
B Lee 11-1-50-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 44* (76b 7x4) AJ Strauss 97* (148b 12x4)
57.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the middle and leg, Flintoff
is studious in defence
57.2 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, tossed up and on the pads, Flintoff gets
down on one knee and sweeps regally through square leg
57.3 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, once again far down the leg side, once
again a big hit from Flintoff and this beats Lee on the ropes at
deep backward square-leg. That's 50 for Freddie Flintoff
57.4 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, Three in a row! Another boundary. This one
is smashed back past the bowler to long-on
57.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, slower and on the pads, defended
watchfully
57.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, driven to square leg to end an expensive
over from Warne
End of over 58 (12 runs) England 235/4
SK Warne 20-3-71-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 97* (148b 12x4) A Flintoff 56* (82b 10x4)
58.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
the ball moves away after pitching, left alone
58.2 Lee to Strauss, FOUR, driven well through midwicket to bring up a
century for Andrew Strauss! That is a 7th Test hundred for Strauss
and boy oh boy is this South London crowd appreciative
58.3 Lee to Strauss, one run, low full-toss outside the off, punched
past cover for a single
58.4 Lee to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on
58.5 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short ball banged in, Flintoff sways out
of the way of that one
58.6 Lee to Flintoff, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on to
end the over
End of over 59 (5 runs) England 240/4
B Lee 12-1-55-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 102* (151b 13x4) A Flintoff 56* (85b 10x4)
59.1 Warne to Strauss, two runs, fullish and outside the off, played
streakily past slip
59.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up and outside the off, there's a
bit of spin but it is left alone
59.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the pads, clipped to
midwicket
59.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, driven to cover
59.5 Warne to Strauss, one run
59.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run
End of over 60 (3 runs) England 243/4
SK Warne 21-3-74-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 105* (156b 13x4) A Flintoff 56* (86b 10x4)
60.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
60.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a length and on the off, eased to
cover
60.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
60.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to cover
where Ponting fields well
60.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
played down to gully with soft hands
60.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone and that brings the over to an end - a good one, a
maiden
End of over 61 (maiden) England 243/4
B Lee 13-2-55-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 56* (86b 10x4) AJ Strauss 105* (162b 13x4)
61.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the stumps, driven
back down the pitch to the bowler
61.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and down the leg side, Flintoff
goes for a big hit but misses and is hit on the pad
61.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, tossed up once again and drifting
towards middle and leg, defended back down the pitch with bat held
close to pad
61.4 Warne to Flintoff, one run, tossed up and outside the off, driven
at, off the edge past mid-off for a single
61.5 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, defended
towards cover
61.6 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off, cut
down to the third-man fence
End of over 62 (5 runs) England 248/4
SK Warne 22-3-79-4 - Vauxhall End
A Flintoff 57* (90b 10x4) AJ Strauss 109* (164b 14x4)
62.1 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short of a good length and on the stumps,
Flintoff shapes to cut and misses, through to the keeper
62.2 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short of a length and wide outside the
off, cut played and missed, through to the keeper
62.3 Lee to Flintoff, FOUR, short and wide, that is a terrible ball,
Flintoff hammers it past point for four
62.4 Lee to Flintoff, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, played down to cover
62.5 Lee to Flintoff, no run, fullish this time and on the off, driven
to cover
62.6 Lee to Flintoff, FOUR, full and outside the off, driven well
through cover, good shot that, can't say the same about the ball
though
End of over 63 (8 runs) England 256/4
B Lee 14-2-63-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 109* (164b 14x4) A Flintoff 65* (96b 12x4)
63.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, flat and quick outside the off, driven
off the back foot to cover
63.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, straight one outside the off, this is the
slider, the one that does not turn, played at and missed, past the
outside edge to the keeper
63.3 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, swept from outside the off, and swept well,
no chance for fine-leg or square leg, no need to run for that one
63.4 Warne to Strauss, one run, full and outside the off, driven well
through cover for a single
63.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, cut away off the back foot past cover
63.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, defended
End of over 64 (5 runs) England 261/4
SK Warne 23-3-84-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 114* (168b 15x4) A Flintoff 65* (98b 12x4)
64.1 Lee to Strauss, no run, good length ball outside the off, left
alone to the keeper, the ball slants away from the left-handed
Strauss
64.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper once more
64.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, short ball banged in, it is well directed
and climbs on Strauss who manages to fend the ball safely down
64.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, sliced down to
gully
64.5 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, Strauss flashes
at it and edges, Gilchrist takes the catch but barely appeals. Lee
screams for the dismissal but is turned down
That was most certainly an edge. Surprising lack of enthusiasm from
the keeper and slip
64.6 Lee to Strauss, no run, full and wide of the stumps, left alone
End of over 65 (maiden) England 261/4
B Lee 15-3-63-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 65* (98b 12x4) AJ Strauss 114* (174b 15x4)
65.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the pads, worked to
the on side
65.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flatter and on the stumps, defended
carefully
65.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, fuller and on the stumps, defended
towards off
65.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run
65.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the off, playued back to the
bowler
65.6 Warne to Flintoff, SIX, first six of the match as Flintoff carts
that one over the stands at midwicket
End of over 66 (6 runs) England 267/4
SK Warne 24-3-90-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 114* (174b 15x4) A Flintoff 71* (104b 12x4 1x6)
66.1 Lee to Strauss, no run
66.2 Lee to Strauss, no run, good length ball outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
66.3 Lee to Strauss, no run, fullish and on the off, the bat comes down
in time to keep the ball out
66.4 Lee to Strauss, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
66.5 Lee to Strauss, one run, slower ball, but it's down leg side and
easily worked away for a single
66.6 Lee to Flintoff, no run, fullish and on the off, reverse swing
brings the ball in to Flintoff who defends to the leg side
End of over 67 (1 run) England 268/4
B Lee 16-3-64-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 115* (179b 15x4) A Flintoff 71* (105b 12x4 1x6)
67.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, slider outside the off, Strauss plays and
misses, once again Warne has beaten the bat but failed to get the
edge
67.2 Warne to Strauss, one run, short and a bit of width, cut very hard
but Ponting dives across at cover and fields well
67.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and far outside the leg stump, from
round the wicket, kicked away easily
67.4 Warne to Flintoff, no run, once again far outside the leg stump and
Flintoff is content kicking the ball away
67.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, and another stoic kick to keep the ball
out
67.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and down the leg side, Flintoff
flicks and misses, that turns back in but not enough to hit the
stumps. For a moment Warne thought he had his man there
End of over 68 (1 run) England 269/4
SK Warne 25-3-91-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 116* (181b 15x4) A Flintoff 71* (109b 12x4 1x6)
67.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, Seems like a miscount from the umpire,
an extra ball given, no run scored off it anyhow
End of over 68 (1 run) England 269/4
SK Warne 25-3-91-4 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 116* (181b 15x4) A Flintoff 71* (110b 12x4 1x6)
68.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run
68.2 McGrath to Strauss, no run
68.3 McGrath to Strauss, FOUR, short and a bit of width, cut played, hit
very hard indeed, the ball races to the fence
68.4 McGrath to Strauss, no run, played at and missed, good response
from McGrath
68.5 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, defended to the
off
68.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run
End of over 69 (4 runs) England 273/4
GD McGrath 16-2-48-0 - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 71* (110b 12x4 1x6) AJ Strauss 120* (187b 16x4)
69.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and far outside the leg stump from
round the wicket, kicked away to the on side
69.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, low full-toss outside the leg stump,
flicked to midwicket
69.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the pads, kicked away once
more
69.4 Warne to Flintoff, one run, full and down the leg side, Flintoff
jams te bat down on it and the ball runs towards fine leg
69.5 Warne to Strauss, no run, fullish and outside the off, flashy drive
played and missed
69.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the stumps, driven back to
the bowler
End of over 70 (1 run) England 274/4
SK Warne 26-3-92-4 - Vauxhall End
A Flintoff 72* (114b 12x4 1x6) AJ Strauss 120* (189b 16x4)
70.1 McGrath to Flintoff, OUT: fullish, outside the off, just a bit of a
wobble through the air, a McGrath special, Flintoff plays at it
and edges, Warne takes a good catch at slip. That is a big wicket
for Australia
England 274/5, Partnership of 143
A Flintoff c Warne b McGrath 72 (115b 12x4 1x6)
AJ Strauss 120* (189b 16x4) GD McGrath 16.1-2-48-1
70.2 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, left alone
70.3 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, driven back
down the pitch to the bowler
70.4 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, reverse swinging yorker attempted,
just outside the off, left alone to the keeper
70.5 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, a bit of swing
in as well, defended back down the pitch
70.6 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-
off with a straight bat
End of over 71 (maiden) England 274/5
GD McGrath 17-3-48-1 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 120* (189b 16x4) PD Collingwood 0* (5b)
71.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
71.2 Warne to Strauss, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off, cut
played, and played well, Clarke runs around on the ropes but
cannot stop the ball
71.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, left well alone
71.4 Warne to Strauss, one run, short ball on the stumps, pulled to
midwicket
71.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run, fullish and outside the off, a bit of
turn, played at and missed
71.6 Warne to Collingwood, three runs, full once more and on the pads,
clipped well down to fine leg
End of over 72 (8 runs) England 282/5
SK Warne 27-3-100-4 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 3* (7b) AJ Strauss 125* (193b 17x4)
72.1 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, short of a length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
72.2 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, short one banged in, Collingwood
leaves this one well alone
72.3 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off stump,
left alone to the keeper
72.4 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, short ball banged in outside the
off, ducked under once more
72.5 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, swinging in
late, McGrath going for the yorker but can't quite get it right,
driven to cover
72.6 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
point
End of over 73 (maiden) England 282/5
GD McGrath 18-4-48-1 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 125* (193b 17x4) PD Collingwood 3* (13b)
73.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
73.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
to Warne
73.3 Warne to Strauss, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
cut through point for a single
73.4 Warne to Collingwood, FOUR, fullish and on the pads, Collingwood
works it well through midwicket for his first boundary
73.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run, flat and on the pads, defended back
down the pitch
73.6 Warne to Collingwood, legbye: one run
End of over 74 (6 runs) England 288/5
SK Warne 28-3-105-4 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 7* (16b 1x4) AJ Strauss 126* (196b 17x4)
Tait back into the attack
74.1 Tait to Collingwood, no run, low full-toss outside the off, Tait
must have bowled more full-tosses than properly pitched deliveries
today, driven to gully
74.2 Tait to Collingwood, (noball) no run, no-ball this time, left alone
outside the off
74.2 Tait to Collingwood, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
ducked under
74.3 Tait to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
74.4 Tait to Collingwood, no run, left alone again
74.5 Tait to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, a hint of
inswing, driven to cover
74.6 Tait to Collingwood, no run, short ball outside the off, left
easily alone
End of over 75 (1 run) England 289/5
SW Tait 10-0-48-0 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 126* (196b 17x4) PD Collingwood 7* (23b 1x4)
75.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, flat and on the stumps, played back to
the bowler
75.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off, driven
to cover off the front foot
75.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and far outside the off, sweep
played and missed, through to the keeper
75.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the stumps, stroke played and
missed, hit on the pad
75.5 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and on the stumps, driven to the leg
side towards midwicket
75.6 Warne to Strauss, no run, full and far outside the off stump, left
well alone to the keeper
End of over 76 (maiden) England 289/5
SK Warne 29-4-105-4 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 7* (23b 1x4) AJ Strauss 126* (202b 17x4)
76.1 Tait to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, left well
alone to the keeper
76.2 Tait to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, swinging in late,
driven towards cover off the front foot
76.3 Tait to Collingwood, OUT: full, fast, sharp inswing, finally Tait
gets one right. This homes in on Collingwood's toes. Loud shout
for the lbw, given! Rudi Koertzen's slow finger of death goes up
England 289/6, Partnership of 15
PD Collingwood lbw b Tait 7 (26b 1x4 0x6)
AJ Strauss 126* (202b 17x4) SW Tait 10.3-0-48-1 (3nb)
Tv replays shows that the ball hit Collingwood touch outside the
line of the off stump, Collingwood bit unlucky there.
Jones is the next man in
76.4 Tait to Jones, no run
76.5 Tait to Jones, no run
76.6 Tait to Jones, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, driven
straight to the man at cover
End of over 77 (maiden) England 289/6
SW Tait 11-1-48-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 126* (202b 17x4) GO Jones 0* (3b)
77.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, fraction short and Strauss punches it
down the track to the mid-off region
77.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, fuller outside the off stump, Strauss
gets hit on the pad trying to defend it on the front-foot
77.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, comes down the track on this occasion,
ends up playing it back to the bowler
77.4 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up outside the off stump and
turning in, Strauss gets a good stride forward and turns it away
towards midwicket
77.5 Warne to Strauss, two runs, on the pads and this time Strauss turns
it away well wide of the fielder at midwicket
77.6 Warne to Strauss, no run
End of over 78 (2 runs) England 291/6
SK Warne 30-4-107-4 - Vauxhall End
GO Jones 0* (3b) AJ Strauss 128* (208b 17x4)
12 overs left in the day - Tait to continue
78.1 Tait to Jones, FOUR, off the mark in style! half volley outside the
off stump and Jones drives it away through the cover region,
excellent shot to get off the mark
78.2 Tait to Jones, no run, good length delivery outside the off stump,
no shot offered
78.3 Tait to Jones, no run, short ball, angled in from outside the off
stump, Jones comfortably ducks under it
78.4 Tait to Jones, no run, pitched up and angling in, Tait getting the
ball to reverse in well, Jones gets forward and punches it down to
the mid-off region where a diving stop saves runs
78.5 Tait to Jones, no run, fuller outside the off stump and Jones
drives it away square of the wicket
78.6 Tait to Jones, no run
End of over 79 (4 runs) England 295/6
SW Tait 12-1-52-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 128* (208b 17x4) GO Jones 4* (9b 1x4)
79.1 Warne to Strauss, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
cut through cover for a single
79.2 Warne to Jones, no run, fullish and outside the off, a bit of spin
too, eased to gully
79.3 Warne to Jones, one run, back of a length and outside the off,
played off the back foot towards cover
79.4 Warne to Strauss, OUT: well flighted and outside the off, spinning
in, Strauss prods at it, pad and inside edge, Simon Katich dives
across the pitch beautifully and takes the catch. 5-for for Warne,
another top performance from the champion leggie
England 297/7, Partnership of 8
AJ Strauss c Katich b Warne 129 (210b 17x4 0x6)
GO Jones 5* (11b 1x4) SK Warne 30.4-4-109-5
79.5 Warne to Giles, no run, full and down the leg side, spinning to the
off, defended towards the off side
79.6 Warne to Giles, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to the
keeper
End of over 80 (2 runs) England 297/7
SK Warne 31-4-109-5 - Vauxhall End
GO Jones 5* (11b 1x4) AF Giles 0* (2b)
80.1 Tait to Jones, FOUR, full and fast, outside the off, swinging in to
the right-handed Jones who flashes the ball past slip to take the
score past 300
80.2 Tait to Jones, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
80.3 Tait to Jones, no run, fullish and on the off, late swing in to
Jones, defended towards cover
80.4 Tait to Jones, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, swinging in, defended back down the pitch
80.5 Tait to Jones, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to the
keeper
80.6 Tait to Jones, no run, full-toss on the stumps, punched to mid-on
End of over 81 (4 runs) England 301/7
SW Tait 13-1-56-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 0* (2b) GO Jones 9* (17b 2x4)
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mmentary.html
81.1 Warne to Giles, no run, flat and on the pads, defended back down
the pitch
81.2 Warne to Giles, no run, fullish and outside the off, left carefully
alone by Giles
81.3 Warne to Giles, one run, down the leg side this time, flicked well
through the on side for a single
81.4 Warne to Jones, one run, on the off this time, worked through the
leg side for another single
81.5 Warne to Giles, no run, tossed up and on the pads, played back
towards the bowler
81.6 Warne to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, once again
carefully defended with a straight bat
End of over 82 (2 runs) England 303/7
SK Warne 32-4-111-5 - Vauxhall End
GO Jones 10* (18b 2x4) AF Giles 1* (7b)
82.1 Tait to Jones, no run
82.2 Tait to Jones, no run, inswinger outside the off, shaping in
nicely, defended towards cover
82.3 Tait to Jones, no run, full and outside the off, driven well
towards point
82.4 Tait to Jones, one run, full and down the leg side, easily whipped
down to fine-leg
82.5 Tait to Giles, no run, full and straight, yorker that swings in
late, Giles manages to keep it out
82.6 Tait to Giles, no run, full-toss on the off, swinging in, driven to
mid-on
End of over 83 (1 run) England 304/7
SW Tait 14-1-57-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
GO Jones 11* (22b 2x4) AF Giles 1* (9b)
83.1 Warne to Jones, FOUR, a bit of width outside the off and slightly
short, Jones takes the chance and cuts well past point
83.2 Warne to Jones, one run, full and on the pads, worked to the leg
side, Gilchrist fields and throws the stumps down at the bowler's
end, Jones gets the dive in and seems to have made it. 3rd umpire
called for, he gives it in ...
83.3 Warne to Giles, no run, big ripping legbreak outside the off,
played down to point
83.4 Warne to Giles, no run, well flighted and on the off, driven
towards mid-off
83.5 Warne to Giles, no run, flatter and on the pads, Giles watches it
carefully and defends
83.6 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the leg stump, defesive shot
played, off the pad, loud shout turned down
End of over 84 (5 runs) England 309/7
SK Warne 33-4-116-5 - Vauxhall End
GO Jones 16* (24b 3x4) AF Giles 1* (13b)
84.1 Tait to Jones, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
easily left alone to the keeper
84.2 Tait to Jones, no run, short of a good length and on the stumps,
played back down the pitch to the bowler
84.3 Tait to Jones, no run, fullish and outside the off, late reverse
swing in to the batsman, driven to mid-off
84.4 Tait to Jones, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off, this is
christmas come early for Geraint Jones, smashed away through cover
84.5 Tait to Jones, no run, short ball, ducked under
84.6 Tait to Jones, no run, good length ball outside the off, left alone
to the keeper
End of over 85 (4 runs) England 313/7
SW Tait 15-1-61-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 1* (13b) GO Jones 20* (30b 4x4)
85.1 Warne to Giles, no run, tossed up and on the leg stump, defended
back down the pitch
85.2 Warne to Giles, no run
85.3 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the pads, driven hard but
straight into the shin of forward short-leg
85.4 Warne to Giles, one run, full-toss down the leg side, swatted away
down to deep backward square-leg
85.5 Warne to Jones, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
squeezed down towards gully
85.6 Warne to Jones, one run, full-toss down the leg side, clipped to
midwicket
End of over 86 (2 runs) England 315/7
SK Warne 34-4-118-5 - Vauxhall End
GO Jones 21* (32b 4x4) AF Giles 2* (17b)
86.1 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a good length and on the stumps,
worked to the leg side
86.2 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
86.3 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
defended back down the pitch
86.4 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a length and on the stumps,
played back down the pitch to the bowler
86.5 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
86.6 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone
End of over 87 (maiden) England 315/7
GD McGrath 19-5-48-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 2* (17b) GO Jones 21* (38b 4x4)
87.1 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone
87.2 Lee to Giles, (noball) two runs
87.2 Lee to Giles, no run
87.3 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball ducked well under
87.4 Lee to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, driven back to the
bowler
87.5 Lee to Giles, one run, short ball banged in from round the wicket,
played down towards the off side
87.6 Lee to Jones, no run, full and outside the off, left well alone and
that is that
End of over 88 (4 runs) England 319/7
B Lee 17-3-68-0 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 5* (23b) GO Jones 21* (39b 4x4)
Billy Bowden takes the players off the field
That is stumps on the first day of this final Test
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off, saying cheers
and good night
See you at the start of the coverage of the second day's play at
0930 GMT tomorrow
Do send in your feedback at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Stumps - Day 1
Hello and welcome to coverage of the second day's play of this
final Ashes Test
The players are on the field now
Play will get under way in a moment
88.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, the ball shapes in a touch, left alone
88.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish this time and outside the off,
played at and missed
88.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length and on the stumps,
played back down the pitch to the bowler
88.4 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left well alone
88.5 McGrath to Giles, no run, another one banged in short, Giles ducks
under it
88.6 McGrath to Giles, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
flicked to square leg
End of over 89 (1 run) England 320/7
GD McGrath 20-5-49-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 6* (29b) GO Jones 21* (39b 4x4)
89.1 Lee to Giles, one run, short of a good length and outside the off,
played down towards gully for a quick single
89.2 Lee to Jones, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off, punched
well off the back foot through cover
89.3 Lee to Jones, OUT: just short of a good length once more and on the
off, just a hint of away swing, Jones plays down the wrong line
and loses his off stump! Good strike from Lee
England 325/8, Partnership of 28
GO Jones b Lee 25 (41b 5x4 0x6)
AF Giles 7* (30b) B Lee 17.3-3-73-1 (3nb)
89.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run, fullish and on the off, shot played, off
the edge towards gully
89.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone
89.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, played at and
missed, through to the keeper
End of over 90 (5 runs) England 325/8
B Lee 18-3-73-1 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 7* (30b) MJ Hoggard 0* (3b)
90.1 McGrath to Giles, one run, just short of a length and on the
stumps, sliding down leg, clipped through square leg
90.2 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short ball banged in, fended away
awkwardly towards the keeper, shout for the catch behind but the
ball went off the forearm guard and you can't give that
90.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, played at
and missed
90.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone
90.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run
90.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, left alone to the keeper
End of over 91 (1 run) England 326/8
GD McGrath 21-5-50-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 8* (31b) MJ Hoggard 0* (8b)
91.1 Lee to Giles, no run, full and on the off, a touch of away swing,
defended towards mid-off
91.2 Lee to Giles, no run, full and on the off, pushed towards cover
with an angled bat
91.3 Lee to Giles, two runs, full and outside the off, driven through
cover
91.4 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball banged in, well ducked under
91.5 Lee to Giles, one run, on the pads and slipping further, flicked
past short fine-leg for a run
91.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, just short of a good length, decent pace
and bounce, left alone to the keeper
End of over 92 (3 runs) England 329/8
B Lee 19-3-76-1 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 11* (36b) MJ Hoggard 0* (9b)
92.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, the ball shapes
in a touch but Giles covers the line well and defends
92.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, just short of a good length and on the
pads, worked to the leg side
92.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish and outside the off, fished at
and missed, through to the keeper
92.4 McGrath to Giles, one run
92.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, a touch of
away swing, left alone to the keeper
92.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, played down to gully
End of over 93 (1 run) England 330/8
GD McGrath 22-5-51-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 12* (40b) MJ Hoggard 0* (11b)
93.1 Lee to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, driven towards cover
93.2 Lee to Giles, one run, steered wide of gully for a single
93.3 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short ball banged in, easily evaded
93.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
93.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off once
more and left alone
93.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, Lee finishes off another tidy over
End of over 94 (1 run) England 331/8
B Lee 20-3-77-1 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 13* (42b) MJ Hoggard 0* (15b)
94.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, chopped towards cover
94.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
driven to cover
94.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to cover
94.4 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, short ball banged in, hook played and
missed, off the top edge down to fine leg for a boundary
94.5 McGrath to Giles, one run, another short one, another pull, this
one is played a bit better down to fine-leg
94.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, good length ball that jags sharply back
in, Hoggard is cut in half! That was too good for the batsman
End of over 95 (5 runs) England 336/8
GD McGrath 23-5-56-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 18* (47b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (16b)
95.1 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
95.2 Lee to Giles, one run, full and outside the off, Giles eases this
through cover for a run
95.3 Lee to Hoggard, no run, slightly short, slipping down leg, left
alone
95.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and just outside the off,
played at and missed, through to the keeper
95.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, Hoggard has no
trouble leaving that al,one
95.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, a hint of away
movement, left alone
End of over 96 (1 run) England 337/8
B Lee 21-3-78-1 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 19* (49b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (20b)
96.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, swinging in to
the right-handed Giles, defended back down the pitch
96.2 McGrath to Giles, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
driven well off the back foot with a straight bat to the sweeper
on the off side
96.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
96.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, played at and missed, through to the keeper
96.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
96.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, full once more and on the off, pushed
to cover
End of over 97 (1 run) England 338/8
GD McGrath 24-5-57-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 20* (51b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (24b)
97.1 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and slipping down the leg
side, left alone
97.2 Lee to Giles, no run, fuller and on the off, driven at, off the
inside edge back onto pad
97.3 Lee to Giles, no run, excellent yorker, swinging in as well, well
dug out by Giles
97.4 Lee to Giles, three runs, short of a good length and outside the
off, tentatively pushed towards mid-off where Tait misfields badly
and allows the ball to go through his legs
97.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, played at and
missed
97.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and on the off, defended
End of over 98 (3 runs) England 341/8
B Lee 22-3-81-1 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 23* (55b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (26b)
McGrath to continue - three slips and a gully in place.
