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Live: England v Australia Live: England v Australia
(10 minutes later)
Damien Martyn hit a 35-ball fifty and put on a half century stand with Mike Hussey as Australia cruised towards England's 169 in the Champions Trophy.Damien Martyn hit a 35-ball fifty and put on a half century stand with Mike Hussey as Australia cruised towards England's 169 in the Champions Trophy.
Sajid Mahmood bowled Adam Gilchrist and had Ricky Ponting caught at slip before James Anderson bowled Shane Watson.Sajid Mahmood bowled Adam Gilchrist and had Ricky Ponting caught at slip before James Anderson bowled Shane Watson.
That made it 34-3 but Martyn timed the ball magnificently to dominate his partnership with the steady Hussey.That made it 34-3 but Martyn timed the ball magnificently to dominate his partnership with the steady Hussey.
Young pacemen Watson and Mitchell Johnson took three wickets each as England collapsed badly from 83-0.Young pacemen Watson and Mitchell Johnson took three wickets each as England collapsed badly from 83-0.
LATEST ACTIONLATEST ACTION
By Ben DirsBy Ben Dirs
AUSTRALIA INNINGSAUSTRALIA INNINGS
36th over: Dalrymple gets another go with the ball. Symonds shovels one over his shoulder for a single. Hussey gets two for a sweep. 37th over: Symonds chops Harmison down to third man for a single before Hussey pulls a single to mid-wicket. Hussey levels the scores with a flick down to fine-leg and Hussey seals victory with a drive through the covers. Abysmal from England, absolutely abysmal.
36th over (162-4): Dalrymple gets another go with the ball. Symonds shovels one over his shoulder for a single. Hussey gets two for a sweep. Australia need just eight.
35th over: WICKET England 152-4 (Martyn c Read b Harmison 78) Harmison finds a rip-snorter from nowhere, the ball lifting off a length and finding Martyn's edge. That will do his confidence the world of good. The next ball won't - Symonds cuts him away for four.35th over: WICKET England 152-4 (Martyn c Read b Harmison 78) Harmison finds a rip-snorter from nowhere, the ball lifting off a length and finding Martyn's edge. That will do his confidence the world of good. The next ball won't - Symonds cuts him away for four.
34th over (152-3): Yardy finishes his 10 overs with 0-18. Disciplined, but hardly threatening.34th over (152-3): Yardy finishes his 10 overs with 0-18. Disciplined, but hardly threatening.
33rd over (150-3): Harmison is given a chance to redeem himself...but instead gives Martyn a gimme down leg-side and the batsman clips him away for four. Martyn is almost run out next ball, and the rest of the over is marginally better by Harmison. Just 20 needed.33rd over (150-3): Harmison is given a chance to redeem himself...but instead gives Martyn a gimme down leg-side and the batsman clips him away for four. Martyn is almost run out next ball, and the rest of the over is marginally better by Harmison. Just 20 needed.
32nd over (144-3): Give Yardy his due, he's hard to get away and there's just a single from the over.32nd over (144-3): Give Yardy his due, he's hard to get away and there's just a single from the over.
31st over (143-3): Martyn plays his first attacking stroke for some time, rocking back and carving Mahmood away for four. Hussey, almost comatose until now, joins in the fun, lacing Mahmood through the covers for four.31st over (143-3): Martyn plays his first attacking stroke for some time, rocking back and carving Mahmood away for four. Hussey, almost comatose until now, joins in the fun, lacing Mahmood through the covers for four.
30th over (132-3): Yardy, averaging about 60mph, continues and there is just one single from his over.30th over (132-3): Yardy, averaging about 60mph, continues and there is just one single from his over.
29th over (131-3): Mahmood sends down a wide and 40 are now needed from 20-odd overs.29th over (131-3): Mahmood sends down a wide and 40 are now needed from 20-odd overs.
28th over (128-3): More spears from Yardy and the action, if you can call it that, is mind-numbing now. I'd rather be watching Last of the Summer Wine. For any non-Britons reading, that's Britain's most depressing programme. One from the over...28th over (128-3): More spears from Yardy and the action, if you can call it that, is mind-numbing now. I'd rather be watching Last of the Summer Wine. For any non-Britons reading, that's Britain's most depressing programme. One from the over...
27th over (127-3): Flintoff has obviously decided he's seen enough of the profligate Harmison for today and Mahmood is back on. Just two from the over.27th over (127-3): Flintoff has obviously decided he's seen enough of the profligate Harmison for today and Mahmood is back on. Just two from the over.
26th over (125-3): Five more from Yardy's over, including an elegant glide from Martyn, who looks in supreme touch with the Ashes looming.26th over (125-3): Five more from Yardy's over, including an elegant glide from Martyn, who looks in supreme touch with the Ashes looming.
25th over (120-3): Five from Dalrymple's over and Australia have the engine off and are rolling towards their target.25th over (120-3): Five from Dalrymple's over and Australia have the engine off and are rolling towards their target.
