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Andrew Strauss and his opening partner Alastair Cook have struggled to form large partnerships in the past, but on a Lord’s pitch they both enjoy, they quickly raced to a 100 partnership yesterday with few scares along the way.

Cook led the charge, belting the mostly unimpressive Mitchell Johnson for numerous cut fours whilst Strauss continued to pick up runs everywhere but through mid off and on, which put pressure on the Australians.

The body language looked bad from Ricky Ponting’s side and Nathan Hauritz’s did not improve after an attempted return catch from a Strauss shot that was hit so hard it was surprising it did not take the Aussie spinner's hand off.

In the end, Hauritz merely dislocated his finger, ending his bowling for the day. The fun could not last forever, though, and Cook was nailed in front by Johnson whilst on 95, something which would have bitterly disappointed him.

Ravi Bopara, a cricketer whom England have great hopes for in this Ashes series, disappointed again with a quickfire 18 from 19 balls before he too was called out for lbw, this time by Ben Hilfenhaus and 196-0 had been turned into 222-2.

However, Kevin Pietersen, whom England always hope will produce an innings of quality to help them - as he has many times in the past - hit a quick 32 before he edged behind off an excellent delivery from Peter Siddle.

Paul Collingwood batted in an entirely different manner to that of Sunday and was soon caught for 16 by Siddle after trying to play a chip shot off the bowling of Michael Clarke. England were now 302-4, still a position of relative strength but one that still required steadfast batting and calm heads in order to be able to exploit the situation to the maximum.

Australia seem to have got reverse swing under control, something that had been their undoing four years ago and used it to oust both Matthew Prior and Andrew Flintoff, players who could have done  significant damage had they got in.

With England finishing the day on 364-6, a score they would probably have taken at the start of the day, they will not be too unhappy but the Australians will have been given hope by the way that last session went.

After lunch, Ricky Ponting’s side looked downhearted, but by the end of play they looked significantly happier.

It is amazing the effect a timely wicket can have and after procuring six wickets for 167 runs, Australia have certainly got back into this innings. However, they will need to dramatically improve their fielding and getting Strauss out will be top priority.

England need a steady innings from Strauss, who should be looking to score his first double century, and good support from the lower order, particularly the able pair of Stuart Broad and Graham Swann.

Friday is an extremely important day for both sides and whoever takes it will be in control of this Test match.

England won the first day - but not by a great deal. The pitch does not have too many gremlins in it and Australia’s stronger suit is certainly their batting, so England must maximise their chance and hope Strauss can cause some double trouble.