Considering runs have come at a premium so far this match, this final wicket stand is looking ever more impressive. Agar is playing like a man possessed and raking in the plaudits after punishing a succession of loose deliveries.
Alongside him Hughes has also made his half century, before Stuart Broad is used for the first time in the innings. The result? a four to the off side that just escapes the clutches of a diving fielder.
Australia have the lead, and the crowd are responding…
Glen McGrath (BBC TMS)
“They can all handle a bat the Aussies”
Michael Vaughn (BBC TMS)
“Steve Smith played so well. This is a good opportunity for Australia go go past England. I don’t think it’s going to swing al day.”
David Lloyd (Sky Sports)
“Seeing some good pace from Steven Finn.”
“There’s a lot of fast bowlers in this series. It’ll be interesting to see whose the fastest.”
Sir Ian Botham (Sky Sports)
“With 26 overs gone England will be expecting to se some reserve (swing)”
“He’s had a few gimmies but (Smith) has put them away. He’s played well”
The Ashes has put the eyes of the world on Trent Bridge and the staff here have taken this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the kids of the community by putting them at the forefront of the action.
Schools Development Offices at Trent Bridge, Alan Harrison, tells us about the huge interest the Urn has brought to Schools looking to get involved on the grounds.
“We have two county schools, which are a couple of our Asda County finalists. There’s also a club from our Ashes trophy competition, the prize being part of our guard of honour.” he said.
“As soon as you mention the opportunity to come to the ashes they jump at the chance and it is amazing how many hoops schools and clubs will jump through to come here. Two of the schools in particular only got notified last friday so the fact that they were here yesterday and today is just fantastic.”
What a week this is turning out to be for young Ashton Agar, who has just reached 50 while batting at number 11. Applause ringing out around the ground. He is now the highest scoring number 11 on a Test debut. The applause from the ground hugely deserved.
He’s also the highest scoring batsmen this match… though that’s far less impressive.
201-9
@JimmyAnderson9, now the leading Test wicket taker at Trent Bridge, builds his @ECB_cricket FTI MVP Rankings lead. http://www.thepca.co.uk/competition-mvp-england-13.html?comp=overall …
Watching the cricket at Trent Bridge in the sun… Aussies in trouble 131-9. Hope England can bat pic.twitter.com/kwrWohXmHu
Controversy at Trent Bridge? Foot down or not? Out or not? think he was out foot was on the line not behind #matterofopinion #ashes
“RT @World_First: Call the RSPCA because there’s a Swann on fire at Trent Bridge”
Can Agar be our saviour !!!! #Ashes #ReturnTheUrn #TrentBridge
The bell to sound the start of play was rung today by Nottinghamshire and England legend Derek Randall.
The batsman, now 62, was capped 47 times in Tests and 49 in One Day Internationals for England. Today he met with former players and Notts members in front of the Pavilion prior to the event, signing autographs and sharing stories of his great victory in the 1977 Ashes.
Despite being at No.11, Agar has played with all the power and skill of a middle-order batsmen. The defecit is now just 58 and with this partnership already on 40, Hughes with 35 and Agar 25, who knows what the lunchtime score could be. Australia head into the final 20 minutes of the session with the score on 158-9.
Sam Sheringham, BBC Sport
“The Australian fans in the New Stand had been lapping things up this morning, rising to their feet in unison and cheering every run. Not surprisingly, that quick bang-bang of wickets has somewhat dampened their spirits.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/232617
Sky Sports Commentary
“This is insane. For 35 minutes, nothing remotely encouraging happened for England. Ten minutes later, three Australian wickets have fallen. Hint of reverse here, and Siddle edges low to the right of Prior, who takes a smart one-handed catch.”
http://www1.skysports.com/live-scores/cricket/england-v-australia/13628/commentary
Malcolm Conn, Herald Sun Melbourne
Paranoia and confusion surrounds Shane Watsons latest breakdown, which may force Cricket Australia to reconsider sending David Warner on the Australia A tour of southern Africa.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/paranoia-and-confusion-surrounds-shane-watson-injury-in-first-ashes-test-at-trent-bridge/story-fni2usfi-1226677871155