24th over (115-3): More tight stuff from Yardy as Australia are quite happy just to nudge their way to the total.24th over (115-3): More tight stuff from Yardy as Australia are quite happy just to nudge their way to the total.
23rd over (114-3): Dalrymple's first delivery beats batsman and wicket-keeper Read and runs away for four. England are unravelling with every over that passes. Martyn turns one away and scampers two.23rd over (114-3): Dalrymple's first delivery beats batsman and wicket-keeper Read and runs away for four. England are unravelling with every over that passes. Martyn turns one away and scampers two.
22nd over (108-3): Just one run from Yardy's over and at least the Sussex man is keeping things tight, even if he isn't much of a threat.22nd over (108-3): Just one run from Yardy's over and at least the Sussex man is keeping things tight, even if he isn't much of a threat.
21st over (107-3): Hussey guides one down to backward point for a couple. Five from the over and Australia are firmly in control now.21st over (107-3): Hussey guides one down to backward point for a couple. Five from the over and Australia are firmly in control now.
20th over (102-3): A rare maiden over from Yardy.20th over (102-3): A rare maiden over from Yardy.
19th over (102-3): Anderson has become wayward now, repeatedly veering onto Martyn's legs. Martyn flicks the Lancashire man away for a single as the fireworks are cranked up outside the ground.19th over (102-3): Anderson has become wayward now, repeatedly veering onto Martyn's legs. Martyn flicks the Lancashire man away for a single as the fireworks are cranked up outside the ground.
18th over (98-3): Yardy continues to throw down his darts and is keeping it pretty tight so far. Martyn brings up his 36th one-day fifty and looks in great touch.18th over (98-3): Yardy continues to throw down his darts and is keeping it pretty tight so far. Martyn brings up his 36th one-day fifty and looks in great touch.
17th over (96-3): You know things are bad when Collingwood starts putting catches down. Anderson had Martyn cutting and a full-stretch Collingwood could only get his fingertips to it. Tough chance, but you would expect the Durham man to pouch it.17th over (96-3): You know things are bad when Collingwood starts putting catches down. Anderson had Martyn cutting and a full-stretch Collingwood could only get his fingertips to it. Tough chance, but you would expect the Durham man to pouch it.
16th over (95-3): Flintoff turns to Yardy and his left-arm medium-pacers. Just three singles from the over.16th over (95-3): Flintoff turns to Yardy and his left-arm medium-pacers. Just three singles from the over.
15th over (92-3): Hussey pierces the off-side field with a nicely-timed shot, but Collingwood prevents the boundary. Martyn then slaps another wide one from Harmison for four before clipping him off his legs to the mid-wicket boundary. This is appalling from Harmison. The weird, giant cola bottle is wheeled on to the pitch and players take drinks.15th over (92-3): Hussey pierces the off-side field with a nicely-timed shot, but Collingwood prevents the boundary. Martyn then slaps another wide one from Harmison for four before clipping him off his legs to the mid-wicket boundary. This is appalling from Harmison. The weird, giant cola bottle is wheeled on to the pitch and players take drinks.
14th over (78-3): Fireworks are booming around Jaipur now as the Diwali celebrations get into full swing. Mahmood is keeping a nice tight line and length until serving up a low full-toss which Martyn strokes for four. Martyn angles the last ball of the over to the backward point boundary and Australia looked to have weathered the storm.14th over (78-3): Fireworks are booming around Jaipur now as the Diwali celebrations get into full swing. Mahmood is keeping a nice tight line and length until serving up a low full-toss which Martyn strokes for four. Martyn angles the last ball of the over to the backward point boundary and Australia looked to have weathered the storm.
13th over (70-3): Harmison finally comes into the attack and his first ball, an attempted bouncer, is carted away for four by Martyn. His second delivery is flicked away for another boundary, as is his third. Very poor from the Durham man. Martyn throws the kitchen sink at the fourth and misses, but scampers a single off the fifth.13th over (70-3): Harmison finally comes into the attack and his first ball, an attempted bouncer, is carted away for four by Martyn. His second delivery is flicked away for another boundary, as is his third. Very poor from the Durham man. Martyn throws the kitchen sink at the fourth and misses, but scampers a single off the fifth.
12th over (57-3): Martyn gets three to deep mid-wicket before getting another single. Hussey helps himself to one run and there are five from the over.12th over (57-3): Martyn gets three to deep mid-wicket before getting another single. Hussey helps himself to one run and there are five from the over.
11th over (52-3): Hussey nudges two round the corner, but Australia have been slowed to little more than a crawl for now.11th over (52-3): Hussey nudges two round the corner, but Australia have been slowed to little more than a crawl for now.
10th over (49-3): Mahmood is really bowling well now and chops Hussey in half with one that keeps low. Just one from the over, a no-ball.10th over (49-3): Mahmood is really bowling well now and chops Hussey in half with one that keeps low. Just one from the over, a no-ball.
