SWALEC Stadium, first day

When Nathan Hauritz enticed Kevin Pietersen into the ugliest of shots, it doubled his tally of first-class wickets for the tour and gave him figures for the innings of one for 42.

That was a slight improvement on Australia's overall spin record since Shane Warne retired two years ago. In 21 subsequent Tests before this one, 11 exponents - seven specialists and a quartet of occasionals - had shared 79 wickets at an average of 48.71.

Much has been made of Warne's absence, but it was not the retirement of the great man that did for Australia. He was 37 at the time and in other circumstances (ie, another result) would have hung up his baggy green cap after the 2005 series instead of staying on until 2006-07. What really did for the selectors was the decision of Stuart MacGill, his natural successor, to step down in June last year. This series should have been MacGill's swansong, just as 2005 should have been Warne's. But injuries to his wrist and shoulder and a reluctance to deal with the demands of being No 1 prompted MacGill to pack it in. Australia have been pulling names from hats since, before returning to Hauritz, first picked in 2004.

He is a thoughtful fellow, as spin bowlers should be, but surprised England by admitting that he expected Pietersen to take him on from the start in a bid to hit him out of the series. Hauritz, then, must have been pleased when Pietersen opted not to take on the shortest boundaries at the ground, which happen to be straight.

Happier still when Pietersen tried to paddle once too often and met his downfall. It appeared to be a classic instance of a batsman getting himself out, but Hauritz deserves credit for tossing the ball wider after seeing Pietersen shape to play the shot.

Session-by-session

First session
England 97-3

Mitchell Johnson gives Australia the initiative with two contrasting wickets. A hostile bouncer undoes Andrew Strauss, then Ravi Bopara misreads a slower ball ten minutes before lunch. After anthems, hymns and fireworks, Strauss and Alastair Cook make a steady start before a brilliant, diving catch by Mike Hussey at gully accounts for Cook. Ben Hilfenhaus continues to threaten as Bopara starts nervously, but Strauss is next to fall. Johnson switches to the Taff End and produces a 93mph short ball that balloons off a glove to slip.
England ¤¤
Australia ¤¤¤

Second session
England 97-3 to 194-3

Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen lead a fightback as the Australia spin attack fails to capitalise on the work of pace bowlers. Partnership adds 104 untroubled runs, although England do not hit a boundary for more than one hour before Collingwood guides Nathan Hauritz, introduced at 109 for three, through the off side to move into the forties. Hauritz, though, has discouraged Pietersen from taking him on by pushing back mid-on. Pietersen completes his half-century, having hit only three fours. Hauritz generates some turn, but Collingwood also completes his fifty.
England ¤¤¤
Australia ¤

Third session
England 194-3 to 336-7

Honours remain roughly even after Australia, led by Peter Siddle with the second new ball, end a counter-attack by Matt Prior and Andrew Flintoff to round off a compelling day. The touring team may feel that they have “won” the final session, having removed Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen, with both set. Brad Haddin ends a stand of 138 with a sharp catch diving to his right when Collingwood fences at a ball from Hilfenhaus. Worse follows for England when Pietersen dollies a chance to short leg after inexplicably paddling a wide ball from Hauritz.
England ¤¤¤
Australia ¤¤¤

Talking point

Mitchell Johnson's change of pace

Ravi Bopara had looked nervous during his innings of 35 yesterday. He put away bad balls with some style, but he struggled to judge the swinging ball and was outfoxed by a slower ball from Johnson. It came down at 75mph, about 10mph slower than normal, and was a little wide. Bopara's eyes lit up and he stepped out to drive, but the lack of pace and a slight movement away from him led to a mistimed stroke. The ball took a thick edge and ballooned for Phillip Hughes to take a simple catch at point.

Milestones

¤ The SWALEC Stadium became the 100th Test venue, the ninth in Britain and first in Wales.
¤ England won the toss for the 147th time in the Ashes, with Australia winning 155. For the 126th time, England chose to bat first. They have won 45 of the previous Ashes Tests when winning the toss and batting.
¤ By reaching 37, Kevin Pietersen became the fifth fastest England player to score 1,000 Test runs against Australia.

Pitch report

¤ Below white grass, the soil is breaking up, increasing encouragement for spinners. Pace bowlers will look for orthodox swing, rather than seam or reverse.

Fancy a flutter?

England win 13-8
Australia win 9-4
Draw 6-4

Top Australia batsman
Ricky Ponting 7-2
Odds: Ladbrokes

Television, radio and weather

Live: Sky Sports 1 10am-7pm
Highlights: Sky Sports 1 8-10pm; 11pm-1am; 2.30-4.30am. Five 7.15-8pm
Radio: BBC Radio 4 LW; Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
Forecast Sunny intervals. Maximum temperature 20C (70F)