England strike twice to close in on Ashes

Australia openers Simon Katich and Shane Watson both went lbw, in the space of four balls, and the tourists progressed to 120 for two midway through the morning session.

Graeme Swann ousted Katich before Watson was trapped in front by Stuart Broad.

Having been set an improbable world record score of 546 in more than two days, Australia's main objective was crease occupation.

That started positively on Saturday evening with an unbeaten opening stand of 80 but they lost wickets in both the fourth and fifth overs of the day.

Left-hander Katich was first to go, pushing forward and playing no shot at a Swann delivery which would have gone on to hit the top of middle-stump.

His departure brought Australia captain Ricky Ponting to the crease - and in place of the boos from the home support which have accompanied him throughout the summer, this time there was a standing ovation which lasted a minute.

Australia had doubtless held high hopes of at least making England work for their wickets, in glorious batting conditions - albeit on a dusty pitch which has had its critics.

But four balls after Katich left the scene, Watson was treading the same path to the pavilion - pinned in front by Broad on the back foot.

Watson appeared to suggest some inside edge had been involved but television replays showed Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf had called correctly and that the ball struck bat after pad.