9th over (48-3): Anderson strays onto Martyn's pads and the Australian plays a dreamy shot to the mid-wicket boundary. England then think they've got Hussey, but umpire Bowden adjudges, correctly, that he didn't edge the ball. Anderson gets right in Hussey's face in his follow-through, but the batsman gets his head down and walks away from any beef.9th over (48-3): Anderson strays onto Martyn's pads and the Australian plays a dreamy shot to the mid-wicket boundary. England then think they've got Hussey, but umpire Bowden adjudges, correctly, that he didn't edge the ball. Anderson gets right in Hussey's face in his follow-through, but the batsman gets his head down and walks away from any beef.
8th over (42-3): Martyn slashes at a wide one from Mahmood and misses - but it was a no-ball anyway. We then see the bad side of Mahmood as he slants the ball onto Martyn's legs and gives up four runs. Hussey gets off the mark with a couple.8th over (42-3): Martyn slashes at a wide one from Mahmood and misses - but it was a no-ball anyway. We then see the bad side of Mahmood as he slants the ball onto Martyn's legs and gives up four runs. Hussey gets off the mark with a couple.
7th over: WICKET Australia 34-3 (Watson b Anderson 21)Australia are tottering now. Watson, clearly frustrated by Anderson's nagging line and length, attempts to pull a ball of full length and misses. Hussey takes two minutes to get to the crease and the umpires have a little word in his ear. He survives the over.7th over: WICKET Australia 34-3 (Watson b Anderson 21)Australia are tottering now. Watson, clearly frustrated by Anderson's nagging line and length, attempts to pull a ball of full length and misses. Hussey takes two minutes to get to the crease and the umpires have a little word in his ear. He survives the over.
6th over: WICKET Australia 34-2 (Ponting c Strauss b Mahmood 1)Ponting is the new batsman and he shoulders arms to his first ball from Mahmood. The Aussie then gets a thick edge and scampers his first run. Watson punches a shot through the covers for a couple and then gets one to point. Mahmood, however, disrupts Australia's cosy accumulating by dismissing their skipper for one. Strauss takes a fine catch at slip, diving to his right and clutching the ball to his chest.6th over: WICKET Australia 34-2 (Ponting c Strauss b Mahmood 1)Ponting is the new batsman and he shoulders arms to his first ball from Mahmood. The Aussie then gets a thick edge and scampers his first run. Watson punches a shot through the covers for a couple and then gets one to point. Mahmood, however, disrupts Australia's cosy accumulating by dismissing their skipper for one. Strauss takes a fine catch at slip, diving to his right and clutching the ball to his chest.
5th over: Good over from Anderson - a maiden - as England put the brakes on Australia.5th over: Good over from Anderson - a maiden - as England put the brakes on Australia.
4th over: WICKET Australia 30-1 (Gilchrist b Mahmood 10)Mahmood goes round the wicket to Gilchrist, as England did with a great deal of success in the last Ashes series. Mahmood gives Watson another gimme and the ball ends up clattering into the fine-leg boundary. Frankly, I'd rather slam my hand in a car door than watch much more of this.4th over: WICKET Australia 30-1 (Gilchrist b Mahmood 10)Mahmood goes round the wicket to Gilchrist, as England did with a great deal of success in the last Ashes series. Mahmood gives Watson another gimme and the ball ends up clattering into the fine-leg boundary. Frankly, I'd rather slam my hand in a car door than watch much more of this.
One of the floodlights has gone! Is God an Englishman? Probably not, but England's players take the opportunity to have a drink. The umpires decide to take the players off - this could alter Australia's target. That said, the floodlights are flickering back on one bulb at a time and the Aussie openers are back out...and Gilchrist is castled first ball, Mahmood sending his off-stump cartwheeling towards the boundary.One of the floodlights has gone! Is God an Englishman? Probably not, but England's players take the opportunity to have a drink. The umpires decide to take the players off - this could alter Australia's target. That said, the floodlights are flickering back on one bulb at a time and the Aussie openers are back out...and Gilchrist is castled first ball, Mahmood sending his off-stump cartwheeling towards the boundary.
3rd over (24-0): Watson edges Anderson for four and this is not the start Flintoff would have wanted. Anderson gives Watson some width and the Aussie all-rounder slaps the ball to the extra-cover boundary.3rd over (24-0): Watson edges Anderson for four and this is not the start Flintoff would have wanted. Anderson gives Watson some width and the Aussie all-rounder slaps the ball to the extra-cover boundary.
2nd over (14-0): Watson plats an uppish drive to backward point - rather unconvincing and Mahmood would have liked the look of that. Mahmood serves up the first wide of the innings. Mahmood strays on to Gilchrist's legs again and Gilchrist tucks him away for four. The Aussie wicket-keeper repeats the trick next ball - poor from Mahmood.2nd over (14-0): Watson plats an uppish drive to backward point - rather unconvincing and Mahmood would have liked the look of that. Mahmood serves up the first wide of the innings. Mahmood strays on to Gilchrist's legs again and Gilchrist tucks him away for four. The Aussie wicket-keeper repeats the trick next ball - poor from Mahmood.