98.1 McGrath to Giles, one run, short and wide outside the off stump,
Giles brings his bat down hard on it and the ball races away to
deep point, there is a sweeper in place
98.2 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, beaten outside the off stump
98.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length delivery outside
the off stump, this time Hoggard carefully leaves it for the
keeper
98.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, short and angling in from outside the
off stump but not enough to make Hoggard play at it
98.5 McGrath to Hoggard, one run, finally the edge is found but Ponting
at second slip fails to hold on to a fairly hard chance, was low
and to the left of Ponting
98.6 McGrath to Giles, wide: no run, wayward delivery outside the off
stump, harsh call that
98.6 McGrath to Giles, no run, short and wide outside the off stump,
Giles flashes hard at it but fails to make contact, confident
appeal for caught behind turned down
End of over 99 (3 runs) England 344/8
GD McGrath 25-5-60-1 (1w) - Pavilion End
MJ Hoggard 1* (30b) AF Giles 24* (57b 1x4)
Warne into the attack now
99.1 Warne to Hoggard, no run, defended on the front-foot
99.2 Warne to Hoggard, no run, turning away and Hoggard offers no shot
99.3 Warne to Hoggard, no run, down the leg side
99.4 Warne to Hoggard, one run, turned away in front of square, easy
single
99.5 Warne to Giles, no run, tossed up outside the off stump, defended
99.6 Warne to Giles, no run
End of over 100 (1 run) England 345/8
SK Warne 35-4-119-5 - Vauxhall End
MJ Hoggard 2* (34b) AF Giles 24* (59b 1x4)
100.1 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fullish and on the off, a touch of
swing in to the batsman, defended to the leg side
100.2 McGrath to Hoggard, OUT: slower ball, very cleverly bowled, it's
the split-finger delivery, Hoggard goes for a drive, ambitious,
the ball lands safely in Martyn's hands at short cover
England 345/9, Partnership of 20
MJ Hoggard c Martyn b McGrath 2 (36b 0x4 0x6)
AF Giles 24* (59b 1x4) GD McGrath 25.2-5-60-2 (1w)
100.3 McGrath to Harmison, one run, short ball banged in, Harmison goes
for the pull, the ball bobs up towards the on side
100.4 McGrath to Giles, one run
100.5 McGrath to Harmison, FOUR, short ball banged in, pulled and pulled
well, the ball beats the fielder at deep bacward square-leg
100.6 McGrath to Harmison, one run, another short one, again pulled away
for a single
End of over 101 (7 runs) England 352/9
GD McGrath 26-5-67-2 (1w) - Pavilion End
SJ Harmison 6* (3b 1x4) AF Giles 25* (60b 1x4)
101.1 Warne to Harmison, no run, full and outside the off, a hint of spin
away from the bat, played at and missed
101.2 Warne to Harmison, no run, full and on the stumps, defended back
down the pitch to the bowler
101.3 Warne to Harmison, no run, full and down the leg side, kicked to
forward short-leg
101.4 Warne to Harmison, no run, tossed up and outside the off, a bit
slower, a bit more spin, left alone
101.5 Warne to Harmison, no run, beauty! pitching on leg and middle and
spinning sharply past the bat towards the keeper. That was a
corker
101.6 Warne to Harmison, no run, and here's the slider! somehow Harmison
jams the bat down in time and squeezes the ball to the leg side
End of over 102 (maiden) England 352/9
SK Warne 36-5-119-5 - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 25* (60b 1x4) SJ Harmison 6* (9b 1x4)
102.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, fullish and just outside the off, Giles
gives himself some room and tries to drive, he misses
102.2 McGrath to Giles, two runs, fullish and outside the off, Giles
works the ball towards midwicket and two ambled runs result
102.3 McGrath to Giles, one run, short ball banged in, the pull comes
out, the ball bobs up towards mid-on
102.4 McGrath to Harmison, no run, short ball banged in, Harmison pulls
and misses and is hit high on the pad
102.5 McGrath to Harmison, two runs, full and outside the off, Harmison
swats the ball to the on side and two more runs are added to the
total
102.6 McGrath to Harmison, no run
End of over 103 (5 runs) England 357/9
GD McGrath 27-5-72-2 (1w) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 28* (63b 1x4) SJ Harmison 8* (12b 1x4)
103.1 Warne to Giles, two runs, and two more runs as the ball is squeezed
through the off side
103.2 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the pads, driven at, off the
edge towards off
103.3 Warne to Giles, one run, flatter and on the legs, worked to the off
side towards gully for a single
103.4 Warne to Harmison, no run
103.5 Warne to Harmison, no run
103.6 Warne to Harmison, no run, full and on the off, Harmison watches
carefully and defends
End of over 104 (3 runs) England 360/9
SK Warne 37-5-122-5 - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 31* (66b 1x4) SJ Harmison 8* (15b 1x4)
Lee into the attack
104.1 Lee to Giles, one run, fullish and on the off, driven inside out
just wide of cover for a single
104.2 Lee to Harmison, no run, short ball banged in, pull played and
missed, Harmison is not shy of playing a few strokes
104.3 Lee to Harmison, no run, another one just short of a length,
awkward short-arm jab played, down towards the slips cordon
104.4 Lee to Harmison, FOUR, full and outside the off, Harmison plants
his foot down the pitch and bangs the ball back past mid-off! That
is a cracking shot, Lee would not have enjoyed that
104.5 Lee to Harmison, FOUR, short one, predictable response, pull
played, the ball goes off the top edge over the keeper's head for
four
104.6 Lee to Harmison, FOUR, another short one, this time Harmison
manages to get a decent amount of bat on it, the pull shot sends
the ball towards fine-leg but easily beats the fielder
End of over 105 (13 runs) England 373/9
B Lee 23-3-94-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 32* (67b 1x4) SJ Harmison 20* (20b 4x4)
105.1 Warne to Giles, no run, well flighted, drifting in towards the
pads, the ball bounces, grips and spins past the edge. Great ball,
no result to show for it
105.2 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the pads, driven to deep
midwicket, Giles turns down the single
105.3 Warne to Giles, OUT: full and straight, Giles just turned down the
single so Harmison would not be exposed, but here he goes, trapped
in front by Warne
England 373/10, Partnership of 28
AF Giles lbw b Warne 32 (70b 1x4 0x6)
SJ Harmison 20* (20b 4x4) SK Warne 37.3-5-122-6
Six wickets for Warne there and England end on 373
There will be a short break for the change of innings
We'll take a short break and be back with all the actiuon shortly
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for the moment
Do send feedback at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Players are back
It will be Langer and Hayden to open the innings
Here's Harmison!
0.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, ducked well under
0.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, fuller this time and on the off, Langer
walks across his stumps and defends carefully
0.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
0.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, good length ball outside the off,
Langer watches this carefully and lets it go through to the keeper
0.5 Harmison to Langer, one run, short ball, Langer pulls, it's mis-
timed but wide of midwicket for a single that gets Langer and
Australia off the mark
0.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, Hayden drives
well but straight to mid-off
End of over 1 (1 run) Australia 1/0 (trail by 372 runs)
SJ Harmison 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
JL Langer 1* (5b) ML Hayden 0* (1b)
1.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, just short of a good length and slanting
away from Langer, big slashing drive played and missed
1.2 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fuller and straighter, Langer opens the
face of the bat and runs the ball to gully
1.3 Hoggard to Langer, one run, full once more and on the off, pushed
to the off side and a single is pinched
1.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the pad, Hoggard striving
for swing, defended to the leg side
1.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
1.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, good length ball going across the left-
handed Hayden who feels for that one and misses
End of over 2 (1 run) Australia 2/0 (trail by 371 runs)
MJ Hoggard 1-0-1-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 2* (8b) ML Hayden 0* (4b)
2.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and on the stumps, played back
down the pitch to Harmison
2.2 Harmison to Langer, two runs, full once more and a touch too
straight, eased through midwicket for a brace as Kevin Pietersen
gives chase and fields
2.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, worked to midwicket, no chance of a run
2.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball, it's cut well but not well
enough to beat Paul Collingwood who dives goalkeeper style and
fields
2.5 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball banged in, ducked easily
under
2.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, played down towards cover
End of over 3 (2 runs) Australia 4/0 (trail by 369 runs)
SJ Harmison 2-0-3-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 0* (4b) JL Langer 4* (14b)
3.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, driven to mid-off
3.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, left well
alone to the keeper, not a great deal of swing here for Hoggard
3.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, defended towards
cover
3.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
3.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short ball just outside the off, pull
played, off the bottom edge down to the keeper
3.6 Hoggard to Hayden, (noball) no run, a bit of swing, a bit of seam,
Hayden plays at that and misses
3.6 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, clipped down to
fine leg for a single
End of over 4 (2 runs) Australia 6/0 (trail by 367 runs)
MJ Hoggard 2-0-3-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 1* (11b) JL Langer 4* (14b)
4.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
4.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven towards
cover
4.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, another one dug in a touch short,
Hayden pulls but can only manage an edge back onto pad
4.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, good length ball outside the off,
slanting away a touch, left alone to the keeper
4.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fuller and on the off, Hayden drives
well with te full face of the bat, Harmison fields in his
followthrough
4.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, pushed towards
cover
End of over 5 (maiden) Australia 6/0 (trail by 367 runs)
SJ Harmison 3-1-3-0 - Pavilion End
JL Langer 4* (14b) ML Hayden 1* (17b)
5.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and on the stumps, a hint of
swing towards leg, defended to the leg side
5.2 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, overpitched and outside the off, Langer
times this one well, leaning into the shot and driving through
cover
5.3 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, driven at,
off the inside edge back onto pad
5.4 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, short and Langer pulls, this time it is
hit well enough to beat Michael Vaughan to the midwicket fence
5.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run, good length ball outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
5.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, driven well
but straight to cover
End of over 6 (8 runs) Australia 14/0 (trail by 359 runs)
MJ Hoggard 3-0-11-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 1* (17b) JL Langer 12* (20b 2x4)
6.1 Harmison to Hayden, one run, good length ball on the pads, Hayden
swivels well and pulls to leg
6.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone
6.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
Langer shoulders arms to leave the ball, extra bounce causes the
ball to rear up and hit him on the elbow. Another painful blow for
Langer
6.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and outside the off, played at and
missed
6.5 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball banged in, Langer has no
trouble ducking under that one
6.6 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, full and outside the off, driven well
through extra cover for a boundary on the spot of lunch
End of over 7 (5 runs) Australia 19/0 (trail by 354 runs)
SJ Harmison 4-1-8-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 2* (18b) JL Langer 16* (25b 3x4)
That's lunch on the second day
The players leave the field for a 40-minute break
We'll take a break as well
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for the moment.
See you soon, in about 35 minutes time, at 1210 GMT
Do send any feedback you have at: http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Lunch - Day 2
And the players are back again for the second session of play
Play is about to get under way for the second time in the day
Hoggard to continue, Hayden on strike
7.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, just a hint of
swing, defended back down the pitch with care
7.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, punched off the back foot to cover
7.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
7.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fuller and on the off, played back down
the pitch
7.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full once more and just a hint of swing,
driven back down the pitch to the bowler
7.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the off, Hayden is
content just defending carefully
End of over 8 (maiden) Australia 19/0 (trail by 354 runs)
MJ Hoggard 4-1-11-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 16* (25b 3x4) ML Hayden 2* (24b)
Harmison from the Pavilion End
8.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and on the off, driven well but
straight to mid-off
8.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and on the stumps, worked away to
midwicket
8.3 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off,
sliced over gully, streaky shot but a safe result, four to third
man
8.4 Harmison to Langer, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
squeezed down towards fine leg for a single
8.5 Harmison to Hayden, one run, short ball, it is pulled well, Hayden
rolls his wrists and keeps the ball down
8.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, driven to
mid-off
End of over 9 (6 runs) Australia 25/0 (trail by 348 runs)
SJ Harmison 5-1-14-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 3* (25b) JL Langer 21* (30b 4x4)
9.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and far outside the off, no
difficulty for Hayden in leaving that alone
9.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and far outside the off again,
Hayden looks at that with all the interest of a vegetarian in a
meat market and leaves it alone
9.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, straighter this time, a bit of swing,
Hayden is forced to play at it, defended back down the pitch
9.4 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, full and outside the off, eased well
through cover for Hayden's first boundary
9.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, eased to cover, all along the ground
9.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
punched to cover to end the over
End of over 10 (4 runs) Australia 29/0 (trail by 344 runs)
MJ Hoggard 5-1-15-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 21* (30b 4x4) ML Hayden 7* (31b 1x4)
Freddie Flintoff into the attack now
10.1 Flintoff to Langer, one run, short of a good length and outside the
off, Flintoff straightaway goes round the wicket to the left-
handed batsmen, defended wide of gully for a single
10.2 Flintoff to Hayden, legbye: one run, full and on the off, Hayden
plants his foot down the pitch and defends, off the pad for a leg
bye as the shout for lbw goes up and is denied
10.3 Flintoff to Langer, no run, full and down the leg side, left alone
to the keeper
10.4 Flintoff to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, Langer
drives at this, off the inside edge onto pad
10.5 Flintoff to Langer, (noball) no run, short of a good length, on the
off, a bit of extra bounce surprises Langer, played down awkwardly
10.5 Flintoff to Langer, FOUR, just enough width for Langer to ease the
ball between gully and point to the vacant third-man region for
four
10.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch to the bowler
End of over 11 (7 runs) Australia 36/0 (trail by 337 runs)
A Flintoff 1-0-6-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 7* (32b 1x4) JL Langer 26* (36b 5x4)
11.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven well to mid-
off
11.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
11.3 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, short of a good length and on the off,
punched towards cover for a single
11.4 Hoggard to Langer, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
the keeper
11.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
gully
11.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and on the off, defended towards
cover
End of over 12 (1 run) Australia 37/0 (trail by 336 runs)
MJ Hoggard 6-1-16-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 8* (35b 1x4) JL Langer 26* (39b 5x4)
12.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, eased to mid-off
12.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
defended back down the pitch
12.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, driven inside
out towards cover
12.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and far outside the off, left well
alone to the keeper
12.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good length ball outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
12.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone, end of a good over, a maiden from Flintoff
End of over 13 (maiden) Australia 37/0 (trail by 336 runs)
A Flintoff 2-1-6-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 26* (39b 5x4) ML Hayden 8* (41b 1x4)
13.1 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off, cut
away uppishly past gully
13.2 Hoggard to Langer, no run
13.3 Hoggard to Langer, one run
13.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
13.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
13.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
End of over 14 (5 runs) Australia 42/0 (trail by 331 runs)
MJ Hoggard 7-1-21-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 31* (42b 6x4) ML Hayden 8* (44b 1x4)
14.1 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short ball banged in, left alone to the
keeper
14.2 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
14.3 Flintoff to Langer, no run, good length ball outside the off, a
touch of shape away, left alone
14.4 Flintoff to Langer, two runs, fullish and straight, driven to long
on for a brace
14.5 Flintoff to Langer, one run, once again full and straight, clipped
down towards deep backward square-leg for a single
14.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short ball outside the off, pulled to
mid-on
End of over 15 (3 runs) Australia 45/0 (trail by 328 runs)
A Flintoff 3-1-9-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 34* (47b 6x4) ML Hayden 8* (45b 1x4)
15.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a length and down the leg
side, left well alone to the keeper
15.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone once more to the keeper
15.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a good length and angling in
to the ribs, defended to the leg side
15.4 Harmison to Langer, no run, fullish and on the pads, pushed back
down the pitch
15.5 Harmison to Langer, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
cut through cover
15.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a length and on the stumps,
left easily alone on length
End of over 16 (1 run) Australia 46/0 (trail by 327 runs)
SJ Harmison 6-1-15-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 35* (52b 6x4) ML Hayden 8* (46b 1x4)
16.1 Flintoff to Langer, no run, straight ball, defended back to the
bowler
16.2 Flintoff to Langer, one run, full ball down the leg side, flicked
away for an easy single
16.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, full again, hayden turns it away for
another single, batsmen decide against the second run
16.4 Flintoff to Langer, no run, wide of the stumps this time, langer
lets it go
16.5 Flintoff to Langer, no run, full ball slightly wide of the stumps,
langer plays a forceful stroke straight to the cover fielder
16.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run, flintoff digs it in short, langer
leaves it alone
End of over 17 (2 runs) Australia 48/0 (trail by 325 runs)
A Flintoff 4-1-11-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 9* (47b 1x4) JL Langer 36* (57b 6x4)
17.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, slightly short of a length, shaping
away, hayden shoulders arms
17.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a length again, hayden
attempts to cut but doesn't time it well enough and it goes
straight to the fielder
17.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, straight and full, hayden punches it to
mid-off
17.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, straight and more towards the middle
stump, hayden pushes it to mid-on
17.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and wide of the stumps, Hayden
lets it go
17.6 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short and wide of the stumps, hayden
smashes it to the square fence and the fielder backward of square
has no chance, punishing shot by Hayden
End of over 18 (4 runs) Australia 52/0 (trail by 321 runs)
SJ Harmison 7-1-19-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 36* (57b 6x4) ML Hayden 13* (53b 2x4)
Fifty partnership comes up. AUstralia off to a solid start here
Giles comes into the attack
18.1 Giles to Langer, no run, tossed up and on the stumps to start with,
Langer thinks about coming down the pitch, thn changes his mind,
goes back and defends
18.2 Giles to Langer, SIX, no holding back this time! Langer comes down
the pitch and hits that ball ferociously hard. It's high, wide and
handsome over the ropes at long-on!
Langer signalling his intent early against Giles
18.3 Giles to Langer, no run, flatter this time, understandbly so, on
the pads, worked to the leg side with an angled bat, no chance of
a run
18.4 Giles to Langer, SIX, Catch it is the call from Giles as Langer
comes down the pitch and lofts over midwicket, someone in the
stands at midwicket might have heard that and had a go! That was
huge!
18.5 Giles to Langer, no run, flat again and on the pads, defended to
the leg side, already two big shots this over
18.6 Giles to Langer, two runs, down the pitch and driven back past the
bowler, that was all along the ground, flintoff misfields at long-
on and Langer can come back for a second run to take him to 50!
End of over 19 (14 runs) Australia 66/0 (trail by 307 runs)
AF Giles 1-0-14-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 13* (53b 2x4) JL Langer 50* (63b 6x4 2x6)
19.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, Harmison bowling from over the wicket here, Hayden defends
the ball carefully with a straight bat, the ball rolls down
towards mid-off
19.2 Harmison to Hayden, (noball) no run, once again it is slightly
short of a driving length and on the off, just about angling away
from the left-handed Hayden who goes back in defence. The ball
runs toiwards cover and a single to the total as it is a no-ball
19.2 Harmison to Hayden, legbye: one run, down the leg side, padded away
to the on side for a leg bye
19.3 Harmison to Langer, one run, just short of a good length and on the
off, Langer watches the ball carefully onto his bat and defends it
down with soft hands and an angled bat, a quick stolen is pinched
as the fielder from cover runs in and tidies up
19.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length, on the off,
change of angle here as Harmison comes round the wicket, defended
back with a dead-straight bat, Hayden being very watchful here
19.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and far down the leg side, Hayden
shapes to play that but bails out of the stroke in the last
moment, through to Geraint Jones, who collects well
19.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
End of over 20 (3 runs) Australia 69/0 (trail by 304 runs)
SJ Harmison 8-1-21-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 51* (64b 6x4 2x6) ML Hayden 13* (59b 2x4)
The drinks are on the field now
Match State: Drinks
Giles is out of the attack, in come Collingwood
20.1 Collingwood to Langer, no run, starts off with a pitched up
delivery, hint of in swing and Langer jams his bat down, ball
rolls away straight to the fielder at short cover
20.2 Collingwood to Langer, one run, played away wide of the cover
fielder, Strauss in the deep moves across quickly and keeps it
down to just one
20.3 Collingwood to Hayden, two runs, pitched up outside the off stump
and Hayden drives it away wide of Hoggard at mid-off, long chase
saves two runs
20.4 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, on the middle and leg stump line,
driven away to the mid-on region
20.5 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, short of a good length delivery,
angling across the left-hander, Hayden gets behind the line and
defends it towards cover
20.6 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, another straight delivery, on the
middle and off stump line this time and Hayden carefully defends
End of over 21 (3 runs) Australia 72/0 (trail by 301 runs)
PD Collingwood 1-0-3-0 - Pavilion End
JL Langer 52* (66b 6x4 2x6) ML Hayden 15* (63b 2x4)
Giles back on, so it was just a change of ends
Field well spread out, what is Langer going to do this time?
