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Live - Australia v England Live - Australia v England
(10 minutes later)
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was bowled by Stuart Clark to leave England 49-3, still 211 behind Australia on day three of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was bowled by Stuart Clark to leave England 49-3, still 211 behind Australia on day three of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.
That came after Alastair Cook was bowled off an inside edge off Clark and Glenn McGrath trapped Ian Bell lbw.That came after Alastair Cook was bowled off an inside edge off Clark and Glenn McGrath trapped Ian Bell lbw.
Australia were finally dismissed for 419, with Shane Warne finishing on 40 not out and Sajid Mahmood taking 4-100.Australia were finally dismissed for 419, with Shane Warne finishing on 40 not out and Sajid Mahmood taking 4-100.
Steve Harmison removed Andrew Symonds for 156 but the three wickets after lunch left England facing heavy defeat.Steve Harmison removed Andrew Symonds for 156 but the three wickets after lunch left England facing heavy defeat.
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
DRINKS
1413: Collingwood hits a good looking drive for three through the covers as McGrath changes tact and comes around the wicket to Strauss. But nothing of alarm before the drinks break. 55-3
"Strauss is not playing like a man who wants to stay there all day."Geoffrey Boycott on TMS
"And Warne's not even picked the ball up yet!!"Concerned, Singapore
"The local fans are appealing for everything. They know this could be over today. It would be a new low for England if they couldn't take this to four days."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1408: Another tight over Clark, who hsa troubled every single England batsman in this series. Two runs for Strauss, who guides a short ball on leg stump round for two. 52-3
"Do you think they included a batting collapse in the plans?"Dan, Blackpool"Do you think they included a batting collapse in the plans?"Dan, Blackpool
1403: Yet another quality probing over from Glenn McGrath, who is all over Paul Collingwood. Another double ton would do nicely PC. One run from Strauss off that over brings up the 50. 50-31403: Yet another quality probing over from Glenn McGrath, who is all over Paul Collingwood. Another double ton would do nicely PC. One run from Strauss off that over brings up the 50. 50-3
"Calypso, a Carribean style dance. Collapso, a dance perfected by the England cricket team, where they waltz out of the pavilion, do a few fancy moves on the wicket before returning back to the pavilion. Repeat 10 times and opposition gives standing ovation." Matt, Birmingham"Calypso, a Carribean style dance. Collapso, a dance perfected by the England cricket team, where they waltz out of the pavilion, do a few fancy moves on the wicket before returning back to the pavilion. Repeat 10 times and opposition gives standing ovation." Matt, Birmingham
1356: WICKET England 49-3 (Pietersen 1) Hello? Is that Mr Batting Collapse? Kevin Pietersen plays down the wrong line and is comprehensively bowled by Stuart Clark, who is absolutely ecstatic. Pietersen left a gate the size of Marble Arch, you could probably drive Morris Minor through it. Paul Collingwood joins Andrew Strauss at the crease. Wicket maiden for Clark.1356: WICKET England 49-3 (Pietersen 1) Hello? Is that Mr Batting Collapse? Kevin Pietersen plays down the wrong line and is comprehensively bowled by Stuart Clark, who is absolutely ecstatic. Pietersen left a gate the size of Marble Arch, you could probably drive Morris Minor through it. Paul Collingwood joins Andrew Strauss at the crease. Wicket maiden for Clark.