1st over (4-0): Anderson has the first over and his first ball to Gilchrist is right on the mark. Gilchrist gets off the mark with a push into the off-side. A more alert Dalrymple would have had a shy at the stumps. Watson gets off the mark with a drive through the covers - three for it.1st over (4-0): Anderson has the first over and his first ball to Gilchrist is right on the mark. Gilchrist gets off the mark with a push into the off-side. A more alert Dalrymple would have had a shy at the stumps. Watson gets off the mark with a drive through the covers - three for it.
ENGLAND INNINGSENGLAND INNINGS
"Collingwood should be up there in between Pietersen and Flintoff. It's a waste to have him there 22 not out at the end." Mike Gatting, BBC Five Live"Collingwood should be up there in between Pietersen and Flintoff. It's a waste to have him there 22 not out at the end." Mike Gatting, BBC Five Live
45th over: WICKET England 169 all out (Anderson b McGrath 15)Anderson plays and misses at McGrath twice and Collingwood has a little word, no doubt telling his partner to hang around for the full 50 overs. That's not going to happen though, as McGrath sends his off-stump cartwheeling to wrap up England's innings. They lost all 10 wickets for just 86 runs. Complete and utter dross.45th over: WICKET England 169 all out (Anderson b McGrath 15)Anderson plays and misses at McGrath twice and Collingwood has a little word, no doubt telling his partner to hang around for the full 50 overs. That's not going to happen though, as McGrath sends his off-stump cartwheeling to wrap up England's innings. They lost all 10 wickets for just 86 runs. Complete and utter dross.
44th over (169-9): Anderson plays Lee's first delivery well, but is almost run out by Symonds. Lee leaves Anderson fencing at one that darts away but England squeeze out three from the over.44th over (169-9): Anderson plays Lee's first delivery well, but is almost run out by Symonds. Lee leaves Anderson fencing at one that darts away but England squeeze out three from the over.
43rd over (166-9): Anderson glides Bracken away for another four. Nice shot that. Collingwood gets a thick outside edge to third man before Anderson, looking super-cool, pushes a couple into the covers.43rd over (166-9): Anderson glides Bracken away for another four. Nice shot that. Collingwood gets a thick outside edge to third man before Anderson, looking super-cool, pushes a couple into the covers.
42nd over: WICKET England 151-9 (Harmison c Gilchrist b Johnson 1) Harmison is lucky to be given out, a lifter from Johnson appearing to hit his shoulder rather than his bat. I feel like locking myself in my room, putting some Smiths on the cassette player and writing some self-indulgent verse. This is really, really miserable stuff. Anderson shows some spunk, rocking back and cutting Johnson away for four. A good, authentic stroke from the Lancashire paceman. Johnson hits the deck - he's got a spot of cramp - but bounces back up and almost cleans Anderson up with a bit of reverse swing.42nd over: WICKET England 151-9 (Harmison c Gilchrist b Johnson 1) Harmison is lucky to be given out, a lifter from Johnson appearing to hit his shoulder rather than his bat. I feel like locking myself in my room, putting some Smiths on the cassette player and writing some self-indulgent verse. This is really, really miserable stuff. Anderson shows some spunk, rocking back and cutting Johnson away for four. A good, authentic stroke from the Lancashire paceman. Johnson hits the deck - he's got a spot of cramp - but bounces back up and almost cleans Anderson up with a bit of reverse swing.
41st over: WICKET England 150-8 (Mahmood c&b Bracken 8) Bracken is on again. Collingwood brings up England's 150 with a single into the leg-side but Mahmood is out soon after, the Lancashire paceman attempting to turn the ball round the corner but getting a leading edge straight back to Bracken. Good take, Harmison next out of the hutch.41st over: WICKET England 150-8 (Mahmood c&b Bracken 8) Bracken is on again. Collingwood brings up England's 150 with a single into the leg-side but Mahmood is out soon after, the Lancashire paceman attempting to turn the ball round the corner but getting a leading edge straight back to Bracken. Good take, Harmison next out of the hutch.
40th over (149-7): Australia are clearly trying to get under Mahmood's skin and Symonds gets a few verbals in. Unperturbed, Mahmood pushes Johnson into the covers for one.40th over (149-7): Australia are clearly trying to get under Mahmood's skin and Symonds gets a few verbals in. Unperturbed, Mahmood pushes Johnson into the covers for one.
39th over (145-7): Mahmood, stork-like, gets up on one foot and turns McGrath away for a single. Mahmood nurdles another single and McGrath has a few words. Umpire Bucknor then pulls Mahmood aside for a chat. Not sure what was said, but it's the most exciting thing that's happened for quite some time.39th over (145-7): Mahmood, stork-like, gets up on one foot and turns McGrath away for a single. Mahmood nurdles another single and McGrath has a few words. Umpire Bucknor then pulls Mahmood aside for a chat. Not sure what was said, but it's the most exciting thing that's happened for quite some time.
38th over (140-7): Mahmood has an airy waft at a Johnson delivery but gets off the mark with a single down to third man. Collingwood is sticking manfully to his task and nudges the ball down to third man.38th over (140-7): Mahmood has an airy waft at a Johnson delivery but gets off the mark with a single down to third man. Collingwood is sticking manfully to his task and nudges the ball down to third man.
