Australia change gears and seize initiative

What a difference a day makes. After bowling the Australians for less than 200 in the first innings yesterday, England find themselves 314 runs behind and are in serious danger of losing the match in less than four days.

England had only two brief periods of glory today - the first lead by their tailenders who added 63 to get them closer to the Australian's first innings total and the nine memorable overs towards the end of the day which netted them four wickets.

Earlier debutant Kevin Pietersen (57) registered his first fifty in Test match cricket. Running out of partners after Hoggard was earlier dismissed by Shane Warne without scoring, Pietersen got to his landmark in a hurry smashing 14 runs including two fours and a six off three consecutive deliveries of yesterday's hero Glen McGrath.

He then went after Warne the very next over belting a massive six over mid-wicket. His innings, however, came to an abrupt end when he tried another slog next ball, only to be brilliantly caught on the boundary by a diving Damien Martyn at deep mid-wicket.

Stephen Harmison (11) and Simon Jones (20), to the crowd's amusement, continued the flurry of boundaries and added a valuable 33 for the last wicket.

With a slender lead of 35 to the visitors, England was still in with a chance. Justin Langer took one too many chances with his cheeky running and was eventually caught short by a direct hit from Pietersen (1 for 18).

Mathew Hayden was starting to bloom but was bowled by Andrew Flintoff when he chopped one onto his stumps (2 for 55). Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn kept the momentum going adding a further 46 for the third wicket before Ponting had a concentration lapse caught at point off Hoggard (3 for 100).

From this point on, Australia changed gears and the lead driver was none other than 24 year old Michael Clarke. Dropped by Pietersen on 21, Clarke went on to score 91 driving at ease on both sides of the wicket and using his feet beautifully against Ashley Giles.

The youngster, who scored a century in both his home and away Test debuts, almost had one in his first Ashes appearance but unfortunately for him his bat found the inside edge and dislodged his stumps.

England fought back valiantly dismissing Clarke, Martyn, Adam Gilchrist and Warne before close of play but the fourth wicket partnership of 155 between Clarke and Martyn broke the back of England.

Full scorecard available here.

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