McGrath destroys England

Glenn McGrath captured five for 49 with another incisive display of seam bowling as Australia shot out England for 185 on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

McGrath was effectively supported by fellow paceman Jason Gillespie with two for 59 and leg-spinner Shane Warne, who snapped up two for 37, including his 100th Ashes wicket.

England, bowled out in 52.5 overs on a pitch with some bounce and movement, were once again left with their backs to the wall in the five-match series in which they already trail 2-0.

Their only notes of defiance was provided by opener Trescothick, who pulled powerfully and cover drove handsomely on his way to 69, and Alec Stewart, who made 46 after being missed by McGrath on three.

McGrath, who bowled a characteristically probing length and line during his two spells, began England's troubles with the second delivery of the game.

It removed Michael Atherton before he had scored, caught by Mark Waugh above his head at second slip, though slow-motion television replays showed the ball flew off the batsman's left forearm guard as he shaped not to play a stroke.

Atherton, who earlier become the first England skipper to win a toss in 10 Tests and had opted to bat, has now been dismissed by his tormentor McGrath 16 times in 29 test innings.

England could not have made a more gloomy start to mirror the conditions, and McGrath was soon posing problems for Mark Butcher with movement that beat the left-hander several times outside off stump.

ENGLAND'S BEST

Butcher, the most successful England batsman in the series with scores of 38, 41, 21 and 83, made only 13 this time before he was squared up by a delivery from McGrath that he edged low to Ricky Ponting at third slip.

After a brief 15-minute stoppage for light rain, Trescothick got into his stride at the expense of Gillespie, whom he pulled disdainfully for four and stroked to the cover boundary off consecutive deliveries.

Gillespie, however, struck the third blow when he had Mark Ramprakash caught behind by Adam Gilchrist for 14 as he pushed forward and got a thin outside edge.

England were 63 for three at that stage but Trescothick continued to go for his strokes in that uncomplicated method he uses whether playing for county or country, reaching his half-century from 68 deliveries and containing nine fours.

Trescothick's counter-attack was ended early in the second session by Gillespie, who angled one across the left-hander which he edged for Gilchrist to take a diving catch. He made his runs from 93 balls and hit 13 fours.

DOUBLE STRIKE

When Gillespie gave way to a second spell from McGrath, the New South Wales bowler struck twice in consecutive overs. His first ball had Ian Ward caught behind for six and he also removed Craig White for nought after having him missed by Ponting at third slip.

Warne broke the pace bowlers' monopoly by sending back Alex Tudor and Robert Croft, but McGrath completed his 20th haul of five wickets in a test innings when Stewart pushed at one without moving his feet and edged to Mark Waugh at second slip.

With nine wickets down, tea was delayed but Brett Lee returned and wrapped up the innings by knocking back Andrew Caddick's off stump.

Mail Cricket Editor