Elliott scores maiden Test ton

Sarah Elliott brought up her hundred early on day two of the women's Ashes Test. Source: AAP

SARAH Elliot knew this was her moment.

Having not played for Australia since 2011, the 31-year-old had to make her mark in her one opportunity for the Southern Stars this Ashes campaign.

So, after an interrupted sleep thanks to her touring partner - nine-month-old son Sam  - the gritty right-hander dug in and delivered on day one of the sole Test match against England.

She fought her way to 95 not out at the close of play on day one, leading Australia to 3-243 after it won the toss and elected to bat on a flat track at Wormsley.

And tonight she topped the hard work with her maiden international century – her ton coming off 269 balls in just under six hours- before she was caught at cover point for 104.

Vice captain Alex Blackwell resumed on 29 tonight and arrived at the crease with an aggressive mindset, she shot to 54 off 169 balls before she was out LBW off the bowling  of spinner Laura Marsh (2-74).
Australia declared at 6-331, 20 minutes before lunch, with Ellyse Perry (not out 31 off 24 balls ) - showing class well above her No. 8 batting position- alongside Erin Osborne (10 no).

Perry opened the bowling attack and appeared to get good movement early. England was 0-16 at lunch, after four overs, with Heather Knight (10) and Arran Brindle (0) at the crease.

With Elliott out in the tenth over of the day, captain Jodie Fields joined Blackwell.

Fields came out firing, but was out bowled by Katherine Brunt (1-48) for six.

Elliott was patient and determined, buoyed by spying husband Rob with Sam wandering around the picturesque ground at stages - her lunch break was spent expressing milk.

She admitted to feeling a sense of relief after facing 245 balls in just over five hours at the crease on day one.

"There was definitely some, `OK, they've picked me, they've flown me all the way here, so let's hope we can cash in','' she said.

"It's really nice to make the most of the opportunity.''

The innings has given Elliott, not selected for the one-day or Twenty20 teams this tour, a taste of international cricket again.

She is keen to break back into the shorter-form sides for the Australian summer.

"It's definitely exciting,'' said Elliott, who has lived in Darwin for three years but continued playing for Victoria.

"It's hard work; it has been hard work training and those sorts of things to get back to this,'' she said.

"But when you get a little bit of success it gives you that little bit of extra drive to say, `Hang on a minute, I'm enjoying this and I want to do more of it'.''
Victorian opener Meg Lanning was run out on 48 just after lunch on day one.

Werribee's Jess Cameron played an entertaining innings before falling lbw the ball after she reached 50.

English pace bowler Anya Shrubsole (2-57) took the wicket of opener Rachel Haynes (10), bowled  in the 10th over and also snared the wicket of Elliott.

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'Dogs not the same without Kasiano

Trouble ... Sam Kasiano injures his ankle in the Bulldogs loss to the Titans. Source: Grant Trouville / AAP

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 22 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park

South Sydney fans should walk away from Friday's game knowing they can get into the fight with Melbourne. You put John Sutton and Greg Inglis back in the side, the Rabbitohs not only gain match winning players but most importantly they get confidence. Luke Keary was outstanding and may throw a twist into how the side looks when Sutton returns from injury. Perhaps we will see Sutton in the back row earlier than we thought which is a huge advantage to have come finals if a half goes down injured. Playing against a side like the Storm, you need to make sure you capitalise on your opportunities because when they sniff out a chance to poll points they will take it. Cooper Cronk produced some beautiful passes to catch his old teammate Matt King out on a number of occasions. The Storm have set a statement over the last few weeks that they are still contenders and you should write them off at your own peril. 

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Eels v Tigers at Parramatta Stadium

Jarryd Hayne's return to the Parramatta side was the difference. He is the calming influence that the Eels can play off the back of. The players would have had confidence with Hayne back in the side and their forwards have been performing well. They have a big strong pack but lack a genuine ball player which is why they struggle. Fortunately for the Eels they end a 10 game losing streak while Tigers fans have nothing to be excited about. The club is filled with drama from Benji Marshall leaving to Mick Potter's coaching career under a lot of doubt. Who knows when the dramas will stop at the Tigers but one thing we know is that a loss is the last thing they needed.

