Warne blunts England's Ashes hopes

Leg-spinner Warne single-handedly worked his side into the contest, claiming four for 16 in an eight-over spell either side of lunch after the tourists struggled for an initial breakthrough.

He struck again in the final half-hour to remove centurion Andrew Strauss during a run of three wickets for 23 runs as England finished on 319 for seven.

Strauss now has seven hundreds in only 19 Test appearances, the latest compiled rebuilding the innings alongside Andrew Flintoff (72).

Their 143-run partnership culminated when Glenn McGrath - returning after an elbow injury - found the outside edge of Flintoff's bat deep into the final session.

Needing to avoid defeat to claim a first series victory over the Australians for 18 years, England were given the perfect start when Michael Vaughan won his third consecutive toss and opted to bat first on a surface which traditionally encourages large totals.

But some fine catching to supplement Warne's bowling means there is plenty to do for the bowlers with both bat and ball.

England v Australia

The Brit Oval England Won Toss

England First Innings Close

M E Trescothick c Hayden b Warne 43

A J Strauss c Katich b Warne 129

M P Vaughan c Clarke b Warne 11

I R Bell lbw b Warne 0

K P Pietersen b Warne 14

A Flintoff c Warne b McGrath 72

P D Collingwood lbw b Tait 7

G O Jones not out 21

A F Giles not out 5

Extras b4 lb6 nb7 17

Total 7 wkts (88 overs) 319

Fall: 1-82 2-102 3-104 4-131 5-274 6-289 7-297

To Bat: M J Hoggard, S J Harmison.