21.1 Giles to Langer, no run, tossed up outside the off stump, almost a
yorker, Langer beaten outside the off stump
21.2 Giles to Langer, one run, held it back a bit this time, Langer
pushes forward and drives it down to long-on for a single
21.3 Giles to Hayden, no run, fraction short, turning in from outside
the off stump, Hayden defends it on the back-foot
21.4 Giles to Hayden, no run, flighted delivery outside the off stump,
Hayden stretches well forward, gets to the pitch of the delivery
and defends it towards cover
21.5 Giles to Hayden, no run, Hayden comes down the track on this
occasion but fails to get to the pitch of the delivery and ends up
driving it back to the bowler
21.6 Giles to Hayden, no run, makes Hayden defend and it's a much better
over from Giles this time around
End of over 22 (1 run) Australia 73/0 (trail by 300 runs)
AF Giles 2-0-15-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 53* (68b 6x4 2x6) ML Hayden 15* (67b 2x4)
22.1 Collingwood to Langer, no run, beauty, short of a good length
delivery, pitched in line and angling across the left-hander,
Langer pokes at it and gets beaten by the extra bounce
22.2 Collingwood to Langer, FOUR, short and angling across, Langer
flashes hard at it and the ball flies of the edge, Trescothick at
first slip dives across to his left but fails to hold on, that
ball was travelling and it was a very hard chance, Langer lives on
22.3 Collingwood to Langer, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump and Langer watchfully leaves it for the keeper
22.4 Collingwood to Langer, no run, bit fuller outside the off stump and
Langer drives it down to the mid-off region
22.5 Collingwood to Langer, no run, driven back to the bowler
22.6 Collingwood to Langer, one run, short rising delivery, pitched in
line with the leg stump and angling across, Langer stands tall on
the back-foot and defends it towards the vacant midwicket region,
easy single added to the total
End of over 23 (5 runs) Australia 78/0 (trail by 295 runs)
PD Collingwood 2-0-8-0 - Pavilion End
JL Langer 58* (74b 7x4 2x6) ML Hayden 15* (67b 2x4)
23.1 Giles to Langer, one run, turned away to the midwicket region
23.2 Giles to Hayden, no run, defended back to the bowler
23.3 Giles to Hayden, no run
23.4 Giles to Hayden, one run, swept away nicely to the deep square leg
region
23.5 Giles to Langer, FOUR, Langer continues on his merry way, once
again dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the delivery and
drives it well past the fielder at mid-off
23.6 Giles to Langer, one run, turned away on the leg side
End of over 24 (7 runs) Australia 85/0 (trail by 288 runs)
AF Giles 3-0-22-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 64* (77b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 16* (70b 2x4)
24.1 Collingwood to Langer, no run, fullish and on the off, driven at,
off the inside edge to the leg side
24.2 Collingwood to Langer, one run, fullish and on the off, shaping in
to the left-handed Langer, driven back past the bowler towards
mid-off
24.3 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, driven wide of cover
24.4 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven back
down the pitch to the bowler with the full face of the bat
24.5 Collingwood to Hayden, one run, fullish and outside the off, driven
inside out just wide of mid-off for a single
24.6 Collingwood to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, eased
to cover with an angled bat
End of over 25 (2 runs) Australia 87/0 (trail by 286 runs)
PD Collingwood 3-0-10-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 17* (73b 2x4) JL Langer 65* (80b 8x4 2x6)
25.1 Giles to Hayden, one run, on the off and full, well flighted,
driven just wide of mid-on for a single
25.2 Giles to Langer, no run, Giles holds that back a touch, Langer
leans forward to play, misses and almost overbalances as Geraint
Jones whips the bails off
25.3 Giles to Langer, no run
25.4 Giles to Langer, no run, down the pitc, eased to mid-on
25.5 Giles to Langer, no run, fullish and on the off, defended towards
cover with an angled bat
25.6 Giles to Langer, no run, tossed up and on the off, Langer comes
forward and defends to leg
End of over 26 (1 run) Australia 88/0 (trail by 285 runs)
AF Giles 4-0-23-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 18* (74b 2x4) JL Langer 65* (85b 8x4 2x6)
26.1 Collingwood to Hayden, FOUR, low full-toss outside the off, taken
on the full and driven wide of mid-off for a boundary
26.2 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the
off stump, left alone
26.3 Collingwood to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven well
towards the bowler
26.4 Collingwood to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, driven
through midwicket for a single
26.5 Collingwood to Langer, one run, short of a length and on the
stumps, pull played through midwicket
26.6 Collingwood to Hayden, one run, just short of a length and outside
the off, defended towards mid-off
End of over 27 (7 runs) Australia 95/0 (trail by 278 runs)
PD Collingwood 4-0-17-0 - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 24* (79b 3x4) JL Langer 66* (86b 8x4 2x6)
27.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, well flighted and on the off, down the
pitch and defended
27.2 Giles to Hayden, one run, swept from well outside the off down to
Gary Pratt, the substitute on for Hoggard, at fine-leg
27.3 Giles to Langer, no run, back of a length and on the pads, worked
to the leg side
27.4 Giles to Langer, no run, flat and on the off, loud shout as Langer
sweeps and misses and takes the ball on pad, not out says Bowden
27.5 Giles to Langer, no run, fullish and on the pads, worked to the leg
side
27.6 Giles to Langer, no run, down the pitch and pushed inside out to
cover
End of over 28 (1 run) Australia 96/0 (trail by 277 runs)
AF Giles 5-0-24-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 25* (81b 3x4) JL Langer 66* (90b 8x4 2x6)
Flintoff back in the attack from the Pavilion End
28.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, left alone as
the ball angles away from the left-handed Hayden
28.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the leg stump,
defended, off the pad to the leg side
28.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
cover
28.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
28.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
angling away from Hayden who leaves the ball well alone
28.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, end of the over, a maiden from Flintoff
End of over 29 (maiden) Australia 96/0 (trail by 277 runs)
A Flintoff 5-2-11-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 66* (90b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 25* (87b 3x4)
29.1 Giles to Langer, no run, tossed up and on the off, played back down
the pitch to the bowler
29.2 Giles to Langer, two runs
29.3 Giles to Langer, no run
29.4 Giles to Langer, no run
29.5 Giles to Langer, two runs
29.6 Giles to Langer, one run
End of over 30 (5 runs) Australia 101/0 (trail by 272 runs)
AF Giles 6-0-29-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 71* (96b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 25* (87b 3x4)
30.1 Flintoff to Langer, no run, left alone to the keeper
30.2 Flintoff to Langer, one run, worked through the leg side for a
single
30.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, easily left alone to the keeper
30.4 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, short of a good length and outside the
off, squeezed down to point
30.5 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone
30.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-off
End of over 31 (2 runs) Australia 103/0 (trail by 270 runs)
A Flintoff 6-2-13-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 26* (89b 3x4) JL Langer 72* (100b 8x4 2x6)
31.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, Hayden comes
down the pitch and defends
31.2 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and down the leg side, clipped to
short fine-leg
31.3 Giles to Hayden, one run, tossed up and outside the off, driven
down towards long-on for a single
31.4 Giles to Langer, no run, short of a length and on the off, defended
to the leg side
31.5 Giles to Langer, no run, fullish and on the stumps, sweep played
and missed
31.6 Giles to Langer, one run, full and outside the off, driven to the
off side with an angled bat
End of over 32 (2 runs) Australia 105/0 (trail by 268 runs)
AF Giles 7-0-31-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 73* (103b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 27* (92b 3x4)
32.1 Flintoff to Langer, one run, short of a good length and on the
pads, worked to the leg side for a single
32.2 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, low full-toss outside the off, driven
inside out to cover
32.3 Flintoff to Langer, one run, straight and on the stumps, full too,
worked to the leg side
32.4 Flintoff to Hayden, FOUR, short and down the leg side, Hayden moves
across his stumps and pulls very fine and gets four for his
trouble
32.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
32.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
End of over 33 (7 runs) Australia 112/0 (trail by 261 runs)
A Flintoff 7-2-20-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 75* (105b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 32* (96b 4x4)
With that the players walk off the field for tea
We will take a break as well and be back in about 15 minutes at
1430 GMT
Send feedback at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for a moment
The players are back on the field now
Hayden and Langer walk out soon after the England team
It's a bit overcast here and there has been rain in and around
London
The light is pretty bad here, it must be said, and the umpires are
chatting to each other
Eventually the umpires off the light to the batsmen and they take
it, and walk off the field
Slightly strange that these two should walk off now with Australia
desperately needing to win this game to retain the Ashes
England can't be too disappointed, they only need a draw from this
game to win the Ashes
UPDATE 1520 GMT: The covers are on, as a precautionary measure and
players are still off the field because of bad light. We will keep
you updated with news as and when it comes in.
UPDATE 1550 GMT: I'm afraid the news from The Oval is not good at
the moment. It has begun to rain and the covers are on. The light
situation has not improved either.
The umpires have called stumps
That's the end of the action from the second day of this final
Ashes Test
Australia are 112 for 0 in response to England's first-innings 373
We'll be back with you tomorrow morning at 0930 GMT with all the
action from the third day's play
Till then, this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, saying cheers and
goodnight!
All feedback is welcome at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Day 3 start delayed due to wet conditions
Hello and welcome to Cricinfo's live coverage of the third day's
play.
Update (9.28 GMT) - I am afraid the news is not that good, the
ground was hit by a passing shower early on, even though it is not
raining right now the start of play has been delayed by 30
minutes.
And play is just about to get under way
Hoggard to Langer
33.1 Hoggard to Langer, no run, it's a great first ball, full, pitching
in line, swinging late and crashing into the pad, Langer falls
over and there is a loud shout for the lbw. Not out, says Bowden,
can't see why, though, that was a close call
33.2 Hoggard to Langer, one run, full and outside the off, pushed to
cover for a single
33.3 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, once again full, once again some swing,
Hayden drives and gets a thick inside edge to the on side
33.4 Hoggard to Langer, two runs, clipped through the leg side, plenty
of space there, the batsmen come back for a second
33.5 Hoggard to Langer, no run
33.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, fullish and on the stumps, defended to
the leg side, the ball plops down at Langer's feet, end of a good
first over from Hoggard, could easily have had a wicket there
End of over 34 (4 runs) Australia 116/0 (trail by 257 runs)
MJ Hoggard 8-1-25-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 33* (97b 4x4) JL Langer 78* (110b 8x4 2x6)
34.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, played
down towards cover-point, Collingwood dives and fields, Langer
wants a single but Hayden sends him back, a direct hit at the
bowler's end would have found Langer short
34.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
34.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, no swing
or seam movement, left alone to the keeper
34.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, once again short of a length and
outside the off, left alone to the keeper
34.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and slanted across the left-
handed Hayden who shopulders arms and leaves the ball to the
keeper
34.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, slightly shorter this time, but once
again pushed so far wide of off stump that Hayden looks
dismissively at the ball and leaves it alone, not tempted by that
one
End of over 35 (maiden) Australia 116/0 (trail by 257 runs)
A Flintoff 8-3-20-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 78* (110b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 33* (103b 4x4)
35.1 Hoggard to Langer, two runs, fullish and on the off, pushed towards
cover, quick single stolen, shy at the stumps misses, one more for
the overthrow. Living dangerously here
35.2 Hoggard to Langer, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
played well through point for an easy single
35.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the off, driven to
cover
35.4 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, driven well, on the up and through the
off, Hayden loves that big booming drive. It's in the air and the
cover fielder, Collingwood, dives for it but is not close
35.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, left alone
35.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the stumps, a bit of late
swing in to Hayden who adjusts his stroke well and defends down
the pitch
End of over 36 (7 runs) Australia 123/0 (trail by 250 runs)
MJ Hoggard 9-1-32-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 81* (112b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 37* (107b 5x4)
36.1 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, slanting away, Flintoff from over the wicket, left alone as
the ball cariies on with the angle
36.2 Flintoff to Langer, no run, full and on the legs, Langer tries to
flick and misses and is hit on the pad, appeal for the lbw, turned
down, rightly so, clearly pitched outside leg
36.3 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
36.4 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a length and a bit of pace and
bounce, left alone to the keeper
36.5 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off
stump once more, left alone to the keeper
36.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left well alone to the keeper to end the over
End of over 37 (maiden) Australia 123/0 (trail by 250 runs)
A Flintoff 9-4-20-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 37* (107b 5x4) JL Langer 81* (118b 8x4 2x6)
37.1 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, full and down the leg side, late swing,
flicked very fine to the boundary
37.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off stump, easily left alone to the keeper
37.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off stump, no swing for Hoggard on that occasion, left alone
37.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone once more
37.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, another one curls in and hits the pad,
once again Hoggard goes up in big appeal, turned down
37.6 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, swing this time,
the ball shapes in to Hayden who stands tall and works the ball
just wide of midwicket
End of over 38 (5 runs) Australia 128/0 (trail by 245 runs)
MJ Hoggard 10-1-37-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 42* (113b 6x4) JL Langer 81* (118b 8x4 2x6)
38.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off
stump, left alone to the keeper
38.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off
once more, left alone again to the keeper
38.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and closer to the off
stump his time, decent pace and bounce, left alone to the keeper
38.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
38.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
pads, flick played and awkwardly so, off the leading edge towards
the off side
38.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, defended, off the edge down the pitch
End of over 39 (maiden) Australia 128/0 (trail by 245 runs)
A Flintoff 10-5-20-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 81* (118b 8x4 2x6) ML Hayden 42* (119b 6x4)
39.1 Hoggard to Langer, FOUR, full and outside the off stump, Langer
goes for the big drive and crashes the ball with some power
through cover. That is a good shot from the pocket rocket
39.2 Hoggard to Langer, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
chopped down past point for a single
39.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, swinging in to
the off stump, defended down the pitch with the full face of the
bat
39.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
39.5 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, full and wide, this time Hayden is drawn
into driving away from the body but only manages a thick outside
edge that screams past slip to the third-man boundary
39.6 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, good length ball on the off, steered
past point for a single
End of over 40 (10 runs) Australia 138/0 (trail by 235 runs)
MJ Hoggard 11-1-47-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 47* (123b 7x4) JL Langer 86* (120b 9x4 2x6)
40.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full length ball, pushed to the cover
fielder
40.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, wide of the stumps this time, Hayden
leaves it alone
Slight drizzle here. Crowd bring out their umbrellas
40.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length outside the off
stump, Hayden looks to chop the ball but misses
And with that the players walk off the ground because the rain has
begun
It seems to be just a passing shower but no-one is taking a chance
The groundstaff are coming on with the covers
Match State: Delay - Day 3 - Rain stops play
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for the moment.
We will keep you posted with all the news from The Oval as and
when it comes in
Do send feedback to us at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
The players are back on the field again, the rain has stopped and
play is about to start
Flintoff will continue from where he left off, Hayden is on strike
40.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off stump, left well alone to the keeper
40.5 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, short of a good length and on the
pads, worked down to fine-leg for a single
40.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run, fullish ball on the off, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 41 (1 run) Australia 139/0 (trail by 234 runs)
A Flintoff 11-5-21-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 48* (128b 7x4) JL Langer 86* (121b 9x4 2x6)
Conditions here - overcast and gloomy - should help the bowlers
41.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fuller and on the off, just a hint of
swing in to the left-handed Hayden, defended back down the pitch
41.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the off, played back
down the pitch
41.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, swing in to the
batsman, defended back down a pitch
41.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven towards
cover on the up but straight to cover
41.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, a touch of swing in
to the batsman, driven to the on side
41.6 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, worked through
the leg side
End of over 42 (1 run) Australia 140/0 (trail by 233 runs)
MJ Hoggard 12-1-48-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 49* (134b 7x4) JL Langer 86* (121b 9x4 2x6)
42.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, no swing at all, left alone to the keeper
42.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, slightly shorter and slightly
straighter, defended awkwardly to the off side, Flintoff has
bowled very well so far today
42.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
worked through the leg side for a single that takes Hayden to his
first half-century of the series
Interestingly Hayden does not acknowledge the crowd's cheers or the
applause from his dressingroom. He wants more than a half-
centurey, clearly
42.4 Flintoff to Langer, no run
42.5 Flintoff to Langer, (noball) two runs
42.5 Flintoff to Langer, no run
42.6 Flintoff to Langer, no run
End of over 43 (4 runs) Australia 144/0 (trail by 229 runs)
A Flintoff 12-5-25-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 50* (137b 7x4) JL Langer 88* (125b 9x4 2x6)
43.1 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
43.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven awkwardly to
mid-on
43.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the off, driven
towards mid-off
43.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, drivento mid-off
with a straight bat
43.5 Hoggard to Hayden, one run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, Hayden waits on this one and opens the face of the bat
late and angles the ball down to third man
43.6 Hoggard to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off stump, left alone to the keeper
End of over 44 (1 run) Australia 145/0 (trail by 228 runs)
MJ Hoggard 13-1-49-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 51* (142b 7x4) JL Langer 88* (126b 9x4 2x6)
Harmison into the attack at the Pavilion End
44.1 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short ball, on the stumps, Hayden sees it
early and plays a strong pull shot well in front of square
44.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
played back down the pitch with a broad, dead straight bat
44.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
44.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, eased to mid-off
44.5 Harmison to Hayden, one run, short once more and again Hayden pulls
authoritatively, keeping the ball well down, Australia's 150 comes
up
44.6 Harmison to Langer, no run
End of over 45 (5 runs) Australia 150/0 (trail by 223 runs)
SJ Harmison 9-1-26-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 56* (147b 8x4) JL Langer 88* (127b 9x4 2x6)
45.1 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, fullish and outside the off, driven on the
up but with such beastly power that no-one has a chance to stop
the ball. That is vintage Hayden!
45.2 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
45.3 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, short of a length and on the off, played
back down the pitch towards mid-off
45.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
the keeper
45.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and on the pads, played back down
the wicket to the bowler
45.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, driven towards
the off side
End of over 46 (4 runs) Australia 154/0 (trail by 219 runs)
MJ Hoggard 14-1-53-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 88* (127b 9x4 2x6) ML Hayden 60* (153b 9x4)
46.1 Harmison to Langer, two runs, fullish and on the off, Langer opens
the face of the bat and runs the ball past cover for a couple
46.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone
46.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball banged in, it is quite short
and climbs quite high, left alone to the keeper
46.4 Harmison to Langer, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
nurdled away through fine leg for a single
46.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, eased to cover
46.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length, outside the off
and Rudi Koertzen calls lunch
End of over 47 (3 runs) Australia 157/0 (trail by 216 runs)
SJ Harmison 10-1-29-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 91* (131b 9x4 2x6) ML Hayden 60* (155b 9x4)
The players will take a break now, and so will we
`Do rejoin us for the second session of play in about 35 minutes,
at 1210 GMT
Till then this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off
Do send any feedback you may have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Lunch - Day 3
The players are back on the field now
`It's Guiles to Langer
47.1 Giles to Langer, one run
47.2 Giles to Hayden, one run
47.3 Giles to Langer, one run
47.4 Giles to Hayden, one run
47.5 Giles to Langer, no run, full and on the off, padded away
47.6 Giles to Langer, no run
End of over 48 (4 runs) Australia 161/0 (trail by 212 runs)
AF Giles 8-0-35-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 62* (157b 9x4) JL Langer 93* (135b 9x4 2x6)
48.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the stumps, driven to
midwicket
48.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the stumps, played back
down the pitch to the leg side
48.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and on the leg
and middle, defended to the leg side again
48.4 Harmison to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, easily woirked
just past midwicket for a single
48.5 Harmison to Langer, one run, short of a length and down the leg
side, eased to fine-leg
48.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, angling away
from the left-handed Hayden, left well alone
End of over 49 (2 runs) Australia 163/0 (trail by 210 runs)
SJ Harmison 11-1-31-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JL Langer 94* (136b 9x4 2x6) ML Hayden 63* (162b 9x4)
49.1 Giles to Langer, no run, fullish and outside the off, Langer,
nearing his hundred, is watchful in defence
49.2 Giles to Langer, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
eased towards cover for a single that takes Langer to 95
49.3 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and on the pads, played at and
missed, off the pad to the leg side
49.4 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and on the pads, Hayden lunges
forward and pads away
49.5 Giles to Hayden, one run, fullish and Hayden goes for the sweep and
makes a good connection to fine leg
49.6 Giles to Langer, two runs, short and just a bit of width, Langer
rocks back and cuts well past point for a couple of runs
End of over 50 (4 runs) Australia 167/0 (trail by 206 runs)
AF Giles 9-0-39-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 64* (165b 9x4) JL Langer 97* (139b 9x4 2x6)
50.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone
50.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run
50.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left well alone
50.4 Harmison to Hayden, one run, short and on the pads, eased through
the leg side
50.5 Harmison to Langer, no run
50.6 Harmison to Langer, no run, full and on the stumps, flick played
and missed, off the pads to the off side
End of over 51 (1 run) Australia 168/0 (trail by 205 runs)
SJ Harmison 12-1-32-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 65* (169b 9x4) JL Langer 97* (141b 9x4 2x6)
51.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, flighted a bit more and outside the off,
down the pitch and defended
51.2 Giles to Hayden, no run
51.3 Giles to Hayden, FOUR, tossed up and on the stumps, Hayden comes
down the pitch and lofts, Flintoff is at long on but he just does
not see the ball and barely moves
51.4 Giles to Hayden, one run, fullish and on the off, pushed towards
cover
51.5 Giles to Langer, legbye: one run, full and down the leg side, sweep
played and missed, off the pads towards fine leg
51.6 Giles to Hayden, no run, flat and on the off, defended
End of over 52 (6 runs) Australia 174/0 (trail by 199 runs)
AF Giles 10-0-44-0 - Vauxhall End
JL Langer 97* (142b 9x4 2x6) ML Hayden 70* (174b 10x4)
52.1 Harmison to Langer, wide: no run, short ball banged in, Langer
ducks under that one but is very high and declared a wide
52.1 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the
off, Langer opens the face of the bat and runs the ball down to
third man to reach his century
52.2 Harmison to Langer, wide: no run, another one that is very short
and quite wide and called wide
52.2 Harmison to Langer, FOUR, another short one this time Langer guides
the ball over the slips cordon. Another boundary and this one
takes Langer to 7000 Test runs
52.3 Harmison to Langer, (noball) no run, another short one, might well
have been called wide if it was not a no-ball in the first place
52.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, short of a good length and on the
stumps, defended to the leg side
52.4 Harmison to Langer, OUT: just short of a length and outside the
off, Langer plays away from his body, the ball goes off the inside
edge back onto leg and then stump
Australia 185/1, Partnership of 185
JL Langer b Harmison 105 (146b 11x4 2x6)
ML Hayden 70* (175b 10x4) SJ Harmison 12.4-1-43-1 (2w 2nb)
Vital wicket that for England, breaking the 185-run opening
partnership
But you have to salute Justin Langer - that was an innings of
quality. Well played
And with that wicket the rains begin
The players walk off the field
The covers have come on
UPDATE 1240 GMT: Rain has stopped play.
UPDATE 1305 GMT: Still raining at The Oval. Puddles forming on the
covers. Local experts suggest we could be in for a long wait. More
news when we have some.
UPDATE 1317 GMT: The umpires are now taking a look at conditions.
Hopefully we will hear more soon.
The covers are coming off now
UPDATE 1355 GMT: We can now tell you that it has been decided that
tea will be taken at 1410 GMT. This means that there is not a
likelihood of any play till 1430 GMT, which is 1530 local time.
Match State: Tea - Day 3
Hopefully play will begin at 1430 GMT at the end of the tea break.
The sun is shining now and prospects look good.
