Ponting leads Aussie revival

Ponting, the fourth-highest run scorer in Test history, and Simon Katich both hit half-centuries as the Australians manoeuvred to 191 for one in Cardiff - replying to England's 435.

Both men are survivors of the 2005 defeat - and both appeared ominously set. Katich's unbeaten 85 was his highest score against England, although he did offer a half-chance to Andrew Flintoff early on and also escaped what appeared a plumb lbw shout to Graeme Swann, on 56.

Ponting, meanwhile, was 75 not out and moving gracefully towards what would be a 38th Test hundred.

England's returning Flintoff provided a first breakthrough in the bid to develop a first-innings advantage in this first npower Test.

The all-rounder produced a hostile post-lunch spell of 6-2-15-1, which evoked memories of his 2005 displays and accounted for Australia's new batting star Phillip Hughes.

Left-hander Hughes emphasised his fondness for forcing the ball through the covers off the back foot before lunch - but could add only eight to his interval score of 28.

Flintoff peppered him with 90mph bouncers immediately upon the resumption and was rewarded in his fourth over when he located the inside edge, and wicketkeeper Matt Prior clutched a low catch.