Live Test Match Blogging / Ed Hawkins / 08 July 2009 /

The eagerly-anticpated series is underway in Cardiff and Ed Hawkins is on hand with all the news, views, analysis, betting (and cake-eating) advice. Email him at hawkeyeview@hotmail.co.uk

CLOSE Eng 336-7
That's your lot for day one. Only another 24 left in this series. Much debate about who the first day belongs to. According to the match odds market it is unequivocally England. They started the day at [3.40] and have shrunk to [2.92] while Australia finish exactly how they started at [3.55]. The draw has drifted to [2.60]. However, to throw a spanner in the works Australia took the final session in terms of market moves. In they came from [5.30] while England went out from [2.72]. We could call it honours even but really we should respect the market from start to finish and as England finish the shortest of the two sides, they shade it.

18.13 Eng Eng 329-7
Big in-swinger from Siddle, who picks up his second and Australia's seventh as Matt Prior (56) is castled. Australia into [3.45] from [5.30]. A good comeback from the visitors with this second new ball. Only an over left tonight.

WICKET 18.05 Eng 327-6
Flintoff gone. Played on to Peter Siddle. My word Australia needed that. Just as England threatened to run away with it, they've hung onto their coat tails to pull them back. James Anderson has been sent in as nightwatchman. A bit odd that because Stuart Broad is good enough to keep putting Australia under pressure.

17.56 Eng 321-5
The observant among you will have spotted that Shane Warne, Sky's much-publicised new signing for the commentary box, has today been conspicuous by his absence. Nasser Hussain said earlier that he would be "with us for the rest of the week." Mmmm, I wouldn't bet on it. Warne is currently playing in the World Series of Poker in Vegas and doing more than well. He has survived the second day of the Main Event and has a chip count of 174,000, putting him right in the mix for the US$8.5m prize. I wonder if he's been on the phone to Sky's producer to ask if he can stay a little longer? It would take a brave man to tell him to get on the next flight back with such a huge pot within Warne's grasp. If he was to stay on for the tournament, the very earliest he can be knocked out is Saturday morning. If he was to make the final table, he wouldn't be back in time for day one of the second Test at HQ. A 50 for Matt Prior by the way.

17.51 Eng 310-5
Flintoff is playing well. The best for some time. Almost at 2005 levels. He has 35 from 39 balls. As a result, England's price has come in to [2.58]. Matt Prior is quietly self-assured at the other end and together the pair have put on 68.

17.34 Eng 288-5
New ball teken. Australia need it because Prior and Flintoff look assured.

17.21 Eng 267-5
The new ball is due after 80 movers. As I type we have had 76. I fear I am preaching to the converted but please do bear in mind that once Australia take the new ball, England immediately become bad in-running value. The potential for a wicket is greater and although runs may come at a quicker rate because the ball is hard, the market will not move as much in England's favour as it would if there was a wicket for Australia.

17.16 Eng 261-5
England have come in again to [2.88]. As soon as KP was out, Australia were ahead of England in the betting at [3.04]. Punters are right to have England the shorter of the two because another 100 runs and they will be nice and cosy. The draw is favourite at the moment. Hauritz is targetting Andrew Flintoff as we speak. Historically Flintoff is a rail crash against spin. You've got to get his big frame on the front foot so he looks as though he is about to topple over. He looks very unsure.

17.01 Eng 249-5
Apologies for another server crash chaps. We've missed a wicket. And a massive one at that. It's KP who has gone, caught by Katich off Nathan Hauritz of all people. It was an incredible shot. The batting equivalent of playing on a high-speed rail line. Absolute suicide. Premeditated, he tried to sweep Hauritz, who pushed it wider and given KP's arrogance he just wouldn't pull out. Andrew Flintoff is in now. Let's watch him closely to see how his form is.

