Goodwin sets new mark

Aug 21 2009 -

Sussex's Murray Goodwin broke his own landmark with a career-best 344 not out on a day for breaking records against Somerset.

The Zimbabwean batsman hit the second triple century of his career - eclipsing his own county best 335 against Lancashire in 2003 - as Sussex broke a 107-year-old record by racking up their highest-ever score of 742-5 declared in their County Championship Division One encounter at Taunton.

Goodwin also shared a county record 363-run fourth-wicket partnership with Carl Hopkinson on a batter-friendly surface.

"It's nice to get a few runs and nice to get records but you've got take into account that the wicket's pretty flat - as flat a wicket as I've ever played on," he explained.

"And, as a batsman, when that happens, you've just got to fill your boots."

Australia finish day one on a high

Aug 20 2009 - 18:47:20

Australia came roaring back in the evening session on day one of the fifth Ashes Test, leaving the match finely poised.

England finished the day on 307/8, though it was another case of so near yet so far for Andrew Strauss and his batsmen.

The inability of England's batting order to convert starts into massive scores prevented them from gaining a stranglehold on the match, which is a must-win if they are to regain the Ashes urn.

The day started positively for England as Strauss won the toss and the captain chose to bat first on a good pitch.

And it was he who set the tone for a decent morning, reaching his half-century comfortably.

Alistair Cook went cheaply to the bowling of Peter Siddle, who delivered a fine ball which saw the England opener edge it to Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the slips.

Under-pressure Ian Bell came in at three and survived a torrid opening to reach lunch with his wicket intact.

Strauss fell for 55 early in the afternoon session, in controversial fashion.

He edged the ball to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin off the bowling of Ben Hilfenhaus, but replays confirmed that the paceman had his front foot well over the crease. Umpire Billy Bowden failed to spot the no-ball.

Paul Collingwood never looked comfortable as was pushed up the order to number four. He went for 24 after Mike Hussey produced a nice catch at gully from the bowling of Siddle.

Bell's quest for a century ended shortly after tea.

The Warwickshire batsman was bowled by Siddle on the fifth ball of the evening session, receiving a rapturous round of applause from the Brit Oval crowd for his 72.

Matt Prior followed him to the pavillion an hour later, as Johnson's delivery saw him caught by Shane Watson for 18.

A late collapse ensued, as Andrew Flintoff was caught by Haddin off the ever-improving Mitchell Johnson's ball for seven.

Jonathan Trott's promising debut was ruined, as the number five gave his wicket away for 41, being run out from close range by Simon Katich.

Trott stumbled out of his crease when pushing away a ball from part-time spinner Marcus North and Katich made him pay with a decisive reaction.

Siddle took his fourth wicket in the last over the day, as Haddin took his third catch from behind at the expense of Graham Swann, who reached 18.

Australia's slow over rate saw them bowl just 85.3 overs, but they'll expect to quickly knock off the England tail end as the Oval wicket appears to be deteriorating quickly.