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Live - Australia v England Live - Australia v England
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Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds put on a fifty partnership to frustrate England's attempts to bowl Australia out on day two of the fourth Test. Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds put on a fifty partnership for the sixth wicket to take Australia past England's 159 on day two of the fourth Test.
The tourists - 3-0 down - were skittled for 159 on Boxing Day but were boosted by three wickets before lunch. They came together with the hosts on 84-5 after England took three wickets before lunch with some fine bowling.
Ricky Ponting mistimed a pull of Andrew Flintoff, Matthew Hoggard bowled Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke edged behind in Steve Harmison's first over.Ricky Ponting mistimed a pull of Andrew Flintoff, Matthew Hoggard bowled Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke edged behind in Steve Harmison's first over.
But Hayden made a gritty half century to guide them to 135-5 with Symonds. But Hayden made a gritty fifty and Symonds was starting to score freely.
THE DAY'S ACTION (all times local to Melbourne - GMT+11)THE DAY'S ACTION (all times local to Melbourne - GMT+11)
By Pranav SonejiBy Pranav Soneji
1408: Hayden moves into the 70s with yet another boundary through the gully region off Mahmood - he's had plenty of joy in that area - and a two through mid-wicket. It's OK to shout at your computer, really. 1405: Andrew Strauss is off the field suffering with a bout of flu. "For an aggressive cricketer, Flintoff does go on the defensive very quickly." Jonathan Agnew on TMS
"Where's Geoffrey Boycott's mother when we need her?" Hector, Athens, Greece
DRINKS
1412: Stand-and-deliver stuff from Symonds, who thrashes Hoggard over mid-wicket for four. That stroke forces Flintoff to place a long-on and long-off, which Symonds take full advantage of with a single. Hayden then dispatches a short delivery to the square leg boundary. 176-5
"We have to try and build a decent lead, anything over 75 or so will be brilliant, anything under will be a positive for England."Perry, Sydney 1408: Hayden moves into the 70s with yet another boundary through the gully region off Mahmood - he's had plenty of joy in that area - and a two through mid-wicket. It's OK to shout at your computer, really.167-5 1405: Andrew Strauss is off the field suffering with a bout of flu.
1403: Two consecutive aerial drives from Symonds through the covers - the first of which evades Ian Bell at a strategically placed short cover, the second a full-bloodied drive which bounces once before reaching the fence. Three more runs off that over and Australia overhaul England's first innings total. Symonds moves onto a very useful 37. Geoffrey could well be eating his hat... 161-51403: Two consecutive aerial drives from Symonds through the covers - the first of which evades Ian Bell at a strategically placed short cover, the second a full-bloodied drive which bounces once before reaching the fence. Three more runs off that over and Australia overhaul England's first innings total. Symonds moves onto a very useful 37. Geoffrey could well be eating his hat... 161-5
1357: Saj Mahmood is an enigma - when he is chuntering in full flow, he looks menacing. But when he's bowling like he is today, mixing half-volleys with the odd decent delivery, you can understand why his captain didn't turn to him too often at the Waca. Five runs off that over. 150-51357: Saj Mahmood is an enigma - when he is chuntering in full flow, he looks menacing. But when he's bowling like he is today, mixing half-volleys with the odd decent delivery, you can understand why his captain didn't turn to him too often at the Waca. Five runs off that over. 150-5
1352: Two runs off another dogged Hoggy over, moving the partnership along to 61. The Aussies now trail by 14 and the English frustration is clearly palpable - but Symonds and Hayden are proving immovable. 145-51352: Two runs off another dogged Hoggy over, moving the partnership along to 61. The Aussies now trail by 14 and the English frustration is clearly palpable - but Symonds and Hayden are proving immovable. 145-5
1348: Symonds scampers a single off Hoggard, Geoff Boycott is still adamant that the crazy-haired all-rounder isn't Test class. He's doing a pretty good job at the moment. 143-51348: Symonds scampers a single off Hoggard, Geoff Boycott is still adamant that the crazy-haired all-rounder isn't Test class. He's doing a pretty good job at the moment. 143-5
