Steady start as England chase record target

England openers Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss gave England a solid start in pursuit of the record-breaking 420 target needed to defeat Australia in the first Ashes Test at Lord’s.

The pair did not look entirely comfortable, particularly against paceman Brett Lee and spinner Shane Warne, but they negotiated 22 overs before tea to reach 65 without loss, chasing 420.

Trescothick’s unbeaten 31 from 79 balls contained six fours while Strauss’ 32 not out off 55 deliveries included five boundaries.

Warne only bowled two overs before the interval but already looked as if he was going to pose the main danger after having confident lbw shouts rejected against both batsmen.

Michael Vaughan’s side would have to achieve the highest ever winning score by a side batting second in the history of Test cricket if they were to triumph after Australia had finally been dismissed for 384.

England’s highest tally batting last to win was the 332 made at Melbourne during the 1928-29 tour.