Players are on the field now
About 30 overs have been lost today
Harmison will continue, Ponting is on strike
52.5 Harmison to Ponting, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, played towards point with an angled bat
52.6 Harmison to Ponting, no run, full and quite striaght, driven
towards mid-on
End of over 53 (11 runs) Australia 185/1 (trail by 188 runs)
SJ Harmison 13-1-43-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 70* (175b 10x4) RT Ponting 0* (2b)
Flintoff from the Vauxhall End
53.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
53.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, decent pace
from Flintoff but Hayden is rock solid in defence
53.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, angling away
from Hayden, left alone
53.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full once more and on the off, played
back down the pitch to mid-off
53.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, a hint of swing, left alone to the keeper
53.6 Flintoff to Hayden, legbye: one run, full and far down the leg
side, flick played and missed, off the pad to the leg side, leg
bye stolen
End of over 54 (1 run, maiden) Australia 186/1 (trail by 187 runs)
A Flintoff 13-6-25-0 (2nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 70* (181b 10x4) RT Ponting 0* (2b)
54.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
54.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the stumps, driven to the
leg side
54.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the pads, worked
away to the leg side
54.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, driven well
but straight to the man at mid-off
54.5 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short ball banged in Hayden pulls and
egts the ball very fine. The ball runs down to the fine-leg fence
54.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, driven on the up, and confidently, but straight to mid-off
End of over 55 (4 runs) Australia 190/1 (trail by 183 runs)
SJ Harmison 14-1-47-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 0* (2b) ML Hayden 74* (187b 11x4)
55.1 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
Ponting shoulders arms and tries to leave the ball but it jags
back and hits the bat before rolling down towards gully
55.2 Flintoff to Ponting, (noball) no run, fullish and on the off,
driven towards mid-on
55.2 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, short ball banged in just outside the
off, it comes back quite sharply and hits Ponting on the body,
Flintoff in the middle of a probing spell here
55.3 Flintoff to Ponting, one run, Now Ponting gets off the mark,
walking across his stumps and flicking to leg
55.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off stump, driven
nicely with the full face of the bat to mid-off
55.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and outside the
off, angled towards cover
55.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, once again full and on the off from
round the wicket, driven with authority to mid-off
End of over 56 (2 runs) Australia 192/1 (trail by 181 runs)
A Flintoff 14-6-27-0 (3nb) - Vauxhall End
RT Ponting 1* (6b) ML Hayden 74* (190b 11x4)
56.1 Harmison to Ponting, one run, short ball banged in and it is well
directed and quick, Ponting goes for the pull but can barely
control the stroke, luckily for him it lands in no man's land
56.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, played back down the pitch
56.3 Harmison to Hayden, legbye: one run, short ball banged in, off the
thigh pad to the leg side
56.4 Harmison to Ponting, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
played back down the pitch to the bowler
56.5 Harmison to Ponting, FOUR, short ball outside the off, Ponting has
no trouble with this one, he rocks back, transfers his weight
beautifully and pulls, rolling the wrists and keeping the ball
down. Cracking shot, you won't see too many better pull shots than
that!
56.6 Harmison to Ponting, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, defended carefully
End of over 57 (6 runs) Australia 198/1 (trail by 175 runs)
SJ Harmison 15-1-52-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 74* (192b 11x4) RT Ponting 6* (10b 1x4)
Giles into the attack at the Vauxhall End
57.1 Giles to Hayden, one run, pretty flat and on the off, pushed to the
vacant spaces in the off for a single
57.2 Giles to Ponting, three runs, slightly short and enough room for
Ponting to go back and force the ball through cover
57.3 Giles to Hayden, one run, eased to long on for a comfortable single
57.4 Giles to Ponting, no run, defended back down the pitch
57.5 Giles to Ponting, no run, fuller and on the leg stump, defended
with an angled bat past silly mid-off
57.6 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, once again defended
carefully
End of over 58 (5 runs) Australia 203/1 (trail by 170 runs)
AF Giles 11-0-49-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 76* (194b 11x4) RT Ponting 9* (14b 1x4)
58.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, a touch of movement in, Hayden shoulders arms the ball
brushes the pad, stifled shout for the lbw
58.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fuller and on the stumps, Hayden shapes
to work the ball to the on side and misses, off the pad to the leg
side
58.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
defended carefully with a straight bat
58.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, slower one outside the off, driven well
to mid-off
58.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short ball on the stumps, pull played
and missed, off the pads towards off
58.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, end of another good over from Harmison,
this one's a maiden
End of over 59 (maiden) Australia 203/1 (trail by 170 runs)
SJ Harmison 16-2-52-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 9* (14b 1x4) ML Hayden 76* (200b 11x4)
59.1 Giles to Ponting, one run, well flighted and on the off, played
down towards point for a single
59.2 Giles to Hayden, one run
59.3 Giles to Ponting, no run
59.4 Giles to Ponting, no run
59.5 Giles to Ponting, one run
59.6 Giles to Hayden, bye: FOUR, this one leaps up from the rough and
beats batsman and keeper and races away for four byes
End of over 60 (7 runs) Australia 210/1 (trail by 163 runs)
AF Giles 12-0-52-0 - Vauxhall End
RT Ponting 11* (18b 1x4) ML Hayden 77* (202b 11x4)
60.1 Harmison to Ponting, one run, short ball, Ponting pulls but it's
straight to Collingwood at deep backward square-leg so it'll only
be a single
60.2 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, this time it is Hayden who pulls, and it
is well in front of square, Kevin Pietersen is on the ropes at
midwicket but has no chance
60.3 Harmison to Hayden, one run, another short one, this time Hayden
stands tall and defends to the leg side
60.4 Harmison to Ponting, no run, short ball outside the off, defended
towards point
60.5 Harmison to Ponting, one run, another short one, a bit of extra
bounce, Ponting takes his eye off the ball and pulls but manages
to keep it down
60.6 Harmison to Hayden, one run, one more run as Hayden clips the ball
through midwicket and takes a single to stay on strike
End of over 61 (8 runs) Australia 218/1 (trail by 155 runs)
SJ Harmison 17-2-60-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 83* (205b 12x4) RT Ponting 13* (21b 1x4)
61.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, down the
pitch comes Hayden and defends
61.2 Giles to Hayden, no run
61.3 Giles to Hayden, FOUR, fullish and outside the off, not much turn,
Giles deceives Hayden, the ball takes a thin edge but goes between
keeper and slip! Streaky shot that
61.4 Giles to Hayden, one run, down the pitch and driven past the bowler
for a single to long on
61.5 Giles to Ponting, no run, flat and on the leg stump, Ponting gets
his foot down the pitch and looks to defend, the ball goes off pad
to silly mid-off where Bell catches and appeals, loud shout,
turned down by Billy Bowden
61.6 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and straight, defended back down the
pitch
End of over 62 (5 runs) Australia 223/1 (trail by 150 runs)
AF Giles 13-0-57-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 88* (209b 13x4) RT Ponting 13* (23b 1x4)
We need to have a closer look at that appeal for the catch at silly
mid-off. Just waiting for a replay ... Yes, there seems to be an
inside edge there. Ponting lucky to get away with that.
Flintoff replaces Harmison
62.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone
62.2 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, good length ball on off, worked to the
leg side for a single
62.3 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, Ponting opens the face of the bat slightly and defends
towards gully
62.4 Flintoff to Ponting, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
easily tucked down to fine-leg for a single
62.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, good leave from Hayden who has batted solidly to get to 89 so
far, he will be desperately keen for 11 more
62.6 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, full and on the pads, worked to the on
side, Hayden keeps the strike and gets to 1000 runs in Ashes
matches
End of over 63 (3 runs) Australia 226/1 (trail by 147 runs)
A Flintoff 15-6-30-0 (3nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 90* (213b 13x4) RT Ponting 14* (25b 1x4)
63.1 Giles to Hayden, one run, well flighted and on the stumps, down the
pitch and driven through midwicket
63.2 Giles to Ponting, no run, fullish and on middle and leg, defended
back down the pitch
63.3 Giles to Ponting, no run, on the off and quite flat, defended
towards silly mid-off
63.4 Giles to Ponting, no run, back of a length and on the leg stump,
Ponting thinks about coming forward but goes back and defends well
63.5 Giles to Ponting, FOUR, too short, too wide, the sweet sound of a
ball flying off the meat of the bat rings around The Oval as
Ponting hammers that through the covers
63.6 Giles to Ponting, no run, defended towards cover to end the over
End of over 64 (5 runs) Australia 231/1 (trail by 142 runs)
AF Giles 14-0-62-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 91* (214b 13x4) RT Ponting 18* (30b 2x4)
64.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, just a hint of movement in the air, Hayden leaves it well
alone
64.2 Flintoff to Hayden, FOUR, fullish and on the off, it's not really
there for the drive but Hayden drives on the up and hits it well
enough to get four back past the bowler
64.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, fullish and on the off, pushed down to
Harmison at mid-off for a single, Hayden moves to 96
64.4 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, good length ball outside the off, left
well alone to the keeper
64.5 Flintoff to Ponting, one run, fullish and a bit of width outside
the off, Ponting eases the ball through the off, threading the gap
between cover and mid-off, Vaughan runs across and fields
64.6 Flintoff to Hayden, FOUR, fullish and just drifting on to the pads,
Hayden stands tall, puffs his chest out and plays a trademark
Hayden on-drive to bring up his century!
End of over 65 (10 runs) Australia 241/1 (trail by 132 runs)
A Flintoff 16-6-40-0 (3nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 19* (32b 2x4) ML Hayden 100* (218b 15x4)
Big moment this for Hayden who has been struggling for form off
late. Andrew Flintoff the bowler goes up and congratulates him -
top spirit that. Ricky Ponting charges across to embrace his team-
mate
65.1 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and down the leg side, flick played
and missed, rapped on the pad
65.2 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and on the off, defended towards
silly mid-off
65.3 Giles to Ponting, one run, fullish and down the leg side, swept
down to short fine-leg
65.4 Giles to Hayden, no run, tossed up and on the off, driven towards
mid-on
65.5 Giles to Hayden, one run, full and outside the off, driven to mid-
off
With one ball to go in the over the rain has come down. It's come
suddenly, looks pretty heavy, and the players get off the field.
The covers are on now as we have yet another delay because of rain.
Match State: Delay - Day 3 - Rain stops play
Do take the break in play to send us any feedback you may have at
http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
UPDATE (16:15 GMT) - we have some good news for you, it has stopped
raining at The Oval and the covers are off, play should resume in
about 15-20 minutes. 1630 GMT (1730 local time).
And welcome back to play!
The players are back on and Giles will finish his over
65.6 Giles to Ponting, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
worked through point for a single
End of over 66 (3 runs) Australia 244/1 (trail by 129 runs)
AF Giles 15-0-65-0 - Vauxhall End
RT Ponting 21* (36b 2x4) ML Hayden 101* (220b 15x4)
Harmison from the Pavilion End
66.1 Harmison to Ponting, one run, short of a good length and on the
stumps, worked to the leg side for a single
66.2 Harmison to Hayden, one run, short of a good length and outside the
off, once again played to the off side for a quick single
It's pretty dark and gloomy out there, an offer of light to the
batsmen can't be far away
66.3 Harmison to Ponting, three runs, fullish and a touch too straight,
Ponting walks across his stumps and flicks well through midwicket
66.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
played back down the pitch towards mid-off, no chance of a run
here
66.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, defended away to off
66.6 Harmison to Hayden, two runs, back of a length and on the pads,
flicked through square-leg for a couple that brings up the 250
End of over 67 (7 runs) Australia 251/1 (trail by 122 runs)
SJ Harmison 18-2-67-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 25* (38b 2x4) ML Hayden 104* (224b 15x4)
67.1 Giles to Ponting, no run, fullish and on the off, played back to
the bowler
67.2 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and flat, once again defended
carefully
67.3 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and on the pads, defensive shot
played and missed, off the pad to leg
67.4 Giles to Ponting, one run, on the pads, flicked through the leg
side
67.5 Giles to Hayden, no run, played back to Giles
67.6 Giles to Hayden, one run, swept well through the on side for a
single to end the over
End of over 68 (2 runs) Australia 253/1 (trail by 120 runs)
AF Giles 16-0-67-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 105* (226b 15x4) RT Ponting 26* (42b 2x4)
68.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, driven to
midwicket, can't beat the fielder
68.2 Harmison to Hayden, one run, good length ball on the pads, played
towards mid-on with soft enough hands to steal a single
68.3 Harmison to Ponting, two runs, worked through cover-point, Flintoff
dives on the ropes and saves a couple of runs
68.4 Harmison to Ponting, one run, again a bit of width outside the off,
eased through point for a single
68.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, full and far down the leg side, left
alone to the keeper, slower ball that wasn't quite on target
68.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to mid-
off
End of over 69 (4 runs) Australia 257/1 (trail by 116 runs)
SJ Harmison 19-2-71-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 29* (44b 2x4) ML Hayden 106* (230b 15x4)
Giles to continue
69.1 Giles to Ponting, no run, down the leg side, Ponting fails to make
contact, ball clips the pad and rolls away behind the stumps
69.2 Giles to Ponting, one run, tossed up, Ponting comes down the track,
gets to the pitch of the delivery and drives it down to long-off
for a single
slip and a silly point in place
69.3 Giles to Hayden, no run, hit on the pad trying to sweep, loud
confident appeal for lbw turned down, ball hit the pad well
outside the line of the off stump and Bowden gets it right on this
occasion
69.4 Giles to Hayden, no run, turned away on the leg side
69.5 Giles to Hayden, no run, defended outside the off stump, presented
the full face of the bat there
69.6 Giles to Hayden, no run, tossed up outside the off stump, Hayden
swings across but fails to make contact
End of over 70 (1 run) Australia 258/1 (trail by 115 runs)
AF Giles 17-0-68-0 - Vauxhall End
RT Ponting 30* (46b 2x4) ML Hayden 106* (234b 15x4)
70.1 Harmison to Ponting, FOUR, short and outside the off, not exactly
the best place to bowl to the best puller in the world,
imperiously dispatched in front of square
70.2 Harmison to Ponting, legbye: one run
70.3 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the ofd, driven on
the rise to mid-off
70.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, identical to the previous one, a
confident Hayden drive to mid-off
70.5 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fuller still and on the off, pushed
back towards the bowler
70.6 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, stroked to
cover
End of over 71 (5 runs) Australia 263/1 (trail by 110 runs)
SJ Harmison 20-2-75-1 (2w 2nb) - Pavilion End
RT Ponting 34* (48b 3x4) ML Hayden 106* (238b 15x4)
71.1 Giles to Ponting, no run
71.2 Giles to Ponting, no run, full and on the stumps, defended
Despite all the rain delays the crowd has stayed put at The Oval.
As have our many readers from around the world. Thank you all for
writing in - whether it is the crew in the middle of the Sahara
desert, or people from a mine in Queensland, or those away
from home in Russia, Tokyo, Germany and elsewhere. Keep it coming!
71.3 Giles to Ponting, no run, flat and down the leg side, kicked away
71.4 Giles to Ponting, no run, fuller and on the off, defended carefully
71.5 Giles to Ponting, no run, back of a length and on the pads,
defended to the leg side
71.6 Giles to Ponting, one run, just short of a good length and on the
pads, clipped to the on side for a single
End of over 72 (1 run) Australia 264/1 (trail by 109 runs)
AF Giles 18-0-69-0 - Vauxhall End
RT Ponting 35* (54b 3x4) ML Hayden 106* (238b 15x4)
Flintoff comes into the attack at the Pavilion End
72.1 Flintoff to Ponting, no run, good length ball outside the off,
pushed to cover
72.2 Flintoff to Ponting, OUT: short of a length, outside the off, this
ball gets big on Ponting, extra bounce surprises Ponting and he
can only fend the ball towards gully where Andrew Strauss takes a
good catch diving forward
Australia 264/2, Partnership of 79
RT Ponting c Strauss b Flintoff 35 (56b 3x4 0x6)
ML Hayden 106* (238b 15x4) A Flintoff 16.2-6-40-1 (3nb)
And once again it's that man Flintoff. Second ball of a new spell
and he picks up a wicket
Martyn is the new batsman
72.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone
72.4 Flintoff to Martyn, FOUR, short of a length and a bit of width,
Martyn drives uppishly but beautifully off the back foot through
point to get off the mark in some style
72.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, fuller and straighter, Martyn gets
right behind the line and pushes to mid-off
72.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run
End of over 73 (4 runs) Australia 268/2 (trail by 105 runs)
A Flintoff 17-6-44-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 106* (238b 15x4) DR Martyn 4* (4b 1x4)
73.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, short of a length and on the pads, worked
to the on side, Hayden wants a single and Martyn sends him back
73.2 Giles to Hayden, one run, eased to long on for a comfortable single
73.3 Giles to Martyn, no run, fullish and on the off, played back down
the pitch
73.4 Giles to Martyn, no run
73.5 Giles to Martyn, no run, fullish and fairly straight, down the
pitch and padded away
73.6 Giles to Martyn, one run, full and on the pads, flicked well
through midwicket
End of over 74 (2 runs) Australia 270/2 (trail by 103 runs)
AF Giles 19-0-71-0 - Vauxhall End
DR Martyn 5* (8b 1x4) ML Hayden 107* (240b 15x4)
74.1 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, fullish and on the off, slanting in to
Martyn, flicked to square leg
74.2 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short one banged in, that is well
directed and quick, Martyn does well to duck under this
74.3 Flintoff to Martyn, two runs, fullish and outside the off, played
well through cover for a brace, good timing and placement, didn't
try to hit that too hard
74.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, cracker of a ball that! Martyn is
squared up as the ball slants in and seams away, beaten all ends
up
74.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run
74.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, good length ball just outside the off,
jags back in sharply, defended to the leg side
End of over 75 (2 runs) Australia 272/2 (trail by 101 runs)
A Flintoff 18-6-46-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 107* (240b 15x4) DR Martyn 7* (14b 1x4)
75.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and on the off, down the pitch and
defended
75.2 Giles to Hayden, no run, flatter and on the pads, driven to the on
side
75.3 Giles to Hayden, one run, tossed up a bit more, down the pitch and
driven down to long on for a single
75.4 Giles to Martyn, one run, full again and on the pads, worked though
midwicket for a single
75.5 Giles to Hayden, no run
75.6 Giles to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, defended to the
leg side
End of over 76 (2 runs) Australia 274/2 (trail by 99 runs)
AF Giles 20-0-73-0 - Vauxhall End
DR Martyn 8* (15b 1x4) ML Hayden 108* (245b 15x4)
76.1 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left well alone
76.2 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a good length and on the
stumps, played back down the pitch
76.3 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
76.4 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper again
76.5 Flintoff to Martyn, no run
76.6 Flintoff to Martyn, no run, short of a good length, outside the
off, a hint of away movement, left alone to end a maiden over
End of over 77 (maiden) Australia 274/2 (trail by 99 runs)
A Flintoff 19-7-46-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 108* (245b 15x4) DR Martyn 8* (21b 1x4)
77.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, flat and on the leg, defended back down
the pitch
77.2 Giles to Hayden, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
defended towards cover
77.3 Giles to Martyn, no run
77.4 Giles to Martyn, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, driven inside
out towards cover
77.5 Giles to Martyn, no run, fullish and down the leg side, worked
towards square leg
77.6 Giles to Martyn, no run, just one run off the over, it's a tidy one
from Giles
End of over 78 (1 run) Australia 275/2 (trail by 98 runs)
AF Giles 21-0-74-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 109* (247b 15x4) DR Martyn 8* (25b 1x4)
78.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone as the ball angles away from the left-handed
Hayden
78.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run
78.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, back of a length and on the pads,
defended to the leg side for a single
78.4 Flintoff to Martyn, one run, fullish and outside the off, steered
down to third man for a single
The umpires now comne together to have a chat about the light
situation. The light meter has come out as well.
Interestingly enough Hayden and Martyn accept the offer of light
and walk off the pitch
With so much time already lost in the game, it will be a talking
point that the Aussies have chosen to go off when given the chance
The crowd does not like it very much and boos a bit
But you must remember there are still two days left in this game.
When these Australians do something it's usually not without good
reason
Either way England won't mind the lost time at all
Match State: Stumps - Day 3
The news from The Oval is that play has been called off for the
day, we will be back again with the first ball when the fourth
day's play begins at 0930 GMT (1030 local time) tomorrow.
Till then this is Anand Vasu, your commentator saying Cheers and
Good Night.
Do send any feedback you may have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Hello and welcome to coverage of the fourth day's play of the final
Ashes Test at The Oval
Play is about to get under way - on time!
The players are already on the field and in a moment the first ball
will be sent down
It's Flintoff to continue - he had bowled 4 balls of his 20th over
yesterday when bad light stopped play
Hayden is on strike
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, saying Here we go!
