Flintoff strikes early blows

But the dismissals of Australia openers were both immersed in controversy, however, as their team were reduced to 34 for two.

Katich sliced a drive from a full delivery and Kevin Pietersen held a good catch at the second of two gullies but replays showed it was a no-ball and then, in the 10th over, Phillip Hughes edged low to first slip, where Andrew Strauss claimed a catch just above the turf, coming forward.

Hughes turned and took the word of Middlesex colleague Strauss that the chance had been clasped cleanly.

But he was stopped in his tracks by captain Ricky Ponting, his second-wicket partner, who sought clarification from the on-field officials.

After a brief consultation, umpire Rudi Koertzen - standing in his 100th Test - confirmed his departure.

However, TV scrutiny cast some doubt on whether the ball had carried or been scooped up as it struck turf.

In addition to the two wickets, Ponting was wrapped on the gloves by a James Anderson delivery which jumped from a length.

England began their push for victory at 11.15am, with a mammoth 522-run target to defend, after Strauss declared on an overnight 311 for six.