England edge opening day (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

England edge opening day

6:43pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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England's evening counter-attack ended a positive opening day in their attempts to regain the Ashes from Australia.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior struck 56 and returning all-rounder Andrew Flintoff crashed a swift 37 to help Andrew Strauss' men to 336 for seven at the close in Cardiff.

Prior and Flintoff shared a stand of 86 in 16 overs before both were bowled off inside edges by Peter Siddle in consecutive overs.

However, their alliance altered the momentum of a first npower Test which ebbed and flowed after Kevin Pietersen's moment of madness.

Pietersen top scored with 69 but perished in the evening session when a pre-meditated sweep led to the softest of dismissals.

Setting himself for the shot, Pietersen scooped a wide delivery from Nathan Hauritz into the hands of Simon Katich at short-leg.

His departure quickly followed that of fourth-wicket partner Paul Collingwood for 64.

Collingwood was well held by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, diving to his right, to hand Ben Hilfenhaus a second success and halt a 138-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Earlier in the day a stunning catch in the gully by Michael Hussey removed opener Alastair Cook (10) after he attempted to force Hilfenhaus off the back foot.

Mitchell Johnson then removed Andrew Strauss (30) and Ravi Bopara (35) in quick succession as the captain fended a short ball to Michael Clarke and Bopara looped to a slower ball backward point.

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