Day Two - Rudi starts the rot

Was I harsh in my criticism of Monte yesterday? Probably. Early to nets this morning where one of England's many minders told me she had seen Monte sign 200 autographs while of course he had given numerous press interviews. He also gave us a day to remember. Sadly though the nickname is likely to stick for the time being.Paul Collingwood by contrast is rapidly achieving hero status. Happy to chat briefly last night he posed affably for a photo with George post a net session this morning, as did Geraint Jones. During nets I tried to coach GTW junior, watch his elbow, how seriously he takes his net....hoping he further enhances his reputation with a ton today. George beaming smile, almost enough to make one follow Durham!!

Thanks Paul!!!!!!

Sadly that was one of few highlights in a taxing day for England fans young and not so young. Collingwood fell early to a fine catch from Hayden off tormentor in chief Glenn McGrath. Bringing in Pieterson who was initially watchful before producing some late innings pyrotechnics to give us hope. Had Rudi not adjudged Strauss caught behind, when he seemed to have flashed and missed, things may have been different but his demise for 42 was perhaps a key point in the day and the match. Freddie struggled with the weight of expectation and Andrew Symonds, who surprisingly entered the attack before Warne, had Flintoff caught at slip for few and Jones caught driving loosely at gully for a duck. At this stage George was tired and verging on emotional. After Mahmoud had departed caught behind off Clark playing a ball he might better have left KP lifted spirits with excellent support from Hoggard and Harmison. His assault on Warne provided the second highlight with the six over deep extra worth the admission alone. Sadly rather than push a single off Lee and continue battle with Warne he sought to give similar treatment to Australia's fastest and Symonds took a good catch at deep mid on.There followed the best stand of the innings between Harmison and Panesar,which while greatly enjoyable was an ominous precursor to the Australian second innings. It did though show that Monte can bat with an excellent straight driven four off Clark and some very correct looking defence. WhenHarmison was last out caught off McGrath one hoped the partnership had shifted momentum. Hoggard's first ball found its way through Langer's defence and England seemed to be fighting back and we were jumping up and down by the Barmy Army. Should Harmison have been handed the new ball? Sadly Ponting and Hayden had other ideas and unless the pitch has improved substantially seem to have put Australia in a very strong position. England's grip on the Ashes is now very loose.

Its Aussie autographs George will try and get tonight - they may be in the mood. One suspects England may not.

Strategy worked with McGrath and Langer happy to oblige but then security which has been quite overt and a real surprise dictated it was time to leave. Still Gladstone Small very kindly went out of his way to visit our seats during the day and sign the shirt. Thanks Gladstone!! George somewhat deflated but hopeful for tomorrow as KP says we can chase 350 (later proved to be very accurate!)