Back-up team fights back while dumped Hauritz hits out

Resuming on a promising 304-4, the home side were eventually bowled out for 388, losing their last six wickets for just 84 runs during the day.

Hampshire spinner Danny Briggs returned figures of 4-60 while Durham paceman Liam Plunkett brought back 2-86.

In reply, Craig Kieswetter went for a cheap 14, but an unbeaten 87 from James Taylor and a rapid 70 from 84 balls from Ben Stokes saw England through to 206-3 at the close.

As Australia look to repair the damage already done in the Ashes Test series – with the main focus falling on their failing bowl attack – off -spinner Nathan Hauritz sent a timely reminder of his all-round qualities by scoring a maiden first-class century yesterday.

Hauritz set a new mark for New South Wales nightwatchmen with an unbeaten 126 on the second day of a one-sided Sheffield Shield encounter with South Australia at the SCG.

He batted all day to help the Blues build a 129-run lead, but knows all eyes will be on his bowling when the Redbacks' second innings begins.

"Whenever you're dropped you are always looking to perform well," he said.

"I've been lucky enough to take some wickets and score some runs but the job's only halfway done.

"I've got to make sure I bat well (today) and bowl well on the last day."

Australia legend Shane Warne, meanwhile, landed in London yesterday and remained coy over speculation he could make an amazing Test comeback.

The 41-year-old former leg spinner, with 708 Test wickets to his name, retired after Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England in the

2006-07 Ashes series, but calls have grown for him to make a short-term return to the international game following his country's dismal start to the current series.

The stark danger of Australia losing a home Ashes series for the first time in 24 years has prompted the talk, which Warne himself has done little to quash.

While commentating on the second Test in Adelaide last week he admitted he could never say never, while he has also mentioned the idea on his Twitter page in recent weeks.

He has now arrived in England for some promotional duties and tweeted upon his arrival: "Just landed in London, it's freezing and was welcomed by press and photographers asking am I making a comeback? What have I missed?"