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Live: Australia v England Live: Australia v England
(10 minutes later)
Andrew Symonds and Adam Gilchrist took Australia to 238-5 as the home side attempted to gain a first innings leads in the final Ashes Test in Sydney. A brilliant half-century from Adam Gilchrist edged Australia into a one-run lead over England with six wickets in hand in the Sydney Test.
James Anderson grabbed the early breakthrough England were looking for when he persuaded Michael Hussey to edge a catch to Chris Read. James Anderson and Monty Panesar had a wicket each but Gilchrist scored his runs quickly, the bulk coming in a stand of 63 with Andrew Symonds (48).
But England's 291 was in the sights of Symonds and Gilchrist, and it was odd that Monty Panesar had not bowled. Shane Warne hit his first ball for four and his second for six as he scored at an even faster rate than Gilchrist.
Panesar gave the batsmen plenty of problems late on the second day. He did, however, survive a huge shout for caught-behind off Panesar on 10.
THE DAY'S ACTION (all times local to Sydney - GMT+11)THE DAY'S ACTION (all times local to Sydney - GMT+11)
By Tom FordyceBy Tom Fordyce
1154: Aus 292-6 Gilchrist, clearly inspired by Warne, belts the returning Harmison four two fours behind square. That's the lead for Australia - this partnership is scoring at over nine runs an over.
From Mike Alcock in Liverpool, TMS inbox: "A bloke I work with had an unfortunate accident where he lost half an ear. Obviously the lads had plenty of sympathy and nicknamed him '18 and a half months' (an 'ear and a half...)"
1159: Aus 281-6 Gilchrist goes to his half-century with a single off Monty. The way Warne is shaping up, he'll either join him there in about three overs or go down in flames in the attempt.
1154: Aus 281-6 The game has suddenly exploded into life.Warne, moving between the wickets with the pace of a listing oil tanker, avoids being run out off the first ball of Mahmood's over only because the bowler inexplicably fails to gather the ball. Gilchrist then boffs a full toss straight for four, hooks Mahmood just short of deep square leg for one and watches Warne cream Mahmood back past the stumps for another four. I've got blisters on my fingers.1154: Aus 281-6 The game has suddenly exploded into life.Warne, moving between the wickets with the pace of a listing oil tanker, avoids being run out off the first ball of Mahmood's over only because the bowler inexplicably fails to gather the ball. Gilchrist then boffs a full toss straight for four, hooks Mahmood just short of deep square leg for one and watches Warne cream Mahmood back past the stumps for another four. I've got blisters on my fingers.
1149: Aus 270-6 Huge applause as Shane Warne trots to the wicket. He settles down, sweeps his first ball from Monty for four, smashes his second over midwicket for six, completely misses the fourth and then seems to get a huge nick to his fifth. Read takes the catch, every single fielder goes up... and umpire Aleem Dar gives it not out. Blimey. Got to be honest - that looked out, and even Shane can't get the guilt off his face.1149: Aus 270-6 Huge applause as Shane Warne trots to the wicket. He settles down, sweeps his first ball from Monty for four, smashes his second over midwicket for six, completely misses the fourth and then seems to get a huge nick to his fifth. Read takes the catch, every single fielder goes up... and umpire Aleem Dar gives it not out. Blimey. Got to be honest - that looked out, and even Shane can't get the guilt off his face.
1143: WICKET Symonds b Panesar 48, Aus 260-6 At last - great bowling and great captaincy, and England have the breakthough - Symonds is given the chance to gamble over mid-on and is cleaned up by a delighted Monty. England needed that...1143: WICKET Symonds b Panesar 48, Aus 260-6 At last - great bowling and great captaincy, and England have the breakthough - Symonds is given the chance to gamble over mid-on and is cleaned up by a delighted Monty. England needed that...
1143: Aus 260-5 Brilliance and banality from Sajid - two balls past Gilchrist's outside edge, another one wide and smashed away for four.1143: Aus 260-5 Brilliance and banality from Sajid - two balls past Gilchrist's outside edge, another one wide and smashed away for four.
