A touch wood moment questioning a potential snowball effect of disappearing Australian batsmen seems to be out of Karmas midst as Aussie captain Michael Clarke is bowled out by England’s star bowler Jimmy Anderson for a mere duck.

As a crescendo of “you’re not singing any more” and “Where’s your captain gone?” rises around the stands, it is clear to see that England’s support is remaining ever strong and that the Barmy Army have stepped up to the mark in true British fashion. The score stands at 22-3.

Whilst Saturday is the traditional day for fancy dress at the Test Match that hasn’t stopped a number of fans from coming dressed as their favourite characters and legendary characters from the sport.

Sat in the New Stand are a group of WG Grace’s, beards and old hats included. Local lads Dave and Alastair were a little concerned with England’s progress when we caught up with them but were still confident of a 3-1 England series win.

Dan Wells, Will Howitt, Ben Holl, Duncan McLaughlin and Nathan Long- better known as Fred, Fred, Fred, Fred and Fred Flintstone have had a great time today.

The Bristol based group are here at the test for the first and second days play and are willing England on to victory. Unfortunately though when we caught up with the lads at Tea their mood was somewhat hampered by the score of 185-6. “300. That’s what we’re going to need” said Dan, the others agreeing that another 120 would need to be a minimum for the home side.

It’s the groups first trip to Trent Bridge and despite the “average to poor” start from England said that the host ground was very nice and welcoming and predicted a 3-1 England win in the series.

Opening batsman Shane Watson was first to fall to Steven Finn for 13 in the fourth over before Finn instantly removed replacement Ed Cowan from play!

Tension is palpable… hat trick ball, Captain Clarke the new man in. Sails through… and Yes?! No. A vicious delivery eludes his bat by the finest of margins.

If England can hold onto this momentum and energy from their play and the ever-loudening crowd they may, just may, be able to make up for their substandard batting performance earlier today.

Jimmy Anderson steps up to open England’s bowling in the first of Australia’s overs. Managing to keep the Australian tally to a pleasant 1 run, it will be interesting to see how this English gem will play his way through the 2013 series.

TMS Phill Tufnell

“I don’t think England will mind bowling this evening, get out there and use the conditions.”

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Just as the Barmy Army begins to fashion a rendition of “everywhere we go-o…” the partnership of Stuart Broad and Jonny Bairstow comes to an abrupt halt as Broad is bowled out for 24 before being swiftly followed by Bairstow into the pavilion. Not only that but replacement number 8 Steven Finn is instantly bowled out edging through to Brad Haddin. Luck and skill seem to be nowhere to be seen in this baffling display of batting by England. It all seems astonishing… simply astonishing to watch.