County Ground 20th - 21st August - Match Scorecard

Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke gave Australia a timely lift ahead of the fourth Ashes Test by hitting centuries in the warm-up game against Northants and sharing in a 206 run partnership - the highest of the tour.

As expected Gillespie was left out of the final eleven and despite both teams agreeing to play with 12 men, he had to settle to water bottle duties as Kasprowicz and Tait battled it out for the final Test berth.

Hayden, playing against his former club, was initially pinned down by accurate bowling from Ben Phillips, who was rewarded with the wicket of Justin Langer for one. With batting practice the number one objective on day one, it was a serious blow to the confidence within the camp.

Simon Katich, promoted to three from his usual middle order slot in the Test side, struck three fours, but the introduction of Steffan Jones proved his undoing as Damien Wright claimed his second catch of the morning.

Jones struck again by finding the edge of Damien Martyn's bat after he had raced to 26 off 12 balls, with keeper Riki Wessels taking the catch. Hayden gathered momentum with sensible support from Clarke as they took the score to 142-3 at lunch.

The scoring rate increased following the re-start with Hayden advancing to a 155-ball hundred and it came as a huge relief to the home side when Brown found a way as he attempted a leg-side slog.

Clarke's century took 168 balls and answered any question marks against his involvement in the fourth Test because of a back problem.

He was finally caught by substitute Andrew White off left-arm spinner Monty Panesar shortly before the tea interval which arrived with Australia having added 195 runs during the session.

Australia declared an hour before the close on 6 for 374 and with McGrath and Lee taking two quick wickets, Northampton were reeling on 2 for 29. Day two will see the resumption of the battle between Tait and Kasprowicz for the final Trent Bridge spot.

Day 2

Shaun Tait stated his case for a Test spot before Australia's batsmen enjoyed some useful practice as their two-day game against Northants ended in a draw.

Tait, a contender to replace Jason Gillespie at Trent Bridge, picked up two wickets in a hostile spell.

He also forced Tim Roberts to retire hurt with blood streaming from a cut, before later suffering a bruised leg himself after a blow below the knee.

Simon Katich returned to form with 63 and Justin Langer hit an unbeaten 86.

Damien Martyn also finished 43 not out as he and Langer enjoyed themselves in the final session after tea.

But most interest centred on Australia's bowlers with Tait and Michael Kaprovicz competing for a likely vacancy in Gillespie's place for the fourth Ashes Test starting on Thursday.

Tait responded with a dose of hostility that saw Roberts forced to retire hurt with a cut that required five stitches.

Tait said afterwards: "I felt pretty good. It would be everything for me to play for my country, just like it would be for any young cricketer.

"One thing I do know is that I am ready for that sort of cricket.

"If the opportunity comes up I am definitely there to bowl well."

Glenn McGrath (3-24) also forced Ben Phillips off temporarily after a short ball hit him between the eyes.

But Phillips resumed after treatment and finished unbeaten on 37 in Northants' total of 169-9, the only batsman to pass 20.

One thunderous drive struck Tait below the left knee in his follow through, and he was forced off for some ice treatment.

Kasprovicz, meanwhile, could only manage one wicket while Brett Lee (2-30) kept his hand in.

Opting for further batting practice, Australia sent Katich, with just 49 runs in the last two Ashes Tests, out to open with Brad Hodge.

Katich struck 63 from 103 balls while Hodge was run out for 25 as Australia reached 122-2 by tea.

Langer and Martyn then put on another 104 together in the final session as Australia concluded their preparations for Trent Bridge in good heart. (2nd day report courtesy BBC)

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