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Roosters v Raiders at Allianz Stadium

Trent Robinson wouldn't be overly happy with the way the Roosters played. Canberra applied plenty of pressure after responding well from what was a 60-point thrashing the week before. The Raiders played with plenty of pride but probably gifted the Roosters 18 points with some soft tries and you can't gift points to quality sides. The Roosters were very controlled and patient led by two halves who have a great kicking game. Roger Tuivasa-sheck showed why he will be the Roosters long-term fullback while the Raiders will be pleased by Blake Ferguson's return. Ultimately poor execution and inability to come up with the right plays at the right time hurt the visitors. 

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Sharks v Knights at Remondis Stadium

It was the battle of two in-form halves with Todd Carney and Jarrod Mullen coming head-to-head. It was the sneaky victory Newcastle needed to keep their season alive. The lead changed throughout the game but with the Knights playing for Danny Buderus' record breaking 250th game probably gave them the motivation to get them home in the end. Andrew Fifita was good for the Sharks while the return for Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen playing his second game back from injury would have brought confidence to their side. But there are still a lot of dramas in Cronulla. They wouldn't have liked that loss at this time of the year but for the Knights they stay alive and in the top eight. The emergence of Jarrod Mullen over the last few weeks shows he can steer around the side and kick them to a victory on the back of a big forward pack and some exciting outside backs. 

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Sea Eagles v Warriors at Blue Tongue Stadium

In 2011 the Stewart brothers stared for Manly in the grand final against the Warriors and the same happened again on Sunday. Glenn Stewart has returned to form after an injury troubled him for a large part of the season while his brother Brett Stewart has been terrific over the last five weeks. Manly continue to remind us that we can't write them off. They are a fit and aggressive side. There were a lot of errors in that game but the sea Eagles were never frustrated and while points didn't come early, they were able to run away with it in the end. Being a Warriors fan, player or coach must be a frustrating job. They can be absolutely brilliant or they can switch off and come up with something horrible.

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Broncos v Dragons at Suncorp Stadium

It was a very important game for Brisbane to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. The Broncos were very good while the Dragons had plenty to play for. The Broncos showed they had more class and depth than the opposition to get the win. Justin Hodges received some dreadful news for that he will be sidelined for 10 months with a snapped Achilles but they covered the loss well by moving Matt Gillett into the centres. With Josh Hoffman pushing back to fullback and Ben Hunt leading the attack at half, the Broncos were very classy. Sam Thaiday showed his gamesmanship, trying to milk a penalty and scoring off the next play. The Dragons can hold their heads high. They had their chances led by their young gun Adam Quinlan. The Dragons fans now look forward to next year to an improved roster but what they have unearthed are some match winners in Quinlan and Josh Dugan who were not in their plans at the start of the season. 

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Panthers v Cowboys

Two weeks in a row they have scored more than 30 points. Neil Henry's future was decided before the South Sydney game and with that came a return to form. The Cowboys were a little patch against Penrith but the more Johnathan Thurston was involved, the better the rest of the team played. Thurston capped his night off by becoming the 22nd player in history to break 1300 points.He is the key to the Cowboys playing well. Ray Thompson scored his first try of the season and finished with a hat trick while Kyle Feldt scored his first try in the NRL. The game was a little scrappy at times but it was nice to see Sam McKendry return for Penrith after breaking his neck in round seven. In the end the Panthers were blown away. With 25 minutes to go they had lost interest in the game and waved the white flag. The Cowboys now play three of their next four games in North Queensland. It would be amazing to think they could finish on 28 points and make it into the semi-finals. They certainly have a talented roster and look to have their defensive attitude back. 

