Warne and Lee destroy England batsmen

Shane Warne and Brett Lee put Australia on course to win the first Ashes Test as they instigated a post-tea England collapse before bad light and rain halted proceedings at Lord’s 25 minutes before the scheduled close.

England are chasing the highest successful fourth innings total in history after a series of fielding blunders put Australia firmly in control.

Resuming 314 runs ahead on an already commanding 279 for seven, Australia added a crucial 105 runs before finally being dismissed for 384.

England nose-dived from 80 for none to 119 for five in the space of 14 overs with Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick, Ian Bell, Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff all departing to the deadly duo.

The ray of sunshine for England was provided by Kevin Pietersen’s unbeaten 42 as the host nation limped to 156 for five.