37th over: WICKET England 136-7 (Read c Gilchrist b McGrath 0) Another failure for Read, who edges McGrath behind. God this is depressing as an England fan. Mahmood strolls out - he can whack a ball, but averages 7.37th over: WICKET England 136-7 (Read c Gilchrist b McGrath 0) Another failure for Read, who edges McGrath behind. God this is depressing as an England fan. Mahmood strolls out - he can whack a ball, but averages 7.
36th over: WICKET England 135-6 (Dalrymple c Ponting b Johnson 3) Johnson is on for his second spell and Collingwood tucks him away for a single. Dalrymple is out, Ponting taking a diving catch at short mid-wicket. England are in terrible trouble now - 180 would be satisfactory from this position. Wicket-keeper Read has a wild swish at his first ball and misses. Not too clever.36th over: WICKET England 135-6 (Dalrymple c Ponting b Johnson 3) Johnson is on for his second spell and Collingwood tucks him away for a single. Dalrymple is out, Ponting taking a diving catch at short mid-wicket. England are in terrible trouble now - 180 would be satisfactory from this position. Wicket-keeper Read has a wild swish at his first ball and misses. Not too clever.
35th over (134-5): Just one from McGrath's over and England are really dragging their feet - 200 looks a good total now.35th over (134-5): Just one from McGrath's over and England are really dragging their feet - 200 looks a good total now.
34th over (133-5): Collingwood ekes out two good runs from a steer into the covers. Good running. Collingwood, a master in the art of keeping the scoreboard ticking over, paddles Watson away for a single. Five from the over.34th over (133-5): Collingwood ekes out two good runs from a steer into the covers. Good running. Collingwood, a master in the art of keeping the scoreboard ticking over, paddles Watson away for a single. Five from the over.
33rd over (128-5): McGrath is back on and will want to improve on his first spell when he went for 27 runs off four overs. However, can England attack him in their precarious position? We'll see, but it's all depressingly familiar for England so far. Just two from the over.33rd over (128-5): McGrath is back on and will want to improve on his first spell when he went for 27 runs off four overs. However, can England attack him in their precarious position? We'll see, but it's all depressingly familiar for England so far. Just two from the over.
32nd over: WICKET England 125-5 (Yardy c Gilchrist b Watson 4) Yardy is out in dubious circumstances, with the ball appearing to clip his hip rather than his bat. Poor decision by umpire Bowden and Dalrymple is next man in. Just one from the over.32nd over: WICKET England 125-5 (Yardy c Gilchrist b Watson 4) Yardy is out in dubious circumstances, with the ball appearing to clip his hip rather than his bat. Poor decision by umpire Bowden and Dalrymple is next man in. Just one from the over.
31st over: Symonds has a confident lbw appeal turned down by umpire Bucknor before Yardy turns a full-toss round the corner for one. Collingwood uses his feet against Symonds and flicks him over mid-on for four.31st over: Symonds has a confident lbw appeal turned down by umpire Bucknor before Yardy turns a full-toss round the corner for one. Collingwood uses his feet against Symonds and flicks him over mid-on for four.
30th over (118-4): Yardy gets off the mark with a nice stroke for one to backward point and new boy Collingwood follows with a clip off his legs.30th over (118-4): Yardy gets off the mark with a nice stroke for one to backward point and new boy Collingwood follows with a clip off his legs.
29th over: WICKET England 115-4 (Strauss c Gilchrist b Symonds 56) Symonds and his off-breaks are brought into the attack. Strauss gets two for a sweep. Strauss pulls down his strides and makes some adjustments before being beaten all ends up by two big turners. He then waits on one and glides it away for two. But Strauss, clearly rattled by Symonds, is out next ball, feathering one to Gilchrist. Sharp work by Australia and England's solid start is withering away.29th over: WICKET England 115-4 (Strauss c Gilchrist b Symonds 56) Symonds and his off-breaks are brought into the attack. Strauss gets two for a sweep. Strauss pulls down his strides and makes some adjustments before being beaten all ends up by two big turners. He then waits on one and glides it away for two. But Strauss, clearly rattled by Symonds, is out next ball, feathering one to Gilchrist. Sharp work by Australia and England's solid start is withering away.
28th over (111-3): England's run-rate has slowed to a trickle and all of a sudden a score of 250 seems very distant indeed. Strauss gets one down to backward point before Yardy misses with an extravagant swish. One from the over.28th over (111-3): England's run-rate has slowed to a trickle and all of a sudden a score of 250 seems very distant indeed. Strauss gets one down to backward point before Yardy misses with an extravagant swish. One from the over.
27th over (110-3): Yardy is England's number five - a big day for the Sussex all-rounder. He has a distinctive, wide stance, with his right leg kept well out of the way. He looks comfortable enough against the pace of Lee and plays out a maiden over.27th over (110-3): Yardy is England's number five - a big day for the Sussex all-rounder. He has a distinctive, wide stance, with his right leg kept well out of the way. He looks comfortable enough against the pace of Lee and plays out a maiden over.