Bulldogs v Titans

It was a sloppy performance from the Bulldogs but it was one of the upsets of the season from Gold Coast. The Titans have a habit of doing this, and they go to the games where everyone writes them off and they're undermanned and they just drag you down and get you in a trance and make you fight for everything. The Bulldogs didn't have their foot on the throttle but don't take anything away from the Titans because they were very good. Mead at fullback was superb and the Titans forwards outplayed the Bulldogs forwards. However, without Albert Kelly and Jamal Idris they won't trouble the top sides. The Bulldogs were lucky to come away with the win against St George last week. There have been a lot of injures this round and poor Sam Kasiano has picked up an ankle injury. One thing for sure about the 'Dogs, they're not the same side when there's no Kasiano or Ben Barba for that matter.

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Brilliant Harris gives Aussies hope

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Ryan Harris celebrates after bowling Matt Prior, his second wicket in as many balls. Source:Getty Images

PACEMAN Ryan Harris, whose big heart has so often broken a fragile body, was given wonderful reward for perseverance with career best figures as Australia tried to set up an unlikely fourth Test victory.

Harris took four wickets before lunch on the fourth day at Chester-le-Street to finish with 7-117 from 28 overs. It was the best return for an Australian bowler since Mitchell Johnson took 8-61 against South Africa in Perth in 2008.

Having ripped through the England top order, Harris's fourth day wickets were well deserved after yet another wholehearted display with the new ball. However, some late order slogging by the England tailenders had left Australia in a daunting position.

Resuming at 5-234, England were bowled out for 330. Needing 299 to win on a wicket that was showing signs of variable bounce, Australia was 0-11 at lunch.

Briefly, it had seemed Australia's chase would be less substantial.

When Harris bowled Ian Bell for 113, and did the same to Matt Prior with his next ball, England was 7-271. But nightwatchman Tim Bresnan (46) and tailender Graeme Swann (30 not out) frustrated the Australians with some big hitting.

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Bresnan's valuable cameo was tinged with controversy. He was given not out on 12 while shouldering arms to Jackson Bird, and saved from an Australian referral only on the "umpire's call".

It was a dispiriting moment for the Australians given that, customarily, batsmen not playing a shot are seldom given the benefit of the doubt.

Bresnan and Swann's late runs frustrated the Australians, who had been in sight of victory when they had England 3-49 on the third day - effectively 3-17 given their 32 run first innings lead - only for Bell to take the game away from them with his third century of the series.

When Harris finally removed Bell, the nature of his dismissal might have caused some concern to the Australian batsmen. The ball stayed down on a good length, with Bell only able to edge the ball onto his stumps.

Prior also chopped Harris's next ball onto the stumps. But Broad denied him the hat-trick with a confident front forward defensive shot.

While England's lead was foreboding, there was some good news for the struggling Australian batting line-up with Shane Watson taking his place at first slip after suffering a groin injury on the third day.

If Australia was to have any hope of chasing the England total, Bell had, yet again, provided them with a wonderful example of how to bat under pressure on a difficult wicket.

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Homeless Nonu no concern for ABs

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Nonu improves out of sight when he pulls on the All Blacks jersey. Source:AAP

HE is the superstar All Blacks centre that no franchise wants, but New Zealand coaches warn that Ma'a Nonu is primed for a trademark Bledisloe Cup blockbuster after overcoming injury concerns.

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The out-of-favour Nonu could take out his frustrations on the Wallabies as his contractual saga drags on. Nonu, in a similar situation to Wallabies utility James O'Connor, remains without a Super Rugby franchise for next year after unpopular stints at the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes in the past three years.

None of those three teams have shown interest in having Nonu back in 2014, while the Chiefs and Crusaders are also uninterested, which has caused major concern for the ruling body, the NZRU.

Nonu, 31, is viewed as a troublesome identity in Super Rugby dressing rooms yet consistently produces stunning form on the international stage for the All Blacks — and has been a major thorn in the Wallabies' side for years.

The 79-Test veteran centre has not played a professional game since June 29, and has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained in a club match three weeks ago.