How to listen to TMS 1344: Monty's bowling stint is unpopularly brief as he is taken off after three overs in favour of Matthew Hoggard. The seamer's first delivery is duly thumped through covers for three, but he regains his control to prevent Hayden from adding to his tally. 142-5How to listen to TMS 1344: Monty's bowling stint is unpopularly brief as he is taken off after three overs in favour of Matthew Hoggard. The seamer's first delivery is duly thumped through covers for three, but he regains his control to prevent Hayden from adding to his tally. 142-5
1338: Harmison lets himself down with his final delivery - a short ball easily paddled through mid-wicket by Hayden for the second all-run four of the day. 139-51338: Harmison lets himself down with his final delivery - a short ball easily paddled through mid-wicket by Hayden for the second all-run four of the day. 139-5
"The runs are coming just a little too comfortably for Australia at the moment." Henry Blofeld on TMS"The runs are coming just a little too comfortably for Australia at the moment." Henry Blofeld on TMS
1334: Monty hasn't quite got his line right as both batsmen work the ball for eight easy runs, a Symonds on-drive for three the best of the strokes. Fifty partnership for the two Queenslanders. 135-51334: Monty hasn't quite got his line right as both batsmen work the ball for eight easy runs, a Symonds on-drive for three the best of the strokes. Fifty partnership for the two Queenslanders. 135-5
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
1332: Monty grabs the cheers yet again when he runs down to fine leg - only to realise right-hander Symonds is on strike and has to run to the other side of the ground. Another tidy Harmison over, including a genuine play and miss from Hayden. 127-51332: Monty grabs the cheers yet again when he runs down to fine leg - only to realise right-hander Symonds is on strike and has to run to the other side of the ground. Another tidy Harmison over, including a genuine play and miss from Hayden. 127-5
1327: More stoic batting from Hayden, who blocks Monty's first four deliveries before turning the fifth ball away for a single. Symonds nicks the strike for next over with another run.126-51327: More stoic batting from Hayden, who blocks Monty's first four deliveries before turning the fifth ball away for a single. Symonds nicks the strike for next over with another run.126-5
How to listen to TMS 1324: Six balls on the money from Harmison, who sees his last delivery squirt down to the third man boundary after Symonds gets a thick outside edge through third slip. 124-5How to listen to TMS 1324: Six balls on the money from Harmison, who sees his last delivery squirt down to the third man boundary after Symonds gets a thick outside edge through third slip. 124-5
DOWNLOAD A CRICKET MASK AND LOOK LIKE MONTYDOWNLOAD A CRICKET MASK AND LOOK LIKE MONTY
"Monty's introduction is met with a healthy round of applause, despite the fact the clouds are back in force and seamers should be suited. It's quite dark now and the floodlights are on. Melbourne: fine city, foul weather."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG"Monty's introduction is met with a healthy round of applause, despite the fact the clouds are back in force and seamers should be suited. It's quite dark now and the floodlights are on. Melbourne: fine city, foul weather."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1319: Monty Panesar gets a huge cheer from the faithful, the man would get a huge cheer getting out of bed in the morning. His first over is uneventful though as Hayden picks up two with an off drive and Symonds collecting a single. 120-51319: Monty Panesar gets a huge cheer from the faithful, the man would get a huge cheer getting out of bed in the morning. His first over is uneventful though as Hayden picks up two with an off drive and Symonds collecting a single. 120-5
"I am meant to be revising for final-year exams but instead I sleep a lot of the day and stay up late to watch the cricket! Going to try and manage a few hours yet until I nod off. I am still expecting Monty's first Test century before the series is over too!" Jonny, Northern Ireland"I am meant to be revising for final-year exams but instead I sleep a lot of the day and stay up late to watch the cricket! Going to try and manage a few hours yet until I nod off. I am still expecting Monty's first Test century before the series is over too!" Jonny, Northern Ireland
