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Version 5 Version 6
Aussies tighten grip in Brisbane Aussies decline follow-on option
(about 3 hours later)
Ian Bell fought a gallant rearguard battle for England as they slumped to 118-5 at lunch on day three of the first Ashes Test against Australia. Glenn McGrath took five wickets in an innings for the 29th time in Tests as England were bowled out for 157 on the third day in Brisbane.
The Warwickshire batsman survived the entire morning session to reach 41 not out, with partner Geraint Jones on 19. He finished with 6-50 but Australia decided not to enforce the follow-on despite a 445-run first innings lead.
The day's play began disastrously for England as Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were out in successive overs. McGrath was well supported by Stuart Clark (3-21), whose victims included Ian Bell for 50.
Pietersen was lbw to Glenn McGrath for 16 offering no stroke, and Flintoff was caught behind off Brett Lee for a duck. With eight overs to face before tea, Australia increased their lead by 33 runs without losing a wicket.
And their intention of destroying the confidence of England's bowlers was clear as Matthew Hayden hit three successive fours in one over from James Anderson, who was given the new ball ahead of Steve Harmison.
Australia's earlier performance in the field was typically ruthless and Ashley Giles was the only batsman, apart from Bell, to pass 20.
McGrath and Lee bowled unchanged through the first hour of play and sent down 13 high quality overs at a combined cost of 30 runs.McGrath and Lee bowled unchanged through the first hour of play and sent down 13 high quality overs at a combined cost of 30 runs.
The cracks in the pitch helped them find extra movement and both Bell and Pietersen were beaten outside off stump on a number of occasions as they pushed forward defensively. The cracks in the pitch helped them find extra movement and both Bell and Kevin Pietersen were beaten outside off stump on a number of occasions as they pushed forward defensively.
Pietersen eventually lost patience and tried to pull a rapid delivery from Lee, but misjudged the length and sent a top edge climbing high over mid-on.Pietersen eventually lost patience and tried to pull a rapid delivery from Lee, but misjudged the length and sent a top edge climbing high over mid-on.
Stuart Clark had plenty of time to run back for the catch but did not look confident as he glanced over his shoulder and the ball only brushed his fingertips as it came to earth. Clark had plenty of time to run back for the catch but did not look confident as he glanced over his shoulder and the ball only brushed his fingertips as it came to earth.
Australia's frustration soon turned to celebration as McGrath angled a ball into Pietersen's pads and umpire Billy Bowden raised the finger.Australia's frustration soon turned to celebration as McGrath angled a ball into Pietersen's pads and umpire Billy Bowden raised the finger.
Pietersen did himself no favours by shouldering arms but TV replays suggested he was unlucky with the ball apparently going on to miss off-stump.Pietersen did himself no favours by shouldering arms but TV replays suggested he was unlucky with the ball apparently going on to miss off-stump.
Flintoff looks back to see Adam Gilchrist take the catchFlintoff looks back to see Adam Gilchrist take the catch
Flintoff poked uncertainly at his first ball without making contact, but there was no doubt about the edge from the third he faced which gave Adam Gilchrist a straightforward catch behind the stumps.Flintoff poked uncertainly at his first ball without making contact, but there was no doubt about the edge from the third he faced which gave Adam Gilchrist a straightforward catch behind the stumps.
Leg-spinner Shane Warne was straight into the attack following the drinks break and caused Bell problems as he ran through his variations. There was a moment of hilarity for some members of the crowd as a sweep from Geraint Jones felled umpire Bowden at square leg, striking him on the hip as he tried to turn his back on the ball.
Bell responded with an on-drive for four before new partner Geraint Jones tucked Clark away for two runs to take the total past 100. England were 118-5 at lunch but were soon in the mire again as McGrath pinned Jones (19) on the back foot and won another lbw decision.
There was a moment of hilarity for some members of the crowd as a sweep from Jones felled umpire Bowden at square leg, striking him on the hip as he tried to turn his back on the ball and knocking his walkie-talkie and sunglasses to the ground. Bell finally reached his half century off 155 balls with a nudged single but then sliced the first delivery of a new spell from Clark to Ricky Ponting at slip.
No serious damage was done and the game continued, but Australia could not force another breakthrough and Jones finished off the morning by pulling a long hop from Warne to the square leg boundary. Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison were both caught behind without troubling the scorer and England's innings came to an end when Giles, on 24, skied McGrath to Hayden at gully.