Australia turn the screw as England struggle in Cardiff

Ricky Ponting's men post the highest post-war Ashes score and reduce dismal England to 20-2

FIRST POSTED JULY 12, 2009

The Welsh weather came to England's rescue, at least temporarily, on another miserable day in Cardiff, as Australia's batsmen dominated the bowling to post the biggest total in an Ashes Test since World War Two.

England's toothless attack could only watch as the unheralded talents of Marcus North and Brad Haddin both made centuries as the tourists posted a mammoth total of 674-6 declared - giving them a first-innings lead of 239 runs.

England's situation went from bad to worse as Mitchell Johnson trapped Alastair Cook lbw and Ravi Bopara fell in the same manner to Ben Hilfenhaus leaving the home side ended on an abject 20-2 - 219 runs behind - when the rain arrived.

Strauss and his men now face a fight to survive the final day.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Simon Briggs, Sunday Telegraph: "Having already conceded the highest total in Ashes cricket since the Second World War, they will start on Sunday on 20 for two, still 219 runs in arrears. More ineffectual bowling from the hosts saw Australia reach a jaw-dropping 674 for six before the declaration finally came. Overnight batsmen Marcus North and Brad Haddin both completed chanceless centuries, making this the first time England have conceded four individual hundreds in a Test innings."

Vic Marks, Observer: "Yesterday, England's bowlers were shredded by Marcus North and Brad Haddin as if this was a merry encounter for some worthy beneficiary, rather than the grim opening salvo in an Ashes series. Australia added 195 in 42 overs whereupon Ricky Ponting, with an eye on the weather forecast, declared in the hope of grabbing an English wicket before the downpour arrived. In fact the Australians snatched two before the clouds opened."

Bill Day, Mail on Sunday: "England captain Andrew Strauss must play the innings of his life today to save his team from falling 1-0 down in the battle to reclaim the Ashes. Strauss and his men were on the brink of a shattering first Test defeat last night as Ricky Ponting's Australia turned the screw in Cardiff."