1315: Hayden takes a very risky single to Mahmood at mid-off, but the Lancastrian's throw is awful. Symonds strokes Harmison for a saucy looking drive through the covers for four - not a boundary but an all-run four, just to outline the outfield is still as slow as Rudi Koertzen's finger. 108-51315: Hayden takes a very risky single to Mahmood at mid-off, but the Lancastrian's throw is awful. Symonds strokes Harmison for a saucy looking drive through the covers for four - not a boundary but an all-run four, just to outline the outfield is still as slow as Rudi Koertzen's finger. 108-5
"I want to go to sleep but oh my God, they're back out!!!"Tom, Cardiff"I want to go to sleep but oh my God, they're back out!!!"Tom, Cardiff
"I think I'm going mad. I'm now at the point where I am rapidly refreshing the scorecard page to virtually watch each ball as it is delivered. Keep the excellent comments coming thick and fast, please!"Kevin, Italy"I think I'm going mad. I'm now at the point where I am rapidly refreshing the scorecard page to virtually watch each ball as it is delivered. Keep the excellent comments coming thick and fast, please!"Kevin, Italy
"I'm sat in probably the only internet cafe in Gabon after weeks in the jungle, I can't believe it's 101-5 and Shane Warne has his 700th wicket. Whatever can I expect next?!"George Christie"I'm sat in probably the only internet cafe in Gabon after weeks in the jungle, I can't believe it's 101-5 and Shane Warne has his 700th wicket. Whatever can I expect next?!"George Christie
"Hoggard should have had Hayden out twice yesterday with two lbws. A man with one eye would have given one of them out. Matthew has bowled well this morning but he hasn't had the rub of the green." Geoffrey Boycott on TMS"Hoggard should have had Hayden out twice yesterday with two lbws. A man with one eye would have given one of them out. Matthew has bowled well this morning but he hasn't had the rub of the green." Geoffrey Boycott on TMS
LUNCHLUNCH
1231: Hayden picks up two runs for a well-deserved 50. He flails needlessly at a wide Mahmood delivery, which Flintoff brilliantly catches one-handed on the half-volley at second slip. Interesting to note Saj is picking up a bit of reverse swing at the end of that final over before lunch. 111-51231: Hayden picks up two runs for a well-deserved 50. He flails needlessly at a wide Mahmood delivery, which Flintoff brilliantly catches one-handed on the half-volley at second slip. Interesting to note Saj is picking up a bit of reverse swing at the end of that final over before lunch. 111-5
1227: More guffaws from Boycott as Symonds takes a few for the team on the upper arm from Harmison. Maiden over. 108-51227: More guffaws from Boycott as Symonds takes a few for the team on the upper arm from Harmison. Maiden over. 108-5
"I'm in enough trouble already with the wife as it's our second anniversary today and I'm crouched round my laptop watching a screen that doesn't change so please keep me amused or I'll be seeing a divorce lawyer."Scott Stone, Kissemmee, Florida"I'm in enough trouble already with the wife as it's our second anniversary today and I'm crouched round my laptop watching a screen that doesn't change so please keep me amused or I'll be seeing a divorce lawyer."Scott Stone, Kissemmee, Florida
1223: Symonds smashes three runs off Mahmood through cover, while Hayden profits from a bizarre direct hit from Harmison, which flies off the stumps down to fine leg to pick up two runs.108-51223: Symonds smashes three runs off Mahmood through cover, while Hayden profits from a bizarre direct hit from Harmison, which flies off the stumps down to fine leg to pick up two runs.108-5
1218: Geoffrey Boycott is giggling his bits off watching Symonds at the crease. A massive cheer echoes around the G as Symonds gets off the mark with a single off Harmison. 103-51218: Geoffrey Boycott is giggling his bits off watching Symonds at the crease. A massive cheer echoes around the G as Symonds gets off the mark with a single off Harmison. 103-5
"Perfect cure for any domestic grief when shattered from Ashes all-nighters - a seven-week old daughter. I stay up all night, sleep all day, avoid chores and festive visits to families, don't miss a ball and because I'm on hand with a nappy and a bottle, I am father, husband and all round good egg of the year! Surely reward for my genius is the current session, long live England!!"Steve, St Helens."Perfect cure for any domestic grief when shattered from Ashes all-nighters - a seven-week old daughter. I stay up all night, sleep all day, avoid chores and festive visits to families, don't miss a ball and because I'm on hand with a nappy and a bottle, I am father, husband and all round good egg of the year! Surely reward for my genius is the current session, long live England!!"Steve, St Helens.
