The log is over for the day - rejoin us again on Friday.

1820: Angus Fraser
There's been a lot of speculation about Vaughan's form ahead of the match. Before this he had scored just 32 runs at an average of eight in this series so far. He was dropped early on in his innings and then bowled the next ball but it was called a no ball. He then made the most of it. He was superb, getting back to the sort of form he showed at the peak of his powers in 2002-3.

1814: Mark Walker, UK, via email
Brett Lee is both a warrior and a gentleman. This series is being played in the best spirit for years. Well done to both sides.

1807: Pat Murphy, Radio Five Live
Despite losing Matthew Hoggard at the death, it was England's day. Michael Vaughan did his country proud by first winning the toss and then made a majestic 166. Shane Warne may have taken his 600th Test wicket, but he just had one wicket to show for his 27 overs bowled.

1802: Jim Maxwell, Test Match Special
So Brett Lee takes the bowling honours at the end of day one having bowled 19 overs and taken three wickets including removing Matthew Hoggard with the last ball of the day. Everyone appreciates what Ian Bell has done today as he comes off the field. He's been playing a very dogged innings to close the day on 59.

ENGLAND 341-5 HOGGARD B LEE 4

1758: Vic Marks, Test Match Special
I might be talking a bit early here but I think the Aussies will regret Glenn McGrath playing in this match. I've been watching the radar which is some indication - he is only averaging about 73mph.

1752: Nick Thorowgood, UK, via email
There's a strong smell of chickens being counted round here. The Aussies get to bat as well you know and this wicket, by the sound of it, is likely to suit them.

ENGLAND 333-4 PIETERSEN C SUB (HODGE) B LEE 21

1740: Vic Marks, Test Match Special
It's a bit of a cautious move by Australia not to have taken the new ball yet. But I'm sure they'll take up that option for the last four overs of play. The time for day one's play, however, is quickly ticking over.

1731: Kev, England
Anyone else a little concerned about the weather forecast for Saturday? Heavy Rain.

1725: Tim Peach, via email
I've been driving around all day today, listening to the coverage on the radio and in about 80% of all the parks I've passed, there have been people playing cricket, from just a father and son playing together to a match with about 20 fielders. I wonder if this would have happened if we'd lost the Edgbaston Test?!

1720: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
Shane Warne's going for an Oscar today. He's going for just about everything.

1711: Christopher Martin-Jenkins, TMS
The crowd are getting pretty excited out there now. It's not so much of a Mexican wave as a scattering of paper trays. If I were in the crowd I wouldn't want to be distracted by such shenanigans.

1700: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
That really was a missed opportunity for Michael Vaughan. Those 50s should have become easier and easier but he's been undone in silly fashion. It's not often you get a chance to notch up a double hundred but sadly it went begging. He played brilliantly and understandably the Old Trafford crowd rose as one to applaud him. His technique has been questioned before this match but he has answered his critics in some style.

ENGLAND 290-3 VAUGHAN C MCGRATH B KATICH 166

1652: Sridhar, USA
Jason Gillespie is getting a lot of movement. Unfortunately all his balls are moving towards the boundary line.

1642: Jim Maxwell, Test Match Special
Don't drown in honey Michael Vaughan - it's all too easy. Australia don't have enough to stop this onslaught unless Jason Gillespie gets some late movement.

1634: Cammo, Australia, via email
Australia have two outpatients bowling and another who seems to need some exploratory brain surgery. This is a sickening display with the ball to say the least.

1625: Geoff Lawson, Test Match Special
It's time to get Jason Gillespie off and time to get Brett Lee on. Australia can't let the good work that Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne have done be immediately forgotten. They bowled tightly and created opportunities. For now, Gillespie has really released the pressure.

1620: Gavin, England, via email
Jason Gillespie looks like someone who should be wearing sandals and is bowling like someone who is!

1615: James Doe, BBC Sport
There's still a great relief around the ground that Vaughan's got his ton. But since then a bit of a lull has descended as the crowd are now in the comfort zone. And the general consensus is that the earlier streaker - you may have missed it - was the worst ever. Better entertainment, however, is that fans from both sides by the big screen are amusing themselves by trying to build the biggest stack of plastic cups. The Aussies are ahead at the mo!

1608: grassonthewicket, TMS messageboards
If Ian Bell fails to get runs we may be asking for whom the bell tolls but, should he deliver, then the plaudits will be ringing out for him. Ding dong.

1557: Vic Marks, Test Match Special
Even if it stays flat this is a great toss to win especially if England can make it to 450/500. There's something called scoreboard pressure. It makes no odds if the pitch is as flat as a pancake if you know you have a big total already up against you.

1548: Oliver Brett, BBC cricket reporter
They may have consumed copious quantities of ale by now, but the England supporters took to their feet as one to applaud Vaughan's century. He saluted every corner of the ground - it's clear how much he appreciates a home crowd in good voice and that's what he's got today.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN REACHES TEST CENTURY

1541: elven_highlord, TMS messageboards
England have ridden their luck, but are doing well. There's serious question marks over the fitness of this Aussie attack - why else was Simon Katich bowling?

