AUSTRALIA’S gamble with the weather provided England with encouragement they could still complete an historic Ashes success despite struggling to remain competitive in the deciding Test at the Oval.

England’s hopes of mounting a fightback in the deciding Ashes Test were frustrated by Australia’s best opening partnership of the summer at The Oval.

AUSTRALIA are hoping their bowling attack is not a case of out with the old and in with the new when the fourth npower Ashes Test begins at Trent Bridge tomorrow.

ENGLAND had a great second day in the Edgbaston Test against Australia to give themselves a clear advantage yesterday.

GLENN MCGRATH’S superb spell of four wickets for three runs in 23 balls saw Australia beat England by 239 runs to win the first Ashes Test with more than a day to spare at Lord’s.

Kevin Pietersen was given a harsh introduction into Test cricket after Australia ruthlessly exploited his fluctuating fortunes to take command of the opening Test at Lord’s.

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting set about laying the foundations for a sizeable target as his side extended their lead past 100 in the opening Ashes Test at Lord’s.

GLENN McGRATH settled back into his usual Lord’s routine to secure his place in cricket’s hall of fame and ruin England’s fine start to the first Test yesterday.

Matthew Hoggard produced the best English bowling performance in a quarter of a century to propel Michael Vaughan’s men to a breathtaking win against South Africa at the Wanderers.

CHRIS SILVERWOOD touched down in Tasmania determined to make the most of his opportunity on this Ashes tour, even if that signals the end of county team-mate Matthew Hoggard’s run in England’s Test line-up.

England were hoping to finish off India's innings at the start of the third day at Trent Bridge.

VIRENDER SEHWAG’S second Test century frustrated England on the opening day at Trent Bridge.