"If he's (Symonds) a Test batsman then I'll eat my hat. My mum would be queuing up to bowl at him on this wicket." Geoffrey Boycott on TMS"If he's (Symonds) a Test batsman then I'll eat my hat. My mum would be queuing up to bowl at him on this wicket." Geoffrey Boycott on TMS
1214: Not a great opening over from Saj Mahmood, who replaces the dogged Hoggard. But it just as badly played by Symonds, who looks cumbersome. 101-51214: Not a great opening over from Saj Mahmood, who replaces the dogged Hoggard. But it just as badly played by Symonds, who looks cumbersome. 101-5
1208: Hayden picks up eight runs off that Harmison over, including a tickle off the hips for four. 101-51208: Hayden picks up eight runs off that Harmison over, including a tickle off the hips for four. 101-5
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
"This is really quite desperate, watching the web updates on the Beeb site. Keep the comments coming - we are out here, 'listening' to your written updates!"Mike Dexter-Smith in Boston, US"This is really quite desperate, watching the web updates on the Beeb site. Keep the comments coming - we are out here, 'listening' to your written updates!"Mike Dexter-Smith in Boston, US
"The Barmy Army, scattered around the ground and unheard up to now, find voice as Harmison strikes with his second ball. If the MCG faithful didn't know before, they now know who the Army are, and where they come from."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG"The Barmy Army, scattered around the ground and unheard up to now, find voice as Harmison strikes with his second ball. If the MCG faithful didn't know before, they now know who the Army are, and where they come from."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1204: Hoggy really is a captain's dream. Unchanged since the second over this morning, he is starting to struggle as he holds his chest and stretches his sides. But he soldiers on, inducing yet another streaky edge from Hayden, who picks up another boundary. 93-51204: Hoggy really is a captain's dream. Unchanged since the second over this morning, he is starting to struggle as he holds his chest and stretches his sides. But he soldiers on, inducing yet another streaky edge from Hayden, who picks up another boundary. 93-5
TEST MATCH SPECIAL BLOG: Read more and have your say 1159: Another good over from Harmison, the highlight of which was a similar delivery to which he dismissed Clarke, but Symonds was fortunate enough not to get a nick. A maiden. 88-5TEST MATCH SPECIAL BLOG: Read more and have your say 1159: Another good over from Harmison, the highlight of which was a similar delivery to which he dismissed Clarke, but Symonds was fortunate enough not to get a nick. A maiden. 88-5
"I have a ticket for day four. I'm getting slightly concerned all I might see is a stadium tour." Mark Willingham, Melbourne"I have a ticket for day four. I'm getting slightly concerned all I might see is a stadium tour." Mark Willingham, Melbourne
"I was going to bed at lunch, but it looks like an all-nighter now!Joe, Worcester"I was going to bed at lunch, but it looks like an all-nighter now!Joe, Worcester
1154: Chris Read is standing up to Hoggy (brave, brave man), forcing Hayden to bat within the crease. Hayden threads an uppish drive for four between two strategically placed fielders at short mid-off and short cover. Hoggy stands there with his head in his hands - he's forcing Hayden's hand. 88-51154: Chris Read is standing up to Hoggy (brave, brave man), forcing Hayden to bat within the crease. Hayden threads an uppish drive for four between two strategically placed fielders at short mid-off and short cover. Hoggy stands there with his head in his hands - he's forcing Hayden's hand. 88-5
1145: WICKET Australia 84-5 (Clarke 5) Got iiiiiiiiiiiiim! Harmison bowls an absolute ripper to Clarke, who edges a rising delivery outside off stump into the safe mitts of Chris Read. And Harmison is absolutely pumped, already touching on the early 90s on the speedgun. The Barmy Army are loving this, and by 'eck it's about time they had something to shout about. And all this happened with Andrew Flintoff off the field. Well done Straussy. Andrew Sydmonds plays out the rest of Harmison's over.1145: WICKET Australia 84-5 (Clarke 5) Got iiiiiiiiiiiiim! Harmison bowls an absolute ripper to Clarke, who edges a rising delivery outside off stump into the safe mitts of Chris Read. And Harmison is absolutely pumped, already touching on the early 90s on the speedgun. The Barmy Army are loving this, and by 'eck it's about time they had something to shout about. And all this happened with Andrew Flintoff off the field. Well done Straussy. Andrew Sydmonds plays out the rest of Harmison's over.