26th over: WICKET England 110-3 (Flintoff c Hussey b Watson 4)Watson gives Flintoff a nudge with a brute that the England skipper ducks into. Smiles all round. Flintoff isn't smiling moments later when he pulls Watson straight down Hussey's throat at square-leg. Not a clever shot and Australia's cunning plan comes off.26th over: WICKET England 110-3 (Flintoff c Hussey b Watson 4)Watson gives Flintoff a nudge with a brute that the England skipper ducks into. Smiles all round. Flintoff isn't smiling moments later when he pulls Watson straight down Hussey's throat at square-leg. Not a clever shot and Australia's cunning plan comes off.
25th over: Strauss gets two to mid-wicket to move to 45. Strauss looks to have played himself into some form and carves Lee to the backward point boundary. Strauss plays an identical shot for a single to bring up his fifty - his 12th in one-day internationals.25th over: Strauss gets two to mid-wicket to move to 45. Strauss looks to have played himself into some form and carves Lee to the backward point boundary. Strauss plays an identical shot for a single to bring up his fifty - his 12th in one-day internationals.
24th over: Strauss brings up England's 100 with a scampered single. Good running by Flintoff. Flintoff has a waft and gets another thick outside edge for a single down to third man. Flintoff is gesticulating wildly for new gloves and almost edges to Gilchrist. Johnson looks a decent proposition, pretty quick with some nip off the pitch.24th over: Strauss brings up England's 100 with a scampered single. Good running by Flintoff. Flintoff has a waft and gets another thick outside edge for a single down to third man. Flintoff is gesticulating wildly for new gloves and almost edges to Gilchrist. Johnson looks a decent proposition, pretty quick with some nip off the pitch.
23rd over (98-2): Lee is on for his second spell and is bang on the money with his first three balls. Symonds makes a sprawling stop in the covers to deny Strauss a single and it's a maiden.23rd over (98-2): Lee is on for his second spell and is bang on the money with his first three balls. Symonds makes a sprawling stop in the covers to deny Strauss a single and it's a maiden.
22nd over (98-2): Johnson has a decent lbw appeal against Strauss turned down by umpire Bowden. Perhaps Bowden thought the batsman got some wood on it. Johnson drops short and Strauss helps the ball to the boundary to move to 41. Johnson is a piercer, in that he has a metal stud drilled below his bottom lip. Fred Spofforth will be turning in his grave.22nd over (98-2): Johnson has a decent lbw appeal against Strauss turned down by umpire Bowden. Perhaps Bowden thought the batsman got some wood on it. Johnson drops short and Strauss helps the ball to the boundary to move to 41. Johnson is a piercer, in that he has a metal stud drilled below his bottom lip. Fred Spofforth will be turning in his grave.
21st over (93-2): Flintoff gets another edge for one and Watson is having trouble with his run-up - two no-balls. Strauss nurdles a single to third man.21st over (93-2): Flintoff gets another edge for one and Watson is having trouble with his run-up - two no-balls. Strauss nurdles a single to third man.
20th over: WICKET England 89-2 (Pietersen c Gilchrist b Johnson 1)Johnson has Pietersen hopping with a brute that veers up into his face and is out next ball, feathering a catch to Gilchrist behind the stumps. Skipper Flintoff is the new batsman and gets off the mark with a thick outside edge to third man. Johnson attempts to york Strauss and the England batsman shows good hands to glide him away for four.20th over: WICKET England 89-2 (Pietersen c Gilchrist b Johnson 1)Johnson has Pietersen hopping with a brute that veers up into his face and is out next ball, feathering a catch to Gilchrist behind the stumps. Skipper Flintoff is the new batsman and gets off the mark with a thick outside edge to third man. Johnson attempts to york Strauss and the England batsman shows good hands to glide him away for four.
19th over: WICKET England 83-1 (Bell c Hussey b Watson 43) England lose their first wicket, Bell slapping the ball straight down Hussey's throat at short extra-cover. Watson has done the trick with only his second delivery. Poor shot from Bell, but a good innings nonetheless. Pietersen is next man in, not Flintoff as expected. He gets off the mark with a swift single.19th over: WICKET England 83-1 (Bell c Hussey b Watson 43) England lose their first wicket, Bell slapping the ball straight down Hussey's throat at short extra-cover. Watson has done the trick with only his second delivery. Poor shot from Bell, but a good innings nonetheless. Pietersen is next man in, not Flintoff as expected. He gets off the mark with a swift single.
18th over (83-0): A thing of beauty from Bell, who makes room and steers Johnson through extra-cover for four. Bell then loses his head, attempting an upper-cut and missing. He gets his nose back in the text-book for his next scoring shot, a glide down to third man for one.18th over (83-0): A thing of beauty from Bell, who makes room and steers Johnson through extra-cover for four. Bell then loses his head, attempting an upper-cut and missing. He gets his nose back in the text-book for his next scoring shot, a glide down to third man for one.