"Regarding the Pieterson at four or five debate. I was rather hoping we would not find out today, perhaps, with England losing no more than one wicket. A man can dream."Chris, Los Angeles"Regarding the Pieterson at four or five debate. I was rather hoping we would not find out today, perhaps, with England losing no more than one wicket. A man can dream."Chris, Los Angeles
1348: WICKET England 48-2 (Bell 2) Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear. Ian Bell is trapped in his crease to Glenn McGrath and it had to happen - Rudi Koertzen finally raises his right finger. It's only the second lbw of the match. Scott was right, out strolls Kevin Pietersen at four, who gets off the mark with his third delivery. 49-21348: WICKET England 48-2 (Bell 2) Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear. Ian Bell is trapped in his crease to Glenn McGrath and it had to happen - Rudi Koertzen finally raises his right finger. It's only the second lbw of the match. Scott was right, out strolls Kevin Pietersen at four, who gets off the mark with his third delivery. 49-2
1346: The Australians are absolutely dynamite in the field. Strauss thumps a beautiful straight drive off Clark, but gets nothing for his endeavours because Justin Langer swoops and stops the ball one-handed in that "Matthew Hayden" position just in front of the non-striker. Two runs from that over thanks to a Strauss leg-side flick.48-11346: The Australians are absolutely dynamite in the field. Strauss thumps a beautiful straight drive off Clark, but gets nothing for his endeavours because Justin Langer swoops and stops the ball one-handed in that "Matthew Hayden" position just in front of the non-striker. Two runs from that over thanks to a Strauss leg-side flick.48-1
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
1342: Bell gets off the mark with a neat clip off his legs, but McGrath is on the money as ever keeping the "Shermanator" pinned back. 46-11342: Bell gets off the mark with a neat clip off his legs, but McGrath is on the money as ever keeping the "Shermanator" pinned back. 46-1
1338: Ooooh, Matthew Hayden just gets his fingertips in the gully to a wild Strauss cut off Stuart Clark, taking the pace off the ball which enables the left-hander to pick up two more runs. He plays the rest of the over with more circumspect. 44-11338: Ooooh, Matthew Hayden just gets his fingertips in the gully to a wild Strauss cut off Stuart Clark, taking the pace off the ball which enables the left-hander to pick up two more runs. He plays the rest of the over with more circumspect. 44-1
1333: Most bowlers would be tearing their hair out in frustration if they got a similar number of play and misses as Glenn McGrath, but he just seems unbothered by it, judging by his reaction to yet another beauty which leaves Strauss feeling outside off stump. Which probably explains that fine head of hair he has. One run off the over. 42-11333: Most bowlers would be tearing their hair out in frustration if they got a similar number of play and misses as Glenn McGrath, but he just seems unbothered by it, judging by his reaction to yet another beauty which leaves Strauss feeling outside off stump. Which probably explains that fine head of hair he has. One run off the over. 42-1
1326: WICKET England 41-1 (Cook 20) Just as England notch up their highest opening partnership of the series after Alastair Cook pulls a Clark no-ball for four, the seamer has his revenge with a full delivery outside off-stump, which Cook plays onto his stumps via a thick inside edge.1326: WICKET England 41-1 (Cook 20) Just as England notch up their highest opening partnership of the series after Alastair Cook pulls a Clark no-ball for four, the seamer has his revenge with a full delivery outside off-stump, which Cook plays onto his stumps via a thick inside edge.
Once again the momentum shifts firmly into Australia's favour just as England were setting themselves for a long stay in the middle. Hang on, deja vu... Ian Bell is then beaten all ends up by a beauty, but manages not to get a nick on it. I'm breaking out into the sweats as I write.Once again the momentum shifts firmly into Australia's favour just as England were setting themselves for a long stay in the middle. Hang on, deja vu... Ian Bell is then beaten all ends up by a beauty, but manages not to get a nick on it. I'm breaking out into the sweats as I write.