1138: WICKET Australia 79-4 (Hussey 6) I have to write these Australian eulogies more often because I have just Murrayed Mr Cricket big-time. First ball after the drinks break Hoggard clean bowls the left-hander with a delivery that he plays around. Hoggard deserves that reward. Hussey's previous scores in this series: 86, 91, 61 no, 74 no, 103.1138: WICKET Australia 79-4 (Hussey 6) I have to write these Australian eulogies more often because I have just Murrayed Mr Cricket big-time. First ball after the drinks break Hoggard clean bowls the left-hander with a delivery that he plays around. Hoggard deserves that reward. Hussey's previous scores in this series: 86, 91, 61 no, 74 no, 103.
How to listen to TMS Michael Clarke, fresh from a ton in Perth, comes to the crease and immediately gets off the mark with a neat flick off his legs for two before collecting three more to take the strike for the next over, the first appearance of Steve Harmison this innings.How to listen to TMS Michael Clarke, fresh from a ton in Perth, comes to the crease and immediately gets off the mark with a neat flick off his legs for two before collecting three more to take the strike for the next over, the first appearance of Steve Harmison this innings.
Intriguing stuff at the MCG with England on top in the morning session. Neither Flintoff or Hoggard have given any freebies away, ensuring the Australian batsmen have to graft for their runs. If you're logging on the first time, afford yourself a little smile. Now get rid of it because Mike "Iron Wicket" Hussey is at the crease.Intriguing stuff at the MCG with England on top in the morning session. Neither Flintoff or Hoggard have given any freebies away, ensuring the Australian batsmen have to graft for their runs. If you're logging on the first time, afford yourself a little smile. Now get rid of it because Mike "Iron Wicket" Hussey is at the crease.
DRINKSDRINKS
1134: Three no-balls from Freddie stretches the over out, but nothing of note from those nine balls. Hayden guides two runs through cover. 79-31134: Three no-balls from Freddie stretches the over out, but nothing of note from those nine balls. Hayden guides two runs through cover. 79-3
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
"What would happen if Monty ran someone out? In front of 60,000 people, that would be quite a moment."Former England bowler Angus Fraser on TMS"What would happen if Monty ran someone out? In front of 60,000 people, that would be quite a moment."Former England bowler Angus Fraser on TMS
1126: Hoggard has another close call with the off stump, this time with Mike Hussey shouldering arms. One has to get through soon, surely? Another maiden from Pudsey's favourite son. 74-31126: Hoggard has another close call with the off stump, this time with Mike Hussey shouldering arms. One has to get through soon, surely? Another maiden from Pudsey's favourite son. 74-3
"I'm told Brian Lara was refused access to the Members' yesterday because he didn't have a pass. Afterwards, the great West Indian was spotted walking among the throng into the city, all on his lonesome."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG"I'm told Brian Lara was refused access to the Members' yesterday because he didn't have a pass. Afterwards, the great West Indian was spotted walking among the throng into the city, all on his lonesome."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1122: Hussey calls for a quick single, which Hayden is slow to respond to. But the Queenslander has no worries, comfortably making his ground as James Anderson's throw comes in. Anderson is on the pitch for Saj Mahmood, who I can only imagine needs to see a man about a dog, if you get my drift. 74-31122: Hussey calls for a quick single, which Hayden is slow to respond to. But the Queenslander has no worries, comfortably making his ground as James Anderson's throw comes in. Anderson is on the pitch for Saj Mahmood, who I can only imagine needs to see a man about a dog, if you get my drift. 74-3
