Waughs put Aussies in command

Australia took a firm grip on the fifth and final Ashes Test on Friday, declaring their first innings on 641 for four and reducing England to 80 for one in reply.

Shane Warne bowled Mike Atherton for 13 shortly before the close to strike an important blow for the tourists, who are seeking to seal a 4-1 series triumph. Marcus Trescothick will resume at the Oval on Saturday on 55, with Mark Butcher on 10.

Trescothick's third 50 of the series included 11 boundaries, but Butcher, full confidence after his match-winning innings in the last Test at Headingley, was fortunate to survive a huge shout for lbw off Warne.

Earlier, the Waugh brothers compiled masterful centuries as Australia amassed an imposing total, Mark eventually falling for 120 and Steve, struggling with his calf injury, was unbeaten on 157 when he declared.

The Australian captain, barely able to run through most of his innings, received a standing ovation when he reached three figures, another when he limped off at tea and a third when he ended his side's innings midway through the final session.

The 36-year-old twins added 197 for the third wicket in what is likely to be their last Test appearance in England.

Steve Waugh was stuck on 98 for 30 minutes before reaching 100 with two scrambled singles.

Lying with his face in the dust after diving to make his ground, he raised his bat, followed by his battered body, to acknowledge the crowd.

Waugh had only decided to play on the first morning of the game after being stretchered off just over three weeks ago after tearing his left calf in two places in the third test at Trent Bridge.

It seemed a big risk, particularly after the Australian camp had all but ruled him out of the rest of the series.

SLOG SHOT

The Australian skipper, however, refused to let the injury get in the way of his 27th Test hundred, which included 90 in boundaries, one a six, and spanned four hours and 256 balls.

His younger brother -- by a few minutes -- had got to the mark first, his 20th test hundred and his sixth against England, with a glide to third man just after lunch before he was bowled by Darren Gough, leaning back and slogging across the line.

His innings, increasingly made up of ferocious, unorthodox blows rather than his trademark elegant leg-side flicks and cuts, lasted just over four hours and 176 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes.

He should, however, have been dismissed from his second ball of the day when, facing seamer Andy Caddick on 50, he was dropped by Butcher off a simple chance at second slip.

Steve Waugh, a man of few frills, had begun the day 36 runs behind his brother but almost beat him to three figures. Resorting to the long handle as his calf began to impair his movement, he lashed 30 off 12 deliveries before lunch.

By the time he reached 100, Waugh could barely jog to the other end.

Some expected him to retire hurt after completing his hundred but he forged on, with Adam Gilchirst and Damien Martyn keeping him company.

PROLIFIC FORM

Gilchrist, promoted up the order, struck a quickfire 25 before he smashed a full toss from occasional bowler Usman Afzaal straight to Mark Ramprakash at cover.

Martyn continued the prolific form he has shown all series, finishing unbeaten on 64 from only 54 deliveries.

Australia had resumed on 324 for two after Justin Langer's century on Thursday.

The Waughs savaged the England attack for 116 runs from 30 overs in the morning while 140 came in the second session.

All of England's front-line bowlers conceded more than 100 runs.

When left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell was brought into the attack, he received the lack of respect shown to him on the first day when conceding more than 100 runs for his single wicket as he continued to go at five runs an over.

Mark Waugh, while failing to get to the pitch, still managed to loft him straight for six, while Steve then swept on the up to the midwicket boundary before another sweep to fine leg brought up the 100 stand.

He then smashed the long-suffering Tufnell for another flat-bat six to reach his half-century.

Tufnell finished with figures of one for 174.

The Waughs' stand was their ninth century partnership in Tests and their second highest ever. Australia have now made nine individual hundreds in the series to England's one.

Mail Cricket Editor