1537: John, Maine, USA, via email
Only once, when England won the Rugby World Cup, have I felt so utterly English since I moved to America. My Union Jack is flying a little higher than normal outside my New England home. It's just like being back in Yorkshire and better than watching the Red Sox even. Keep it up England!

1531: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
It's 195-2 and out come the players once more. Glenn McGrath has the ball in his hands for the third session.

1520: Michael Slater, Former Australian opener
I think it's a great toss to win this morning. Australia needed to win the toss to turn things around and get first use of the batting track especially to give Glenn McGrath a bit more time to recover from his injury. There was a bit of a hobbling run from McGrath during the last session and I heard he was only 50-50 which is not enough for Test cricket.

1510: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
England are now pretty well placed at tea with just under 200 runs. Warne ends with plenty of showmanship against Ian Bell, making sure he doesn't face just the Australian spinner's deliveries but also his reputation. Most impressive for England has been Vaughan's return to form. It's been a composed innings from the time he came in. He looks in good touch.

ENGLAND 195-2 AT TEA

1457: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
Shane Warne is virtually time wasting now. After his latest delivery he stays well up the wicket to chat with Ian Bell. Umpire Billy Bowden has a word with Warne who seems to keep quiet for the rest of the over.

1450: James Fox, On an oil rig, via email
Once again I find myself onboard an oil rig while an Ashes test is being played. Unfortunately I now have a Canadian colleague who is baffled by the laws of cricket. According to him "the bat is no more than a huge piece of ply, anyone could hit that ball" and "why don't they try and whack it, the girls". I have tried explaining the laws but I am really struggling.

1445: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
I was at the other end of the wicket when Shane Warne got Mike Gatting out with "that delivery" in 1993. I got caught off a full toss in that game so not necessarily the happiest of memories for me from that game 12 years ago. Warne's guile and artistry is very impressive. Now, the interesting contest is going to be between England young hopeful Ian Bell and the wiley fox that is Warne.

1431: James Doe, BBC Sport
Despite the recent wicket, there is already talk of a draw in the air. Robin Smith and Jack Russell are also chatting away to the fans.

1428: Vic Marks, Test Match Special
Trescothick's wicket was the most bizarre of dismissals for several reasons. He went to sweep Warne, it came off the glove or the bat handle, hit Adam Gilchrist on the knee and it bounced back into Gilchrist's gloves.

ENGLAND 163-2 TRESCOTHICK C GILCHRIST B WARNE 63

1425: Andy, London, via email
How satisfying to be a Pom in Australia with England doing so well. Iit will be another bloodshot-eyed Friday at work in Sydney. Go england

1421: Jim Maxwell, Test Match Special
Marcus Trescothick ducks down as a Brett Lee bouncer soars over his head. Interestingly, Trescothick is an anagram for cricket shot.

1412: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
Billy Bowden signals for a drinks break and Michael Kasprowicz strides on to dish out the drinks to the Australians. So everyone is getting fully and deservedly refreshed. England have now moved on to 151-1 after being 26-1.

1410: Matt, England, via email
I've just spent lunch in a pub in Wimbledon Village and it is packed. A huge cheer went up when Michael Vaughan was dropped followed by a huge groan when he was bowled next ball followed by a huge roar when we saw the no ball. What a great atmosphere.

1405: Richard, Glasgow, via email
This is fabulous - I am sitting in a very boring meeting in Glasgow with six lawyers around me arguing technical points of commercial law, with my Bluetooth headset in my ear. What those drones around me don't know is that for the last three hours, while I listen and nod and smile at them, your commentary is feeding into my ear through my laptop in my office next door, and I am enjoying every minute of this impressive England showing. Hurrah!

1400: Mike, England, via email
If that was Shane Warne's special ball (see 1353) let's have the non-special ones and see England reach 400 again on the first day.

1353: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
Shane Warne dances in to bowl his first ball, which he'd promised to be special. Midway through the run-up, he checks, goes back to move his marker and dances his way back forward. It's fairly innocuous when it comes - the only thing of note is the Maria Sharapova-esque grunt that backs it up. Michael Vaughan calmly pushes it away from him.

1350: Matthew Parker, Melbourne, via email
Right, I'm at home and I've been been banned from watching the cricket and been forced to watch Alias by the missus instead. It's a sorry state of affairs.

1347: bramo2, TMS messageboards
This is a no-win situation for Michael Vaughan now. The tabloids will probably make a big deal if he gets runs but, for most, there still remains question marks over his batting.

1343: Christopher Martin-Jenkins, TMS
Jason Gillespie, who is currently bowling, almost always has the look of an Old Testament prophet emerging from the desert.

1339: Jon, England
Twice dropped and bowled off a no-ball. It must be England's series.

1331: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
It must be Michael Vaughan's lucky day. Two escapes in two balls: the first a flyer that is put down by Adam Gilchrist and then a delightful ball from Glenn McGrath. But it's rightly called a no ball and the England captain survives to move on to his half-century.

1322: Jess, England, via email
As an Aussie working in a very large UK office I have my scoreboard on minimise and am trying very hard not to draw any attention to myself. And so I whisper "Come on you Aussies".