There was even talk in New Zealand of Dan Carter being shifted to inside centre to cover an absent Nonu, but after the giant midfielder trained well on Monday his coaches are extremely confident he'll take the field on Saturday for the first Rugby Championship match of 2013.

"The signs are that Ma'a's improving every day and it's looking good," All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said.

"I've been delighted with him. His ability to come in here with one focus is outstanding.

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"His major concern is getting over that little niggle and he's doing that very well."

Nonu's added motivation of finding a new club could result in a tough night for Australia's defence, who were woefully exposed by the British & Irish Lions in their previous outing.

Under new coach Ewen McKenzie, the Wallabies will be hoping to make instant improvement, and a major focus will be stopping the impact of Nonu in midfield.

It is typical of Nonu to follow unimpressive Super Rugby form with outstanding performances in the black jersey, and Australia will be weary of such a prospect at ANZ Stadium. In eight games for the Highlanders this year Nonu scored one try and made just two linebreaks.

In three Tests against France in June, he made four linebreaks and had one try assist.

In 18 Tests against the Wallabies, Nonu has scored eight tries and experienced defeat just three times.

Meanwhile, All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg expects a far more expansive attack from the Wallabies than what they showed under previous coach Robbie Deans. With McKenzie using a successful ball-in-hand approach to win the 2011 Super Rugby title with Queensland Reds, Dagg said the new coach would bring in a faster style.

"The Reds like to use the ball, spread it wide, with quality passes," Dagg said. "They like to run it from everywhere. It's going to be a pretty quick game."

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Lanning puts Stars on front foot

Meg Lanning has been named to make her Test debut. Picture: Cricket Australia

AUSTRALIAN opener Meg Lanning's innings on day one of the women's Ashes Test has ended after she was run out on 48.

Lanning was facing the second ball of the second over after lunch and hit a solid shot through cover point.

Lanning and batting partner Sarah Elliott took two runs as Katherine Brunt fielded the ball out near the boundary.

When Lanning turned to take a third, Elliott sent her back, but she failed to make her ground as wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor took off the bails.

It brought Victorian Jess Cameron to the crease with Australia 2-87.

Lanning, in her Test debut was 45 at lunch alongside Sarah Elliott (24) as Australia reached 1-84 from 33 overs at the first break.

The Victorian, who made 104 off 124 balls in a tour match against England A last week, was watchful early before unleashing with nine fours, including a powerful back foot pull shot. 

She survived a dropped chance by England keeper Sarah Taylor when she was on 13 and appeared to edge another which Taylor couldn't reach, but the umpire didn't think Lanning had hit it. She survived an LBW shout in the 30th over, appearing to be a fair way down the track.

Elliott, who made 81 in a six-hour stand to help deliver the 2011 Ashes, was happy to leave to England bowler Jenny Gunn, who came on first change, handing Gunn five maidens.

The 31-year-old was patient, but started to play her shots later in her innings.

Pace bowler Anya Shrubsole snared the wicket of opener Rachel Haynes (10) , clean bowled, in the tenth over.
Shrubsole and fellow English opening blower Katherine Brunt troubled the Aussies early with their pace and movement.

Australia named four Test rookies as they began their quest to retain the Ashes.

Lanning, Erin Osborne, Megan Schutt and 17-year-old speedster Holly Ferling were named alongside six veterans from the team that won the last Ashes Test, in 2011.

Captain Jodie Fields won the toss and elected to bat. Fields was named despite injuring her finger during a tour game last week.

Swing bowler Julie Hunter, who had a slight side strain and missed the tour match, failed to make the XI.

"Julie had a mild side strain. She has responded well to treatment and has been bowling at training. She was considered for selection but the selectors were concerned about her ability to bowl for the full length of the match," Chair of Women's National Selection Panel (WNSP) Julie Savage said.

Australia: Meg Lanning Rachel Haynes Sarah Elliott Jess Cameron Alex Blackwell Jodie Fields Erin Osborne Ellyse Perry Sarah Coyte Megan Schutt Holly Ferling Julie Hunter (12th)

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Video: best ball of Ashes series?

