England grabbed three crucial wickets to peg Australia back on the first day of the second Ashes Test today after the home side made a strong start.
Chris Rogers and Shane Watson put on a century stand for the second wicket before both batsmen departed in the space of six balls.
Then, in the last over before tea, recalled spinner Monty Panesar bowled Steve Smith for six to leave the home side at 174 for four with skipper Michael Clarke not out nine.
Watson once again missed out on a big score after making a solid start when he was caught and bowled by Jimmy Anderson for 51.
The allrounder looked well set after 160 minutes at the crease before he chipped a return catch low down to Anderson on the bowler's follow-through.
Watson put on 121 runs for the second wicket with Rogers. It was his 21st Test half-century but highlighted his poor conversion rate with just three centuries under his belt.
Rogers followed five balls later, attempting to hit the spinner Graeme Swann through the covers only to be caught behind by Matt Prior for 72 off 167 balls with 11 fours.
It was the seventh time Swann has dismissed left-hander Rogers in Tests, but it was a big improvement for the opener after low scores in the first Test in Brisbane.
