Defeat looms for England

Captain Andrew Strauss hit another half-century but there was a familiar feel to England's 220 all out in the must-win encounter and Australia cruised to 138 for two by the halfway stage of the chase.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine struck a maiden international 50 before falling two balls later to spinner Adil Rashid. But returning Australia captain Ricky Ponting highlighted his class by picking off some early boundaries to race into the 30s.

Australia had eased to 50 inside 10 overs but lost their first wicket almost immediately when Shane Watson's susceptibility to lbw dismissals was extended by a delivery from Tim Bresnan which angled in.

Nevertheless, Ponting's recall following three games off to rest meant the Australian batting was lengthened - Cameron White, top scorer in the campaign prior to this match with a round 200, was dropped down from number three.

Earlier Strauss hit 63, exactly the same score he contributed in the six-wicket defeat at the Rose Bowl in midweek, as the hosts once again relinquished a decent start.

The destruction delivered by fast bowler Brett Lee, who claimed a five-wicket haul, meant 21 balls went unused in good batting conditions.

Having dismissed recalled opener Joe Denly with the new ball, Lee returned to clean bowl four other Englishmen to finish with figures of 5-1-49-5.