How to listen to TMS "Listen to Nasser Hussain and Kevin Pietersen WILL bat at number four for England today. There is a groundswell of opinion that KP will come in second drop, but no word from the people that matter - Flintoff and Fletcher."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCGHow to listen to TMS "Listen to Nasser Hussain and Kevin Pietersen WILL bat at number four for England today. There is a groundswell of opinion that KP will come in second drop, but no word from the people that matter - Flintoff and Fletcher."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1322: The pre-lunch tete-a-tete between McGrath and Strauss has stirred this particular battle up nicely. A lovely, fluent straight drive from Strauss picks up two runs, while Cook picks up another single earlier in the over. 36-01322: The pre-lunch tete-a-tete between McGrath and Strauss has stirred this particular battle up nicely. A lovely, fluent straight drive from Strauss picks up two runs, while Cook picks up another single earlier in the over. 36-0
"Steak. Raw." Angus Fraser when asked by Jonathan Agnew about what Glenn McGrath had for lunch on TMS"Steak. Raw." Angus Fraser when asked by Jonathan Agnew about what Glenn McGrath had for lunch on TMS
1318: Stuart Clark bowls the first over after lunch and sees Strauss edge short of second slip. A wayward ball on leg stump deflects off the Middlesex left-hander's thigh pad, beating the diving Gilchrist to go race down to the boundary for four leg-byes. 33-01318: Stuart Clark bowls the first over after lunch and sees Strauss edge short of second slip. A wayward ball on leg stump deflects off the Middlesex left-hander's thigh pad, beating the diving Gilchrist to go race down to the boundary for four leg-byes. 33-0
Tremendous additions to the band names in song titles chat: Madness (Del, Harrow), Public Enemy (Martin Kershaw, Sheffield), Lo Fidelity All-Stars' Lo-Fi's in Ibiza (Tom, semi-conscious, Gateshead), Kris Kross (Pete in Manchester starting to develop insomnia thanks to the Ashes), Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden (Joe, Sheffield - "can you guess what type of music I like?), The Clash's Clash City Rockers (Jim, Tokyo), Beethoven's Fifth (Kevin, Italy - technically not a song Kev, but too good to leave out), Queen with Killer Queen and their version of the national anthem (Simon, Canada), Midnight Oil, Australian band unfortunately (Geoff Wilson), Scatman John and the Vengaboys (Matt, Southampton - "I must emphasise that I do not own any of these records"). Thanks for all your emails gang.Tremendous additions to the band names in song titles chat: Madness (Del, Harrow), Public Enemy (Martin Kershaw, Sheffield), Lo Fidelity All-Stars' Lo-Fi's in Ibiza (Tom, semi-conscious, Gateshead), Kris Kross (Pete in Manchester starting to develop insomnia thanks to the Ashes), Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden (Joe, Sheffield - "can you guess what type of music I like?), The Clash's Clash City Rockers (Jim, Tokyo), Beethoven's Fifth (Kevin, Italy - technically not a song Kev, but too good to leave out), Queen with Killer Queen and their version of the national anthem (Simon, Canada), Midnight Oil, Australian band unfortunately (Geoff Wilson), Scatman John and the Vengaboys (Matt, Southampton - "I must emphasise that I do not own any of these records"). Thanks for all your emails gang.
More band-in-song-title updates: "Talk Talk, Big Country (Chris, NZ) and Utah Saints (Ciaran, Sydney/Hull). Anymore anyone?More band-in-song-title updates: "Talk Talk, Big Country (Chris, NZ) and Utah Saints (Ciaran, Sydney/Hull). Anymore anyone?
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
"Whilst it could have been a technical glitch with the printer, it COULD also be the case that there wasn't enough paper in the printer and that the Australian computer techie didn't put more in until the Englishman had wandered off with his two copies, thinking the other five would not print out. Maybe I'm just overtired and incoherent thoughts are beginning to take over...Conor McQuillan, Dublin"Whilst it could have been a technical glitch with the printer, it COULD also be the case that there wasn't enough paper in the printer and that the Australian computer techie didn't put more in until the Englishman had wandered off with his two copies, thinking the other five would not print out. Maybe I'm just overtired and incoherent thoughts are beginning to take over...Conor McQuillan, Dublin
How to listen to TMS "I am sitting in my dark, pokey, overpriced room and I must have worked up a £200 phone bill following the highlights on my mobile over the last four Tests. Crazy I know but I break into a cold I-am-weaning-myself-off-illicit-substances sweat when I don't have ball-by-ball updates. Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.Eleanor, JapanHow to listen to TMS "I am sitting in my dark, pokey, overpriced room and I must have worked up a £200 phone bill following the highlights on my mobile over the last four Tests. Crazy I know but I break into a cold I-am-weaning-myself-off-illicit-substances sweat when I don't have ball-by-ball updates. Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.Eleanor, Japan
"'The only other group I can think of who got their name into a song were the KLF.'" What about Living In A Box?Steve, Sussex"'The only other group I can think of who got their name into a song were the KLF.'" What about Living In A Box?Steve, Sussex
