Anderson leads the England Ashes fightback

First test (day two): England 260 all out, Australia 220-5. After their unhappy start to the Ashes on Thursday, England showed some steel on day two of the first Test as they refused to buckle under Australian pressure and forced the home side's batsmen into a rearguard action led by Mike Hussey, who ended the day on 81 not out.

Resuming on 25 without loss the Australian openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich saw off England's initial assault and took the score along to 78 before Jimmy Anderson, showing commendable appetite in the unfriendly conditions, had Watson caught at slip.

That brought Ricky Ponting to the crease, but the Australia captain, so often England's nemesis, had scored only 10 before he was caught behind after chasing a ball from Anderson down the leg side. Soon afterwards Steve Finn got in on the action, brilliantly catching Katich off his own bowling. Suddenly Australia were 100-3 and England were back in it.

Hussey and Michael Clarke then went about rebuilding the innings, but Clarke's dodgy back was obviously troubling him as the England quicks, and Stuart Broad in particular, peppered him with short balls before Finn had him caught behind.

Marcus North followed soon after, falling victim to spinner Graeme Swann, who was the most disappointing member of the England attack.

At 143-5 Australia were back in a hole, but by the time rain brought an early end to a fascinating day's play, they had dug themselves out of it thanks to the efforts of Hussey and wicket keeper Brad Haddin (22 not out).

The third day's play will begin with Australia on 220-5 still 40 runs behind England's score, which no longer looks quite so paltry. The game is nicely poised with both sides looking to seize the initiative. ·