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

To the chagrin of Australian fans – and neutrals who want to see if Pietersen & Geraint Jones can put England on the cusp of an improbable win – rain in the area delays play until 3:45 PM, essentially meaning only one session.

Evening

Not long after the resumption, the visitors strike, McGrath getting Jones before Giles goes for a duck two balls later. It’s just the kind of start to the shortened Australia wanted, but the English weather intervenes again, causing a brief delay. The rain doesn’t disrupt McGrath’s rhythm, however, as he continues to use that Lord’s slope to his advantage, trapping Hoggard lbw. The one positive of the day for England is Pietersen getting a critical half-century, showing the selectors that they were right to pick him for the series. Two balls after the 50, Warne gets Harmison, prompting Pietersen to take charge, taking the spin bowler for six off the first ball of one over and four off the last ball of that over. That’s the last action of the Test in England’s favor, as the very next over, Simon Jones edges to Warne at slip, McGrath finishing the job he started three days earlier. A series that began with hope and an unpredictable start sees the first Test close with an all-too-familiar ending. England will have more than a week to prepare for the next meeting at Edgbaston, but the consensus feeling is that 2005 will end with another comfortable Australian victory.

England finish their second innings 180 all out.

Australia win the first Test by 239 runs. They lead the series 1-0.