78.5 Flintoff to Hayden, (noball) no run, fullish and outside the off,
it's a no-ball to kick things off
78.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good length ball on the off, played
down towards cover with an angled bat, the crowd roars, right
behind Freddie Flintoff as he comes in to bowl
78.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, driven back to
the bowler
End of over 79 (3 runs) Australia 278/2 (trail by 95 runs)
A Flintoff 20-7-49-1 (4nb) - Pavilion End
DR Martyn 9* (26b 1x4) ML Hayden 110* (253b 15x4)
79.1 Giles to Martyn, one run, fullish and outside the off, eased just
past short cover for a single
79.2 Giles to Hayden, no run, flat and down the leg side, a bit of turn
as well, played at and missed, down to the keeper
79.3 Giles to Hayden, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
back down the pitch
79.4 Giles to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off, cut
played and missed
79.5 Giles to Hayden, one run, fullish and outside the off, swept down
to fine leg for a single
79.6 Giles to Martyn, no run, tossed up and on the off, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 80 (2 runs) Australia 280/2 (trail by 93 runs)
AF Giles 22-0-76-0 - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 111* (257b 15x4) DR Martyn 10* (28b 1x4)
80 overs gone and England can take the second new ball if they want
to
80.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, played back
down the pitch
80.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, no swing or seam movement, left alone to the keeper
80.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, fullish and on the off, driven well
just wide of mid-off for a single
80.4 Flintoff to Martyn, OUT: short ball on the stumps, Flintoff has put
some effort into this, the ball gets big on Martyn who plays an
awkward pull shot straight to Collingwood at square leg
Australia 281/3, Partnership of 17
DR Martyn c Collingwood b Flintoff 10 (29b 1x4 0x6)
ML Hayden 112* (260b 15x4) A Flintoff 20.4-7-50-2 (4nb)
80.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
good pace and bounce, Clarke leaves it well alone to the keeper
80.6 Flintoff to Clarke, (noball) no run, short of a length and outside
the off, left alone to the keeper, it's a no-ball
80.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and on the stumps,
defended back down the pitch to end the over
End of over 81 (2 runs) Australia 282/3 (trail by 91 runs)
A Flintoff 21-7-51-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 112* (260b 15x4) MJ Clarke 0* (3b)
81.1 Giles to Hayden, no run, driven back to Giles
81.2 Giles to Hayden, no run, flat and on the stumps, Hayden gets his
foot forward and defends
81.3 Giles to Hayden, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
back down the pitch
81.4 Giles to Hayden, no run
81.5 Giles to Hayden, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended
back down the pitch
81.6 Giles to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 82 (maiden) Australia 282/3 (trail by 91 runs)
AF Giles 23-1-76-0 - Vauxhall End
MJ Clarke 0* (3b) ML Hayden 112* (266b 15x4)
Now England will take the second new ball
82.1 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, fullish and on the off, eased just
wide of cover for a single
82.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone to the keeper
82.3 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, fullish and outside the off, a hint of
swing, nudged to the off side
82.4 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and on the
stumps, Clarke is unsure whether to go forward or back and inside
edges the ball back onto pad
82.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, fuller and outside the off, a hint of
away swing, Clarke leaves the ball well alone
82.6 Flintoff to Clarke, two runs, short of a good length and outside
the off, steered wide of gully for a brace
End of over 83 (4 runs) Australia 286/3 (trail by 87 runs)
A Flintoff 22-7-55-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 113* (268b 15x4) MJ Clarke 3* (7b)
83.1 Hoggard to Hayden, one run
83.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and outside the off, a bit of swing
there, Clarke leaves it alone as it is quite wide of the stumps
83.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run
83.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full and outside the off, exaggerated
away swing, left alone
83.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, full once more and far outside the off,
once again Clarke watches the ball swing away and leaves it well
alone
83.6 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, once again outside the off, once again
swinging away, left alone
End of over 84 (1 run) Australia 287/3 (trail by 86 runs)
MJ Hoggard 15-1-54-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 114* (269b 15x4) MJ Clarke 3* (12b)
The umpires are chatting about the light, and Rudi Koertzen is
taking a reading on his light meter
It is quite dark and the light has been offered. Not surprisingly
Hayden and Clarke choose to stay and bat
84.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and far outside the off, driven
at and missed, through to the keeper
84.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and outside the off, left
alonee
84.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, full, quick, angling away from the
left-handed Hayden, a bit too wide to tempt him, left alone to the
keeper
84.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, Hayden leaves that well alone
84.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length once more, left alone
84.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, and another one is allowed to sail
through, Hayden not being tempted at all today
End of over 85 (maiden) Australia 287/3 (trail by 86 runs)
A Flintoff 23-8-55-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 3* (12b) ML Hayden 114* (275b 15x4)
85.1 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, full and outside the off, away swing,
Clarke can't resist and has a go, the ball goes off the edge
straight to Flintoff in the slips cordon who grasses the chance
85.2 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, full and on the pads, driven through
midwicket for a boundary
85.3 Hoggard to Hayden, FOUR, full and on the stumps, a touch of swing
in, Hayden stands tall, covers the swing and drives back past the
bowler with some authority
85.4 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, drive played,
off the edge towards the off side
85.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, driven at, off the inside edge down towards fine-leg
85.6 Hoggard to Hayden, no run
End of over 86 (9 runs) Australia 296/3 (trail by 77 runs)
MJ Hoggard 16-1-63-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
MJ Clarke 4* (13b) ML Hayden 122* (280b 17x4)
86.1 Flintoff to Clarke, FOUR, good length ball outside the off, driven
well through cover off the back foot
86.2 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
eased past point for a single
86.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, Hayden has a go, play and a miss, through to the keeper
86.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, shott of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone to the keeper
86.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left well alone
86.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fullish and on the off, from round the
wicket, played back down thew pitch to the bowler
End of over 87 (5 runs) Australia 301/3 (trail by 72 runs)
A Flintoff 24-8-60-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 9* (15b 1x4) ML Hayden 122* (284b 17x4)
87.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, fullish and on the stumps, a hint of
swing, Clarke defends back down the pitch
87.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, fullish and on the stumps, a hint of
swing, Clarke shapes to defend and gets an edge to off
87.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, defended back down the pitch with a straight bat
87.4 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
eased past gully
87.5 Hoggard to Hayden, no run, full and outside the off, swinging in
late, driven to mid-off
87.6 Hoggard to Hayden, five runs, full and outside the off, driven
towards off for a quick single, the throw comes in and there's no-
one backing up, four overthrows result
End of over 88 (6 runs) Australia 307/3 (trail by 66 runs)
MJ Hoggard 17-1-69-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 127* (286b 17x4) MJ Clarke 10* (19b 1x4)
88.1 Flintoff to Hayden, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
eased past cover for a single
The light drizzle has gotten a bit stronger and the umpires have
come together to have a chat
88.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short ball, easily ducked under
88.3 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
played down to cover off the back foot
88.4 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and on the stumps,
left well alone on length
88.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and on the off,
played back down the pitch
88.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, a hint of away swing, left alone to the keeper
End of over 89 (1 run) Australia 308/3 (trail by 65 runs)
A Flintoff 25-8-61-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
ML Hayden 128* (287b 17x4) MJ Clarke 10* (24b 1x4)
Harmison into the attack at the Vauxhall End
89.1 Harmison to Hayden, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
defended to the off side
89.2 Harmison to Hayden, no run, fuller and on the off, eased towards
the fielder at cover
89.3 Harmison to Hayden, FOUR, short ball banged in Hayden watches this
one carefully and pulls, rolling the wrists well and keeping the
ball down
89.4 Harmison to Hayden, three runs, fullish and outside the off, once
again Hayden is well in control as he short-arm jabs in front of
square through midwicket
89.5 Harmison to Clarke, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
stroked in front of point with one hand off the bat
89.6 Harmison to Hayden, legbye: one run, full and down the leg side,
flick played and missed, off the pad to the leg side
End of over 90 (9 runs) Australia 317/3 (trail by 56 runs)
SJ Harmison 21-2-83-1 (2w 2nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 135* (292b 18x4) MJ Clarke 11* (25b 1x4)
90.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good length ball outside the off, a
touch of swing as well, Hayden watches carefully and shoulders
arms, leaving the ball alone to the keeper
90.2 Flintoff to Hayden, two runs, fuller and a touch straighter, Hayden
squeezes the ball between cover and point to the outfield for a
brace
90.3 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good length ball well down the leg
side, played at and missed, through to the keeper
90.4 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, just short of a good length and down
leg again, played at and missed, through to the keeper
90.5 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, fuller and this time on the off, Hayden
gets right behind the line of the ball and punches confidently to
mid-off
90.6 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
left alone
End of over 91 (2 runs) Australia 319/3 (trail by 54 runs)
A Flintoff 26-8-63-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 11* (25b 1x4) ML Hayden 137* (298b 18x4)
And with that the drinks are called on the field
Match State: Drinks
Harmison to continue, two slips and a gully in position
91.1 Harmison to Clarke, two runs, short of a good length delivery,
drifting down the leg side, Clarke gets well inside the line and
turns it away behind square on the leg side, runs hard and gets
back for the second
91.2 Harmison to Clarke, no run, again slightly short, pitched outside
the off stump and angling in, Clarke gets right behind the line
and defends
91.3 Harmison to Clarke, one run, width outside the off stump and Clarke
flashes it away in the air, Giles at gully did not pick it up,
third man moves across in the deep and keeps it down to just one
91.4 Harmison to Hayden, no run, pitched up outside the off stump and
Hayden drives it away straight to the fielder at mid-off
91.5 Harmison to Hayden, one run, defended to the off side, quick single
taken
91.6 Harmison to Clarke, no run, bouncer, pitched outside the off stump
and angling in, Clarke ducks under it comfortably
End of over 92 (4 runs) Australia 323/3 (trail by 50 runs)
SJ Harmison 22-2-87-1 (2w 2nb) - Vauxhall End
ML Hayden 138* (300b 18x4) MJ Clarke 14* (29b 1x4)
Australia still trail by 50 runs, another 85 overs left in the day
Flintoff to continue from the Pavilion End
92.1 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, good length delivery, pitched in line
and angling across, defended
92.2 Flintoff to Hayden, no run, again pitched up outside the off stump
and this time Hayden drives it down to the mid-off region
92.3 Flintoff to Hayden, OUT: Got him! Flintoff strikes with one that
bends in and crashes into Hayden's pad, which is the only thing
that stops the ball from crashing into the top of off stump. It
needed something special to get Hayden and Flintoff provided it
Australia 323/4, Partnership of 42
ML Hayden lbw b Flintoff 138 (303b 18x4 0x6)
MJ Clarke 14* (29b 1x4) A Flintoff 26.3-8-63-3 (5nb)
Hayden walks off the field amidst cheers from the crowd, it's a
good hand he has played, and he knows it.
92.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, left well alone outside the off
92.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, fullish and just outside the off,
Katich keeps the bat inside the line of the ball and leaves it
alone
92.6 Flintoff to Katich, no run, another probing delivery just outside
the off, Katich has a poke and misses
End of over 93 (maiden) Australia 323/4 (trail by 50 runs)
A Flintoff 27-9-63-3 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 14* (29b 1x4) SM Katich 0* (3b)
Hoggard replaces Harmison at the Vauxhall End
93.1 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, full and outside the off, Clarke
flashes this over cover, Bell seems to see it late and barely
attempts to go for the catch
93.2 Hoggard to Katich, no run, fullish and on the off, Katich opens the
face of the bat and runs the ball down to gully
93.3 Hoggard to Katich, one run, fullish and drifting onto the pads,
worked through square leg for a single
93.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone
93.5 Hoggard to Clarke, FOUR, short of a good length and outside the
off, driven at, off the inside edge down to fine leg, that
narrowly missed the stumps
93.6 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, this one comes in with the arm, Clarke
leaves it alone on height and it sails over the stumps
End of over 94 (6 runs) Australia 329/4 (trail by 44 runs)
MJ Hoggard 18-1-75-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
SM Katich 1* (5b) MJ Clarke 19* (33b 2x4)
94.1 Flintoff to Katich, no run, fullish and far outside the off, this
one does not bounce much, left alone to the keeper
94.2 Flintoff to Katich, no run, full and on the off, a touch of swing
in to the left-hander, driven back down the pitch
94.3 Flintoff to Katich, no run, short of a good length, outside the
off, shaping away, left alone
94.4 Flintoff to Katich, no run, just short of a driving length and
outside the off, left well alone
94.5 Flintoff to Katich, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, defended to the leg side
94.6 Flintoff to Katich, OUT: And another! Freddie has come to the party
at The Oval! it's the inswinger to the left-hander, the ball
pitches on and straightens, Katich shapes to play and misses,
rapped on the pad, loud shout, and Rodi Koertzen's super-slow-mo
Australia 329/5, Partnership of 6
SM Katich lbw b Flintoff 1 (11b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 95 (maiden) Australia 329/5 (trail by 44 runs)
A Flintoff 28-10-63-4 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 19* (33b 2x4)
finger of death goes up
95.1 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, fullish and outside the off, driven
well through cover for a single
Gilchrist gets on strike now. He has not had a great series. This
could just be the time for him to come good when his team needs
him the best
95.2 Hoggard to Gilchrist, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, this is the one that does not swing and holds its
line, Gilchrist plays and misses
95.3 Hoggard to Gilchrist, no run, full and on the off, driven to the
bowler
95.4 Hoggard to Gilchrist, FOUR, fullish and drifting onto the pads,
flicked well, the timing and placement are good and the ball runs
away to the fence at midwicket
95.5 Hoggard to Gilchrist, no run, just short of a length and outside
the off, driven to cover
95.6 Hoggard to Gilchrist, FOUR, short ball banged in, Gilchrist goes
for the pull and hits it well, doesn't really matter as Harmison
at square leg did not pick that up at all
End of over 96 (9 runs) Australia 338/5 (trail by 35 runs)
MJ Hoggard 19-1-84-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
MJ Clarke 20* (34b 2x4) AC Gilchrist 8* (5b 2x4)
96.1 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, full and just outside the off, a hint
of away swing, Clarke comes across and defends
96.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, full and on the stumps, Clarke defends,
the ball goes off the inside edge onto pad, that edge saved Clarke
from being plumb in front
96.3 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, fuller and straighter, tucked well
through fine-leg for a single that takes Clarke to 1000 Test runs
96.4 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, just short of a good length and on
the stumps, this one pitches and comes back in and cuts Gilchrist
in half. That is a corker!
96.5 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full, ,fast and downm the leg side,
flick played and missed
96.6 Flintoff to Gilchrist, FOUR, good length ball outside the off,
driven well through cover in some style
End of over 97 (5 runs) Australia 343/5 (trail by 30 runs)
A Flintoff 29-10-68-4 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 21* (37b 2x4) AC Gilchrist 12* (8b 3x4)
97.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, good length ball outside the off, a hint
of away swing, left alone
97.2 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, full and outside the off, driven to
mid-off for a single
97.3 Hoggard to Gilchrist, one run, full and outside the off, driven
wide of cover for a single
97.4 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, full and outside the off, eased wide of
point for a single
97.5 Hoggard to Gilchrist, FOUR, good length ball outside the off,
flashed hard past gully for a boundary
97.6 Hoggard to Gilchrist, one run, good length ball outside the off,
driven back past the bowler for a single
End of over 98 (8 runs) Australia 351/5 (trail by 22 runs)
MJ Hoggard 20-1-92-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
AC Gilchrist 18* (11b 4x4) MJ Clarke 23* (40b 2x4)
98.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, fullish and on the off, played back
down the pitch to the bowler
98.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, full and outside the off, left well
alone this time to the keeper
98.3 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, left alone to the keeper
98.4 Flintoff to Gilchrist, one run, full and outside the off, eased
past the man at gully for a single
98.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, full and coming in with the angle,
Clarke plays and misses, rapped on the pad, half a shout but that
is clearly down leg
98.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
off, straightening after pitching, played at and missed
End of over 99 (1 run) Australia 352/5 (trail by 21 runs)
A Flintoff 30-10-69-4 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 19* (15b 4x4) MJ Clarke 23* (42b 2x4)
99.1 Hoggard to Gilchrist, no run, full and down the leg side, late
swing, flick played and missed, off the trouser to Geraint Jones
who dives well and catches
99.2 Hoggard to Gilchrist, one run, full and outside the off, driven
well but Collingwood makes good ground to his right at mid-off,
dives and fields
99.3 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, defended back down the pitch
99.4 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, fuller still and on the off, but this
one does not swing, played back down the pitch
99.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run
99.6 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
cut played and missed, through to the keeper
End of over 100 (1 run) Australia 353/5 (trail by 20 runs)
MJ Hoggard 21-1-93-0 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
AC Gilchrist 20* (17b 4x4) MJ Clarke 23* (46b 2x4)
100.1 Flintoff to Gilchrist, no run, short of a length and outside the
off, extra bounce and pace, Gilchrist cuts and misses, through to
the keeper
100.2 Flintoff to Gilchrist, three runs, full and outside the off, eased
through cover
100.3 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short ball banged in, Clarke ducks
under this one
100.4 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
a hint of away swing, left alone to the keeper
100.5 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, full and outside the off, easily left
alone to the keeper
100.6 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, just short of a length and outside the
off, the ball pitches and moves away, played at and missed
End of over 101 (3 runs) Australia 356/5 (trail by 17 runs)
A Flintoff 31-10-72-4 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AC Gilchrist 23* (19b 4x4) MJ Clarke 23* (50b 2x4)
This is an incredible effort from Flintoff who has bowled unchanged
all session
101.1 Hoggard to Gilchrist, OUT: full and swinging late, Gilchrist
overbalances trying to flick and cops it on the pad, loud shout
from Hoggard and Billy Bowden raises the finger
Australia 356/6, Partnership of 27
AC Gilchrist lbw b Hoggard 23 (20b 4x4 0x6)
MJ Clarke 23* (50b 2x4) MJ Hoggard 21.1-1-93-1 (1nb)
Huge, huge wicket that at the stroke of lunch
Right now it's a break of about 35 minutes. We'll be back with all
the action at 1210 GMT
Till then this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off
Do write in at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Lunch - Day 4
Welcome back to the second session of the fourth day's play
The players are on the field
Everyone is in place and play is set to get under way for the
second time in the day
It's Warne facing, with Hoggard continuing
101.2 Hoggard to Warne, no run, fullish and ont he off, played back down
the pitch to the bowler
101.3 Hoggard to Warne, no run, full and outside the off, swinging away,
left well alone to the keeper
101.4 Hoggard to Warne, legbye: one run, full and on the pads, flick
played and missed, off the pads to the leg side
101.5 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
101.6 Hoggard to Clarke, one run, Dropped! full and outside the off,
swinging away, Clarke drives, the ball swings and takes the
outside edge, it heads towards slip, Geraint Jones dives across
and spills the chance. Second let off for Clarke
End of over 102 (2 runs) Australia 358/6 (trail by 15 runs)
MJ Hoggard 22-1-94-1 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
MJ Clarke 24* (52b 2x4) SK Warne 0* (3b)
102.1 Flintoff to Clarke, no run
102.2 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, driven to cover
102.3 Flintoff to Clarke, no run, outside the off and full, swinging away
after pitching, left alone
102.4 Flintoff to Clarke, one run, short and a bit of width, cut well
through point
102.5 Flintoff to Warne, no run, full and on the pads, played back down
the pitch uppishly
102.6 Flintoff to Warne, no run, full and on the off, steered to point
with an angled bat
End of over 103 (1 run) Australia 359/6 (trail by 14 runs)
A Flintoff 32-10-73-4 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Clarke 25* (56b 2x4) SK Warne 0* (5b)
103.1 Hoggard to Clarke, no run
103.2 Hoggard to Clarke, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, chopped down to wards point
103.3 Hoggard to Clarke, OUT: fullish, straight, swinging just enough to
beat the bat, Clarke plays down the wrong line and is trapped
plumb in front
Australia 359/7, Partnership of 3
MJ Clarke lbw b Hoggard 25 (59b 2x4 0x6)
SK Warne 0* (5b) MJ Hoggard 22.3-1-94-2 (1nb)
103.4 Hoggard to Lee, no run, full and outside the off, just a hint of
away movement, left alone
103.5 Hoggard to Lee, three runs, full and on the pads, Lee works the
ball well through midwicket
103.6 Hoggard to Warne, no run, full and on the off, defended back
towards off
End of over 104 (3 runs) Australia 362/7 (trail by 11 runs)
MJ Hoggard 23-1-97-2 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
B Lee 3* (2b) SK Warne 0* (6b)
104.1 Flintoff to Lee, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
defended to the leg side
104.2 Flintoff to Warne, no run, full and very quick outside the off,
Warne plays and misses, through to the keeper
104.3 Flintoff to Warne, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, a bit of pace and bounce, Warne feels for that and misses
104.4 Flintoff to Warne, no run, cracker of a ball! Full and outside the
off, comes in with the arm and ten straightens after pitching,
beaten all ends up
104.5 Flintoff to Warne, OUT: short one banged in, Warne can't resist and
goes for the pull, he only manages a top edge that goes straight
up in the air for Vaughan to catch at mid-on. Vaughan juggles it
but holds on
Australia 363/8, Partnership of 4
SK Warne c Vaughan b Flintoff 0 (10b 0x4 0x6)
B Lee 4* (3b) A Flintoff 32.5-10-74-5 (5nb)
104.6 Flintoff to Lee, no run, full and straight, driven back down the
pitch to the bowler
End of over 105 (1 run) Australia 363/8 (trail by 10 runs)
A Flintoff 33-10-74-5 (5nb) - Pavilion End
GD McGrath 0* (0b) B Lee 4* (4b)
105.1 Hoggard to McGrath, no run, full but slipping down the leg side,
left alone
105.2 Hoggard to McGrath, no run, fullish and outside the off, swingin
away a touch, left alone
105.3 Hoggard to McGrath, no run, full and straight, defended to the leg
side
105.4 Hoggard to McGrath, no run, full and on the off, driven well to
mid-on
105.5 Hoggard to McGrath, no run, good length ball just outside the off,
shaping away, played at and missed
105.6 Hoggard to McGrath, OUT: full and outside the off, there's swing,
McGrath edges straight to Andrew Strauss at second slip
Australia 363/9, Partnership of 0
GD McGrath c Strauss b Hoggard 0 (6b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 106 (maiden) Australia 363/9 (trail by 10 runs)
MJ Hoggard 24-2-97-3 (1nb) - Vauxhall End
B Lee 4* (4b)
106.1 Flintoff to Lee, no run, full and ont he off, slanting in, driven
towards the off side
106.2 Flintoff to Lee, one run, short ball banged in, Lee shuffles across
and awkwardly fends to leg
106.3 Flintoff to Tait, no run, short ball on the stumps, Tait moves
across towards the ball, realises his folly and ducks away in a
hurry
106.4 Flintoff to Tait, one run, fullish and outside the off, eased to
cover for a single
106.5 Flintoff to Lee, (noball) no run, short of a length and outside the
off, cut down to point
106.5 Flintoff to Lee, no run, good length ball outside the off, a hint
of away swing, big heave and a miss from Lee, through to te keeper
106.6 Flintoff to Lee, one run, full and straight, attempted yorker, Lee
manages to dig it out towards mid-on for a single
End of over 107 (4 runs) Australia 367/9 (trail by 6 runs)
A Flintoff 34-10-78-5 (6nb) - Pavilion End
B Lee 6* (9b) SW Tait 1* (2b)
107.1 Hoggard to Lee, OUT: short ball, Lee goes for the pull, the ball
sails high and wide but cannot beat Giles at midwicket
Australia 367/10, Partnership of 4
B Lee c Giles b Hoggard 6 (10b 0x4 0x6)
SW Tait 1* (2b) MJ Hoggard 24.1-2-97-4 (1nb)
That is the end of the Australian innings
Amazing stuff here, the high-quality cricket continues in this
series
Australia are 6 runs behind and England should be batting again
soon enough - the light permitting
Match State: Innings Break
There will be a very short break now for the change of innings
We'll be back soon with all the action from England's second
innings
The umpires come on to the field now and are looking to see if the
light is good enough
Rudi Koertzen and Billy Bowden are having a word
The light meter will be out shortly, you can be sure
The Australian team is now out on the field
England's openers come down the pavilion steps
It's Glenn McGrath to begin, Trescothick on strike
0.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and on
the off, Trescothick defends carefully towards the off side
0.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and
outside the off, left carefully alone to the keeper
0.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fuller and outside the off, just a
hint of swing as the ball goes past the keeper, left alone
0.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and far outside the off, left
alone easily
0.5 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, full and outside the off, eased
past gully, first runs of the innings, the crowd roars
0.6 McGrath to Strauss, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
End of over 1 (1 run) England 1/0 (lead by 7 runs)
GD McGrath 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 1* (5b) AJ Strauss 0* (1b)
Lee will share the new ball with McGrath, even in this poor light
1.1 Lee to Trescothick, no run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, left alone to the keeper
1.2 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and straight, driven well but to
the man at mid-off
1.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, good length ball on the off, played
back down the pitch to the bowler
1.4 Lee to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
the keeper
1.5 Lee to Trescothick, no run, good length ball just outside the off,
Trescothick shapes to play and misses
1.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, once again short of a length and
outside the off, left alone
End of over 2 (maiden) England 1/0 (lead by 7 runs)
B Lee 1-1-0-0 - Vauxhall End
AJ Strauss 0* (1b) ME Trescothick 1* (11b)
Once again the umpires come together to talk about the light. They
look at light-meter readings as well. For the moment they are
staying on
2.1 McGrath to Strauss, no run, full and outside the off, squeeezed
down to gully
2.2 McGrath to Strauss, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
Strauss defends and picks up a quick single
2.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, good length ball outside the off,
left alone once more to the keeper
2.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fuller and outside the off, played
at and missed
2.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, played down towards point
2.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, end of another tidy over from
McGrath
End of over 3 (1 run) England 2/0 (lead by 8 runs)
GD McGrath 2-0-2-0 - Pavilion End
AJ Strauss 1* (3b) ME Trescothick 1* (15b)
The light is not good enough for Lee to continue. Here comes Shane
Warne into the attack
3.1 Warne to Strauss, no run, tossed up, from round the wicket, on the
off, worked to the on side
3.2 Warne to Strauss, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
defended carefully
Forward short-leg, silly mid-off and slip in place
3.3 Warne to Strauss, no run, flatter and on the pads, defended
carefully
3.4 Warne to Strauss, OUT: And Warne turns it on! Tossed up, outside
the off, big legbreak, off the inside edge to Katich at forward
short-leg
England 2/1, Partnership of 2
AJ Strauss c Katich b Warne 1 (7b 0x4 0x6)
ME Trescothick 1* (15b) SK Warne 0.4-0-0-1
Unbelievable stuff from Warne, he just delivers every time the ball
is in his hand
3.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted, drifting onto the pads,
spinning, defended back down the pitch
3.6 Warne to Vaughan, two runs, tossed up, on the stumps, plenty of
revs on this one, it drifts in and spins but Vaughan drives well
through cover
End of over 4 (2 runs) England 4/1 (lead by 10 runs)
SK Warne 1-0-2-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 1* (15b) MP Vaughan 2* (2b)
4.1 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, full and on the pads, clipped
through square leg for a single
4.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short ball banged in, Vaughan ducks
under it
4.3 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, full and outside the off, driven at,
off the inside edge down to fine-leg
4.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fullish and outside the off, played
at and missed, through to the keeper
4.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, good length ball outside the off,
played at and missed
4.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to
mid-off
End of over 5 (2 runs) England 6/1 (lead by 12 runs)
GD McGrath 3-0-4-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 3* (4b) ME Trescothick 2* (19b)
5.1 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted and on the pads, defended
back down the pitch
5.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, full and down the leg side, kicked away
5.3 Warne to Vaughan, one run, short ball, Vaughan goes for the pull,
off the bottom edge to the leg side
And once again the umpires get together and take a reading on the
light meter
The light has been offered, Michael Vaughan says thank you very
much and walks off
Disappointment for those who wanted to watch some good cricket. Joy
for the English fans who know that every wasted moment means
England are closer to regaining the Ashes
Match State: Delay - Day 4 - Bad light stops play
UPDATE 1320 GMT: Light has become too poor for play to continue and
the players go off. We will be back with more news when it comes
in from The Oval
UPDATE 1340 GMT: The covers are coming on now as there is a slight
drizzle. Although it might be interesting for fans to hear that
just about 4 miles north of The Oval play is on at Lord's in a
first-class match, Middlesex v Glamorgan.
