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Live - Australia v England Live - Australia v England
(10 minutes later)
England suffered a second blow when captain Michael Vaughan edged Nathan Bracken to first slip to leave them 47-2 in the 10th over in Melbourne.England suffered a second blow when captain Michael Vaughan edged Nathan Bracken to first slip to leave them 47-2 in the 10th over in Melbourne.
Andrew Strauss fell in the same way to Bracken earlier in the opening game of the triangular one-day series.Andrew Strauss fell in the same way to Bracken earlier in the opening game of the triangular one-day series.
He had returned after missing Tuesday's Twenty20 loss with a stiff neck, replacing Ed Joyce in the only change.He had returned after missing Tuesday's Twenty20 loss with a stiff neck, replacing Ed Joyce in the only change.
Veteran wicket-keeper Paul Nixon and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar were handed one-day international debuts.Veteran wicket-keeper Paul Nixon and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar were handed one-day international debuts.
LATEST ACTION (All times GMT)LATEST ACTION (All times GMT)
By Sam LyonBy Sam Lyon
18th over: 77-3Collingwood survives a sharp first delivery and Pietersen takes three off Johnson's last delivery to negotiate another decent Johnson over. England's chances of posting a total could rely on the ability of this pair to recreate some of the magic they displayed in Adelaide during the second Test. I believe - who's with me?
18th over: WICKET England 73-3 (Bell 15)A terrible, terrible shot from Bell brings his end. Clearly frustrated by his lack of fluency, he tries to manufacture a booming drive off Mitchell Johnson, only to spoon it to Michael Hussey at mid-off. Can England keep enough wickets in tact to post a score?
"'Sorry guys ...I think the Vaughan dismissal is my fault.'
Stood up to finally gloat to my Aussie work mates about the English team this summer and in particular Vaughan's 20 off McGrath and then I read the next passage of text!
Needless to say...I sat down promptly and wished that I was reading the 1987 Aussie tour commentary."Welshboy (Perth, WA)
"It's not been a totally convincing performance from England, a few streaky edges around some booming shots from Vaughan and Pietersen, but they need one guy to really kick on and stick around to score a lot of runs. We know Pietersen is capable of it, but is there anyone else?"Former Somerset captain Peter Roebuck on Test Match Special
17th over: 72-2Bell finds runs again, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest he intended to run Clark's first ball past first slip for yet another four behind square. A single brings Pietersen back on strike, who sees the ball whizz past his outside edge before smashing the next straight back past Clark for a lovely four. A decent over for England and it's time for drinks.17th over: 72-2Bell finds runs again, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest he intended to run Clark's first ball past first slip for yet another four behind square. A single brings Pietersen back on strike, who sees the ball whizz past his outside edge before smashing the next straight back past Clark for a lovely four. A decent over for England and it's time for drinks.
16th over: 62-2Unsurprisingly Australia take the third powerplay - Johnson and Clark really are on the button at the moment. Surprisingly, though, Ricky Ponting opts not to have a slip and he might wish he had done after watching Pietersen blaze a cut attempt off the edge and it goes past Gilchrist for a boundary.16th over: 62-2Unsurprisingly Australia take the third powerplay - Johnson and Clark really are on the button at the moment. Surprisingly, though, Ricky Ponting opts not to have a slip and he might wish he had done after watching Pietersen blaze a cut attempt off the edge and it goes past Gilchrist for a boundary.
15th over: 57-2It is the big man on strike now and it brings the desired effect - three runs! A neat nudge for two round the corner brings a couple and then Pietersen takes a sharp single. He seems a little concerned with his gloves at the moment after he dropped his bat taking that two. Either way, Bell should be a little concerned with his scoring rate - 10 from 27 balls hardly has the Aussies quaking in their boots you fear.15th over: 57-2It is the big man on strike now and it brings the desired effect - three runs! A neat nudge for two round the corner brings a couple and then Pietersen takes a sharp single. He seems a little concerned with his gloves at the moment after he dropped his bat taking that two. Either way, Bell should be a little concerned with his scoring rate - 10 from 27 balls hardly has the Aussies quaking in their boots you fear.