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Ryan Harris celebrates the dismissal of Joe Root, thanks to a peach of a delivery. Source:AFP

HAVING squandered the opportunity to build a more significant first innings lead, the Australian bowlers set about the task of restricting to England to a manageable total in still difficult batting conditions.

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In that quest, there was some early success. Having swung hard with the bat for his 28, Ryan Harris bowled opener Joe Root for 2.

At lunch on day three of the fourth Test, England was 1-24, still eight runs behind. Although, the Australians might feel their advantage should have been greater.

Resuming at 5-222, Australia was dismissed for 270, a first innings lead of just 32. Handy runs, but not as many as they might need to ensure they don't have to chase to big a target against the impressive English seamers and the spin of Graeme Swann.

That meant Australia had failed to capitalise fully on Chris Rogers' hard fought maiden Test century, and the veteran opener's innings savings day two partnership of 126 with Shane Watson.

Swann, who again looms as a major danger to the Australian batsmen on yet brown wicket, had helped limit the damage for England. The off-spinner dismissed both the overnight batsmen Rogers and Brad Haddin, before James Anderson and Stuart Broad knocked over the tail with the new ball.

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Haddin added only one run to his total before being trapped LBW by Swann for 13, a decision he unsuccessfully referred. More in hope, given Australia still had two reviews remaining, than with conviction.

Rogers followed soon after for 110, the victim of a smart catch by wicketkeeper Matt Prior - and the DRS system, which, after an England review, showed a small Hot Spot on his glove.

Mercifully, given the emphasis on technology in this series, Peter Siddle's dismissal was more straightforward. A regulation catch to first slip Alastair Cook from Anderson.

Nathan Lyon also fell to Anderson, trapped in front for four and Ryan Harris, who had provided most of Australia's advantage with some lusty hitting, was trapped LBW by Stuart Broad.

Not by New Zealand umpire Tony Hill, whose failure to raise his finger continued a poor run of form, but by DRS.

Despite the decision being so obvious that Harris jogged off the ground before it was confirmed to prepare to open the bowling.

Broad finished with 5-71, fair reward for the brilliant spell of swing bowling that had helped reduce Australia to 4-76 on day two. Under overcast skies, Broad had been a time virtually unplayable as he collected the top order wickets of David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Michael Clarke.

Rogers, 35, became the second oldest Australian batsman to record his debut century, behind Arthur Richardson who was 37 and 351 days when he scored his first century against England at Leeds in 1926.

That was an emotional moment for player whose sole Test, before this series, was more than five years ago, and who admitted he believed he would not play at the top level again.

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Live: fourth Ashes Test, day three

Joe Root was clean bowled by a sensational Ryan Harris delivery. Source: Getty Images

CAN Australia capitalise on their strong position on day three of the fourth Ashes Test, or will England launch a fightback?

Stick with us throughout the evening as we bring you the best analysis, reaction and colour from the ground and around the world via social media in our live blog.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!

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Buzz's NRL Team of the Year

George Burgess has had a breakout season for the Rabbitohs. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

IT'S that time of the year again. Winter is on the way out, eight finals positions are up for grabs and the game's individual awards are soon to be determined. I'm getting in early to reveal the team of the year.

Fullback: Greg Inglis
How could you pick a team without the great Billy Slater at fullback? Easy. South Sydney's Greg Inglis has been clearly the dominant No.1 in the game. There have been some other standout performers, none more so than St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan. Anthony Minichiello has had another great year at the Roosters. Brett Stewart is approaching his best form at Manly and Michael Gordon has been outstanding at the Sharks.

Wingers: Jorge Taufua and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Probably the most difficult choice because so many have emerged this year and played better than the established representative wingers. We've gone for the Sea Eagles' Jorge Taufua as first choice. He has to be there on Fox Sports statistics which show, going into yesterday's game against the Warriors, he has broken the line 25 times this season (the most of any player). He has also scored 16 tries, ran 145m per game and made more metres (2748) this season than any player. The Roosters' Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is on the other wing. What a player! The boys at the Wests Tigers, Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma, are extra special. Penrith's Dave Simmons has held his own every week against the best in the competition.