From Niall in Luxembourg, TMS inbox: "I have one friend whose surname is Grundy, which has led to... Grun DMC."From Niall in Luxembourg, TMS inbox: "I have one friend whose surname is Grundy, which has led to... Grun DMC."
1139: Aus 252-5 Gilchrist moves on to 36 with a couple of chancey drives at Monty, coming down the pitch and not really getting to the pitch of the ball. Monty looks interested.1139: Aus 252-5 Gilchrist moves on to 36 with a couple of chancey drives at Monty, coming down the pitch and not really getting to the pitch of the ball. Monty looks interested.
From J Maguire, TMS inbox: "When a few of my friends and I used to play snooker we decided to give each other some nicknames; none was better than Andrew "The Love" Inman..."From J Maguire, TMS inbox: "When a few of my friends and I used to play snooker we decided to give each other some nicknames; none was better than Andrew "The Love" Inman..."
1134: Aus 248-5 Mahmood is as consistent as lumpy custard. Symonds waits for the tasty bits and tucks into a run four when Harmison dives like a falling oak tree at mid-on and fails to lay a leaf on the shot.1134: Aus 248-5 Mahmood is as consistent as lumpy custard. Symonds waits for the tasty bits and tucks into a run four when Harmison dives like a falling oak tree at mid-on and fails to lay a leaf on the shot.
From Andrew Robinson in Nottingham, TMS inbox: "I went to school with a lad called Hardeep. It was the time when Take That were around the first time. We called him 'Hardeep is your love'."From Andrew Robinson in Nottingham, TMS inbox: "I went to school with a lad called Hardeep. It was the time when Take That were around the first time. We called him 'Hardeep is your love'."
1129: Aus 242-5 It's Monty o'clock at last. Bong - Symonds takes an easy single into the gap at mid-on. Bong - so does Gilchrist. Add two more bongs and you're there.1129: Aus 242-5 It's Monty o'clock at last. Bong - Symonds takes an easy single into the gap at mid-on. Bong - so does Gilchrist. Add two more bongs and you're there.
1124: Drinks break at the SCG. Talking of nicknames, I think it's hard to beat the moniker given to my mate's pal Barry, who's a Buddhist. Nope - not "Barry the Buddhist", but "Barry Krishna". Quality. Anyone beat that?1124: Drinks break at the SCG. Talking of nicknames, I think it's hard to beat the moniker given to my mate's pal Barry, who's a Buddhist. Nope - not "Barry the Buddhist", but "Barry Krishna". Quality. Anyone beat that?
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
1121: Aus 238-5 Better from Mahmood, who I seem to recall we had a nickname competition for during the Pakistan series. Think the winner was the fella who suggested "For Dancing", as in "I'm in Mahmood For Dancing." Bleak days, on reflection.1121: Aus 238-5 Better from Mahmood, who I seem to recall we had a nickname competition for during the Pakistan series. Think the winner was the fella who suggested "For Dancing", as in "I'm in Mahmood For Dancing." Bleak days, on reflection.
1115: Aus 235-5 Hamie comes on, and like a wayward hound he strays as soon as he's off the leash. Easy singles off four balls, a smashed Gilchrist drive on another which Anderson almost pouches full-length for the greatest-catch-nearly-taken-but-not, and then a steepling pull which takes so long to come down that they run four.1115: Aus 235-5 Hamie comes on, and like a wayward hound he strays as soon as he's off the leash. Easy singles off four balls, a smashed Gilchrist drive on another which Anderson almost pouches full-length for the greatest-catch-nearly-taken-but-not, and then a steepling pull which takes so long to come down that they run four.
1110: Aus 224-5 Saj Mahmood comes on for Harmison, and his first four balls are exemplary. It then goes very Mahmood - a short wide one which Symonds thrashes over Anderson at deep gully for four, and a half-volley which the big biffer drives beautifully for four more. it's getting away from England here...1110: Aus 224-5 Saj Mahmood comes on for Harmison, and his first four balls are exemplary. It then goes very Mahmood - a short wide one which Symonds thrashes over Anderson at deep gully for four, and a half-volley which the big biffer drives beautifully for four more. it's getting away from England here...
