Ricky Ponting and his men can be expected to play a rousing match at Lord's. Australia have not been beaten on this inspiring ground, whose every brick seems to tell a tale of sawdust and linseed oil and discreet discussions and drives through cover, since Bill Woodfull's side was defeated by an innings in 1934. Harmison was now unstoppable and he polished off the innings by having Brett Lee (3) caught behind and trapping Jason Gillespie (1) leg before. Then Katich's solid resistance was ended on 27 when he attempted to hook Harmison and only succeeded in top-edging to Geraint Jones who took a well-judged catch running back to leave Australia on 178 for eight. Shane Warne and Simon Katich added 49 in only eight overs but then Harmison removed both in the space of three balls in the first over after a drinks break. Warne had his leg stump knocked out of the ground after walking across his wicket, having made 28 from 29 balls with six boundaries. Flintoff could not contain his delight and cut an animated figure as he celebrated dismissing a player who has been a thorn in England's side on many occasions.
But Flintoff ended the cameo effort when Gilchrist went for another ambitious shot and only succeeded in nicking the ball through to wicket-keeper Geraint Jones. Michael Clarke (11) was trapped lbw by a ball slanting down the leg side. with 'Hawkeye' indicating it would have clipped the top of the bails. Adam Gilchrist decided that attack was the best form of defence after lunch with a string of boundaries in racing to 26 off 19 balls with six fours. Australia had lost three wickets for 11 runs in 15 balls and England's memorable morning became even better when Simon Jones struck for the second time. Justin Langer was looking impressive and had scored 40 off 44 balls with five fours when he attempted to pull Flintoff and only succeeded in skying a catch to Harmison at backward square leg. Vaughan then brought Simon Jones on for Hoggard and he reduced Australia to 66 for four with his first ball.
Damien Martyn (2) tried to drive at a delivery which bounced a bit higher than he anticipated and Geraint Jones held onto a comfortable catch. Ponting needed treatment after being hit on the cheekbone by a fiery Harmison after attempting a pull. And he had made only nine when he pushed forward to Harmison and an edge guided the ball into the hands of Andrew Strauss at third slip. Matthew Hoggard, who had been less than complimentary about the Australians in the build-up to the game, made the initial breakthrough with the final ball of his fourth over when Hayden (12) was bowled with a ball which cut back into him.
