Watson made a fine start to his career as a Test opener, unbeaten on 62

By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

England will be kicking themselves for the way they bowled with the new ball when the first day finally got under way six hours late.

With Shane Watson, the makeshift opener with a first-class average in that position of just four, at the crease and Australia reeling from the late loss of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin with a broken finger, the opportunity was there for England's bowlers to take full advantage of the situation.

But Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson simply could not get the ball in the right place.

Too many deliveries were left well alone by both batsmen, and with Flintoff reverting to his shorter length it was difficult to know if there was any early help from a pitch that has spent most of the last fortnight under the covers, or not.

Even in the heat of an Ashes battle, good sportsmanship lives on

The decision to replace Phillip Hughes was extraordinary. First, it was discovered by Twitter devotees, rather than announced through the proper team channels - which has not gone down well with the management.

But, second, this is the young opener with the barnstorming reputation in a brief and electrifying Test career who has lost his place after only two games in the series.

Of course, despite Ricky Ponting's assurances to the contrary, this was not a decision based on Australia's batting - but their bowling. Watson offers some overs of medium pace, giving Ponting an option if Mitchell Johnson continues to struggle.

It was a strange decision in that it seems so 'un-Australian' to be pushed into making a panicky, short-term change of plan.

606: DEBATE I thought that picking Watson as an opener was a terrible idea. I'm glad to admit that I was wrong Weagles

Fortunately for them, and despite a perilously close lbw call, Watson batted solidly, and he played some fine drives. Had he failed, there would certainly have been serious questions asked of Australia's selectors.

Ponting had no idea that Haddin had damaged his finger when he won the toss. The rule is that you cannot change your team after the toss without the consent of the opposition captain, and it was a sporting gesture of Andrew Strauss to grant it.

Frankly, it would also have been rather churlish not to have done, and I am quite sure that every other international captain would also have done so - but it does show that even in the heat of an Ashes battle, good sportsmanship lives on.

Strauss eventually turned to Graeme Swann and his sixth ball - the first Katich faced - he aimed a wild pull shot and was lbw for 46.

Australia batted positively throughout in the knowledge the weather is threatening to ruin the match and they need to force the pace. England may find themselves quickly forced onto the defensive.

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