We'll keep you updated with more news as and when we have something
for you
We can tell you that an early tea was taken at 1340 GMT. This means
that the break will be on till 1400 GMT.
The players are back on the field now and play is about to get
under way
Light has improved and the players are on the field, all set to go
again
The Australian team - every single member - has walked out with
sunglasses on. Cheeky that!
It will be Warne to continue from the Vauxhall End
5.4 Warne to Trescothick, one run, well flighted and far outside the
off, Trescothick drives well but Lee throws himself to his right
at mid-off and fields
5.5 Warne to Vaughan, one run, full and far down the leg side, flicked
through square leg for a single
5.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
spinning in a touch, defnsive shot played, off the pad towards
silly mid-off
End of over 6 (3 runs) England 9/1 (lead by 15 runs)
SK Warne 2-0-5-1 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 5* (8b) ME Trescothick 3* (21b)
The light is good enough for McGrath to bowl
6.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, cut down to point
6.2 McGrath to Vaughan, FOUR, short of a length and a bit too much
width outside the off, played beautifully through cover point with
a straight bat. Elegant shot that
6.3 McGrath to Vaughan, FOUR, short and wide from McGrath, perhaps he's
having trouble gripping this damp ball, Vaughan has no trouble
cutting that in front of square
6.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fuller and outside the off, left well
alone to the keeper
6.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, a hint of swing
in to Vaughan who defends well
6.6 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and a bit of width outside the
off, easily left alone
End of over 7 (8 runs) England 17/1 (lead by 23 runs)
GD McGrath 4-0-12-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 3* (21b) MP Vaughan 13* (14b 2x4)
7.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
driven to the off
7.2 Warne to Trescothick, two runs, tossed up and outside the off, spin
in to Trescothick who plays through cover
7.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, full and straight, big spin on that
ball, a bit of extra bounce as well, off the pad to the leg side
7.4 Warne to Trescothick, one run, once again quite a bit of turn, off
tghe inside edge through square leg
7.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, not that much
turn on this one, defended towards the off side
7.6 Warne to Vaughan, one run, flat and on the pads, worked to the leg
side for a single
End of over 8 (4 runs) England 21/1 (lead by 27 runs)
SK Warne 3-0-9-1 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 14* (16b 2x4) ME Trescothick 6* (25b)
8.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the off, swinging in to
off, defended back down the pitch
8.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, cut down towards cover
8.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the off, a bit of swing in,
defended carefully to the off side
8.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the off, swing in, defended
towards the fielder at cover
8.5 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, short of a good length and outside the
off, played down towards point for a single
8.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, a bit of extra bounce, played down to the slips cordon
End of over 9 (1 run) England 22/1 (lead by 28 runs)
GD McGrath 5-0-13-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 15* (21b 2x4) ME Trescothick 6* (26b)
9.1 Warne to Vaughan, two runs, short of a length and outside the off,
driven off the back foot to deep point, Tait misfields and gives
away the extra run
9.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, big ripper of a legbreak from outside the
off, Vaughan plays and misses
9.3 Warne to Vaughan, no run, tossed up a bit more and drifting onto
pad, defended down the pitch
9.4 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted, on the stumps, slower,
spin away from the bat, defended
9.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, straighter one just outside the off,
slightly quicker, skids on, does not bounce much, defended
9.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, another big legbreak, worked to mid-on
End of over 10 (2 runs) England 24/1 (lead by 30 runs)
SK Warne 4-0-11-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 6* (26b) MP Vaughan 17* (27b 2x4)
The light has deteriorated and Ponting brings Clarke into the
attack
10.1 Clarke to Trescothick, no run, flat and on the off, played back
down the pitch to the bowler
10.2 Clarke to Trescothick, no run, a bit of width, cut to point
10.3 Clarke to Trescothick, no run, tossed up a bit more and slower,
outside the off, left well alone
10.4 Clarke to Trescothick, no run, on the off, flat, sweep played and
missed, hit on the pad
10.5 Clarke to Trescothick, one run, flat and on the off, a bit of turn,
worked through midwicket for a single
10.6 Clarke to Vaughan, no run, flat and on the stumps, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 11 (1 run) England 25/1 (lead by 31 runs)
MJ Clarke 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 7* (31b) MP Vaughan 17* (28b 2x4)
11.1 Warne to Trescothick, one run, swept down to fine leg for a single
11.2 Warne to Vaughan, one run, shot and a bit of width, cut away past
point
11.3 Warne to Trescothick, one run, flat and on the stumps, driven
through midwicket
11.4 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
defended towards cover
11.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, flat and on the pads, kicked away
11.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, quicker and
flatter, defended
End of over 12 (3 runs) England 28/1 (lead by 34 runs)
SK Warne 5-0-14-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 9* (33b) MP Vaughan 18* (32b 2x4)
12.1 Clarke to Trescothick, one run, full and on the stumps, squeezed
through fine leg
12.2 Clarke to Vaughan, one run, flat and on the pads, flicked through
square leg for a single
12.3 Clarke to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and outside the
off, driven towards cover
12.4 Clarke to Trescothick, two runs
12.5 Clarke to Trescothick, one run, flat and on the pads, worked
through square leg
12.6 Clarke to Vaughan, no run
End of over 13 (5 runs) England 33/1 (lead by 39 runs)
MJ Clarke 2-0-6-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 13* (37b) MP Vaughan 19* (34b 2x4)
13.1 Warne to Trescothick, one run, short and a bit of width outside the
off, cut past gully
13.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, terrific delivery, drifts in, pitches on
leg, spins sharply and beats the outside edge
And the umpires come together, have a chat, check the light meter
and offer the light to Vaughan
Naturally Vaughan accepts it and walks off
We will keep a close eye on the situation and let you know more as
and when the news comes in from The Oval
UPDATE 1530 GMT: The news from The Oval is that it's still gloomy
and at this time of the year in England the chances are it will
only get darker.
There is no wind to blow the clouds away and this means that the
clouds just hang about.
There is an air of drizzle but no rain is actually falling
The crowd, as you might expect, have mixed feelings. They want to
see more cricket but they also understand that the longer the
players stay off the brighter England's chances are of winning the
Ashes
Rarely have so many people paid so much money and been glad not to
see anything!
UPDATE 1600 GMT: The light is still not great. But at least there's
no rain and the covers are off. We'll be watching to see if the
umpires come out, and you can be sure we'll have all the action,
or news, as soon as it emerges at The Oval
UPDATE 1640 GMT: We can now tell you that the covers are on the
square. This is not good news for Australia. The chances of play
starting again seem to be quite slim.. Will bring you the official
word as soon as we hear more.
Most of the crowd have gone home and the lights inside the pavilion
are now shining across the ground like beacons. If they came back
now the fielders would probably need torches
It really is getting very dark at The Oval. The lights in the rooms
are all on and some of the cars parked even have their headlights
on.
Match State: Stumps - Day 4
And finally play is called off for the day
This is very unfortunate for Australia but England fans will take
it
There's one final day to go in this amazing series - with 98 overs
to go if the elements allow it
So don't believe the game is done and dusted yet. However, it would
take something extra special to force a result in this match
The forecast for tomorrow is much better, so there's a good chance
we'll get a full day's play in
Till tomorrow, when play begins at 0930 GMT, 1030 local time, this
is Anand Vasu, your commentator, saying cheers and goodnight, and
signing off
Do send any feedback you might have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Hello and welcome to the final day of the most cracking Ashes
series you are likely to see in a long, long time
The weather is improving all the time, a capacity crowd has packed
this great ground in South London and the stage is set for the
climax
The crowd roars as the players step out onto the turf
Australia take their positions and Trescothick and Vaughan follow,
hot on their heels
I'm Anand Vasu, your commentator, looking forward to a great finish
to a great series
13.3 Warne to Vaughan, no run, well flighted and on the pads, defended
off the front foot
13.4 Warne to Vaughan, FOUR, full-toss on the pads, Vaughan drives
beautifully back past mid-on for a boundary
13.5 Warne to Vaughan, no run, short and a bit of width, plenty of turn
as well, chopped to the off side
13.6 Warne to Vaughan, no run, full and outside the off stump, that's
the slider, Vaughan seems to pick it and leave it alone
End of over 14 (5 runs) England 38/1 (lead by 44 runs)
SK Warne 6-0-19-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 14* (38b) MP Vaughan 23* (39b 3x4)
14.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, The Pigeon is right on target, full
and outside the off, a hint of swing, left carefully alone to the
keeper
14.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, and a good second ball to follow up
a tidy first one, just short of a length, pitching and moving
away, left alone to the keeper
14.3 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, and another ball that is treated
with utmost respect, left alone outside the off
14.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fullish and on the off, just a
hint of away movement, defended to the off side
14.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and on the off, perfect line
and length, Trescothick gets right behind the ball and defends
14.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, fullish and outside the off, end of
a tidy over, a maiden
End of over 15 (maiden) England 38/1 (lead by 44 runs)
GD McGrath 6-1-13-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 23* (39b 3x4) ME Trescothick 14* (44b)
Brett Lee comes on at the Vauxhall End
15.1 Lee to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to mid-off
confidently
15.2 Lee to Vaughan, no run, just short of a good length and outside the
off, left well alone
15.3 Lee to Vaughan, no run, fuller this time and outside the off,
Vaughan shoulders arms and leaves this one alone
15.4 Lee to Vaughan, FOUR, full and outside the off, Vaughan drives at
that, the ball goes off the edge and past the slips to the third-
man boundary
15.5 Lee to Vaughan, one run, full and on the off, driven inside out to
cover
15.6 Lee to Trescothick, one run, short of a good length and on the
pads, climbing a bit on Trescothick who stands tall and works the
ball to the leg side
End of over 16 (6 runs) England 44/1 (lead by 50 runs)
B Lee 2-1-6-0 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 15* (45b) MP Vaughan 28* (44b 4x4)
16.1 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and on the middle and leg,
played back down the pitch to the on side
16.2 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, full and on the off, pushed down
towards the off side for a quick single
16.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, just short of a driving length and
outside the off, a hint of swing in to the batsman, left alone
16.4 McGrath to Vaughan, FOUR, fullish and outside the off, this one
just holds its line, Vaughan drives, past the slips cordon to the
third-man boundary
16.5 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, full and outside the off, eased
through cover for a single
16.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a length and outside the
off, driven towards the off side
End of over 17 (6 runs) England 50/1 (lead by 56 runs)
GD McGrath 7-1-19-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 33* (47b 5x4) ME Trescothick 16* (48b)
17.1 Lee to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to the off
side
17.2 Lee to Vaughan, one run, just short of a good length and outside
the off, driven through cover for a single
17.3 Lee to Trescothick, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to cover
17.4 Lee to Trescothick, one run, very full and on the off, eased to
mid-off with soft enough hands to take a single
17.5 Lee to Vaughan, one run, short of a good length and on the pads,
worked to the leg side for a single
17.6 Lee to Trescothick, no run, just short of a length and on the off,
played down towards point with an angled bat
End of over 18 (3 runs) England 53/1 (lead by 59 runs)
B Lee 3-1-9-0 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 35* (50b 5x4) ME Trescothick 17* (51b)
18.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
driven towards mid-off
18.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, good length and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
18.3 McGrath to Vaughan, FOUR, full and a bit of width, driven through
cover in some style
18.4 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
18.5 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the off, swinging in,
driven to point
18.6 McGrath to Vaughan, two runs, short ball banged in, Vaughan moves
well across his stumps and pulls down to fine-leg
End of over 19 (6 runs) England 59/1 (lead by 65 runs)
GD McGrath 8-1-25-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 17* (51b) MP Vaughan 41* (56b 6x4)
Warne's back into the attack
19.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and on the off, driven
back down the pitch
19.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run
19.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and outside the off,
kicked away
19.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, flatter and ont he off, quite a bit
of turn, worked to the leg side
19.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up, loopy ball, a bit of spin
as well, off the pad to the leg side
19.6 Warne to Trescothick, one run, well flighted and outside the off,
quite a bit of turn in, defended past slip
End of over 20 (1 run) England 60/1 (lead by 66 runs)
SK Warne 7-0-20-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 18* (57b) MP Vaughan 41* (56b 6x4)
20.1 McGrath to Trescothick, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
flicked down to fine leg for a single
20.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone to the keeper
20.3 McGrath to Vaughan, one run, full and on the off, driven to cover
off the front foot
20.4 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, good length ball on the off, driven
towards cover
20.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run
20.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, that's a classic McGrath delivery,
perfectly pitched, fullish, movinmg just enough to beat the bat!
End of over 21 (2 runs) England 62/1 (lead by 68 runs)
GD McGrath 9-1-27-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 42* (58b 6x4) ME Trescothick 19* (61b)
21.1 Warne to Vaughan, two runs, well flighted and outside the off,
Vaughan plays that late, easing the ball through cover
21.2 Warne to Vaughan, no run, full and on the pads, defended
21.3 Warne to Vaughan, one run, fullish and on the pads, worked well
through deep backward square leg
21.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and far outside the off,
Trescothick drives awkwardly to off
21.5 Warne to Trescothick, two runs, flat and on the off, spinning in,
worked to the leg side, sloppy fielding lets the batsmen come back
for a second
21.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run
End of over 22 (5 runs) England 67/1 (lead by 73 runs)
SK Warne 8-0-25-1 - Vauxhall End
MP Vaughan 45* (61b 6x4) ME Trescothick 21* (64b)
22.1 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, fullish and on the off, a hint of swing
in, defended towards the off side
22.2 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, back of a length and a touch too
straight, worked to the leg side
22.3 McGrath to Vaughan, no run, full and on the off, played back down
the wicket
22.4 McGrath to Vaughan, OUT: fullish, on the off, Vaughan feels for
that one outside the off, it's a thick edge, Gilchrist flies
across to his left, that orange glove extending as full as
possible and pouches a magnificent catch!
England 67/2, Partnership of 65
MP Vaughan c Gilchrist b McGrath 45 (65b 6x4 0x6)
ME Trescothick 21* (64b) GD McGrath 9.4-1-27-1
Vaughan had batted beautifully till that ball. He made just one
mistake and paid for it with his wicket. That was some catch by
Adam Gilchrist
Ian Bell is the new batsman
22.5 McGrath to Bell, OUT: Gone! First ball! McGrath strikes again! good
length ball outside the off, moving away just enough to kiss the
edge of the bat as Bell flirts outside the off, Shane Warne
gleefully accepts the catch at first slip!
England 67/3, Partnership of 0
IR Bell c Warne b McGrath 0 (1b 0x4 0x6)
ME Trescothick 21* (64b) GD McGrath 9.5-1-27-2
Two wickets in two balls, there's life left in this game just yet.
And who is it doing the business for Australia? Glenn McGrath yet
again
McGrath on a hat-trick now and Kevin Pietersen will face it
22.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, short ball banged in, Pietersen did
not expect that one. He somehow manages to get gloves and bat out
of the way as the ball brushes shoulder and goes to slip. Loud
shout for the catch, turned down. Good call from Bowden
End of over 23 (maiden) England 67/3 (lead by 73 runs)
GD McGrath 10-2-27-2 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 21* (64b) KP Pietersen 0* (1b)
23.1 Warne to Trescothick, one run, tossed up and on the stumps, big,
big turn there, Trescothick plays late down to fine-leg
23.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, well flighted and on the stumps,
defended to the off side
23.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, slower, on the off, a bit of turn,
Pietersen comes forward and defends
23.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, again on the off, a bit of turn away,
defended towards the off side
23.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flatter this time and a bit quicker,
played down to the leg side
23.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, drift, spin, bounce, ripper from Warne,
Pietersen edges but the ball hits Gilchrist on the pad and falls
short of Hayden at slip
End of over 24 (1 run) England 68/3 (lead by 74 runs)
SK Warne 9-0-26-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 22* (65b) KP Pietersen 0* (6b)
24.1 McGrath to Trescothick, two runs, on the pads and full, worked
through the leg side
24.2 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, left alone to the keeper
24.3 McGrath to Trescothick, one run
24.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, a hint of
swing, left alone to the keeper
24.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off stump, left
alone to the keeper
24.6 McGrath to Pietersen, two runs, full and on the stumps, swinging
in, driven at, the ball goes off a thick inside edge to the leg
side for a couple
End of over 25 (5 runs) England 73/3 (lead by 79 runs)
GD McGrath 11-2-32-2 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 25* (68b) KP Pietersen 2* (9b)
25.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, well flighted and outside the off
from round the wicket, tossed up a bit more, that, driven to mid
off
25.2 Warne to Trescothick, one run, pushed just wide of cover for a
single
25.3 Warne to Pietersen, one run, fullish and on the off, Pietersen
steps across and flicks through the leg side, a bit dangerous to
be playing Warne against the spin like that
25.4 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and far outside the off,
that pitches in the rough and turns more than any ball you are
ever likely to see, it breaks a couple of feet at least and hits
Trescothick on the pad, loud, loud shout from Warne, turned down,
that might have turnbed
25.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run, full and on the off, spinning in,
defended
25.6 Warne to Trescothick, no run, flatter this time and closer to the
off stump, defended carefully
End of over 26 (2 runs) England 75/3 (lead by 81 runs)
SK Warne 10-0-28-1 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 3* (10b) ME Trescothick 26* (73b)
26.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, left alone
26.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, defended back
down the pitch
26.3 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, short ball, Pietersen plays it well,
pulling through square leg
26.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, good length ball outside the off,
left alone
26.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, good length ball on the stumps,
played back down the pitch
26.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, driven
awkwardly to the leg side
End of over 27 (4 runs) England 79/3 (lead by 85 runs)
GD McGrath 12-2-36-2 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 26* (73b) KP Pietersen 7* (16b 1x4)
The drinks are on the field now. And the players certainly could do
with a break. It's been an action-packed first hour
Match State: Drinks
27.1 Warne to Trescothick, no run, tossed up and outside the off, big
turn, defended to the leg side
27.2 Warne to Trescothick, no run, fullish and on the off, defended
carefully
Four fielders close to the bat - slip, leg slip, silly mid-off,
forward short-leg
27.3 Warne to Trescothick, no run, sweep played and missed, off the
bbody to the leg side
27.4 Warne to Trescothick, one run, a bit too full this time and
Trescothick can work the ball to the leg side with the spin
27.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, drift and turn, pitchees outside leg
and rips past the bat to the keeper
27.6 Warne to Pietersen, one run, driven, but not entirely in control,
off the inside edge to the leg side
End of over 28 (2 runs) England 81/3 (lead by 87 runs)
SK Warne 11-0-30-1 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 8* (18b 1x4) ME Trescothick 27* (77b)
28.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, swinging in
latge, defended back down the pitch
28.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, left alone
to the keeper
28.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, swinging in
late, defended to the leg side
28.4 McGrath to Pietersen, one run
McGrath comes round the wicket to Trescothick
28.5 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, short of a good length and outside
the off, Trescothick tucks the bat inside the line of the ball and
leaves it alone
28.6 McGrath to Trescothick, no run, full and on the off, swinging in
late, defended back down the pitch
End of over 29 (1 run) England 82/3 (lead by 88 runs)
GD McGrath 13-2-37-2 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 9* (22b 1x4) ME Trescothick 27* (79b)
29.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, fullish, flatter than some Warne has
bowled, a bit of turn, defended down the pitch
29.2 Warne to Pietersen, one run, pushed to Clarke, quick single
scampered, Clarke nails the stumps with a powerful throw, but
Pietersen is quick and has made his ground
29.3 Warne to Trescothick, one run, tossed up and outside the off,
Trescothick unfurls the sweep, just one run as there is a fielder
out at midwicket
29.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, slightly short of a length and outside
the off, eased through cover off the back foot
29.5 Warne to Trescothick, no run, flatter and on the stumps, driven
straight into Katich at forward short-leg
29.6 Warne to Trescothick, FOUR, full and outside the off, Trescothick
jams the bat down well and gets four past slip
End of over 30 (7 runs) England 89/3 (lead by 95 runs)
SK Warne 12-0-37-1 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 11* (25b 1x4) ME Trescothick 32* (82b 1x4)
Lee into the attack at the Pavilion end
30.1 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, full and straight, Pietersen drives with
the full face of the bat and gets four down to long-on
30.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, good length ball on the off, defended
carefully to off
30.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, good length ball outside the off,
Pietersen drives but straight to cover
30.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, Dropped! Full and outside the off, driven
hard at, the edge goes straight to Warne who drops this! That is a
lucky break for Pietersen
30.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run
30.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, full and outside the off, eased past
cover for a single and the lead reaches 100
End of over 31 (5 runs) England 94/3 (lead by 100 runs)
B Lee 4-1-14-0 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 16* (31b 2x4) ME Trescothick 32* (82b 1x4)
31.1 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, tossed up and outside the off, Pietersen
picks that up and smacks it into the stands at midwicket! Clean
hit that
31.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the pads, swept down to the
leg side
31.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and just outside the off, big
heave to leg attempted, Pietersen misses that by some way
31.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, fuller and straighter, worked to the on
side
31.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flatter and on the leg stump, a bit of
turn, defended to the bowler
31.6 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, once again Pietersen goes for the big shot
and connects well, second six of the over!
