Finn takes it easy

THIRD DAY
To lunch: I felt that, despite the huge Aussie score and the massive stand for the sixth wicket, there was big encouragement for England. The first session showed their bowlers at their best even though by the interval Hussey had 124 and Haddin 79 at 329-5.

To tea: The pair were still together but none of the five England bowlers was conceding four an over and although Anderson, their best fielder, dropped Haddin on 113 436-5 did not seem insurmountable. Broad, who needed treatment for blisters on his feet, did not take a wicket but Hussey apparently said he was the most difficult. Score 436-5.

To close To his credit Strauss had kept Finn fresh and, with that easy action that makes bowling look pleasurable, the new boy finished with six wickets as Australia lost five for 45. Hussey was caught pulling - his most productive stroke - for 195 and Haddin was smartly taken low at slip by Collingwood, showing wonderful concentration. Strauss and Cook batted easily to the end; of course the big trial comes on day four.

Jo King, stats Queen says: England controlled the game so effectively that the Hussey-Haddin stand of 307 spanned 93 overs, more than a day's play. Put it another way. Australia scored at 3.88 at Brisbane in 2006, 3.72 at Cardiff in 2009 and 3.07 at Brisbane in 2010.