LUNCHLUNCH
1233: A standard McGrath over batted back with obdurate defence by Strauss, but a spicy exchange between the pair after the fifth ball was a hell of a lot more interesting than the rest of the over after Strauss stops Pidge mid-ball because he was distracted. Two runs from a Strauss drive and umpire Koertzen calls lunch. 28-01233: A standard McGrath over batted back with obdurate defence by Strauss, but a spicy exchange between the pair after the fifth ball was a hell of a lot more interesting than the rest of the over after Strauss stops Pidge mid-ball because he was distracted. Two runs from a Strauss drive and umpire Koertzen calls lunch. 28-0
"I half expect Bill Murray to come out to bat for England as this is just Groundhog Day at the moment."Chris, Cardiff"I half expect Bill Murray to come out to bat for England as this is just Groundhog Day at the moment."Chris, Cardiff
1228: Stuart Clark gets in a maiden as the Barmy Army launch into their signature song about themselves. The only other group I can think of who got their name into their own song were the KLF.26-01228: Stuart Clark gets in a maiden as the Barmy Army launch into their signature song about themselves. The only other group I can think of who got their name into their own song were the KLF.26-0
1225: The openers are starting to look comfortable, both men pick up threes - Strauss with a thick outside edge through gully and Cook a whip off his hips behind square. 26-01225: The openers are starting to look comfortable, both men pick up threes - Strauss with a thick outside edge through gully and Cook a whip off his hips behind square. 26-0
"Rudi must have strained a muscle in his right arm, he does not seem able to lift it."Peter, Sydney"Rudi must have strained a muscle in his right arm, he does not seem able to lift it."Peter, Sydney
1220: Stuart Clark replaces Brett Lee, who hasn't really made that much of an impact in this series. A good over, but Cook picks up two runs with a confident push past the sprawling Symonds at mid-off.20-01220: Stuart Clark replaces Brett Lee, who hasn't really made that much of an impact in this series. A good over, but Cook picks up two runs with a confident push past the sprawling Symonds at mid-off.20-0
The plot thickens - an anonymous email to the TMS inbox about England's leaked bowling plans:"The dossier was sent to a printer within the MCG by an England backroom staff member. England wanted seven copies printing; only two came out of the printer. I understand the Australian computer technicians said the data was lost, yet a few minutes later when the person responsible for printing had wandered off, the remaining copies popped out of the machine - and into the hands of the Aussies. No theft - just a technical blunder."The plot thickens - an anonymous email to the TMS inbox about England's leaked bowling plans:"The dossier was sent to a printer within the MCG by an England backroom staff member. England wanted seven copies printing; only two came out of the printer. I understand the Australian computer technicians said the data was lost, yet a few minutes later when the person responsible for printing had wandered off, the remaining copies popped out of the machine - and into the hands of the Aussies. No theft - just a technical blunder."
"I thought Strauss had looked a lot better getting to 50 than Hayden did. But Hayden managed to turn his into a 150." Ian Chappell on TMS"I thought Strauss had looked a lot better getting to 50 than Hayden did. But Hayden managed to turn his into a 150." Ian Chappell on TMS
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
Comment on Monty Panesar's beard of the year award on the TMS blog 1216: Another dead-eye accurate over from McGrath, who fulfils his overly play and miss quota with yet another jaffa to Strauss, followed by another a ball later. I wonder if Glenn needs any bowling strategies for dismissing batsman. But who needs tactics when you can put the ball in the corridor of uncertainty at will? 18-0Comment on Monty Panesar's beard of the year award on the TMS blog 1216: Another dead-eye accurate over from McGrath, who fulfils his overly play and miss quota with yet another jaffa to Strauss, followed by another a ball later. I wonder if Glenn needs any bowling strategies for dismissing batsman. But who needs tactics when you can put the ball in the corridor of uncertainty at will? 18-0
1212: Strauss hammers a straight drive into the opposite stumps, but picks up three runs with a back-foot forcing shot through extra cover off Lee. 18-01212: Strauss hammers a straight drive into the opposite stumps, but picks up three runs with a back-foot forcing shot through extra cover off Lee. 18-0