14th over: 54-2And in a double change paceman Mitchell Johnson takes over from Bracken - and he goes one better than Clark and bowls a maiden. The loss of Vaughan has allowed Australia to take something of a stranglehold here, while Ian Bell seems content to watch and leave most deliveries. Get 'KP' on strike man!14th over: 54-2And in a double change paceman Mitchell Johnson takes over from Bracken - and he goes one better than Clark and bowls a maiden. The loss of Vaughan has allowed Australia to take something of a stranglehold here, while Ian Bell seems content to watch and leave most deliveries. Get 'KP' on strike man!
13th over: 54-2Stuart Clark is on - the bugbear of the England side throughout the Test series - and he starts with five dot deliveries before Ian Bell nudges the last delivery for a single. Explosive stuff.13th over: 54-2Stuart Clark is on - the bugbear of the England side throughout the Test series - and he starts with five dot deliveries before Ian Bell nudges the last delivery for a single. Explosive stuff.
"Sally Gunnell isn't a bad bowler to be fair (we think he means Nathan Bracken here).... I never knew she was an Aussie though!"Tom in Sydney"Sally Gunnell isn't a bad bowler to be fair (we think he means Nathan Bracken here).... I never knew she was an Aussie though!"Tom in Sydney
12th over: 53-2Talking of not being textbook or without danger, Pietersen flashes a wild cut attempt down to third man off the edge. He then just avoids a sharp delivery which bounces more than he expected - the first sign of liveliness in the pitch - but his wicket is in tact come the end of another fine Bracken over.12th over: 53-2Talking of not being textbook or without danger, Pietersen flashes a wild cut attempt down to third man off the edge. He then just avoids a sharp delivery which bounces more than he expected - the first sign of liveliness in the pitch - but his wicket is in tact come the end of another fine Bracken over.
11th over: 51-2'KP' picks up the baton nicely, clearly responding to the big BBC build up, and drives through cover for a three. It's not textbook and it's not without danger, but frankly I prefer it to the dabbing and touch strokes of earlier in the innings.11th over: 51-2'KP' picks up the baton nicely, clearly responding to the big BBC build up, and drives through cover for a three. It's not textbook and it's not without danger, but frankly I prefer it to the dabbing and touch strokes of earlier in the innings.
10th over: 47-2Hold on, scratch that, Kevin Pietersen strides to the crease with a steely look in his eye and it's a welcome sight. Call me a soppy old fool but, regardless of the fact that he was born in South Africa, he is the great hope of this England team. And he has a great tattoo of the three lions on his arm - that's good enough for me! Needless to say he almost edges the second ball behind, playing and missing at another fine Bracken delivery, but he didn't so, you know, bring it on!10th over: 47-2Hold on, scratch that, Kevin Pietersen strides to the crease with a steely look in his eye and it's a welcome sight. Call me a soppy old fool but, regardless of the fact that he was born in South Africa, he is the great hope of this England team. And he has a great tattoo of the three lions on his arm - that's good enough for me! Needless to say he almost edges the second ball behind, playing and missing at another fine Bracken delivery, but he didn't so, you know, bring it on!
"12... 26... 19... 4... 7... 53... 13... 28... 1... 6... 10... That's not the England scorecard, that's my Chinese takeaway order for tomorrow night!"Matt, Birmingham"12... 26... 19... 4... 7... 53... 13... 28... 1... 6... 10... That's not the England scorecard, that's my Chinese takeaway order for tomorrow night!"Matt, Birmingham
10th over: WICKET England 47-2 (Vaughan 26)Right, blame this one on me folks. Vaughan, just as he was looking to be approaching something like decent touch, edges Bracken to Hayden at first slip on the run as he looks for another trademark cover drive. Absolutely my fault - the commentator's curse strikes again - and you won't hear much more optimism from me I tell you.10th over: WICKET England 47-2 (Vaughan 26)Right, blame this one on me folks. Vaughan, just as he was looking to be approaching something like decent touch, edges Bracken to Hayden at first slip on the run as he looks for another trademark cover drive. Absolutely my fault - the commentator's curse strikes again - and you won't hear much more optimism from me I tell you.
