Verdict

England's first objective of this match is almost in the bag. After that chastening series opener at Brisbane, Matthew Hoggard hedged his bets on the eve of the second Test and said that it was important "not to lose"

Michael Clarke has followed the advice he had stencilled on his left forearm during the off-season by seizing his first Ashes century

In truth, India deserved no better. The pitch did a bit early on, but the batting was so tardy that a score of 250 was a chimera midway through the innings

Matthew Hoggard was tired but satisfied with a hard day's toil, as England's bowlers built on the best efforts of their batsmen in the second Test at Adelaide

Ricky Ponting's 33rd Test century held Australia together on the fourth day at Adelaide but should hide the concerns about some of the older members of the top order

It could only happen to a man like Paul Collingwood. On the greatest day of his career - arguably even his life - he still found himself being overshadowed by his batting partner, Kevin Pietersen, as the pair fronted up to the media following their 310-ru

Andrew Miller's verdict on the 2nd day of the 2nd Test between Australia and England at Adelaide

Peter English's verdict on the 1st day of the 2nd Test between Australia and England at Adelaide

Yet again though, India must look back on an opportunity lost, and a game squandered.

Whatever has happened to this pitch, nothing can detract from the fact that it has provided the keenest tussle between bat and ball we have yet seen and that surely is all anyone should ask for

It is the continued presence of three all-rounders, none of whom are fully this or that, in the team that hurts Pakistan

The hype has been dissipated and normality has been restored. The Poms are Down Under and they are getting pummelled, just as they have been in every series in Australia for the past 20 years.

Stuart Clark operates like he has been on the Test scene for years. A friendly, self-assured man, he has just taken seven wickets in his first match at home. It wasn't a surprise to Clark or his team-mates when he equalled the output of Glenn McGrath's se

Ricky Ponting says Australia must not get carried away by their win at the Gabba

England's captain, Andrew Flintoff, vowed to remain upbeat in spite of the hammering that his side had been given in the first Test at the Gabba

For much of a beautiful sunny morning at Newlands, this had appeared India's match to win. But their display over the last 15 overs in the field was so shockingly poor that they deserved what they got - nothing at all

In the lead-up to the first Test there were concerns Justin Langer would not see out the series. With a collection of 82 and 100 not out he has escaped any threat of the hangman

Paul Collingwood praised the character of his team after a day in which they finally got stuck into the Australians

Kevin Pietersen has been accused of hiding from Australia's quick men by batting at No. 5. Paul Collingwood was suspected of being too unrefined and unsure against leaping deliveries to appear ahead of Pietersen

Ricky Ponting is a mean captain. It is a complaint and a compliment. He set another record for Australia today. They were ahead by the most runs on first innings without enforcing the follow-on