Anderson puts pressure on Aussies

Watched by the Queen at Lord's on the second day, England lost three wickets in 19 balls after resuming on 364 for six. But Lancashire seamer Anderson, who successfully defied Australia for 40 minutes with Monty Panesar last Sunday to save the opening Test, again dominated a last-wicket stand to help guide England to 425.

Boosted by his efforts in forging a 47-run stand off 53 balls with Durham's Graham Onions, Anderson followed up that success by claiming two early wickets as Australia reached 49 for two before rain called a halt to proceedings after 19.3 overs.

England suffered a dismal start to the second morning in swing-friendly conditions and lost captain Andrew Strauss, unbeaten on 161 overnight, to the second ball of the session when he shouldered arms to a Ben Hilfenhaus inswinger which crashed into his off-stump.

That brought Graeme Swann to the crease and Peter Siddle, who battered Swann with a series of short-pitched deliveries in Cardiff, found the edge of his bat to offer a simple catch to second slip.

Stuart Broad became the third England batsman to fall in as many overs when Hilfenhaus bowled him off an inside edge as he attempted to drive.

But England launched their fightback with Anderson teaming up with Onions before the former cut low to gully and left Australia facing a testing 12 overs before lunch.

Anderson struck in the third over of their reply when dangerous opener Phil Hughes was caught off a short ball, which he gloved down the leg side to allow wicketkeeper Matt Prior to collect.

His second wicket was more contentious four overs later when he swung the ball into Ponting, hit him on the pads and the ball flew to Strauss at first slip, who appealed for a catch off an inside edge. Umpire Rudi Koertzen referred the incident to TV umpire Nigel Llong to determine whether there had been an inside edge and raised his finger, although replays suggested Ponting should have been dismissed lbw and did not hit the ball.

Australia reached 22 for two by lunch but only 7.3 overs were possible in two separate spells after the break due to heavy showers.