This is the third part in a series recounting the 2005 Ashes, as it occurred a decade ago.

Morning

Kevin Pietersen, who did very well to stay not out overnight despite the chaos around him, starts the second day slow but steady. Hoggard doesn’t fare as well, becoming Warne’s first wicket of the summer. The very next over, though, Pietersen takes McGrath for 4-6-4 in successive deliveries, bringing up a half-century in his debut Test innings. The South African-born batsman gets one more six off Warne before directing a ball straight to Damien Martyn for wicket number nine. Simon Jones and Steve Harmison put on a determined partnership for the final wicket, but Lee eventually finishes the job that McGrath started.

England finish their first innings 155 all out.

Australia’s second innings begins without the rocky situations they endured the previous day, Hayden playing patiently. England do get a wicket before lunch, Pietersen getting Langer in a runout. Ponting provides enough stability to take the Australians to 47/1 at lunch.

Afternoon

Hayden doesn’t last long in the second session, as Flintoff bowls him in the third over following the break. Ponting & Martyn continue their patient play, taking Australia past the 100 mark. The captain comes up just short of a half-century when he finds substitute James Hildreth at point. Clarke adopts Martyn’s style of play, not looking for boundaries, but simple singles that add to the Aussies’ lead. In the final over of the session, Clarke finds Pietersen at cover, who drops an opportunity to put the visitors under pressure. The two batsmen manage just one single in the remaining deliveries, getting to 140/3 at tea.

Evening

England’s bowling troubles continue, as Ashley Giles is brought on for spin, but is unable to produce the sort of chaos that Warne is notorious for. Clarke gets 50 as the Aussies get to 50 overs, something neither side did in their opening innings. Another critical dropped catch follows, as Hoggard fails to hold on to a shot from Clarke, and Martyn gets his half-century as well. Those in the dressing rooms and the stands get a feeling of “normal service resumed” as the hosts grow timid and anxious of making more errors. Clarke is the first player to reach the “Nervous Nineties,” but deflects a Hoggard delivery onto the stumps. The very next ball, Harmison traps Martyn lbw, and England have a glimmer of hope. Gilchrist begins perhaps too slowly, and is out for only 10, bowled by Flintoff. Katich remains unfazed, his primary goal to stay not out by the end of the day. This is the same goal for Warne, but he finds Giles at gully, who doesn’t make a mess of the opportunity. England end the day with a wicket, but are behind the eight-ball.

After Day 2, Australia are 279/7 in the second innings. They lead by 314 runs.