Centuries to both Simon Katich and skipper Ricky Ponting have put Australia in a comfortable position at stumps on Day 2 of the 1st Ashes Test Match in Cardiff.

England had the best of the morning session with their lower order bashing the Australia bowlers around the park. At 7 for 336 at the start of play the Aussies were looking to wrap up the tail quickly and it looked as though it might happen when Mitchell Johnson bowled Chris Broad around his legs. However, Graeme Swann had other ideas as he hit 47 from 40 balls helping the home side to 99 runs in just 16.5 overs to be all out for 435.

The Australian openers start well, as Phil Hughes helped himself to wide deliveries from Anderson and Broad pushing the opening stand past 50. England needed a spark and they got it from Freddie Flintoff. After coming into the attack Flintoff immediately caused Hughes trouble, before taking his wicket with a ball that cramped the opener for room as he tried another cut. The inside edge was held by Matt Prior, taking it low and to his right. The England crowd were in raptures as Flintoff stood in the middle of the pitch with his hands in the air. Hughes gone for 35.

However, this would be the only break through as Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting controlled the rest of the days play. Both took a measured approach, only giving one small chance when Katich played a low drive back to Flintoff who couldn’t hold it. With just a few overs left in the day they each notched up their centuries taking the Australian total to 249.

Australia still trail by 186 runs with 9 wickets in hand.

England – All Out for 435
Kevin Peitersen – 69
Paul Collingwood – 64
Mitchell Johnson – 3/87 (22)
Nathan Hauritz – 3/95 (23.5)

Australia – 1 for 249
Simon Katich – 104*
Ricky Ponting – 100*
Andrew Flintoff – 1/48 (15)