9th over: 42-1Vaughan is on the attack and McGrath has no answer. A cover drive, splendid pull and another drive through extra cover bring two fours and 20 runs from the over. Oh how England have missed that kind of confident approach. I wouldn't say Australia are on the rack just yet, but you never know!9th over: 42-1Vaughan is on the attack and McGrath has no answer. A cover drive, splendid pull and another drive through extra cover bring two fours and 20 runs from the over. Oh how England have missed that kind of confident approach. I wouldn't say Australia are on the rack just yet, but you never know!
8th over: 32-1Michael Vaughan decides now is the time to attack. A beautiful off-drive on the run through the covers brings a boundary and three more runs ensures the opener farms the strike. A sign the skipper's confidence if improving by the minute?8th over: 32-1Michael Vaughan decides now is the time to attack. A beautiful off-drive on the run through the covers brings a boundary and three more runs ensures the opener farms the strike. A sign the skipper's confidence if improving by the minute?
7th over: 25-1Michael Vaughan, determined to test his knee to the fullest, starts off for a risky run off McGrath before being sent back - leading to a wonderful pirouette in the middle from the captain and he gets home easily. He takes a single and then Ian Bell manages to survive a jaffer on his off-stump, missing the edge by a matter of millimetres.7th over: 25-1Michael Vaughan, determined to test his knee to the fullest, starts off for a risky run off McGrath before being sent back - leading to a wonderful pirouette in the middle from the captain and he gets home easily. He takes a single and then Ian Bell manages to survive a jaffer on his off-stump, missing the edge by a matter of millimetres.
6th over: 24-1Ian Bell races to the crease and so nearly goes first ball - Adam Gilchrist spilling the ball diving to his right after the Warwickshire batsman edged a fine Bracken delivery. A rare error from the wicketkeeper and it brings four more runs for England - runs you already fear might be crucial for the visitors.6th over: 24-1Ian Bell races to the crease and so nearly goes first ball - Adam Gilchrist spilling the ball diving to his right after the Warwickshire batsman edged a fine Bracken delivery. A rare error from the wicketkeeper and it brings four more runs for England - runs you already fear might be crucial for the visitors.
"I would have thought England would have just defaulted after winning the toss."Rowan, Auckland, NZ"I would have thought England would have just defaulted after winning the toss."Rowan, Auckland, NZ
6th over: WICKET England 20-1 (Strauss 12)England's encouraging start comes to an end as Bracken draws the egde from Strauss, the opener trying to dab it down to third man, and Matty Hayden takes a fine diving catch to his right at first slip.6th over: WICKET England 20-1 (Strauss 12)England's encouraging start comes to an end as Bracken draws the egde from Strauss, the opener trying to dab it down to third man, and Matty Hayden takes a fine diving catch to his right at first slip.
5th over: 20-0Vaughan, playing in his first one-day international for 18 months, survives a couple of scares as McGrath beats him outside the off stump with his first two deliveries. A couple of singles keep the scoreboard ticking over on a slowish pitch, but neither England opener look likely to bludgeon the Aussie bowlers early on to take advantage of the fielding restrictions. Not that we expected them to of course, but still.5th over: 20-0Vaughan, playing in his first one-day international for 18 months, survives a couple of scares as McGrath beats him outside the off stump with his first two deliveries. A couple of singles keep the scoreboard ticking over on a slowish pitch, but neither England opener look likely to bludgeon the Aussie bowlers early on to take advantage of the fielding restrictions. Not that we expected them to of course, but still.
4th over: 18-0Cameron White is a magnet to the ball at the moment. Three times Strauss looks to get Bracken away, and three times the Victorian denies the England opener a run. However, a lovely late cut brings the left-hander his first boundary of the day and the tourists' encouraging start continues.4th over: 18-0Cameron White is a magnet to the ball at the moment. Three times Strauss looks to get Bracken away, and three times the Victorian denies the England opener a run. However, a lovely late cut brings the left-hander his first boundary of the day and the tourists' encouraging start continues.
