Ponting milestone helps Aussies stretch lead

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.

Ponting achieved a personal landmark when he reached 41 via a single off Hoggard in becoming the seventh Australian to score 7,000 runs in Test cricket.

The former Somerset captain reached the landmark in his 89th Test at an average of 56.

Earlier Kevin Pietersen seized the limelight at Lord’s with another eye-catching display to try and keep England on competitive terms with Australia in the opening Test.

The Hampshire batsman hit a blistering 57 to guide England, who resumed the second morning trailing by 98 on 92 for seven, to within 35 runs of Australia’s total and boost hopes of retaining an interest in the opening exchange of the Ashes series.