Australia captain Ricky Ponting hit his 38th Test hundred and Simon Katich a maiden one in Ashes tussles as the tourists fought back strongly in the first npower Test.

Ponting, the fourth-highest run scorer at this level, passed 11,000 Test runs on his way to 100 not out, getting to three figures from the penultimate delivery of the day, while Katich struck an unbeaten 104, his highest score against England.

That left the Australians on 249 for one at the close of the second day in Cardiff, replying to England's 435.

Katich did offer a half-chance to Andrew Flintoff early on and also escaped what appeared a plumb leg before shout to Graeme Swann, on 56.

England's returning all-rounder Flintoff provided a breakthrough during 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 he added only eight to his interval score of 28.

Flintoff peppered him with 90-mile-per-hour 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.

Whenever England required a wicket four years ago they turned to Flintoff - who became man of the series - and the theme was extended here.

But it was the solitary success for Andrew Strauss' team, who resumed by blasting 99 runs for their final three wickets in 75 minutes in the morning session.