1105: Aus 216-5 Great shot from Gilchrist - a slashing square cut off Flintoff that flies for four. The partnership's up to 26, and Gillie has 21 of them. Gulp.1105: Aus 216-5 Great shot from Gilchrist - a slashing square cut off Flintoff that flies for four. The partnership's up to 26, and Gillie has 21 of them. Gulp.
From Peter Adams in Brisbane, TMS inbox: "We're on such tight water restrictions here that my mum isn't allowed to spit. Even when my dad annoys her."From Peter Adams in Brisbane, TMS inbox: "We're on such tight water restrictions here that my mum isn't allowed to spit. Even when my dad annoys her."
1100: Aus 212-5 Nothing fancy from Harmison - just a spot of line and length. Actually, considering how he's bowled in this series, that is quite fancy.1100: Aus 212-5 Nothing fancy from Harmison - just a spot of line and length. Actually, considering how he's bowled in this series, that is quite fancy.
From David Chapman, TMS inbox: "Steve Moralee - mate, I'll swap you your mother-in-law for one disapproving father-in-law. Comes with complimentry guilt imposition, noisome throat-clearing and withering glances, as well as comments on driving skills, todays youth and how accountants are responsible for all the evil in the world."From David Chapman, TMS inbox: "Steve Moralee - mate, I'll swap you your mother-in-law for one disapproving father-in-law. Comes with complimentry guilt imposition, noisome throat-clearing and withering glances, as well as comments on driving skills, todays youth and how accountants are responsible for all the evil in the world."
1052: Aus 209-5 Freddie pounds Symonds with three bouncers. No smiles from England's captain today. In the Aussie dresing-room, Ricky Ponting is pulling a stray hair from Justin Langer's cheek. Honestly. Langer's face is screwed up in anticipation of pain as his skipper comes in close with his forefinger and thumb and plucks him like a beautician.1052: Aus 209-5 Freddie pounds Symonds with three bouncers. No smiles from England's captain today. In the Aussie dresing-room, Ricky Ponting is pulling a stray hair from Justin Langer's cheek. Honestly. Langer's face is screwed up in anticipation of pain as his skipper comes in close with his forefinger and thumb and plucks him like a beautician.
1046: Aus 207-5 Anderson takes a blow, and Harmison steps up. Gilchrist pushes his first delivery away for a single, and the remaining five are classic Harmie - one a desperate plodder miles down leg, one a useful short one, the rest somewhere in between.1046: Aus 207-5 Anderson takes a blow, and Harmison steps up. Gilchrist pushes his first delivery away for a single, and the remaining five are classic Harmie - one a desperate plodder miles down leg, one a useful short one, the rest somewhere in between.
From Francis On, TMS inbox: "I got two sets of postage stamps for Xmas - England rugby World Cup winners and England Ashes winners - both going against strict 150-year-old Royal Mail policy of not showing live people other than the Queen on British stamps. Both teams have been playing like the living dead since the stamps' release - maybe the Royal Mail knows something we don't."From Francis On, TMS inbox: "I got two sets of postage stamps for Xmas - England rugby World Cup winners and England Ashes winners - both going against strict 150-year-old Royal Mail policy of not showing live people other than the Queen on British stamps. Both teams have been playing like the living dead since the stamps' release - maybe the Royal Mail knows something we don't."
1046: Aus 206-5 Right on the button from Flintoff - another maiden, and Symonds just can't get him away. Just short of a length, just wide of off stump. With pace. Lovely.1046: Aus 206-5 Right on the button from Flintoff - another maiden, and Symonds just can't get him away. Just short of a length, just wide of off stump. With pace. Lovely.
From Robery Whitehead, TMS inbox: "I've seen my mum spit. She used to do it all the time - into a hanky, then proceed to clean my face with it. Apparently it was as good as having a wash."From Robery Whitehead, TMS inbox: "I've seen my mum spit. She used to do it all the time - into a hanky, then proceed to clean my face with it. Apparently it was as good as having a wash."