17th over (78-0): Four singles from Bracken's over and England are momentarily becalmed, although still ticking over nicely.17th over (78-0): Four singles from Bracken's over and England are momentarily becalmed, although still ticking over nicely.
16th over (74-0): Two scampered singles off Johnson and we have the sound of thunder reverberating round the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Johnson is surprising the England openers with his extra pace. Four from the over.16th over (74-0): Two scampered singles off Johnson and we have the sound of thunder reverberating round the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Johnson is surprising the England openers with his extra pace. Four from the over.
15th over (70-0): Bracken continues and we now have the rare sight of two left-armers bowling in tandem. Strauss, looking to angle the ball away, very nearly feathers one to wicket-keeper Gilchrist, who is standing up to the stumps, and Strauss pulls off the trick next time for two. Players take drinks and England will be chuffed with their start.15th over (70-0): Bracken continues and we now have the rare sight of two left-armers bowling in tandem. Strauss, looking to angle the ball away, very nearly feathers one to wicket-keeper Gilchrist, who is standing up to the stumps, and Strauss pulls off the trick next time for two. Players take drinks and England will be chuffed with their start.
14th over (66-0): Johnson replaces McGrath, and England fans will be keen to see him in action as he could feature in this winter's Ashes. Aussie great Dennis Lillee called him a "once in a generation bowler". Strauss upper-cuts him away for two to move to 26. Tidy first over, four from it.14th over (66-0): Johnson replaces McGrath, and England fans will be keen to see him in action as he could feature in this winter's Ashes. Aussie great Dennis Lillee called him a "once in a generation bowler". Strauss upper-cuts him away for two to move to 26. Tidy first over, four from it.
13th over (62-0): Just two from the over and Lee makes a fine stop off a decent Bell off-drive to save four.13th over (62-0): Just two from the over and Lee makes a fine stop off a decent Bell off-drive to save four.
12th over (60-0): Ponting is persevering with McGrath. Strauss gives McGrath the charge and misses. Unnecessary in the circumstances, but it's clear England are trying to do a psychological number on McGrath. Strauss digs out a dangerous yorker and Australia's old workhorse is working up a bit more pace now. However, he strays on to Bell's pads with his last ball and Bell whips him away for four to move to 33. McGrath has got the right hump and throws down Bell's stumps with the England man well in his crease. It could be the only way he'll be hitting the stumps today...12th over (60-0): Ponting is persevering with McGrath. Strauss gives McGrath the charge and misses. Unnecessary in the circumstances, but it's clear England are trying to do a psychological number on McGrath. Strauss digs out a dangerous yorker and Australia's old workhorse is working up a bit more pace now. However, he strays on to Bell's pads with his last ball and Bell whips him away for four to move to 33. McGrath has got the right hump and throws down Bell's stumps with the England man well in his crease. It could be the only way he'll be hitting the stumps today...
11th over: Strauss plays a peachy late cut off Bracken for four - shot of the day. Bell follows up with a wonderfully-balanced cut for four to bring up England's fifty. He'll be wanting to cash in on that aberration by Martyn.11th over: Strauss plays a peachy late cut off Bracken for four - shot of the day. Bell follows up with a wonderfully-balanced cut for four to bring up England's fifty. He'll be wanting to cash in on that aberration by Martyn.
"That was some of the worst cricket I've ever seen..." Damien Fleming, Radio Five Live"That was some of the worst cricket I've ever seen..." Damien Fleming, Radio Five Live
10th over: Bell paddles McGrath away for one and Strauss whips the Australian medium pacer round the corner for two. Martyn then drops an absolute dolly at mid-off - I've seen those taken by my three-year-old niece. Bell plays an odd shot, attempting to loft the ball over Martyn, and the Aussie fielder appears to lose the ball in the air, tumbles backwards and the ball rolls free. Not pretty and McGrath will be spewing.10th over: Bell paddles McGrath away for one and Strauss whips the Australian medium pacer round the corner for two. Martyn then drops an absolute dolly at mid-off - I've seen those taken by my three-year-old niece. Bell plays an odd shot, attempting to loft the ball over Martyn, and the Aussie fielder appears to lose the ball in the air, tumbles backwards and the ball rolls free. Not pretty and McGrath will be spewing.
9th over (37-0): A maiden over from Lee, which will be a bit of a relief for captain Ponting as England were beginning to look far too comfortable.9th over (37-0): A maiden over from Lee, which will be a bit of a relief for captain Ponting as England were beginning to look far too comfortable.
8th over (37-0): McGrath is struggling with his radar in his opening couple of overs. Bell turns him away for four with the minimum of fuss, and even appears to take a couple of strides down the pitch. Liberty taker - and rightly so. Bell cuts McGrath away for a single, Strauss plays an uppish drive for one and England are pottering along nicely.8th over (37-0): McGrath is struggling with his radar in his opening couple of overs. Bell turns him away for four with the minimum of fuss, and even appears to take a couple of strides down the pitch. Liberty taker - and rightly so. Bell cuts McGrath away for a single, Strauss plays an uppish drive for one and England are pottering along nicely.
