Jones brace stunts Aussies' Ashes fightback

Simon Jones struck twice in as many balls in a stunning start to the third day’s play of the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Welshman Jones, introduced from the Radcliffe Road end after Australia had rattled along at a run-a-ball for the opening three-quarters-of-an-hour, made his mark with just his second delivery when Simon Katich flashed a wide half-volley to gully.

Having halted that 58-run stand, he then sent back Shane Warne – so often the major irritant to England’s bowlers in this series – when a leading edge looped to cover.

The double blow signalled something of a change in tempo, quelling what had been a brilliant Australian counter-attack.

Resuming on 99 for five, the Australians flung the bat to flourish on a sunny morning – with Adam Gilchrist, previously out of sorts in the series, showing some of his old form alongside Katich.

The pair refused to allow getting beaten outside off-stump on occasions concern them as they combated the swing on offer by committing to full-blooded strokes.

Matthew Hoggard, England’s hero yesterday evening with three wickets, bore the brunt of the assault – his third over costing 22, including a huge six into the stand at the Radcliffe Road end deposited by Gilchrist.

In all 41 runs came from three overs, with even Andrew Flintoff suffering before Jones’ intervention.

However, Flintoff followed up to dismiss Gilchrist for the fourth time in the series as Andrew Strauss claimed arguably the catch of the summer.

A thick edge flew to the left of Strauss, who took off from second slip to take a horizontal catch at full stretch, and leave Australia 163 for eight.