Broad and Swann offer England respite

Stuart Broad, who returned Test-best figures of six for 91 on Saturday, entertained the crowd with a fine counter-attacking 61, most of which was scored during a rapid 108-run stand for the eighth wicket with Graeme Swann (58 not out).

Although it was in the most lost of causes, it came in just 12.3 overs, as the Australians were rattled for the first time in the contest and as England took lunch on 245 for eight, still 98 runs away from making the tourists bat again.

Swann reached his second half-century at Test level with a hooked six off Peter Siddle after Broad's 48-ball effort came to an end.

Siddle banged it in short and Broad swivelled a pull straight to deep square-leg to temporarily mute an excited Leeds crowd.

Left-hander Broad stepped upon the accelerator after Matt Prior edged behind to become Ben Hilfenhaus' second victim of the morning.

Nightwatchman James Anderson lasted just three balls this morning before offering a slip catch to Ricky Ponting. But from 120 for seven, England were stirred by Broad's positivity.

He reached a half-century from just 42 balls when he crashed Siddle down the ground for his eighth four. Swann also got in on the act and the Headingley crowd responded vociferously to the audacity.

During one incredible three-over spell England piled up 49 runs to briefly rattle the Australian bowlers. And Stuart Clark, so miserly in the first innings, returned a spell of 3-0-41-0 from the Kirkstall Lane end.

But England still face an innings loss as Australia close in on levelling the series at 1-1.