7th over (31-0): Lee strays on to Bell's legs again and the England opener flips the ball round the corner for two and gets one for an outside edge.7th over (31-0): Lee strays on to Bell's legs again and the England opener flips the ball round the corner for two and gets one for an outside edge.
6th over (28-0): McGrath is on early, replacing Bracken. His first ball is a dream for Strauss - short and lacking in pace - and Strauss slaps him away to the deep mid-wicket boundary. McGrath's second ball is short outside the off-stump and Strauss carves him away for another four. Thank you very much Glenn, that's relieved some of the pressure.6th over (28-0): McGrath is on early, replacing Bracken. His first ball is a dream for Strauss - short and lacking in pace - and Strauss slaps him away to the deep mid-wicket boundary. McGrath's second ball is short outside the off-stump and Strauss carves him away for another four. Thank you very much Glenn, that's relieved some of the pressure.
5th over (20-0): An edgy opening by Strauss, who very nearly plays on. He scampers a run to short mid-wicket and Bell gets his second boundary of the day with a lovely steer to backward point. The Warwickshire man looks in good touch and works Lee away off his legs for another four.5th over (20-0): An edgy opening by Strauss, who very nearly plays on. He scampers a run to short mid-wicket and Bell gets his second boundary of the day with a lovely steer to backward point. The Warwickshire man looks in good touch and works Lee away off his legs for another four.
4th over (10-0): Strauss finally gets off the mark with a bottom-edged cut. This is a nervy opening for England, with the Aussie bowlers bang on the money. Bell steers a single into the covers and Strauss follows up with an unconvincing drive down to third man. Bell plays the first authentic attacking shot of the day, a peach of a flick to the mid-wicket boundary. Bracken replies with a fine delivery that beats Bell's outside edge.4th over (10-0): Strauss finally gets off the mark with a bottom-edged cut. This is a nervy opening for England, with the Aussie bowlers bang on the money. Bell steers a single into the covers and Strauss follows up with an unconvincing drive down to third man. Bell plays the first authentic attacking shot of the day, a peach of a flick to the mid-wicket boundary. Bracken replies with a fine delivery that beats Bell's outside edge.
3rd over (3-0): Bell is happy to play correctly to Lee, showing the full face of the bat to the first four deliveries. Lee releases some of the pressure with a no-ball, but it's slow going for England thus far.3rd over (3-0): Bell is happy to play correctly to Lee, showing the full face of the bat to the first four deliveries. Lee releases some of the pressure with a no-ball, but it's slow going for England thus far.
2nd over (2-0): Bracken beats Bell with a dreamy delivery which just nips away off the seam. Bell gets off the mark with a nudge to mid-wicket. Just one from the over and the Aussies are looking keen as mustard in the field, as might be expected.2nd over (2-0): Bracken beats Bell with a dreamy delivery which just nips away off the seam. Bell gets off the mark with a nudge to mid-wicket. Just one from the over and the Aussies are looking keen as mustard in the field, as might be expected.
1st over (1-0): Players are out and the Ashes phoney war is under way. Strauss leaves Lee's first ball outside off-stump. Just one wide from the opening over. Strauss safely in behind everything else.1st over (1-0): Players are out and the Ashes phoney war is under way. Strauss leaves Lee's first ball outside off-stump. Just one wide from the opening over. Strauss safely in behind everything else.
"Today's game won't have too much effect on what's coming up in the next few months. But I'm feeling very good and improving with every game." Australia bowler Glenn McGrath"Today's game won't have too much effect on what's coming up in the next few months. But I'm feeling very good and improving with every game." Australia bowler Glenn McGrath
"The losers are probably going to be packing their bags. This will have nothing to do with what happens in the Ashes - but it's a big game." England's Kevin Pietersen"The losers are probably going to be packing their bags. This will have nothing to do with what happens in the Ashes - but it's a big game." England's Kevin Pietersen
0930: Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting wastes no time in telling Andrew Flintoff to get his pads on after winning the toss. They strengthen their pace attack by bringing in left-armer Mitchell Johnson, who took 4-11 in his last appearance.0930: Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting wastes no time in telling Andrew Flintoff to get his pads on after winning the toss. They strengthen their pace attack by bringing in left-armer Mitchell Johnson, who took 4-11 in his last appearance.
0900: England announce an unchanged XI - Jon Lewis is left on the sidelines again, so let's hope Steve Harmison's radar is working when he gets the white ball in his hand.0900: England announce an unchanged XI - Jon Lewis is left on the sidelines again, so let's hope Steve Harmison's radar is working when he gets the white ball in his hand.
0730: "Everyone's saying Happy Diwali this morning. It's a huge celebration here in Jaipur, so I'm looking forward to fireworks later both on and off the field" Kevin Howells, Radio Five Live0730: "Everyone's saying Happy Diwali this morning. It's a huge celebration here in Jaipur, so I'm looking forward to fireworks later both on and off the field" Kevin Howells, Radio Five Live