Watson gamble pays off

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Watson, incredibly Australia's first right-handed opener for 93 Tests, finished on 62 not out, having replaced the out-of-touch Phillip Hughes at the top of the order.

England's only success of a run-heavy evening session came in spinner Graeme Swann's first over when he trapped Simon Katich leg before wicket as Australia closed on 126 for one, after only 30 overs were possible due to heavy rain in the West Midlands.

Captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat, in contrast to his decision on this ground four years ago when he was made to regret inserting England as they rattled up 407 all out on the opening day.

Australia initially made just one change, as anticipated, with Watson in for Hughes at the top of the order. But in a dramatic twist, they were forced into another after the toss took place when it was revealed wicketkeeper Brad Haddin incurred a suspected broken finger in the warm-ups.

That handed an international debut to South Australia's Graham Manou, after Australian team manager Steve Bernard was granted permission of the England hierarchy to make an alteration to the team sheet lodged with the officials.

When play got under way at 5pm, a light spray from the sodden surface accompanied each stride taken by the England pacemen.

The quality of the surface was put into context as Watson and Katich played their shots. Watson did enjoy one moment of good fortune when he jabbed down on an Andrew Flintoff delivery in the 10th over and sent the ball bouncing over leg-stump.

Eventually it was spin which delivered the breakthrough as Swann struck from the city end with Katich four runs shy of a half-century.

England left out Steve Harmison from the 12 men remaining in their squad, which meant they made just one change from the win at Lord's, at number four where Ian Bell filled in for the injured Kevin Pietersen.