Captain charismatic

It was a tough day in the field for England who lost the toss at the start of their bid to defend the Ashes they won back last year for the first time since 1989.

Justin Langer got the Australians off to a flying start when he blazed a quick 82 but England briefly pegged them back, dismissing Matthew Hayden 21 and Damien Martyn 29 before an unbroken partnership of 148 between Ponting and Hussey tipped the scales firmly Australia8217;s way.

Andrew Flintoff was the best England bowler, capturing the wickets of Langer and Hayden, while left-arm spinner Ashley Giles dismissed Martyn after getting the nod ahead of Monty Panesar.

However, England8217;s three main pace bowlers failed to threaten with Steve Harmison ominously starting the series with a horrendous wide that went straight to Flintoff at second slip and conceding 52 runs from 12 wayward overs. James Anderson was equally ineffective, going for 88 off 18 and Matthew Hoggard leaked 62 from 16. Part-timers Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell bowled 10 overs as England searched for a breakthrough.

The tourists did at least field much better than their last visit to Australia when they conceded 364 on the opening day to set the tone for a series in which they lost the Ashes after only 11 days.

Brief scores: Australia 1st Innings 346 for 3 wkts J Langer 82, R Ponting 137 batting, M Hussey 63; Flintoff 2/48 vs England.