Fast bowling leader Peter Siddle stood up for Australia with an awesome five-wicket performance on day one of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.
Siddle was criticised for his poor lead-up form, but emphatically dismissed doubt over his selection by tearing through England’s top order for figures of 5-50 by tea.
Australia’s highest-ranked quick knocked over five of England’s danger men to leave the home side reeling at 6-185.
From his first wicket to his fifth, Siddle went for just 22 runs from 51 balls.
After going for runs early, the Victorian pace warrior announced his return to the Ashes centre stage with a cracking outswinger which beat the edge of Joe Root’s (30) bat and knocked over his off-stump at base-height.
Siddle had superstar batsman Kevin Pietersen (14) poking forward and edging to second slip for his second breakthrough, before the cat was really set amongst the pigeons when he had Jonathan Trott (48) playing on at 4-124.
Ian Bell (25) and Jonny Bairstow (32 not out) combined for a half century fifth wicket stand to steady the ship, before Bell became Siddle’s fourth victim – nicking to Shane Watson at first slip.
Next it was Matt Prior’s (1) turn – slashing a wide ball to Phil Hughes at point.
Siddle was smashed for 0-27 in his first four-over spell from the Pavillion End, before roaring back into rhythm when switched to the Radcliffe Road End.
James Pattinson (1-51) made the first breakthrough of the day when he had England captain Alastair Cook edging behind in the ninth over.
Australia backed up their selection bombshells by showing strong intent with the ball on what looked an ideal batting wicket.
Teenage offspinner Ashton Agar was presented with his baggy green cap in a shock debut at the expense of Nathan Lyon, but was slapped for four with his first delivery in Test cricket.
Agar bowled well at times for figures of 0-24.
He had just 10 first class matches under his belt, with 31 wickets at 29.38, but was called in to replace Lyon, who took nine wickets in his last Test match in India.
All-rounder Watson didn’t bowl in the opening session, and bowled just four overs in the middle session (0-7) before appearing to pull up in some discomfort.
Key left-armer Mitchell Starc was occasionally threatening but equally struggled to find a consistent length, and went for 0-42 off his 14 overs.
Steve Smith was announced as the No.6, with David Warner paying the price for his drunken punch in a Birmingham bar last month.