1207: Strauss eases an on-drive wide of mid-on for three. However McGrath has one of the most plumbest-looking lbw appeals you will ever see against Cook turned down by Rudi Koertzen, which is reassuring as Rudi is just as tight with Australia as he has been with England. And to make Pidge's blood boil further, Cook guides two runs down to third man.15-01207: Strauss eases an on-drive wide of mid-on for three. However McGrath has one of the most plumbest-looking lbw appeals you will ever see against Cook turned down by Rudi Koertzen, which is reassuring as Rudi is just as tight with Australia as he has been with England. And to make Pidge's blood boil further, Cook guides two runs down to third man.15-0
1203: Cook rocks back and smashes a pull through mid-wicket off Lee, the ball wasn't that short either. Good shot, he's very confident in that area. Strauss nicks a single before Cook hits a very good looking back-foot forcing shot through cover for three. That stroke also took him to 1000 Test runs in only nine months. 9-01203: Cook rocks back and smashes a pull through mid-wicket off Lee, the ball wasn't that short either. Good shot, he's very confident in that area. Strauss nicks a single before Cook hits a very good looking back-foot forcing shot through cover for three. That stroke also took him to 1000 Test runs in only nine months. 9-0
1159: "Pidgeon" McGrath beats Strauss all ends up with yet another work of art - good length delivery on off stump which leaves the bat. And for good measure he does the same for the final delivery of the over, only this time it moves far too much to draw a snick. 2-01159: "Pidgeon" McGrath beats Strauss all ends up with yet another work of art - good length delivery on off stump which leaves the bat. And for good measure he does the same for the final delivery of the over, only this time it moves far too much to draw a snick. 2-0
1155: Another tight over from Lee, who draws a play and miss from Cook outside off stump, the type of shot that has led to his downfall in this series. Maiden. 1-01155: Another tight over from Lee, who draws a play and miss from Cook outside off stump, the type of shot that has led to his downfall in this series. Maiden. 1-0
1149: A typical Glenn McGrath over with the new ball, uncertain off-stump line, nagging length and palpable seam movement. But Cook manages to flick England's opening run down to fine leg. Cook only needs six more runs to become the first England batsman to score a 1000 runs in his maiden year. 1-01149: A typical Glenn McGrath over with the new ball, uncertain off-stump line, nagging length and palpable seam movement. But Cook manages to flick England's opening run down to fine leg. Cook only needs six more runs to become the first England batsman to score a 1000 runs in his maiden year. 1-0
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
1145: A very good opening over - a maiden - from Brett Lee, including a play and a miss with the final delivery. A tiny bit of swing too. 0-01145: A very good opening over - a maiden - from Brett Lee, including a play and a miss with the final delivery. A tiny bit of swing too. 0-0
1139: Australia are laughing and smiling as they take the field. Unusually they go into a huddle, probably to talk about fishing or something. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook stride out to the wicket.1139: Australia are laughing and smiling as they take the field. Unusually they go into a huddle, probably to talk about fishing or something. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook stride out to the wicket.
CHANGE OF INNINGSCHANGE OF INNINGS
"On pitches like this, if the bowling is good, it's not easy to move the score along."Geoffrey Boycott on TMS"On pitches like this, if the bowling is good, it's not easy to move the score along."Geoffrey Boycott on TMS
Four wickets for Saj Mahmood, who continues to infuriate with his melange of belters and juicy half-volleys and long-hops. Chris Read has been stoic behind the stumps - I'm fairly certain he did not make any mistakes.Four wickets for Saj Mahmood, who continues to infuriate with his melange of belters and juicy half-volleys and long-hops. Chris Read has been stoic behind the stumps - I'm fairly certain he did not make any mistakes.
1130: WICKET Australia 419 all out (McGrath 0) Mahmood picks up his second wicket of the morning as Glenn McGrath guides a low catch to Ian Bell at gully. Despite his duck, McGrath gets a huge round of applause as he walks back to the changing room, leaving Shane Warne stranded on 40 not out. Australia now have a lead of 260.1130: WICKET Australia 419 all out (McGrath 0) Mahmood picks up his second wicket of the morning as Glenn McGrath guides a low catch to Ian Bell at gully. Despite his duck, McGrath gets a huge round of applause as he walks back to the changing room, leaving Shane Warne stranded on 40 not out. Australia now have a lead of 260.
