This is the 11th part in a series recounting the 2005 Ashes, as they occurred a decade ago.

Morning

Bell is now joined at the crease by Flintoff, still coming off his incredible bowling at Edgbaston but yet to make a meaningful contribution with the bat. However, Bell is unable to add to his overnight total of 59, edging behind to Gilchrist. Flintoff and Geraint Jones supply some order, taking England to 350. As the session proceeds, both batsmen are patient, adhering to the same technique that helped England post 400 at Edgbaston. There is a brief rain delay – a sign of things to come – but it doesn’t stop Jones & Flintoff bringing up a 400 in Manchester. With both men in the 40s, however, Australia finally get breaks; Flintoff can’t get enough off a Warne ball and he finds Langer. Then Gillespie, who has struggled all series, bowls Geraint Jones on what proves to be the final ball before lunch. England are 434/8.

Afternoon

The Australian bowlers continue to take advantage of England’s tail end, Warne getting Giles for a six-ball duck. Harmison bravely gets to double digits but the spinner’s next over sees Simon Jones bowled, ending a fantastic batting innings for the hosts.

England finish their first innings 444 all out.

Hayden & Langer begin comfortably, getting to 50 inside 13 overs. But Giles’ first over pays dividends, when Langer edges to Bell at short on. Ponting leads a more cautious approach , although Hayden gets into the 30s as tea is declared with Australia 73/1.

Evening

The final session of the day can’t start any better for England; Simon Jones gets Ponting for just 7. Giles traps Hayden lbw not long afterward, prompting Martyn & Katich to play more cautiously. They guide Australia to 100, but Flintoff bowls Katich with the first ball following the drinks break. Gilchrist starts his innings in his usual confident manner, but Giles bowls Martyn clean. Australia have already lost half their wickets and are still more than 300 behind. Gilchrist survives when Bell can only get fingertips on one hit, then gets a third life with another drop, shades of Michael Vaughan. Warne also plays defiantly at the other end of the crease, willing to help the Aussies’ wicketkeeper-batsman lay a foundation for a respectable total. But Gilchrist’s luck runs out when the two Joneses get him at 30. Clarke comes in to bat, despite suffering back problems that forced Australia to field a substitute in the first innings. His resistance only lasts 18 deliveries. Warne gets a massive six off Giles to bring up the 200, while he and Gillespie fight to end the day not out.

After Day 2, Australia are 214/7 in the first innings. England lead by 230 runs.