3rd over: 14-0McGrath, in the swansong of his career, is as accurate as ever early on, but Strauss looks to be finding his touch. A shovel onto the leg side brings two, before a neat flick through mid-wicket brings three runs.3rd over: 14-0McGrath, in the swansong of his career, is as accurate as ever early on, but Strauss looks to be finding his touch. A shovel onto the leg side brings two, before a neat flick through mid-wicket brings three runs.
"Here in chilly British Columbia with a hot cuppa, there's nothing like clicking refresh and enjoying the BBC humour as another wave of optimism makes it's way around the English world...COME ON ENGLAND!"Mark, Vancouver BC"Here in chilly British Columbia with a hot cuppa, there's nothing like clicking refresh and enjoying the BBC humour as another wave of optimism makes it's way around the English world...COME ON ENGLAND!"Mark, Vancouver BC
2nd over: 9-0England, clearly keen to keep wickets intact early on, are being watchful early on. Still, an error from wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist and nudge from Strauss precede the first four of the innings - Vaughan flicking Nathan Bracken via a thick inside edge to fine leg. The England skipper ends the over by missing a walking drive - a first sign of aggression from the tourists.2nd over: 9-0England, clearly keen to keep wickets intact early on, are being watchful early on. Still, an error from wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist and nudge from Strauss precede the first four of the innings - Vaughan flicking Nathan Bracken via a thick inside edge to fine leg. The England skipper ends the over by missing a walking drive - a first sign of aggression from the tourists.
1st over: 3-0A right rollicking start from England's openers! A leg glance apiece for Strauss and Vaughan, either side of a McGrath wide, and over one is negotiated without too much incident.1st over: 3-0A right rollicking start from England's openers! A leg glance apiece for Strauss and Vaughan, either side of a McGrath wide, and over one is negotiated without too much incident.
0315: The teams are out, Australia in yet another kit change - this time sporting a baggy green effort - and McGrath will open the bowling for the hosts.0315: The teams are out, Australia in yet another kit change - this time sporting a baggy green effort - and McGrath will open the bowling for the hosts.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for the likes of Paul Nixon and Monty Panesar to cement their places in the England set up ahead of the World Cup and, who knows, we might be in for a surprise and see England really step up today."Angus Fraser on Test Match Special."It's a wonderful opportunity for the likes of Paul Nixon and Monty Panesar to cement their places in the England set up ahead of the World Cup and, who knows, we might be in for a surprise and see England really step up today."Angus Fraser on Test Match Special.
"My first thought is that this wouldn't be a night of following England online if we didn't start off blindly optimistically, I know it's getting harder, believe me, after a month of being completely nocturnal I know... C'mon England!"Lee Morgan"My first thought is that this wouldn't be a night of following England online if we didn't start off blindly optimistically, I know it's getting harder, believe me, after a month of being completely nocturnal I know... C'mon England!"Lee Morgan
0312: By the way, a warm welcome and hearty congratulations to those of you in the UK who have braved the early start time to lend your support from afar to the England team.0312: By the way, a warm welcome and hearty congratulations to those of you in the UK who have braved the early start time to lend your support from afar to the England team.
I would suggest that they need all the support that they can get, so let us know your thoughts...I would suggest that they need all the support that they can get, so let us know your thoughts...
Text the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on 84040 (from the UK only)Text the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on 84040 (from the UK only)
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
0310: A less-than positive omen is that Australia captain Ricky Ponting warmed up for this match by declaring he wants his side to rack up 400 or over against England during this series, just as his side did against South Africa last year.0310: A less-than positive omen is that Australia captain Ricky Ponting warmed up for this match by declaring he wants his side to rack up 400 or over against England during this series, just as his side did against South Africa last year.
Strauss could learn a thing or two from 'Punter' about positive thinking hey?Strauss could learn a thing or two from 'Punter' about positive thinking hey?
0305: Andrew Strauss has claimed England enter today's one-dayer "with a sense that we haven't got much to lose".0305: Andrew Strauss has claimed England enter today's one-dayer "with a sense that we haven't got much to lose".