1120: WICKET Australia 417-9 (Clark 8) Mahmood gets Clark pushing forward to a good delivery on the right line and length in the corridor of uncertainty and the seamer edges to Chris Read, who completes a simple catch for his sixth of the innings. Muted celebrations from England though as Warne had smote two consecutive fours off Mahmood earlier in the over, one a spanking off drive, the other a brutal pull.418-91120: WICKET Australia 417-9 (Clark 8) Mahmood gets Clark pushing forward to a good delivery on the right line and length in the corridor of uncertainty and the seamer edges to Chris Read, who completes a simple catch for his sixth of the innings. Muted celebrations from England though as Warne had smote two consecutive fours off Mahmood earlier in the over, one a spanking off drive, the other a brutal pull.418-9
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
1117: Nothing of real note from that Harmison over, who concedes two singles. Clark and Warne are looking increasingly comfortable - a very worrying sign for England. 408-81117: Nothing of real note from that Harmison over, who concedes two singles. Clark and Warne are looking increasingly comfortable - a very worrying sign for England. 408-8
1112: An awkward bouncer for Clark (bowling plans say: Yorker - Early bumper essential - Exposes leg stump - High bwld%) but he manages to find two runs down to fine leg off Mahmood, who bowls the first wide of the innings with a useless bouncer. 406-81112: An awkward bouncer for Clark (bowling plans say: Yorker - Early bumper essential - Exposes leg stump - High bwld%) but he manages to find two runs down to fine leg off Mahmood, who bowls the first wide of the innings with a useless bouncer. 406-8
How to listen to TMS "Given how the day ended for England yesterday, who was closest on the 'how long before I bang my head on the keyboard?' sweepstake?"Neil. Unfortunately the tears prevented me from reading any emails, however I'm toying with a "what day and hour will this Test match be over?" sweep...How to listen to TMS "Given how the day ended for England yesterday, who was closest on the 'how long before I bang my head on the keyboard?' sweepstake?"Neil. Unfortunately the tears prevented me from reading any emails, however I'm toying with a "what day and hour will this Test match be over?" sweep...
1107: Clark brings up the 400 with a pull shot over mid-on made the more bizarre as the ball was pitched wide outside off stump, but picks up two for his invention. Another two more runs, I have to keep reminding myself that these are two tail-enders. 402-81107: Clark brings up the 400 with a pull shot over mid-on made the more bizarre as the ball was pitched wide outside off stump, but picks up two for his invention. Another two more runs, I have to keep reminding myself that these are two tail-enders. 402-8
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
1103: Mahmood does Warne over with an absolute beauty which leaves the batsman just outside off stump. But Blondie and Clark pick up a single each.398-81103: Mahmood does Warne over with an absolute beauty which leaves the batsman just outside off stump. But Blondie and Clark pick up a single each.398-8
1059: A steadier over from Harmison, two runs scored, including a single which opens Stuart Clark's scoring. 396-81059: A steadier over from Harmison, two runs scored, including a single which opens Stuart Clark's scoring. 396-8
"For one I am happy that the England bowling plan was leaked, for without I would not believe that our bowlers had any plan whatsoever for the whole of the series to date."Godders, Wolverhampton"For one I am happy that the England bowling plan was leaked, for without I would not believe that our bowlers had any plan whatsoever for the whole of the series to date."Godders, Wolverhampton
"For Christmas I received a T-Shirt. This had the Australian bowling plans for the Ashes. The label says: Spin, then hang out to dry.'"Ken Barker, Reading"For Christmas I received a T-Shirt. This had the Australian bowling plans for the Ashes. The label says: Spin, then hang out to dry.'"Ken Barker, Reading
How to listen to TMS "Another great crowd here today despite another overcast day. And a great start for England to get rid of Symonds. The visitors need to wrap up this innings quickly."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCGHow to listen to TMS "Another great crowd here today despite another overcast day. And a great start for England to get rid of Symonds. The visitors need to wrap up this innings quickly."BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the MCG
1053: According to the leaked bowling plans document, England's plans for Shane Warne are:"Throat bouncer (surprise) - Force back - Mix pace?? - Hits flat over mmid on v spin/sweeps flat in front of square - Extra cover close catch - Catch just in front of square."Needless to say Mahmood gives him two juicy wide long-hops outside off-stump, one which goes for four and another for three. And the throat ball? Gets hooked for four. Mahmood completely dissects Clark and somehow misses the stumps with his last ball of the over.394-81053: According to the leaked bowling plans document, England's plans for Shane Warne are:"Throat bouncer (surprise) - Force back - Mix pace?? - Hits flat over mmid on v spin/sweeps flat in front of square - Extra cover close catch - Catch just in front of square."Needless to say Mahmood gives him two juicy wide long-hops outside off-stump, one which goes for four and another for three. And the throat ball? Gets hooked for four. Mahmood completely dissects Clark and somehow misses the stumps with his last ball of the over.394-8
