The stage is set.

Australia’s Peter Siddle is the latest victim to fall in the battle of the first Test of the Ashes series 2013 to another wonderful bowl by the irrepressible Jimmy Anderson. Having taken all three wickets today he has arguably single handedly torn the final few members of an Aussie team, on the ever quickening demise, to shreds.

Also take a bow Alastair Cook for a sublime catch to see Siddle away. How much longer is left in this encapsulating game of cricket? It would seem not even long enough for the tea and scones of the privileged ladies and gentlemen of the Radcliffe Road suites to be enjoyed comfortably.

Siddle goes, and who else but Jimmy Anderson. Combining once more with Captain Cook, who takes a stunning diving catch at first slip a ball after dropping one far more routine. His exceptional performance this match has yielded nine wickets, and this latest one has been one of his best. Will the Australians see out the session?

Well, this makes things interesting. Mitchell Starc’s time at the crease was limited to one run, before a sizzler edged straight to Cook once more. Anderson really has been brilliant this match.

Since the wicket, Peter Siddle has come in and made his way to 10, as England unleashSwann once more. Australia have two wickets left and require 86 runs.

It’s Anderson who ignites the Trent Bridge crowd, and Agar who has to walk. An excellent delivery edged to the welcoming hands of Alastair Cook at first slip. Mitchell Starc the new man in, but with Haddin showing touches of class, he could well be the key to this match. Australia require 104 more…

194-6 and it’s all very tense here at Trent Bridge. The Australian defence looks solid, and there have been a couple of nicely played shots for four. If momentum was to be the true driving force in this game, it’s difficult to see which way it is swinging.

The new ball was taken at the start of the 82nd over, and it’s Jimmy Anderson to continue from the Radcliffe Road end. The new ball almost worked dividends as well, an appeal for LBW  not impressing either umpire, and there’s no review.

Here comes Broad too, replacing Swann from the Pavilion End.

The opening exchanges have been tight, Swann and Anderson keeping the batsmen well under wraps. Agar looking assured, and he received quite the reception after sweeping Swann for an excellent four. The only real chance has come from Anderson, Haddin edging one that evaded Prior by inches before hitting the boundary rope. 180-6, 131 more needed.