Centres: Michael Jennings and Jamie Lyon
It's never easy leaving out quality players like Justin Hodges at the Broncos or Josh Morris at the Bulldogs. At the same time, you can't ignore the form of Michael Jennings in the Roosters' backline and Jamie Lyon at Manly.

Five-eighth: John Sutton
Without doubt the toughest job is settling on a five-eighth. James Maloney, Todd Carney, Kieran Foran, John Sutton, Jarrod Mullen, Josh Reynolds and Johnathan Thurston - what an era for number sixes. Certainly the best since Daley, Fittler, Mundine, Matty Johns, Kevvy Walters and co. Maloney had another blinder on Saturday night for the Roosters against the Raiders, Carney has stormed into Dally M contention but we've gone with Sutton. He's big and makes nearly 100m a game and has grown into a wonderful leader. Mullen is unlucky too. He has had a super year this season playing for the Newcastle Knights.

Halfback: Cooper Cronk
It impossible to go past Cooper Cronk but many others have had greats seasons. Daly Cherry-Evans at Manly, Adam Reynolds at the Rabbitohs, Albert Kelly at the Titans and Shaun Johnson at the Warriors have been outstanding. Trent Hodkinson at the Bulldogs deserves an honourable mention. Mitch Pearce too has exploded back from an ordinary State of Origin series, stylishly steering the Roosters towards the minor premiership.

Lock: Sam Burgess
Sam Burgess has staked a claim this year as the world's best forward, from lock, second-row or prop. Paul Gallen is the defending Dally M lock of the year but hasn't played enough football. The Broncos' Corey Parker and St George Illawarra's Trent Merrin have done well.

Second-rowers: Sonny Bill Williams and Anthony Watmough
It's impossible not to choose Sonny Bill Williams. He has the best off-load in the game and has lived up to all the pre-season hype. Anthony Watmough continues to impress for Manly and has done more than Sam Thaiday at the Broncos.

Front-rowers: George Burgess and Andrew Fifita
The one position where there has been a real changing of the guard this season. We've settled for Souths' George Burgess and Cronulla's Andrew Fifita, two explosive ball-runners. Matt Scott and James Tamou were entrenched at the beginning of the year as the game's No.1 props but have been disappointing in a struggling Cowboys pack. Aiden Tolman, James Graham and Sam Kasiano have been in great form for the Bulldogs. At Manly, Brenton Lawrence has been almost the find of the year. Willie Mason has been strong at the Knights and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves magnificent at the Roosters. I'm also a fan of the Storm's Jesse Bromwich.

Hooker: Cameron Smith
Australia's Test captain Cameron Smith has to be the first man chosen after yet another standout season. The biggest improver is Jake Friend at the Roosters, who is getting so close to the Tigers' Robbie Farah as the game's No.2 hooker that it's not funny. When Smith eventually retires, Friend will play for Queensland and Australia. Michael Ennis is again showing great leadership qualities at the Bulldogs and James Segeyaro has done exceptionally well in his first season at the Panthers.

Coach: Trent Robinson
It has to be the Roosters' Trent Robinson. We know he got Sonny Bill Williams, Michael Jennings and James Maloney but it normally takes more time to mould a potential premiership-winning outfit. This Roosters side is playing like it has been together for years. Ricky Stuart and Phil Gould won premierships in their first year as coaches - and Robinson could do the same at the Roosters. 

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Clarke falls to Broad brilliance

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Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Michael Clarke. Source:Getty Images

THIS time, not even Michael Clarke could save the struggling Australian batting line-up as Australia's top order disintegrated again.

At Old Trafford, Clarke had righted the ship. This time he abandoned it, losing his wicket for six to a loose drive outside off stump as Australia slumped to 3-75 at lunch on the second day of the fourth Ashes Test at Chester-le-Street.