1042: Aus 206-5 Gilchrist is going after Anderson here. One attempted drive finds mid-off, but a second races through cover for three. After Symonds nibbles a single, Gilchrist thrashes two more square. It's getting a touch too Perth for England's liking here.1042: Aus 206-5 Gilchrist is going after Anderson here. One attempted drive finds mid-off, but a second races through cover for three. After Symonds nibbles a single, Gilchrist thrashes two more square. It's getting a touch too Perth for England's liking here.
From Matthew Aylmer, TMS inbox: "I got another omen playing Brian Lara Cricket 2005. England won the Sydney test but only due to Chris Read making an unbeaten 43... and he didn't drop anything either. Spookily, Flintoff made made 89 and KP made 41. Co-incidence? Probably."From Matthew Aylmer, TMS inbox: "I got another omen playing Brian Lara Cricket 2005. England won the Sydney test but only due to Chris Read making an unbeaten 43... and he didn't drop anything either. Spookily, Flintoff made made 89 and KP made 41. Co-incidence? Probably."
1037: Aus 200-5 Great stuff from Flintoff - a maiden, even with Symonds clearly eyeing Gilchrist's example and fancying a slice of boundary pie.1037: Aus 200-5 Great stuff from Flintoff - a maiden, even with Symonds clearly eyeing Gilchrist's example and fancying a slice of boundary pie.
From Steve Moralee in Sydney, TMS inbox: "My mother-in-law has arrived here in Sydney from London and is staying for nine weeks. Will consider any swap offers."From Steve Moralee in Sydney, TMS inbox: "My mother-in-law has arrived here in Sydney from London and is staying for nine weeks. Will consider any swap offers."
1033: Aus 200-5 Uh-oh - Adam Gilchrist doesn't look like he's going to mess about - he blazes Anderson high over gully for four and then drives him beautifully through mid-off for four more. NB I've never actually see my mum spit - she's not that sort of woman. Fight yes, spit no.1033: Aus 200-5 Uh-oh - Adam Gilchrist doesn't look like he's going to mess about - he blazes Anderson high over gully for four and then drives him beautifully through mid-off for four more. NB I've never actually see my mum spit - she's not that sort of woman. Fight yes, spit no.
From BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the SCG: "Plenty of short stuff for Symonds. England have a spring in their step after the early breakthrough, but they have been in this position before this series and let it slip."From BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the SCG: "Plenty of short stuff for Symonds. England have a spring in their step after the early breakthrough, but they have been in this position before this series and let it slip."
From Daniel Heap, TMS inbox: "I got a electronic Sudoku gizmo. It's nice, but it's bright pink and has 'toys for girls' emblazoned on the front."From Daniel Heap, TMS inbox: "I got a electronic Sudoku gizmo. It's nice, but it's bright pink and has 'toys for girls' emblazoned on the front."
1028: Aus 192-5 Fred keeps it tight against Symonds, bouncing him early on and giving up just a pair of singles. England are looking uncharacteristically aggressive here. It's as surprising as seeing your mum spit.1028: Aus 192-5 Fred keeps it tight against Symonds, bouncing him early on and giving up just a pair of singles. England are looking uncharacteristically aggressive here. It's as surprising as seeing your mum spit.
From Jamie Vickery, TMS inbox: "Someone bought me an MCC tie for Xmas - apparently they got it on eBay."From Jamie Vickery, TMS inbox: "Someone bought me an MCC tie for Xmas - apparently they got it on eBay."
From Neil Holloway, TMS inbox: "I played International Cricket Captain today and re-created this Ashes series with the same squad, strangely enough we were 4-0 down going into the Sydney match and won it ? probably blind optimism but I would like to think a good omen."From Neil Holloway, TMS inbox: "I played International Cricket Captain today and re-created this Ashes series with the same squad, strangely enough we were 4-0 down going into the Sydney match and won it ? probably blind optimism but I would like to think a good omen."