How to listen to TMS 1117: Hussey twice opens the face of his blade, guiding one dab down to third man for two and another through cover point for three, a shot that would, nine times of out of 10, race for four but the damp outfield is still keeping the boundaries down. 73-3How to listen to TMS 1117: Hussey twice opens the face of his blade, guiding one dab down to third man for two and another through cover point for three, a shot that would, nine times of out of 10, race for four but the damp outfield is still keeping the boundaries down. 73-3
1112: This is more like it! England are clearly up for it this morning. A streaky edge through third slip from Hayden goes for four. The next ball sees the burly left-hander return a defence to Flintoff, who hurls the ball with menace back as Hayden retreats. 68-31112: This is more like it! England are clearly up for it this morning. A streaky edge through third slip from Hayden goes for four. The next ball sees the burly left-hander return a defence to Flintoff, who hurls the ball with menace back as Hayden retreats. 68-3
1107: More quality pace bowling from Hoggard, who is giving absolutely nothing away. Yorkshiremen? Tight? 64-31107: More quality pace bowling from Hoggard, who is giving absolutely nothing away. Yorkshiremen? Tight? 64-3
1101: WICKET Australia 62-3 (Ponting 7) No need to repeatedly headbutt the keyboard (just yet) because Freddie has struck! Ponting ambitiously attempts to pull a short Flintoff delivery wide outside off-stump, but only manages to top-edge a skier to Alastair Cook, who pouches running back from short mid-wicket. Just when you think it's all on the up, in comes Mr Cricket - Mike Hussey, a man with a batting average of 86.33.1101: WICKET Australia 62-3 (Ponting 7) No need to repeatedly headbutt the keyboard (just yet) because Freddie has struck! Ponting ambitiously attempts to pull a short Flintoff delivery wide outside off-stump, but only manages to top-edge a skier to Alastair Cook, who pouches running back from short mid-wicket. Just when you think it's all on the up, in comes Mr Cricket - Mike Hussey, a man with a batting average of 86.33.
1054: Another tight over from Hoggy, which is exactly what's needed. Strangle the runs and wait for Haydos and Punter to make a mistake. A single off that over.59-21054: Another tight over from Hoggy, which is exactly what's needed. Strangle the runs and wait for Haydos and Punter to make a mistake. A single off that over.59-2
"Totally disagree with previous posts, this Aussie team is without doubt one of the greatest sides ever. Never has a team existed with so many all-time greats - Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath would (admittedly, arguably) get in any all-time XI. What other team from the past could boasts this?" Ollie"Totally disagree with previous posts, this Aussie team is without doubt one of the greatest sides ever. Never has a team existed with so many all-time greats - Ponting, Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath would (admittedly, arguably) get in any all-time XI. What other team from the past could boasts this?" Ollie
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
1054: Umpire Aleem Dar turns down what looks like a good appeal for leg before as Ponting is trapped on the shuffle, as he is prone to do early in his innings. Freddie cannot believe it and to make matters worse Punter nurdles a single down to long leg. Earlier Hayden smashed a drive for three down the ground. 58-21054: Umpire Aleem Dar turns down what looks like a good appeal for leg before as Ponting is trapped on the shuffle, as he is prone to do early in his innings. Freddie cannot believe it and to make matters worse Punter nurdles a single down to long leg. Earlier Hayden smashed a drive for three down the ground. 58-2
"My dad is saying I need sleep yet I want to listen to TMS! He said the only way to stay up is if I get an email up on the TMS text commentary, so please display this!"Mark, Kent Go on dad..."My dad is saying I need sleep yet I want to listen to TMS! He said the only way to stay up is if I get an email up on the TMS text commentary, so please display this!"Mark, Kent Go on dad...