16.34 Eng 228-4
Ben Hilfenhaus deserved that. He should have another a bit sooner. You may recall that earlier in the day we discussed the best way to get KP out was to pitch the ball nice and full because he has struggled with such deliveries in the past. Well, a few overs ago Australia tried it and it worked, although not to the degree they would have hoped. Hilfenhaus got one up there and it hit KP plumb in front, hitting middle and off. Ump Billy Doctrove was unmoved. Matt Prior is the new batsman.

WICKET 16.30 Eng 228-4
Paul Collingwood on his way. A good catch off Hilfenhaus, diving to his right. Colly made 64. England are [2.72]

16.26 Eng 215-3
Logie from Dorset has emailed with reference to our earlier chat about this Test series being very much like going on a date with a tremendous looking sort (see 12.15 post). "I suggest that in date terms England, having spilt wine across the table early on are now telling amusing and understated stories about their various qualities. The lady is laughing and their hands are drawing ever nearer across the table."

16.15 Eng 205-3
England have steadied again after a period of drift. But that is to be expected every now and then. They had been hovering around [2.70] to [2.75] mark for some time before tea and we can expect to see the biggest moves in the draw price in this last session. It always happens when we have a partnership. Punters reckon the pitch is easy so expect this to be the norm for the rest of the game. Of course, sailing will not always be this plain because there are so many variables which will crop up over the next few days. We'll keep an eye on the stalemate, though. At [2.08] we might lay when it goes odds on. Check the match odds market here

16.05 Eng 198-3
It will not surprise you to learn that in terms of sessions won ( I think I might have tried to hype it up a bit too much at tea), England have equalised. England are [2.72] from [3.50] at lunch and Australia [5.30] from [2.44].

TEA 15.40 Eng 194-3
England's session? Most probably. But join us in 20 minutes to see exactly how the market moved and whether the hosts budged it enough to hit back.

15.38 Eng 193-3
Kevin Pietersen has 50. But to highlight exactly why this Test should not be played in Wales, it was greeted with polite applause. Had KP's 50 come at Edgbaston or Headingley it would have been met with raucous approval. I'm sure at the end of this Test we will hear rumblings of players being unhappy with the atmosphere. For the most part today it has been like a morgue. It is quite understandable. The Welsh just do not like the English. We, of course, couldn't care less about this pardoxical breed. So patriotic that they blub at the mere sight of a daffodil. Yet so passion less they can't even be bothered to learn their own language. Right, that should get some emails flying in.

15.16 Eng 175-3
Good stuff from Australia this. KP needs nine for a half century but he is not looking too comfortable. He appears to be struggling with his Achilles, hobbling and grimacing now and then. It was one of the reasons he ranked as a decent lay for top England series runscorer. Apparently he is having cortisone injections. They only take away the pain and do nothing for the healing process. In fact, they exacerbate a problem because often a player will feel fine and so he ends up putting the maximum strain on a niggle.

14.55 Eng 147-3
Australia are keeping a tight leash on KP and Colly (the sort of names Blue Peter might give to a couple of dogs from a rescue home). As well Aussie might. It is vital in Test cricket to stop the flow of runs if you are not taking wickets and Ricky Ponting is doing a pretty good job. The run rate in the last 10 overs is just two. To that end, England look to big a price for 400 runs on more on the innings runs market. That is an awfully long way off and the Aussies are only two more wickets from the bowlers.

14.45 Eng 143-3
By the way, folks, Geoffrey Riddle is blogging live from Newmarket today here. He said some kind words about me at 12.15. Do also make sure you drop him a line on his email because those racing press boxes can be lonely places. Still, let's not feel to sorry for him. I bet he's stuffing his face with all the free sandwiches and cakes.

14.21 Eng 129-3
JC asks: "The people of Qatar would like to know whether Gilly has been seen at the ground yet?" Alas, no. I understand Gilly will not be attending, instead saving his first appearance for Lord's next week. Shame. Big-earred sorts from outposts are made to feel very welcome in Cardiff.

14.05 Eng 120-3
Nathan Hauritz, the off spinner, has just bowled his first over. On tour so far he has looked as though he couldn't turn a page, being largely embarrassed to the extent that his participation in this Test was in doubt. Pretty decent six balls from the chap to be fair, though. He got a couple to turn off the straght and he got a false shot from KP. He was bowling darts so if he gets the confidence to toss it up, he might be rewarded.

13.58 Eng 109-3
This the sort of slow wicket which Paul Collingwood normally excels on. You can back him at [3.01] for top England runscorer here. One problem Collingwood has is bringing his bat down at an agle which makes him a candidate to nick off behind. He looks ok at the moment, though as he plays one in to the off side with a high elbow. Beaver, who been in touch via email, is on him for runs. He also says: "Ah, good to have the blog back ... and good to see Cook caught in the cordon AGAIN ... 8 out of 10 down under by my count ... never learns! He lives in a flat with Mark Pettini down the road from Barry Hearn... not that anyone would care."

13.44 Eng 97-3
We are back after the break for what is an absolutely vital session. England will be unhappy to read that sentence so early in the piece in this series but it is a fact. Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood are at the crease and they are England's stellar pairing. Since 2007, England average 49 runs for the fourth wicket thanks to the contrasting styles of these two. They need a bit more than the average today because a wicket for Australia now will bring Matt Prior to the wicket and the visitors will be confident of running through. Buckle up.

LUNCH 13.03 Eng 97-3
There is no doubt that Australia are in charge. They are [2.44] at the break from [3.55] at the start of play. England are [3.55] from [3.40]. What we will be doing throughout this series is looking at the prices at the start and finish of each session and from the market move, awarding that session to one of the teams. So Australia are a session up.

12.55 Eng 90-3
Johnson may not be able to swing it but he has proved what an intelligent bowler he is with his two wickets. First he bounced Strauss out, catching his glove, and secondly he got Bopara with a clever slower ball. Bop had been driving loosely at anything outside off but it would flash high and wide. So Johnson brought the pace right down, Bopara (35) didn't spot it and the ball balooned to gully. Clever stuff.

WICKET 12.51 Eng 90-3
A Johnson slower ball does for Bopara. Not good for England just minutes before lunch.

12.50 Eng 90-2
Just to show off at what truly international blog this is, I've had another email in. Cherrene says: "My eager anticipation for your blog has not been in vain. Already so thrilling that I have failed to complete my work and am at my desk at 7.26pm Singapore time. I too have developed a large spot on my cheek."

12.46 Eng 88-2
"Hi, this is P Jain from India. I wish to know your view regarding first Test between Ausralia & England". Welcome Mr Jain. Well, I suggested backing England at the start of this Test (see 10.55 post) because they can bowl last on this wicket with their two spinners. I would still back them now at [3.20].

12.39 Eng 75-2
Kevin Pietersen has had a haircut which suggests he means business. That or he fancies a role in Prison Break. It's cropped so you could strike a light on his bonce. As I type he has faced three balls, and he was almost out from two of them. A big lbw shout and then an edge falling short of the slips.

12.33 Eng 67-2
So England are out to [2.40] which was what they were before a ball was bowled. Australia are [3.00] and the draw is [2.62]. Kevin Pietersen is the new man at the crease, joining Bopara who is increasingly looking unsettled. Pietersen is vulnerable early on. Australia will look to force him back in his crease, probably with a few lifters, and then bowl a full one as he will be tentative coming forward. Think back to how KP was out in the second innings of the first Test in Jamaica earlier this year.

WICKET 12.29 Eng 67-2
What do I know? Johnson has Strauss. He has bounced him out for 30.

12.26 Eng 64-1
Bopara has just taken four of Peter Siddle through the gully region. It was a loose shot and twice now he has driven through that area. It is a ploy by Australia because historically Bop goes aerial because often his trigger movement is his back foot moving back ever so slightly. As for Siddle, he has been the pick of the bowlers. He looks strong, has a repeatable action and is bowling at a decent lick. As for Mitchell Johnson, he continues to struggle. Goodness, if he doesn't find some rhythm Australia will struggle.

12.20 Eng 53-1
Of course the flaw in my theory that this series is like a first date is that, very soon, something, or someone, is going to get laid. I thank you.

12.15 Eng 51-1
We're still here folks. I believe the server has also been struck down with Ashes fever so had to go off for a lie down in a darkened room. Slowly it is getting back to full health. This Ashes business is all very exciting, of course. It's been a bit like waiting for a date with an absolute stunner. So nervous have I been that I have developed a large spot on my cheek. Of course we are only 45 minutes or so in to a series which is going to last seven weeks. Or to put it in date terms, we've nervously kissed each other on the cheeks, made small talk and I'm now waiting at the bar to get the drinks in. Do not underestimate me and believe I will not be capable of continuing this analogy for not only today but the 24 to follow.

11.43 Eng 22-1
With Ravi Bopara the new man at the crease it would be pertinent to take a look at the top England first-innings runscorer market. Strauss and the Bop man represent England's best chances of runs statistically at Cardiff. Strauss averages 66 on this ground and Bopara 101. They have played only two first-class games each here, though. Strauss is [3.25] and Bopara [4.40].

WICKET 11.33 Eng 21-1
Alastair Cook, hanging his bat out to dry, has been held brilliantly in he gully by Mike Hussey off Ben Hilfenhaus.

11.24 Eng 19-0
Regular followers of this blog will know that thanks to my email address (hawkeyeview@hotmail.co.uk) being plastered across the internet, I win the Nigerian lottery by an average of twice a week. Since our last live blog, HM Revenue & Customs have been in touch to offer me a "refound", Songo Amara Bahooni wants to give me free gold ("it's is most shiny and delicious") while I kid you not that Cahoots Bank have been in touch asking for account details.

11.08 Eng 5-0
We don't like to overreact on this blog. In that regard we're a bit like Kipling (not just because of the cakes). While all around others are losing their heads...However, after the first over of this series, the omens are not good for Australia. Mitchell Johnson, their gun bowler, did not swing it because the seam was scrambled. That suggests he is still to get to grips with the Dukes (they use a Kookaburra in Oz) ball. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, the seam has to be pretty straght on its way to the batsman to give the ball the best chance of moving in or out. Johnson averages six wickets in the first Test of a series and 4.4 per Test over his career.

10.55
The umpires are making their way out to the strains of Jerusalem. It would bring a tear to the eye had I not backed Australia to win this series. If you are yet to have a wager, the best early advice would be to back England because of the threat of turn on days four and five. For the moment the wicket looks a little dark, which suggests moisture underneath. That means potential early swing. It should dry oput pretty quickly, though and the run rate is expected to be a little slow

10.45 England win the toss and bat
First blood to Andrew Strauss then and the market reacts accordingly. The hosts into [3.35] with Australia [3.55] and the draw [2.32]. England have also picked two spinners - Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar - on a wicket which is expected to take turn. Crucially, England will have the opportunity to bowl last on what could be a crumbler. Here are the teams...
England: AJ Strauss*, AN Cook, RS Bopara, KP Pietersen, PD Collingwood, MJ Prior†, A Flintoff, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, JM Anderson, MS Panesar
Australia: PJ Hughes, SM Katich, RT Ponting*, MEK Hussey, MJ Clarke, MJ North, BJ Haddin†, MG Johnson, NM Hauritz, BW Hilfenhaus, PM Siddle

10.25
The waiting is almost over. For five days in Cardiff from Wednesday a famous rivalry will be renewed, patriotic fervour will course through the veins with eye-bulging intensity and the supporters of the two foes will sing songs about the questionable parentage of their enemy. But enough about the Welsh and English hating each other's guts, it is the first Ashes Test which is supposed to take precedence.

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