Now call me a sceptic, but it's not quite the Churchillian battle cry that one might have hoped for - is it me or is there a sense of resignation layered into everything any player other than skipper Michael Vaughan seems to say?Now call me a sceptic, but it's not quite the Churchillian battle cry that one might have hoped for - is it me or is there a sense of resignation layered into everything any player other than skipper Michael Vaughan seems to say?
Still, Strauss added that England "might surprise a few people". What might constitute a surprise is anyone's guess. Lasting past the 20th over? One or two batsmen actually getting a score? One or two Australian batsmen not getting a score? Who knows...Still, Strauss added that England "might surprise a few people". What might constitute a surprise is anyone's guess. Lasting past the 20th over? One or two batsmen actually getting a score? One or two Australian batsmen not getting a score? Who knows...
Oops, sorry, positive thinking was the order of the day wasn't it.Oops, sorry, positive thinking was the order of the day wasn't it.
Now, what about that toss huh?Now, what about that toss huh?
0300: News of the toss comes through - and Michael Vaughan has won it for England! It's clearly an omen! Believe people! He's chosen to bat, a decision Ponting admits he would have made if he had won.0300: News of the toss comes through - and Michael Vaughan has won it for England! It's clearly an omen! Believe people! He's chosen to bat, a decision Ponting admits he would have made if he had won.
"I cant believe that Jimmy "Hit me for 6" Anderson hasn't been dropped. ahh well. Better start making plans to hide from all the expectant Aussies in the office. or just pray for rain!"Ali"I cant believe that Jimmy "Hit me for 6" Anderson hasn't been dropped. ahh well. Better start making plans to hide from all the expectant Aussies in the office. or just pray for rain!"Ali
0250: The England team is in and my word it's a corker. Ahem, honest.0250: The England team is in and my word it's a corker. Ahem, honest.
Following the capitulation against Australia in the Twenty20 international two days ago, England have rung the changes. Opener Andrew Strauss returns in place of Ed Joyce after a neck injury and, well, that's it.Following the capitulation against Australia in the Twenty20 international two days ago, England have rung the changes. Opener Andrew Strauss returns in place of Ed Joyce after a neck injury and, well, that's it.
That means James Anderson, blugeoned by the Aussies in Sydney, keeps his place, while Monty Panesar and Paul Nixon - at the ripe old age of 36 - make their one day international debuts.That means James Anderson, blugeoned by the Aussies in Sydney, keeps his place, while Monty Panesar and Paul Nixon - at the ripe old age of 36 - make their one day international debuts.
It appears that Liam Plunkett, who England were keen to get into the side for what would have been his first appearance on this tour, has fallen at the last after being struck on the ankle in the nets on Thursday.It appears that Liam Plunkett, who England were keen to get into the side for what would have been his first appearance on this tour, has fallen at the last after being struck on the ankle in the nets on Thursday.
Still, England can take solace from the fact that Brett Lee is missing. Just Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Andrew Symonds to contend with then. Hhmmm.Still, England can take solace from the fact that Brett Lee is missing. Just Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Andrew Symonds to contend with then. Hhmmm.
Australia: AC Gilchrist (w), ML Hayden, RT Ponting (c), MJ Clarke, MEK Hussey, A Symonds, CL White, NW Bracken, SR Clark, MG Johnson, GD McGrath.Australia: AC Gilchrist (w), ML Hayden, RT Ponting (c), MJ Clarke, MEK Hussey, A Symonds, CL White, NW Bracken, SR Clark, MG Johnson, GD McGrath.
England: AJ Strauss, MP Vaughan (c), IR Bell, KP Pietersen, A Flintoff, PD Collingwood, PA Nixon (w), JWM Dalrymple, J Lewis, JM Anderson, MS Panesar.England: AJ Strauss, MP Vaughan (c), IR Bell, KP Pietersen, A Flintoff, PD Collingwood, PA Nixon (w), JWM Dalrymple, J Lewis, JM Anderson, MS Panesar.
England won toss and decided to batEngland won toss and decided to bat
Umpires: I L Howell and S J A TaufelUmpires: I L Howell and S J A Taufel