Lunch has been called on this fine first day of the Ashes test 2013 with England within grasp of achieving their first 100 of the series.

A sarcastic English crowd cheered and jeered as the first ball to be bowled by Aussie James Pattinson establishing the start of the series was called wide followed by a rather lacklustre first over that proved to be a slow test for the talent of England’s opening batsmen – Alastair Cook and his new partner Joe Root.

A big appeal from Pattinson early on for an lbw against Joe Root sees Root’s large inside edge save him from the prospect of an early finish at 6-0.

Root doesn’t take too long to fully open his account as an England opener as he superbly hooks another of Pattinson’s offensive bowls for four to fine leg.

It wasn’t long after that England captain Alastair Cook was to bid farewell to his time on the turf as his attempt to knock Pattinson for six ended with a slight of touch seeing the ball into the awaiting wicketkeeping mits of Brad Haddin.

Jonathan Trott replaces the leading man and sees it to an England 50 in partnership with Root; a score that brings a warm applause from the onlooking crowd.

Ashton Agar for Australia makes his first test appearance at the tender age of 19 by being knocked for four by an unrelenting Trott.

Root and Trott manage to stay as one until being forced apart by Peter Siddle who’s sizzling Yorker proved a little too much for Joe Root to handle with England standing at 78-2.

Kevin Pietersen steps into the crease to see play through to lunch with Jonathan Trott helping to tally up the score to 98-2.

More to come as England and Australia take to the field once again. Let’s hope the afternoon will prove to entertain.