After the carnage of Trent Bridge and Lord's, we had become accustomed to abject displays by the Australian top order. But, after having had the better of the draw in Manchester, and bowling out England for 238 here, the momentum seemed to be turning.

Yet, in the early stages of their second innings, the light at the end of a tunnel was another train. This one in the shape of the villainous English paceman Stuart Broad, who took all three Australian wickets before lunch.

Batting in difficult overcast conditions against some testing England bowling, the tourists might have been in an even deeper hole had opener Chris Rogers, not out 41 at lunch, had not survived two scares.

The first reprieve came when Broad's LBW referral was overturned, the second when Rogers was given out caught behind, but Hot Spot showed the ball had hit his pad. However, to Broad's annoyance, the replay also showed Rogers would have been LBW if the umpire had given him out for that.

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Warner was bowled for three attempting a cramped, defensive shot with an angled bat. Then, in Broad's next over, Usman Khawaja was caught behind for a duck.

It was a particularly disappointing return from Warner, who had been elevated to his preferred position at the top of the order after batting at No.6 in the third Test.

The Australians had hoped for a typically brisk innings from Warner to continue the momentum created by their bowlers on the first day.

Instead, his dismissal exposed Khawaja who again failed to grasp his chance to cement a place in Australia's frail batting line-up. Khawaja poked tentatively at a ball from Broad outside off-stump, offering a routine catch to England wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Clarke was also caught by Prior, his swat at Broad's ball well outside off stump and uncharacteristic mistake by the Australian captain.

Australia had taken little time to complete the day's housekeeping, wrapping up the England innings without allowing them to add to their overnight score.

Jackson Bird got justified reward for his tight and probing bowling on the first day, when he bowled James Anderson for 16. Although not before hitting the England No.11 with a bouncer, and breaking his helmet.

Nathan Lyon finished with 4-42, having taken the top order wickets of Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Jonny Bairstow.

The off-spinner bowled well, but was also the beneficiary of some excellent work by the Australian seamers. Bird (2-58), Ryan Harris (2-70), Peter Siddle (1-41) and Shane Watson (1-21) all kept the England batsmen under constant pressure. 

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Pies stun Swans on home deck

Collingwood star Dane Swan in action against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

COLLINGWOOD completed a 29-point upset victory over Sydney on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium, the greatest sign yet that they'll be doing more than just making up the numbers in the AFL finals.

The Swans were irrepressible in the early stages of the clash, booting the opening four goals as the Magpies struggled to keep up with the hosts' incredible pressure and swift ball movement.

But Collingwood managed to settle. By quarter-time they trailed by only two goals, in the decisive third term they seized control of the contest with fierce pressure to beat the Swans at their own game and win 14.16 (100) to 10.11 (71).

Sydney's star recruit Kurt Tippett booted six goals for the second week in a row, but the hosts relied on him too much with only four other Swans able to get on the scoreboard in Ted Richards' 200th match.

SuperCoach scores, stats

The running game of Collingwood proved the difference, with Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams and Harry O'Brien magnificent for the visitors.

The victory leaves the Magpies two points adrift of fourth-placed Fremantle, who host Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.

But even if Collingwood fail in their improbable pursuit of a top-four spot, come September they will draw confidence from an away win over the reigning premiers.

The in-form Magpies next face Hawthorn on Friday night, a six-day break and the premiership favourites to be the ultimate test after impressive wins over Essendon and Sydney.

The only sour note for Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was the form of key defender Nathan Brown, with Tippett running rampant just two weeks after GWS young gun Jeremy Cameron kicked seven goals against him.

Tippett did everything in his power to get the Swans over the line, with Brown substituted out of the game late in the third quarter.

The 26-year-old booted two quick goals after halftime to reel in the Magpies' three-point lead at the major break, and slotted another in the dying stages of the third term to reduce their advantage to 12 points and give the Swans hope.

However, Ben Reid goalled after the three-quarter time siren and the 'Pies never looked back in front of the crowd of 42, 627.

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