1049: Another naggingly accurate over from Hoggard, who is getting some encouraging shape. A leg-bye from that over. 53-21049: Another naggingly accurate over from Hoggard, who is getting some encouraging shape. A leg-bye from that over. 53-2
How to listen to TMS 1044: The sawdust man makes an appearance, which doesn't inspire too much confidence with Freddie's dodgy ankle. The last thing we need is the England captain kaputted by a soggy piece of turf. Two runs off that over, a quick Ponting single off a no-ball.52-2How to listen to TMS 1044: The sawdust man makes an appearance, which doesn't inspire too much confidence with Freddie's dodgy ankle. The last thing we need is the England captain kaputted by a soggy piece of turf. Two runs off that over, a quick Ponting single off a no-ball.52-2
"Living and working in Sydney and getting hammered by our Australian colleagues. Can you put this email on the BBC page to cheer us up?"Dave and Ciaran, Hull/Sydney"Living and working in Sydney and getting hammered by our Australian colleagues. Can you put this email on the BBC page to cheer us up?"Dave and Ciaran, Hull/Sydney
1038: Good over from Matthew Hoggard. The final ball was a beauty, shaping very back into left-hander Hayden, who shouldered arms to a delivery which wasn't far from the off stump at all.50-21038: Good over from Matthew Hoggard. The final ball was a beauty, shaping very back into left-hander Hayden, who shouldered arms to a delivery which wasn't far from the off stump at all.50-2
1034: A play and miss from Ponting gets the "ooohs" from the rapidly growing MCG crowd as Flintoff finishes his over, conceding two runs - a single each for the Australian captain and Hayden, the latter of which brings up the 50. 50-21034: A play and miss from Ponting gets the "ooohs" from the rapidly growing MCG crowd as Flintoff finishes his over, conceding two runs - a single each for the Australian captain and Hayden, the latter of which brings up the 50. 50-2
1028: England march out to the middle as Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting strut, that looks like a strut to me, out to the wicket. If these two start having some fun, we could be in for a three-day Test. Andrew Flintoff will bowl the first over of the day.1028: England march out to the middle as Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting strut, that looks like a strut to me, out to the wicket. If these two start having some fun, we could be in for a three-day Test. Andrew Flintoff will bowl the first over of the day.
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
"The weather is still grey above the MCG but the forecast gives cause for optimism and we should get a full day's play. Matthew Hoggard is putting in extra in the morning warm-ups. England need him to get amongst it early on." BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG"The weather is still grey above the MCG but the forecast gives cause for optimism and we should get a full day's play. Matthew Hoggard is putting in extra in the morning warm-ups. England need him to get amongst it early on." BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1027: "If I was Andrew Flintoff, I would want to see the back of Ponting as quick as I could."Ian Chappell on TMS1027: "If I was Andrew Flintoff, I would want to see the back of Ponting as quick as I could."Ian Chappell on TMS
"I agree with Ian Chappell that this Australian team is not the greatest. In my opinion the standard of cricket has deteriorated to such an extent that this ordinary Australian team is made to look 'great'. The Australian team is the best among the current cricket playing teams, nothing more."Saumil via email"I agree with Ian Chappell that this Australian team is not the greatest. In my opinion the standard of cricket has deteriorated to such an extent that this ordinary Australian team is made to look 'great'. The Australian team is the best among the current cricket playing teams, nothing more."Saumil via email
1013: "Evening Pranav, what's the competition tonight then? Whether or not England will take another wicket today, perhaps?" Craig, Worcestershire1013: "Evening Pranav, what's the competition tonight then? Whether or not England will take another wicket today, perhaps?" Craig, Worcestershire
How about "at what time I will repeatedly headbutt my keyboard as Ponting caresses another flick off his legs for four to add to his century?" Probably not that long, I would wager.How about "at what time I will repeatedly headbutt my keyboard as Ponting caresses another flick off his legs for four to add to his century?" Probably not that long, I would wager.
1008: "I have heard comments that this is the greatest Australian team ever, which I think is rubbish."Former Australian captain Ian Chappell on TMS1008: "I have heard comments that this is the greatest Australian team ever, which I think is rubbish."Former Australian captain Ian Chappell on TMS
1003: "Should England be forced to follow on just to get the agony out of the way?!" Mark Smith, Japan via email1003: "Should England be forced to follow on just to get the agony out of the way?!" Mark Smith, Japan via email
0943: "England need to bowl Australia out for 150 or less. If they can't do that then a 30, 40 or 50 run lead at most. If this weather is going to stick around, then there will always be something in this pitch for the bowlers."Geoffrey Boycott on BBC TV Ashes highlights0943: "England need to bowl Australia out for 150 or less. If they can't do that then a 30, 40 or 50 run lead at most. If this weather is going to stick around, then there will always be something in this pitch for the bowlers."Geoffrey Boycott on BBC TV Ashes highlights
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk