ENGLAND has Australia primed for execution in the fourth Ashes Test after another superior batting performance. The Ashes will be retained through a victory sometime over the next two days after the tourists went to stumps on day two at 5-444 in their first innings, an overall lead of 346.
After a brave mini fightback when local fast bowling hero Peter Siddle figured in five England wickets to erode the tourists to 5-286, a superb unbeaten 141 by South Afican-born No.3 batsman Jonathan Trott ensured there is no way back for Australia.
The disgrace and indignation of being bowled out for 98 on the opening day has the added pain for Australia of being forced to toil all day in the field - with more to come tomorrow - as Trott and keeper batsman Matt Prior (75 not out) strode off at stumps after sharing an unbroken 158-run sixth wicket partnership..
Trott came to the crease when the first wicket fell at 1-159 shortly after the start of play this morning and proved the cornerstone of a miserable and frustrating day for the bedraggled home team.
By the time he was done he had been at the crease for 375 minutes, 278 deliveries and had smote 13 boundaries.
The only hint of joy for the second day crowd of about 68,000 was the form of Siddle.
The Victorian speedster took the first three wickets of the day and then held two splendid catches at fine leg to get rid of Paul Collingwood (8) and Ian bell (1), on Mitchell Johnson's behalf.
Australian frustration spilled over twice in the middle session, both times after video referrals erred in England's favour.
The first saw Australian captain Ricky Ponting argue the point with umpire Aleem dar despite an appeal for caught behind against Kevin Pietersen being turned down initially and after a referral.
Then, shortly before tea, Prior was caught behind off a clear edge from a Johnson delivery but Dar, uncertain whether or not the bowler had overstepped the crease, called for clarification by video. It was a no-ball.
After dismissing openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook in the first hour of play, Siddle again secured a long awaited breakthrough when he claimed the wicket ofPietersen (51) in the first over of a new spell mid-way through the post lunch session.
It ended a 92-run third wicket stand with Trott but, sadly for Australia after the quick exits of Collingwood and Bell, Prior arrived at the crease.