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
1045: WICKET Australia 383-8 (Symonds 156) These magic fingers! Symonds' vigil at the crease finally comes to an end trying to play yet another mighty "Larry Dooley" over extra cover to a wide Harmison half-volley, but only succeeds in nicking through to Chris Read, who collects his fifth catch of the innings. Absolutely fantastic knock from Symonds, who acknowledges the applause from the MCG crowd. Stuart Clark comes to the crease. Wicket-maiden for the Durham Express.383-71045: WICKET Australia 383-8 (Symonds 156) These magic fingers! Symonds' vigil at the crease finally comes to an end trying to play yet another mighty "Larry Dooley" over extra cover to a wide Harmison half-volley, but only succeeds in nicking through to Chris Read, who collects his fifth catch of the innings. Absolutely fantastic knock from Symonds, who acknowledges the applause from the MCG crowd. Stuart Clark comes to the crease. Wicket-maiden for the Durham Express.383-7
1043: Australia extend the lead to 223 with two easy singles, one each for Symonds and Warne. Yesterday morning emphasised the importance of an early strike, but when is it coming? 383-71043: Australia extend the lead to 223 with two easy singles, one each for Symonds and Warne. Yesterday morning emphasised the importance of an early strike, but when is it coming? 383-7
1039: Mr Script Writer will be furiously typing away on his keyboard to see whether he can fashion a first Test century for Warne at his home ground in the same match as he took his 700th wicket. An upper cut down to deep square leg from a short, wide Harmison delivery makes the job a little easier. 381-71039: Mr Script Writer will be furiously typing away on his keyboard to see whether he can fashion a first Test century for Warne at his home ground in the same match as he took his 700th wicket. An upper cut down to deep square leg from a short, wide Harmison delivery makes the job a little easier. 381-7
How to listen to TMS 1035: Andrew Symonds takes a simple single with the first delivery of the day off Saj Mahmood, who has a decent shout for lbw against Shane Warne turned down by, surprise surprise, Rudi Koertzen. Warne manages to pull a ball he wasn't looking at for two before nurdling a single. Four runs off that over. 376-7How to listen to TMS 1035: Andrew Symonds takes a simple single with the first delivery of the day off Saj Mahmood, who has a decent shout for lbw against Shane Warne turned down by, surprise surprise, Rudi Koertzen. Warne manages to pull a ball he wasn't looking at for two before nurdling a single. Four runs off that over. 376-7
"How they got out remains some sort of a mystery. However, it has been revealed by the chap who found them they were on the floor of the members' bar. How it got there, goodness only knows."Jonathan Agnew on England's leaked bowling plans on TMS"How they got out remains some sort of a mystery. However, it has been revealed by the chap who found them they were on the floor of the members' bar. How it got there, goodness only knows."Jonathan Agnew on England's leaked bowling plans on TMS
"It would be a fitting tribute for Sir Shane Keith Warne to get the one thing he's yet to achieve in his illustrious career - a century. If Symonds can get a double century or more, there's every chance."Matt, Birmingham"It would be a fitting tribute for Sir Shane Keith Warne to get the one thing he's yet to achieve in his illustrious career - a century. If Symonds can get a double century or more, there's every chance."Matt, Birmingham
"Sitting in the office in Sydney, hoping that the level of mickey-taking from Aussie workmates is less than yesterday. Come on Harmy, finish off the tail!"Alistair"Sitting in the office in Sydney, hoping that the level of mickey-taking from Aussie workmates is less than yesterday. Come on Harmy, finish off the tail!"Alistair
1028: England walk out onto the lush MCG turf and immediately pack down for a huddle. I wonder if the contents of that huddle will be leaked to ABC?1028: England walk out onto the lush MCG turf and immediately pack down for a huddle. I wonder if the contents of that huddle will be leaked to ABC?
"To take the game into tomorrow - there's a good chance the game could end today." Jonathan Agnew when asked about England's hopes on BBC TV Ashes highlights"To take the game into tomorrow - there's a good chance the game could end today." Jonathan Agnew when asked about England's hopes on BBC TV Ashes highlights
0945: Blue skies in Melbourne, which should - that's theoretically SHOULD - make batting easier than the first day, should England mop up the tail in the morning session.0945: Blue skies in Melbourne, which should - that's theoretically SHOULD - make batting easier than the first day, should England mop up the tail in the morning session.
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