End of over 32 (12 runs) England 106/3 (lead by 112 runs)
SK Warne 13-0-49-1 - Vauxhall End
ME Trescothick 32* (82b 1x4) KP Pietersen 28* (37b 2x4 2x6)
32.1 Lee to Trescothick, one run, fullish and on the off, eased just
wide of mid-off for a single
32.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and quite quick outside the off,
left well alone to the keeper
32.3 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, short of a length and outside the off,
Pietersen opens the face of the bat and runs the ball past point
for a couple
32.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and straight, pushed back down the
pitch firmly
32.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
played down to gully
32.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and quick, on the off, attempted
yorker, well dug out
End of over 33 (3 runs) England 109/3 (lead by 115 runs)
B Lee 5-1-17-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 33* (83b 1x4) KP Pietersen 30* (42b 2x4 2x6)
33.1 Warne to Trescothick, OUT: tossed up, outside the off, spinning in,
Trescothick misses, Warne does not. The ball is heading straight
for the stumps and Rudi Koertzen upholds Warne's pleading appeal
this time
England 109/4, Partnership of 42
ME Trescothick lbw b Warne 33 (84b 1x4 0x6)
KP Pietersen 30* (42b 2x4 2x6) SK Warne 13.1-0-49-2
33.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, beauy! drifts in, pitches and turns,
beats the bat and goes to the keeper. What a ball to get first up
33.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
33.4 Warne to Flintoff, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
Flintoff pushes past point to get off the mark
33.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
33.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and down the leg side, spin in to
Pietersen, kicked to leg
End of over 34 (1 run) England 110/4 (lead by 116 runs)
SK Warne 14-0-50-2 - Vauxhall End
A Flintoff 1* (3b) KP Pietersen 30* (44b 2x4 2x6)
34.1 Lee to Flintoff, one run, full and on the off, a hint of swing in,
driven to the on side
34.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, good length ball on the off, defended
towards the off side
34.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, driven well but
straight to coverr
34.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, defended down the pitch to the bowler
34.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run
34.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run
End of over 35 (2 runs) England 112/4 (lead by 118 runs)
B Lee 6-1-19-0 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 31* (49b 2x4 2x6) A Flintoff 2* (4b)
35.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
35.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the pads, kicked away to
the leg side
35.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, sweep played and missed, hit on the
pad, loud shout for the lbw, turned down
35.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, on the pads, squeezes through
midwicket for a single
35.5 Warne to Flintoff, no run, fullish and on the off, defended back
down the pitch
35.6 Warne to Flintoff, no run, flat and on the leg and middle, defended
carefully towards the off side
End of over 36 (1 run) England 113/4 (lead by 119 runs)
SK Warne 15-0-51-2 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 32* (53b 2x4 2x6) A Flintoff 2* (6b)
36.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a length, Pietersen is not
tempted, left alone
36.2 Lee to Pietersen, wide: FOUR, full and so wide down the leg side
that Bowden calls it as such, there's one that got away
36.2 Lee to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and on the pads,
defended down to the leg side for a single
36.3 Lee to Flintoff, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
steered wide of point for a single
36.4 Lee to Pietersen, one run, full and on the off, defended to the leg
side for a quick run
36.5 Lee to Flintoff, one run, full and outside the off, eased through
cover for a single
36.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, driven to mid-
off
End of over 37 (9 runs) England 122/4 (lead by 128 runs)
B Lee 7-1-28-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
A Flintoff 4* (8b) KP Pietersen 34* (57b 2x4 2x6)
37.1 Warne to Flintoff, no run, well flighted and on the off, driven to
the bowler
37.2 Warne to Flintoff, no run, ripper, drifts in, pitches on leg,
bounces and turns and beats the edge
37.3 Warne to Flintoff, no run, full and on the stumps, played back to
the bowler
37.4 Warne to Flintoff, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off, cut
away well through cover
37.5 Warne to Flintoff, OUT: Warne snags another! Fullish, on the off,
Flintoff is beaten by the flight and pushes back towards Warne who
makes no mistake with the catch!
England 126/5, Partnership of 17
A Flintoff c & b Warne 8 (13b 1x4 0x6)
KP Pietersen 34* (57b 2x4 2x6) SK Warne 15.5-0-55-3
Another one bites the dust, and Australia slowly inch their way
back iinto this
37.6 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full and on the stumps, defended back
down the pitch
End of over 38 (4 runs) England 126/5 (lead by 132 runs)
SK Warne 16-0-55-3 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 34* (57b 2x4 2x6) PD Collingwood 0* (1b)
38.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run, just short of a length and on the pads,
Pietersen awkwardly fends the ball to the leg side. There is a leg
slip in place in case Pietersen mis-hits one
Pietersen gets some attention from Kirk Russel, the England physio
The magic spray comes out, he appears to have been hit on the ribs
38.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short ball banged in, Pietersen can't get
out of the way and cops it on the body, just under the armpit
38.3 Lee to Pietersen, one run, pace and bounce! That is a mean bouncer
at 93.7 mph, Pietersen gloves that and falls over, almost crashing
onto his stumps. That is an excellent bouncer from Lee
38.4 Lee to Collingwood, no run, full and down the leg side, left alone
to the keeper
38.5 Lee to Collingwood, no run, good length ball on the stumps,
defended to the leg side
38.6 Lee to Collingwood, no run, fullish and on the off, defended to the
on side
End of over 39 (1 run) England 127/5 (lead by 133 runs)
B Lee 8-1-29-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 35* (60b 2x4 2x6) PD Collingwood 0* (4b)
That is a high-effort over just before lunch on the final day of
this final Ashes Test
The players walk off the field for a well-earned lunch. It's been a
cracking session of play.
Do join us in about 35 minutes, at 1210 GMT, 1310 local time, for
all teh action from the post-lunch session
Till then this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off
Do send any feedback you have at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
Match State: Lunch - Day 5
Welcome back, play should start soon as the lunch break is over
The players are on the field now
The crowd is anxiously waiting for the start of play
Warne has the ball in hand and play is about to get under way for
the second time in the day
39.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the leg, a bit of turn, but
this one keeps low and Pietersen defends
39.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, defended to leg
39.3 Warne to Pietersen, two runs, short and on the stumps, Pietersen
goes back and cuts well through point
39.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, tossed up and on the off, defended
down past slip with an angled bat for a single
39.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run, well flighted and drifting down the
leg side, Collingwood works to leg
Collingwood yet to get off the mark, he will feel the pressure here
39.6 Warne to Collingwood, no run, tossed up and on the middle and leg,
a bit of turn, defended carefully back down the pitch
End of over 40 (3 runs) England 130/5 (lead by 136 runs)
SK Warne 17-0-58-3 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 38* (64b 2x4 2x6) PD Collingwood 0* (6b)
Lee will bowl from the Pavilion End
40.1 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, just short of a good length and on the
off, Pietersen punches well off the back foot towards long-off
40.2 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, short one banged in, Pietersen pulls
well through square-leg for a couple
40.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, reverse swing as Lee
strives for the yorker, well kept out
40.4 Lee to Pietersen, SIX, short one banged in, Pietersen takes on the
field and hooks for six over deep backward square-leg, that is an
audacious shot!
40.5 Lee to Pietersen, one run, worked down to fine-leg for a single
40.6 Lee to Collingwood, no run, very full, very straight, very quick at
almost 92 mph, somehow Collingwood keeps it out
End of over 41 (11 runs) England 141/5 (lead by 147 runs)
B Lee 9-1-40-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 49* (69b 2x4 3x6) PD Collingwood 0* (7b)
41.1 Warne to Pietersen, two runs, full and on the off, flicked through
midwicket to bring up a crucial half-century
41.2 Warne to Pietersen, one run, full and on the pads, flicked to
midwicket for a single
41.3 Warne to Collingwood, no run, well flighted and drifting onto leg,
defended back down the pitch
41.4 Warne to Collingwood, no run, flat and on the middle and leg,
defended with soft hands
41.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run, ripper! that one drifts in, pitches
and spins sharply, collingwood feels for it but is beaten all ends
up. That is a corker of a ball!
41.6 Warne to Collingwood, no run, fuller and on the off, defended
towards silly mid-off
End of over 42 (3 runs) England 144/5 (lead by 150 runs)
SK Warne 18-0-61-3 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 52* (71b 2x4 3x6) PD Collingwood 0* (11b)
42.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run
42.2 Lee to Pietersen, two runs, short of a good length and outside the
off, Pietersen opens the face of the bat and runs the ball down to
third man
42.3 Lee to Pietersen, SIX, another bouncer! again Pietersen takes it on
and hooks superbly, sending the ball well into the stands past the
fielder at deep backward square-leg
42.4 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, another short one, another pull, Tait goes
late and dives for it but cannot hold onto that
42.5 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, good length ball slipping down the leg
side, flicked away well past deep backward square leg for a
boundary. This is a big over for England
That last delivery was a red hot 96.7 mph
42.6 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, driven to the bowler
End of over 43 (16 runs) England 160/5 (lead by 166 runs)
B Lee 10-1-56-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
PD Collingwood 0* (11b) KP Pietersen 68* (77b 4x4 4x6)
Lee is really steaming in here, and Pietersen is not shy to take
him on
43.1 Warne to Collingwood, no run, well flighted and on the legs, the
ball spins a bit towards off, defended carefully
43.2 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full and on the legs, big turn as
well, played at and missed
43.3 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, carefully
watched and left alone to the keeper
43.4 Warne to Collingwood, no run
43.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run
43.6 Warne to Collingwood, one run
End of over 44 (1 run) England 161/5 (lead by 167 runs)
SK Warne 19-0-62-3 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 1* (17b) KP Pietersen 68* (77b 4x4 4x6)
44.1 Lee to Collingwood, no run, fullish and on the off, driven back
towards the bowler
44.2 Lee to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, left well
alone to the keeper
44.3 Lee to Collingwood, (noball) no run, full and very quick, a bit of
late swing in, rapped on the pad, loud shout from Lee who does not
hear the no-ball call
44.3 Lee to Collingwood, no run, short one banged in, climbs sharply on
Collingwood whpo does well to fend safely to the leg side
44.4 Lee to Collingwood, one run, short of a good length and on the off,
played down towatrds the off side for a single
44.5 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, fullish and on the stumps, driven well
through mid-on for a boundary. Clarke dives and half-stops but
can't quite cut it off
44.6 Lee to Pietersen, FOUR, another meaty blow! Just short of a length
and outside the off, Pietersen flat bats this one back past Lee to
the long-on boundary
End of over 45 (10 runs) England 171/5 (lead by 177 runs)
B Lee 11-1-66-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
PD Collingwood 2* (22b) KP Pietersen 76* (79b 6x4 4x6)
45.1 Warne to Collingwood, no run, short one, full-blooded pull straight
into Katich's shoulder, OUCH! that would have hurt
45.2 Warne to Collingwood, one run, swept down to fine leg for a single
45.3 Warne to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and a bit of width
outside the off, eased through cover for a single
45.4 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full and down the leg side, kicked
away
45.5 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full again and down the leg side,
kicked away
45.6 Warne to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, spinning away,
defended past slip
End of over 46 (2 runs) England 173/5 (lead by 179 runs)
SK Warne 20-0-64-3 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 77* (80b 6x4 4x6) PD Collingwood 3* (27b)
McGrath into the attack
46.1 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and outside the
off, eased through cover for a single
46.2 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
46.3 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and on the off, a hint of
swing in to Collingwood, defended back down the pitch
46.4 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, full and outside the off, left
alone
46.5 McGrath to Collingwood, (noball) no run, full and outside the off,
left alone, no-ball called
46.5 McGrath to Collingwood, no run
46.6 McGrath to Collingwood, one run, fullish and on the pads, flicked
down to fine leg
End of over 47 (3 runs) England 176/5 (lead by 182 runs)
GD McGrath 14-2-40-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
PD Collingwood 4* (33b) KP Pietersen 78* (81b 6x4 4x6)
47.1 Warne to Collingwood, no run, another top delivery that is too good
for Collingwood, pitches outside leg, drifts in, rips past the
outside edge
47.2 Warne to Collingwood, one run, flat and down the leg side, flicked
through square leg
47.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and down the leg side, Warne
bowling round the wicket into the rough, the ball goes past
Pietersen's pad and almost comes back and hits the stumps
47.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, once again on the pad, kicked away
47.5 Warne to Pietersen, bye: FOUR, once again down leg, beats Pietersen
and Gilchrist and runs away
47.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, sweep played, the ball goes down inbto
boot and ground and balloons up to slip, catch taken and claimed,
the two umpires confer and it's given not out
End of over 48 (5 runs) England 181/5 (lead by 187 runs)
SK Warne 21-0-65-3 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 5* (35b) KP Pietersen 78* (85b 6x4 4x6)
48.1 McGrath to Collingwood, no run
48.2 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, good length ball on the off, played
back down the pitch
48.3 McGrath to Collingwood, no run
48.4 McGrath to Collingwood, no run
48.5 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, fullish and on the off, a hint of
inswing, defended to cover
48.6 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, short of a good length and on the
off, defended to off
End of over 49 (maiden) England 181/5 (lead by 187 runs)
GD McGrath 15-3-40-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 78* (85b 6x4 4x6) PD Collingwood 5* (41b)
49.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and outside leg, kicked away to
leg
49.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat again and outside the leg stump,
kicked away
49.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, another one is outside leg and kicked
away
49.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads, Pietersen takes
it on the boot, loud shout for the lbw, but that's hit him outside
the line
49.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and down the leg side and once
again kicked away
49.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, and the last ball of the over is also
kicked away
End of over 50 (maiden) England 181/5 (lead by 187 runs)
SK Warne 22-1-65-3 - Vauxhall End
PD Collingwood 5* (41b) KP Pietersen 78* (91b 6x4 4x6)
50.1 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, good length delivery outside the
off stump, defended on the front-foot
50.2 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, good length delivery outside the
off stump, Collingwood reads it well and leaves it for the keeper
50.3 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, again bit wide outside the off
stump and Collingwood offers no shot
50.4 McGrath to Collingwood, no run, short of a good length delivery
outside the off stump, Collingwood stands tall on the back-foot
and punches it away toward extra cover
50.5 McGrath to Collingwood, one run, good length delivery, angling in
from outside the off stump, Collingwood looking to defend it on
the font-foot ends up with an inside edge and the ball rolls away
to the vacant short fine leg region
just the one slip in place now
50.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, good length delivery, again angling
in from outside the off stumps and Pietersen works it away on the
leg side
End of over 51 (1 run) England 182/5 (lead by 188 runs)
GD McGrath 16-3-41-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
PD Collingwood 6* (46b) KP Pietersen 78* (92b 6x4 4x6)
time for drinks
Match State: Drinks
51.1 Warne to Collingwood, no run, well flighted and on the pad,
defended back down the pitch
51.2 Warne to Collingwood, no run, fuller and on the off, defended with
an angled bat to slip
51.3 Warne to Collingwood, FOUR, short and a bit of width, Collingwood
sees it early, rocks back and pulls well to the midwicket fence
51.4 Warne to Collingwood, no run, padded away
51.5 Warne to Collingwood, OUT: fullish and on the off, Collingwood
shapes to defend, pad bat, Ponting dives forward brilliantly and
takes the catch! That is a vital wicket and 10 in the match for
Warne
England 186/6, Partnership of 60
PD Collingwood c Ponting b Warne 10 (51b 1x4 0x6)
KP Pietersen 78* (92b 6x4 4x6) SK Warne 22.5-1-69-4
51.6 Warne to Jones, no run, full and on the off, quicker, driven to the
off side
End of over 52 (4 runs) England 186/6 (lead by 192 runs)
SK Warne 23-1-69-4 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 78* (92b 6x4 4x6) GO Jones 0* (1b)
52.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, driven to
cover all along the ground
52.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, swinging in
to Pietersen who walks across his stumps and flicks to the leg
side
52.3 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, fullish and outside the off, played
down towards point
52.4 McGrath to Jones, one run, overpitched and outside the off, driven
inside out through cover
52.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, slower ball on the off, swinging in
late, defended back down the pitch
52.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, swinging in,
defended back to the bowler
End of over 53 (2 runs) England 188/6 (lead by 194 runs)
GD McGrath 17-3-43-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
GO Jones 1* (2b) KP Pietersen 79* (97b 6x4 4x6)
53.1 Warne to Jones, no run, well flighted and on the stumps, defended
back down the pitch
53.2 Warne to Jones, no run, well flighted and on the pads, defended
back down the pitch
53.3 Warne to Jones, no run, full and on the pads, defended back down
the pitch
53.4 Warne to Jones, no run, full and on the off, spinning away,
defended to cover
53.5 Warne to Jones, no run, left alone as this one turns and bounces a
bit
53.6 Warne to Jones, no run, full and on the pads, defended back down
the pitch
End of over 54 (maiden) England 188/6 (lead by 194 runs)
SK Warne 24-2-69-4 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 79* (97b 6x4 4x6) GO Jones 1* (8b)
54.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, full and on the stumps, driven well
but to mid-on
54.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length and on the off
from round the wicket, defended back down the pitch
54.3 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, short ball, pulled well towards
midwicket
54.4 McGrath to Jones, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, left alone
54.5 McGrath to Jones, no run, full and outside the off, driven down to
slip
54.6 McGrath to Jones, no run, full and straight, driven to mid-on
End of over 55 (1 run) England 189/6 (lead by 195 runs)
GD McGrath 18-3-44-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 80* (100b 6x4 4x6) GO Jones 1* (11b)
55.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run
55.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, again round the wicket into the pads,
kicked away
55.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the legs, kicked away
55.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, quite wide
and SPINNING AWAY, PLAYED AT AND MISSED
55.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, STRAIGHT ONE ON THE STUMPS, DEFENDED
BACK DOWN THE PITCH
55.6 Warne to Pietersen, one run, low full-toss down leg, flicked
through the leg side
End of over 56 (1 run) England 190/6 (lead by 196 runs)
SK Warne 25-2-70-4 - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 81* (106b 6x4 4x6) GO Jones 1* (11b)
This is an interesting move - Shaun Tait gets his first bowl of the
innings
56.1 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, Welcome to the attack Shaun Tait! short of
a length and outside the off, crashed through cover for four
56.2 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, full and outside the off, driven well
backward of point
56.3 Tait to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, a hint of
reverse swing, driven on the up and uppishly to cover
56.4 Tait to Pietersen, one run, full and outside the off, driven
through cover
56.5 Tait to Jones, OUT: full, reverse swinging, quick, Jones misses and
Tait strikes, the off stump goes cartwheeling out of the grounbd!
England 199/7, Partnership of 13
GO Jones b Tait 1 (12b 0x4 0x6)
KP Pietersen 90* (110b 8x4 4x6) SW Tait 0.5-0-9-1
56.6 Tait to Giles, one run, full and outside the off, driven through
point to get off the mark
End of over 57 (10 runs) England 200/7 (lead by 206 runs)
SW Tait 1-0-10-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 1* (1b) KP Pietersen 90* (110b 8x4 4x6)
57.1 Warne to Giles, no run, well flighted and on the off, defended back
down the pitch off the front foot
57.2 Warne to Giles, no run, short of a length and a bit of width, cut
through cover
57.3 Warne to Giles, no run, full and down the leg side, defended back
down the pitch
57.4 Warne to Giles, no run, full and down the leg side, a bit spin, off
the pad to mid off
57.5 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on
57.6 Warne to Giles, one run, full and down the leg side, flicked
through square leg
End of over 58 (1 run) England 201/7 (lead by 207 runs)
SK Warne 26-2-71-4 - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 2* (7b) KP Pietersen 90* (110b 8x4 4x6)
58.1 Tait to Giles, no run, fullish and on the stumps, swinging in,
played at and missed, rapped on the pad
58.2 Tait to Giles, three runs, on the pads and fullish, worked through
fine-leg for a few more runs
Pietersen into the nervous nineties. Looking at a hundred here, a
vital one
58.3 Tait to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, driven back down
the pitch
58.4 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, overpitched and slipping down leg, flicked
well through midwicket foor a boundary, Pietersen moves to 94
58.5 Tait to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
played past point for a single
58.6 Tait to Giles, no run, full and quick, on the stumps, driven to
mid-off
End of over 59 (8 runs) England 209/7 (lead by 215 runs)
SW Tait 2-0-18-1 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 95* (113b 9x4 4x6) AF Giles 5* (10b)
59.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run
59.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads from round the
wicket, padded away
59.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the off this time, defended back
down the pitch
Warne goes over the wicket
59.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, outside the off, plenty of turn, left
alone
59.5 Warne to Pietersen, wide: no run, wide outside the off, spinning
away, left alone and wide called
59.5 Warne to Pietersen, one run, full and wide outside the off, stroked
to cover for a single
59.6 Warne to Giles, no run
End of over 60 (2 runs) England 211/7 (lead by 217 runs)
SK Warne 27-2-73-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 96* (118b 9x4 4x6) AF Giles 5* (11b)
60.1 Tait to Pietersen, one run, fullish and on the pads, worked wide of
mid-on
60.2 Tait to Giles, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
well alone to the keeper
60.3 Tait to Giles, no run, full and outside the off, driven to short
cover
60.4 Tait to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
left well alone
60.5 Tait to Giles, no run, full and outside the off,. driven to cover
60.6 Tait to Giles, no run, short of a length and on the off, bit of
bounce, played down to gully
End of over 61 (1 run) England 212/7 (lead by 218 runs)
SW Tait 3-0-19-1 - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 97* (119b 9x4 4x6) AF Giles 5* (16b)
61.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads, kicked away
61.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, quicker one just outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
61.3 Warne to Pietersen, one run, full and on the pads, turned to the
leg side
61.4 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
61.5 Warne to Giles, no run, defended
61.6 Warne to Giles, no run, down the leg side, easily left alone to the
keeper
End of over 62 (1 run) England 213/7 (lead by 219 runs)
SK Warne 28-2-74-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 98* (122b 9x4 4x6) AF Giles 5* (19b)
62.1 Tait to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, swinging in, driven
to mid-on
62.2 Tait to Pietersen, FOUR, short of a length and outside the off,
driven well through extra cover! Hundred for Kevin Pietersen! That
is a top class knock under pressure on a big, big stage
62.3 Tait to Pietersen, two runs, short of a length and on the pads,
clipped down to fine leg for a couple
62.4 Tait to Pietersen, one run, short of a length and outside the off,
driven through cover
62.5 Tait to Giles, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on
62.6 Tait to Giles, one run, eased through cover for a single on the
stroke of tea
End of over 63 (8 runs) England 221/7 (lead by 227 runs)
SW Tait 4-0-27-1 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 6* (21b) KP Pietersen 105* (126b 10x4 4x6)
Match State: Tea - Day 5
That's tea on the fifth day
There will be a short break of about 20 minutes.
This is Anand Vasu, your commentator, signing off for the moment.
We will be back at 1430 GMT (1530 local time) with all the action
from the last session of this series
Do send any feedback at http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html
We understand that there are some problems accessing the scorecard
from the UK. The problem is being sorted out. Please bear with us.
The players are back on the field
The last session of this series is about to get under way
Warne will begin
63.1 Warne to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, spinning away,
defended towards cover
63.2 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the pads off the pad to the leg
side
63.3 Warne to Giles, no run
63.4 Warne to Giles, no run, slightly shorter and on the pads, worked to
the leg side
63.5 Warne to Giles, no run, flat and down the leg side, defended to the
on side
63.6 Warne to Giles, one run, full and on the off, eased throuhg cover
End of over 64 (1 run) England 222/7 (lead by 228 runs)
SK Warne 29-2-75-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 7* (27b) KP Pietersen 105* (126b 10x4 4x6)
Lee from the Pavilion End
64.1 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball banged in, Giles ducks under it
64.2 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball banged in once more, again Giles
ducks under it
64.3 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and on the pads, fended to
the on side
64.4 Lee to Giles, no run, short again, this time from round the wicket,
left alone to the keeper
64.5 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and down the leg side, left
alone again
64.6 Lee to Giles, FOUR, back of a length and on the pads, tickled down
to fine leg for a boundary
End of over 65 (4 runs) England 226/7 (lead by 232 runs)
B Lee 12-1-70-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 105* (126b 10x4 4x6) AF Giles 11* (33b 1x4)
65.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the pads, flick played and
missed, off the pad
65.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, defended back down
the pitch
65.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, fullish and outside the off, spinning
away, left alone
65.4 Warne to Pietersen, three runs, legbreak outside the off, a bit of
turn, steered past slip
65.5 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the off, drifting in, defended
to the off side with a straight bat
65.6 Warne to Giles, no run, full and down the leg side, played at and
missed, hit on the pad
End of over 66 (3 runs) England 229/7 (lead by 235 runs)
SK Warne 30-2-78-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 108* (130b 10x4 4x6) AF Giles 11* (35b 1x4)
66.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run
66.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
eased to cover
66.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and on the off, pulled
awkwardly down to mid-on
66.4 Lee to Pietersen, one run, good length ball on te off, curving in,
defended to the leg side
66.5 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
66.6 Lee to Giles, two runs, just short of a length and outside the off,
eased through cover
End of over 67 (3 runs) England 232/7 (lead by 238 runs)
B Lee 13-1-73-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 109* (134b 10x4 4x6) AF Giles 13* (37b 1x4)
67.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and outside the off,
cut down towards point
67.2 Warne to Pietersen, two runs, full and outside the off, played down
to third man
67.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and drifting onto pad, driven
to mid-on
67.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, down the leg side, flicked down to
fine-leg
67.5 Warne to Giles, one run, once again down the leg side and flicked
to fine leg
67.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the stumps, stroked back
down the pitch
End of over 68 (4 runs) England 236/7 (lead by 242 runs)
SK Warne 31-2-82-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 14* (38b 1x4) KP Pietersen 112* (139b 10x4 4x6)
68.1 Lee to Giles, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
68.2 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length on the off, ducked under
68.3 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a length and on the stumps, played
down to the leg side
68.4 Lee to Giles, no run
68.5 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball, ducked under
68.6 Lee to Giles, no run, and Lee ends a reasonably tidy maiden over
End of over 69 (maiden) England 236/7 (lead by 242 runs)
B Lee 14-2-73-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 112* (139b 10x4 4x6) AF Giles 14* (44b 1x4)
69.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and outside the off, left well
alone
69.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full and just outside the leg stump, a
bit of turn, padded away
69.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, outside the off this time, spinning
away, left alone
69.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the off and full, defended back down
the pitch
69.5 Warne to Pietersen, one run
69.6 Warne to Giles, two runs, short of a length and outside the off,
played towards cover point where Tait misfields and allows an
extra run
End of over 70 (3 runs) England 239/7 (lead by 245 runs)
SK Warne 32-2-85-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 113* (144b 10x4 4x6) AF Giles 16* (45b 1x4)
70.1 Lee to Pietersen, no run
70.2 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, driven to cover
70.3 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length and on the stumps,
played at and missed, hit on the pad
70.4 Lee to Pietersen, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-on
70.5 Lee to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and on the off,
Pietersen stands tall and fends the ball down to off
70.6 Lee to Pietersen, SIX, short ball, Pietersen sees it early and
pulls eith beastly power, the ball sails into the stands at deep
backward square leg! That is some hit
End of over 71 (6 runs) England 245/7 (lead by 251 runs)
B Lee 15-2-79-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 16* (45b 1x4) KP Pietersen 119* (150b 10x4 5x6)
71.1 Warne to Giles, one run, full and outside the off, eased through
cover for a single
71.2 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, tossed up and outside the off,
effortlessly lifted over long-off for yet another six
71.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flat and on the pads, kicked away to
the leg side
71.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full once more and speared in on the
pads, kicked away to the on side
71.5 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, full-toss from Warne, Pietersen hits that
cleanly to long-on
71.6 Warne to Pietersen, one run, full and on the pads, eased to long-on
End of over 72 (12 runs) England 257/7 (lead by 263 runs)
SK Warne 33-2-97-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 130* (155b 11x4 6x6) AF Giles 17* (46b 1x4)
72.1 Lee to Pietersen, one run, good length ball outside the off, eased
down to third man for a single
72.2 Lee to Giles, no run, full and on the pads, flick played and
missed, off the pad to the leg side
72.3 Lee to Giles, no run
72.4 Lee to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, driven to cover
72.5 Lee to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, defended towards
cover
72.6 Lee to Giles, no run
End of over 73 (1 run) England 258/7 (lead by 264 runs)
B Lee 16-2-80-0 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 131* (156b 11x4 6x6) AF Giles 17* (51b 1x4)
Warne to continue
73.1 Warne to Pietersen, no run, tossed up and turning away, defended
stretching well forward
73.2 Warne to Pietersen, no run, quicker and fuller, awkwardly driven to
the cover region
73.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, pitched wide outside the off stump and
turning away further, Pietersen offers no shot
73.4 Warne to Pietersen, no run, on the stumps, defended stretching well
forward
73.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, again defended stretching well forward
73.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, bowled from round the stumps, Pietersen
tries to sweep it away but fails to make contact, ball hits the
pad and rolls away on the off side
End of over 74 (maiden) England 258/7 (lead by 264 runs)
SK Warne 34-3-97-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 17* (51b 1x4) KP Pietersen 131* (162b 11x4 6x6)
another over goes by, time is running out for Australia
Ponting turns back to McGrath
74.1 McGrath to Giles, three runs, short of a good length delivery
outside the off stump, Giles brings his bat down hard on it and
the ball races away well wide of Lee at gully
74.2 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump, no shot offered
74.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, sharp bouncer, Pietersen pulls away
late
74.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, slower ball, Pietersen picks it up
early and leaves it for the keeper
74.5 McGrath to Pietersen, one run, short ball and Pietersen pulls it
away in front of square
74.6 McGrath to Giles, no run, play and a miss outside the off stump
End of over 75 (4 runs) England 262/7 (lead by 268 runs)
GD McGrath 19-3-48-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 132* (166b 11x4 6x6) AF Giles 20* (53b 1x4)
another 37 overs left in the day, Warne to continue
75.1 Warne to Pietersen, one run, edged away to the short third man
region, easy single
slip, silly point and a forward short leg in place for Giles
75.2 Warne to Giles, one run, tossed up outside the off stump, Giles
pushes forward, gets to the pitch of the delivery and drives it
away wide of the diving cover fielder
75.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, defended to the leg side
75.4 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, fraction short, pitched in line and
turning away, Pietersen rocks back and drives it away through
cover
75.5 Warne to Pietersen, one run, turned away to the deep midwicket
region for a single
75.6 Warne to Giles, three runs, wide outside the off stump and Giles
cuts it away to the deep cover region, long chase and a sliding
stop from Tait saves one run
End of over 76 (10 runs) England 272/7 (lead by 278 runs)
SK Warne 35-3-107-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 24* (55b 1x4) KP Pietersen 138* (170b 12x4 6x6)
76.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, straight ball on off stump, Giles pushes
it to the off side
76.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length, Giles defends it
to the off side
76.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, fuller this time, Giles continues his
stubborn ways, McGrath can't find a way through
76.4 McGrath to Giles, one run, short of a length outside off, Giles
goes for the cut, inside edge just misses the stumps as the
batsmen scamper for a single
76.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, pushes it to the off side, no run
76.6 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, full ball outside off stump, Pietersen
smashes it away through the covers, Martyn dives in vain as the
ball races to the boundary
End of over 77 (5 runs) England 277/7 (lead by 283 runs)
GD McGrath 20-3-53-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 25* (59b 1x4) KP Pietersen 142* (172b 13x4 6x6)
Pietersen on fire here as England get closer and closer to the
ultimate prize
Match State: Drinks
77.1 Warne to Giles, no run, pushed to the off side, no run there
77.2 Warne to Giles, no run, legbreak on leg stump, padded away
77.3 Warne to Giles, no run, huge legspinner there, drifting away and
spinning as it misses the outside edge
77.4 Warne to Giles, one run, slightly short and wide, giles cuts it
away for an easy single
77.5 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flatter this time, Pietersen pushes it
to the on side
77.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, flighted ball, Pietersen takes it o the
full and pushes it to mid-off
End of over 78 (1 run) England 278/7 (lead by 284 runs)
SK Warne 36-3-108-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 26* (63b 1x4) KP Pietersen 142* (174b 13x4 6x6)
78.1 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, wide of the stumps as Giles lines it up and
hammers it to the square fence, super shot there
78.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, McGrath shifts to a straighter line this
time, Giles pushes it to mid-off
78.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, straight ball, Giles gets behind the line
and pats it back to the bowler
78.4 McGrath to Giles, no run, wide of the stumps, Giles has nothing to
do with it this time
78.5 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length, shaping towards
leg stump, Giles punches it to mid-on
78.6 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, full toss on off stump, Giles flashes hard
as the ball takes the edge and flies wide of the second slip
fielder, no third man as Giles picks up another boundary
End of over 79 (8 runs) England 286/7 (lead by 292 runs)
GD McGrath 21-3-61-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
KP Pietersen 142* (174b 13x4 6x6) AF Giles 34* (69b 3x4)
Another good over for England as the crowd goes wild
79.1 Warne to Pietersen, SIX, flighted by Warne, pitched on leg stump,
Pietersen swings it cleanly as the ball sails into the long-on
fence, Fantastic Hit there
79.2 Warne to Pietersen, FOUR, wide of the stumps, Pietersen hits it
with venom and smashes it to the square fence, brings up his 150
with that shot, what an innings under pressure
79.3 Warne to Pietersen, no run, full on leg stump, pushes straight to
mid-on
79.4 Warne to Pietersen, one run, Warne flights it again, Pietersen goes
for the mighty hoick over midwicket but the edge flies in the
vacant area on the off side
79.5 Warne to Giles, one run, flatter and quicker, nudges it to the leg
side, easy single
79.6 Warne to Pietersen, no run, big legbreak pitched outside leg stump,
Pietersen tries to flick it away but misses, ball misses the
stumps by a whisker
End of over 80 (12 runs) England 298/7 (lead by 304 runs)
SK Warne 37-3-120-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 35* (70b 3x4) KP Pietersen 153* (179b 14x4 7x6)
New ball take
80.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, wide of the stumps, Giles has nothing to
do with it
80.2 McGrath to Giles, no run, short and wide again, McGrath struggling
to get his direction right, Giles lets it go
80.3 McGrath to Giles, no run, wide of the stumps again, but this time
Giles goes for the flash, misses the ball as the ball sails to
Gilchrist behind the stumps
80.4 McGrath to Giles, one run
80.5 McGrath to Pietersen, no run
80.6 McGrath to Pietersen, no run
End of over 81 (1 run) England 299/7 (lead by 305 runs)
GD McGrath 22-3-62-2 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 36* (74b 3x4) KP Pietersen 153* (181b 14x4 7x6)
81.1 Lee to Giles, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to the
keeper
81.2 Lee to Giles, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid-off
81.3 Lee to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
played at and missed, past the outside edge to the keeper
81.4 Lee to Giles, two runs, full and on the pads, flicked through
midwicket to bring up the 300
81.5 Lee to Giles, no run, short ball banged in, ducked under with ease
81.6 Lee to Giles, (noball) one run, short of a length and outside the
off, cut through point
81.6 Lee to Pietersen, one run, worked through the leg side for a single
End of over 82 (5 runs) England 304/7 (lead by 310 runs)
B Lee 17-2-85-0 (1w 2nb) - Vauxhall End
KP Pietersen 154* (182b 14x4 7x6) AF Giles 39* (80b 3x4)
82.1 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, short of a length and outside the
off, left alone
82.2 McGrath to Pietersen, FOUR, another boundary, there's no third man
and Pietersen works this one past gully
82.3 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, good length ball on the off, driven
to cover
82.4 McGrath to Pietersen, no run, fullish and on the off, swinging in
to Pietersen, defended to mid-on
82.5 McGrath to Pietersen, OUT: Gone! Finally Pietersen's magic innings
of 158 comes to an end. Glenn McGrath produces a peach of a
delivery that beats bat and rearranges the stumps. Standing
ovation from the crowd and Pietersen deserves it
England 308/8, Partnership of 109
KP Pietersen b McGrath 158 (187b 15x4 7x6)
AF Giles 39* (80b 3x4) GD McGrath 22.5-3-66-3 (1nb)
Australia dropped Pietersen twice - on 0 and 15 - and he really
made them pay
82.6 McGrath to Hoggard, one run
End of over 83 (5 runs) England 309/8 (lead by 315 runs)
GD McGrath 23-3-67-3 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Hoggard 1* (1b) AF Giles 39* (80b 3x4)
83.1 Lee to Hoggard, no run
83.2 Lee to Hoggard, no run
83.3 Lee to Hoggard, no run
83.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run
83.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, bouncer banged in, it's a good one, but
ducked easily under
83.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and just outside the off, driven to
cover
End of over 84 (maiden) England 309/8 (lead by 315 runs)
B Lee 18-3-85-0 (1w 2nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 39* (80b 3x4) MJ Hoggard 1* (7b)
84.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, short of a good length and outside the
off, played down towards cover
84.2 McGrath to Giles, one run, good length ball outside the off,
stroked to the sweeper on the off side fence
84.3 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, Hoggard
lleaves this one well alone
84.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, left alone
84.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, full and slipping down leg, worked to
midwicket
84.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, pushed to
cover
End of over 85 (1 run) England 310/8 (lead by 316 runs)
GD McGrath 24-3-68-3 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 40* (82b 3x4) MJ Hoggard 1* (11b)
85.1 Lee to Giles, one run, short of a length and outside the off, eased
through cover
85.2 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short ball banged in, once again Hoggard
ducks under it
85.3 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length and on the off,
played down towards cover
85.4 Lee to Hoggard, (noball) no run
85.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to the
keeper
85.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and outside the off, left
alone to the keeper
85.6 Lee to Hoggard, (noball) no run, fast bouncer again, and a no-ball
again
85.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
driven to gully
End of over 86 (3 runs) England 313/8 (lead by 319 runs)
B Lee 19-3-88-0 (1w 4nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 41* (83b 3x4) MJ Hoggard 1* (18b)
86.1 McGrath to Giles, one run, short ball, sliding down leg, helped
along to fine leg
86.2 McGrath to Hoggard, two runs, full and on the pads, flicked through
midwicket for a brace
86.3 McGrath to Hoggard, one run, fullish and outside the off, eased
through the off side for a single
86.4 McGrath to Giles, no run, just short of a good length and on the
off, driven to cover
86.5 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, just short of a length and outside the off,
Giles goes back and plays a neat drive through cover
86.6 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, slightly short and outside the off, Giles
flat bats this bask past the bowler for a boundary to bring up his
half-century
End of over 87 (12 runs) England 325/8 (lead by 331 runs)
GD McGrath 25-3-80-3 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MJ Hoggard 4* (20b) AF Giles 50* (87b 5x4)
87.1 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short one dug ion, Hoggard defends to the
leg side
87.2 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and on the off, defended well back
down the pitch
87.3 Lee to Hoggard, no run, good length ball down the leg side, played
at and missed
87.4 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short of a good length and outside the off,
defended down to gully
87.5 Lee to Hoggard, no run, short one this time, quite high though,
ducked under
87.6 Lee to Hoggard, no run, full and on thew off, driven to the leg
side
End of over 88 (maiden) England 325/8 (lead by 331 runs)
B Lee 20-4-88-0 (1w 4nb) - Vauxhall End
AF Giles 50* (87b 5x4) MJ Hoggard 4* (26b)
McGrath to continue - two slips and a gully in position
88.1 McGrath to Giles, no run, good length delivery outside the off
stump, forced away to the cover region
88.2 McGrath to Giles, FOUR, short ball and Giles pulls it away in front
of square, did not hit it well, got just enough bat on it
88.3 McGrath to Giles, one run, played away on the leg side
88.4 McGrath to Hoggard, no run
88.5 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, drifting down the leg side, Hoggard
pokes at it but fails to make contact
88.6 McGrath to Hoggard, no run, wide outside the off stump and Hoggard
leaves it for the keeper
End of over 89 (5 runs) England 330/8 (lead by 336 runs)
GD McGrath 26-3-85-3 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 55* (90b 6x4) MJ Hoggard 4* (29b)
Match State: Drinks
Warne comes into the attack at the Vauxhall End
89.1 Warne to Giles, FOUR, short and a bit of width, loosener from
Warne, punched off the back foot through cover
89.2 Warne to Giles, no run, fullish and on the stumps, Giles comes down
the pitch and pads
89.3 Warne to Giles, no run, well flighted and outside the off, driven
inside out to mid-off
89.4 Warne to Giles, no run, flat and on the leg stump, defended
89.5 Warne to Giles, no run, fullish and on the off, spinning away, left
alone
89.6 Warne to Giles, no run, full and on the pads, defended to the leg
side
End of over 90 (4 runs) England 334/8 (lead by 340 runs)
SK Warne 38-3-124-4 (1w) - Vauxhall End
MJ Hoggard 4* (29b) AF Giles 59* (96b 7x4)
90.1 Tait to Hoggard, no run, short of a length and well wide of the off
stump, left alone
90.2 Tait to Hoggard, wide: no run, short and very far wide outside the
off, called a wide as well
90.2 Tait to Hoggard, no run, full this time but so far wide of the
stumps that Hoggard is not going to play at that
90.3 Tait to Hoggard, no run, fullish and outside the off, left alone to
the keeper
90.4 Tait to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, very quick too,
played at and missed
90.5 Tait to Hoggard, no run, full and outside the off, left alone to
the keeper
90.6 Tait to Hoggard, no run, full and far outside the off, left alone
to the keeper
End of over 91 (1 run) England 335/8 (lead by 341 runs)
SW Tait 5-0-28-1 (1w) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 59* (96b 7x4) MJ Hoggard 4* (35b)
91.1 Warne to Giles, OUT: full and down the leg side, Giles plays and
misses and is bowled round the legs. Five wickets for Shane Warne
and end of an important innings from Giles
England 335/9, Partnership of 27
AF Giles b Warne 59 (97b 7x4 0x6)
MJ Hoggard 4* (35b) SK Warne 38.1-3-124-5 (1w)
91.2 Warne to Harmison, no run, flat and on the pads, padded away to the
leg side
91.3 Warne to Harmison, OUT: perfectly pitched legbreak, the ball spins
and takes the outside edge, Hayden dives to his right and takes a
good catch
England 335/10, Partnership of 0
SJ Harmison c Hayden b Warne 0 (2b 0x4 0x6)
MJ Hoggard 4* (35b) SK Warne 38.3-3-124-6 (1w)
that's the end of the England innings, 335 all out, 341 in front
Warne has taken 12 wickets in this game. Could well be his last
Test at The Oval
The crowd applauds McGrath and Warne as they walk off, leading the
Australian side into the pavilion
Just to clarify, England were bowled out for 335, and they are 341
ahead, not 331 as I'd earlier said.
Apologies for that
With two overs gone for the change of innings, Australia need 342
to win from 18 overs
The England team is on the field
They huddle together for a pre-innings chat and acknowledge the
hearty applause that this crowd is showering on them
Hayden and Langer are Australia's openers
Harmison from the Pavilion End
0.1 Harmison to Langer, no run, short ball banged in, Langer ducks
under this one
0.2 Harmison to Langer, no run, another short one banged in, Langer
ducks under this one as well
0.3 Harmison to Langer, no run, left alone outside the off stump,
through to the keeper
0.4 Harmison to Langer, legbye: FOUR, another short one, Langer takes
evasive action, off the shoulder for four leg byes over the keeper
The umpires have offered the light to Langer and Hayden and they
have accepted it.
This is not quite the end of play though
The players have walked off the field, but will have to come back
out in case the light situation improves. But that is unlikely to
happen this time of the year.
Match State: Delay - Day 5 - Bad light stops play
The covers are coming on now
We're being told the match officials and representatives of both
teams are talking, discussing whether this game can be called off
at this stage
That's probably the commonsense way forward so that the England
team and indeed most of the country can celebrate a great victory
The umpires walk out now and are purposefully striding to the
middle
The bails come off, the stumps are pulled out of the ground and
officially this match is drawn and England have won the Ashes 2-1
It's a huge moment for this team, the celebrations can now
officially begin!
Handshakes all round between the two teams, that's good spirit
between the two sides
The England team are gathered on the pavilion steps and they are
now led out by Michael Vaughan ... the crowd roars!
There's plenty of waving and gesturing to the crowds. There are
songs in the air and thunderous applause. Soon the presentation
ceremony will begin.
The Man of the Match is Kevin Pietersen for his magnificent 158 in
the second innings that seasled the match for England
'It's a fantastic day. It's special to me personally to win the Man
of the Match on the last day of a series where we won the Ashes,'
says Pietersen.
The Man of the Series is Andrew Flintoff. He has had a great series
and richly deserves the award.
This was the award for the English Man of the Series, chosen by the
Australian coach John Buchannan
Similarly Duncan Fletcher picks out Shane Warne as Australia's
player of the series. Another great cricketer, another award
richly deserved.
'It's been one of those series ... it was an amazing series.
England were just too good for us in this series, and you have to
hand it to them,' says Warne
'I always enjoy playing in England. The crowds in all the Tests
have been sensational. It's just a pleasure to play here.'
Now the Australian team comes up, in batting order, to the podium
Finally Ponting comes up to have a word
'It looked early on that the game would be set up well. But England
played great cricket all summer. They've outplayed us in every
Test match other than the first one. Congratulations to Michael
Vaughan and Duncan Fletcher,' says Ponting
'We had a few chances but did not take them. Kevin Pietersen played
magnificently. This was one of the best series I have ever played
in.'
There's a new award instituted this series. It's the Compton-Miller
award for the player of the series. Picked by Trevor Hohns and
David Graveney, that man is Andrew Freddie Flintoff
'It's been a great summer. Today is really special,' says Flintoff.
'We've played great cricket over the past five weeks. You've got to
pinch yourself to know you're not dreaming. To play a part in
winning the Ashes for England is something you dream about as a
kid.'
Now the England team comes up, in batting order, to the podium
Huge roar from the crowd as Michael Vaughan comes up to the podium
to recieve a replica of the famous Ashes urn. There's also a
trophy from the sponsors for Vaughan to collect.
'It's been an incredible series. Full credit to Australia and the
way they have played,' says Vaughan '
'Winning the toss and batting on four out of five occasions
certainly helped.'
'We've all aged a few years in the course of this series. The
support we have received has been fantastic and we appreciate
this.'
Vaughan now holds that famous little urn up in the air and the
crowd roars with great gusto
The confetti flies, the bubbly is uncorked, Team England bask in
the adulation as the celebrations begin in right earnest!
That brings us to the end of the coverage of this Ashes series, as
England take a lap of honour around The Oval
It has been a pleasure and a privilege bringing this series to you.
We hope you enjoyed our coverage as much as we enjoyed bringing it
to you!
For the moment, this is Anand Vasu, your commentator, tipping his
hat off to England, saying commiserations Australia, and signing
off
Do send in any feedback you may have to http://www.cricinfo.com/co
mmentary.html