1020: WICKET - Hussey ct Read b Anderson 37, Aus 190-5How's about that? Jimmy Anderson serves Hussey a pacey outswinger first ball and Mr Cricket nibbles it behind, where Chris Read takes a fine diving snag. Just the start England needed, and Anderson leaps into Flintoff's arms with a smile as wide as Mike Gatting's waistband.1020: WICKET - Hussey ct Read b Anderson 37, Aus 190-5How's about that? Jimmy Anderson serves Hussey a pacey outswinger first ball and Mr Cricket nibbles it behind, where Chris Read takes a fine diving snag. Just the start England needed, and Anderson leaps into Flintoff's arms with a smile as wide as Mike Gatting's waistband.
From Sam Thornley, TMS inbox: "I have an...what's the word, exciting pair of superman socks. And also an amazing original Airfix, build your own cardboard plane. Starter kit. Want to swap?"From Sam Thornley, TMS inbox: "I have an...what's the word, exciting pair of superman socks. And also an amazing original Airfix, build your own cardboard plane. Starter kit. Want to swap?"
1018: Aus 190-4 Whoosh - what a great first ball from Fred - beats Symonds all ends up outside off stump. Three more testers follow before Symonds works one away behind square for two.1018: Aus 190-4 Whoosh - what a great first ball from Fred - beats Symonds all ends up outside off stump. Three more testers follow before Symonds works one away behind square for two.
From James Smart, TMS inbox: "I got a Smasher bat just like Chris Read's. Just like his, mine hasn't been used too much."From James Smart, TMS inbox: "I got a Smasher bat just like Chris Read's. Just like his, mine hasn't been used too much."
1014: England are out on the field, deep in their cosy huddle. And here come Hussey and Symonds. Looks like Flintoff to open, Symonds to face.1014: England are out on the field, deep in their cosy huddle. And here come Hussey and Symonds. Looks like Flintoff to open, Symonds to face.
1010: From D Fletcher in the TMS inbox: "Anyone got a wicketkeeper who can bat and a third seamer who can bowl?"1010: From D Fletcher in the TMS inbox: "Anyone got a wicketkeeper who can bat and a third seamer who can bowl?"
1005: While we wait for the start, anyone got any unwanted Christmas presents they want to swap? Drop me a line if you have, and we'll see if we can set up some sort of Swapshop-style exchange system.1005: While we wait for the start, anyone got any unwanted Christmas presents they want to swap? Drop me a line if you have, and we'll see if we can set up some sort of Swapshop-style exchange system.
1000: The forecast for today is okay - chance of the odd shower this morno but clearing up in the afternoon.1000: The forecast for today is okay - chance of the odd shower this morno but clearing up in the afternoon.
From BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the SCG: "The morning showers have abated and the sun is doing its best to poke through. Ricky Ponting has just been presented with an award after being named the ABC's cricketer of the year. Well done, Punter."From BBC Sport's Scott Heinrich at the SCG: "The morning showers have abated and the sun is doing its best to poke through. Ricky Ponting has just been presented with an award after being named the ABC's cricketer of the year. Well done, Punter."
0956: Late news from the middle - the start has been delayed a fraction, until 1015 Sydney time or 1115 GMT. Spot of moisture out there that they're keen to get rid of. Sure that 15 minutes will make all the difference.0956: Late news from the middle - the start has been delayed a fraction, until 1015 Sydney time or 1115 GMT. Spot of moisture out there that they're keen to get rid of. Sure that 15 minutes will make all the difference.
0945: Morning or evening, depending on where you are - the sun is shining at the SCG, and unjustified optimism is once again filling English hearts. Well, why not? Steve Harmison, dander very much in attack position, may rip through the remaining Aussie wickets in record-breaking time. As Mama Cass once sang, why not dream a little dream?0945: Morning or evening, depending on where you are - the sun is shining at the SCG, and unjustified optimism is once again filling English hearts. Well, why not? Steve Harmison, dander very much in attack position, may rip through the remaining Aussie wickets in record-breaking time. As Mama Cass once sang, why not dream a little dream?
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