FOURTH TEST, DAY ONE

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Very English conditions at the MCG...

0645: You've got to love the fella really. Ideal seam-bowling conditions so obviously Warne steps up with five wickets as England gladly allow Australia to trot on towards a 4-0 lead. The worst thing about England's collapse, though, is the fact Australia didn't actually play that well. They let England off the hook with the new ball, and put down a number of chances. But England ensure none of those mistakes cost anything. England's only hope appears to be the weather but, unlike the tourists' cricket, that appears to be improving. DT

0451: Warne enters the record books again. He is undoubtedly the greatest spinner, possibly the greatest cricketer of all time, and one of sport's true icons. Once he got the shoulder going - which took a few overs on a chilly Boxing Day in Melbourne - it didn't take long for Warne to bamboozle Strauss and reach that landmark. It seemed inevitable it would happen in Melbourne on Boxing Day. And while Warne may have claimed not to care how the landmark wicket came, he must secretly have been delighted to do it with a great delivery to a proper batsman. DT

0232: Another rain break, and it does look like England may have got it wrong at the toss today. Glenn McGrath and Stuart Clark are being given regular breaks here, while Andrew Strauss has played himself in at least three times already. And it's surely only a matter of time before Rudi gives Strauss the slow death anyway. Even if the ball wasn't jagging about all over the place (which it is) these would be bowling conditions. I know England, in common with most teams, always look to bat first, but these are truly ideal conditions for the bowlers. DT

0120: Some very English conditions then in Melbourne, with rain delaying the start and then forcing an early lunch. Andrew Flintoff might just be wondering if he made the wrong decision at the toss given the amount of movement the Australian bowlers have found. Having said that, England won't be too disappointed at 36 for one. But it's the sort of pitch where 36 for one could easily become 50 for four. Especially if England are batting. Dave Tickner