1316: Frank Clark, via email
I can only assume Shane Warne doesn't want to bowl while Marcus Trescothick is still at the wicket!

1310: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
Out come the teams again once more. The reassuring thing for England is that Michael Vaughan, as well as posting the best score of this series, is looking in fluent form.

1302: Nigel, England, via email
Much as I like Shane Warne as a bowler, his constant haranguing of the umpires (see 1231) is not doing the game any favours. Billy Bowden should tell him to button it.

1246: Phil Gallagher, via email
As the players take their lunch, us ex-pats in the States rub the sleep out of our eyes and settle down to breakfast.

1231: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
As the players come off the field for lunch, Marcus Trescothick is on 35, having been dropped on 13, while Michael Vaughan is unbeaten on 41. The pitch looks really good and Shane Warne is berating umpire Billy Bowden for not allowing another over before lunch. He's saying, "I want to get that 600th wicket before lunch." All the members are on their feet... and understandably. England will be very pleased with their morning's play - this is exactly what they would have wanted.

ENGLAND 93-1 AT LUNCH

1230: Oliver Brett, BBC cricket reporter
Jason Gillespie only has two wickets in the series so far and observing his body language out there he doesn't look as though he believes he will ever get a third.

1223: Gavin, England, via email
Can you hear the crowd singing Boney M's "Brown Girl in the Ring" but replaced with the words "I am Vaughan Again"?

1217: Richard Swabey, the North Sea, via email
I am emailing from the middle of the North Sea on the Noble Ronald Hoope over the internet and keeping a constant ear on theTest match with great anticipation. If it was anything like the last one it will be a corker.

1212: James Doe, BBC Sport
The weather and the atmosphere are great here at Old Trafford. We're enjoying some top banter with Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath between overs at the third-man boundary.

1210: Nathan Charles, row 36, Old Trafford From stand H we can see that Jack Russell (see 1203) has only done the sky so far on his painting.

1203: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
We've just spotted Jack Russell in the crowd painting away. I would have to say he's a quirky individual. I remember him getting ready for the hot conditions of one tour. He got on all his cricket kit, put a bike in a sauna and then did a full training session. As I say... a quirky chap.

1155: richie4eva1, TMS messageboards
It would be nice to see how Michael Vaughan stands up to Shane Warne if they square up. We all know it's inevitable that Warne will get wicket number 600 but who will be the unlucky batsman when Warney gets that elusive wicket? I'm going for Ian Bell or Geraint Jones.

1147: Ronald, near Beijing, via email
Just a short thank you for broadcasting the Ashes over the web. I live 40km out from Beijing so for me to see the matches I have to make my way by bicycle, light transit rail and underground and then walk to an Aussie pub called The Den that shows the matches via South Africa satellite television. Wifey is happy to have me stay home - the beer is much cheaper coming from the fridge than over the counter at the pub, and the commentary is coming in loud and clear and without no interruptions!

1137: Graham Gooch, Test Match Special
The wicket is playing pretty much as everyone expected - it's quite a bouncy pitch. I have some experience of this as Essex came up a couple of weeks ago to play Lancashire. We scored 500-plus, while Lancashire managed 600-plus. And it's worth pointing out that our spinner bowled 70-odd overs without getting a wicket.

1131: Andrew, South Africa
Australia let England win one game to make the Ashes interesting. England could never beat a side of geriatrics, let alone Australia.

1122: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
I don't think I've ever experienced such a genuine warmth between two teams as there is at Old Trafford. Brett Lee was out there this morning marking his run-up and sat down to chat with Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard. As I walked past, Lee got up and said: "Great to see you blokes and have a great game." And that's all just half-an-hour before the Test match.

ENGLAND 26-1 STRAUSS B LEE 6

1113: Adam Lawler, London, via email
Get out there and work your magic Australia. It's in situations like this when the Aussie ticker thrives, and where we show the world just how good we are. Go you good thing!

1109: Steve, England, via email
Seems like Glenn McGrath has been to Lourdes - torn ligaments, one week recovery - mmmm. Miracle recovery.

1100: Rob Russell, Saigon via email
It's 5pm here in Saigon so I am just off down the pub to watch the match. The problem is the only place in town showing it is an Aussie bar! Come on England

1055: Oliver Brett, BBC cricket reporter
Glenn McGrath is extraordinary. Three days ago he was on crutches - now he is producing three virtually unplayable balls per over. The humidity is probably helping him get movement but the cloud cover is beginning to disappear now.

1050: Jade Cooper, Manchester, via email
I'm working in an office about 100 yards from Old Trafford. It's so frustrating. We could hear the roar of the crowd if we could open the blimmin' windows. I'm so close but yet so far. Come on England - I want to see happy faces on my way home from work.

1047: Jim Maxwell, Test Match Special
Michael Clarke may be in a spot of bother. He comes off the field with what could be a spot of back trouble. Just as Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott got two men into the mix - Lee and McGrath - he then has another one to deal with.

1043: Stephen, Iran, via email
I'm in the Persian Gulf and listening to TMS on the internet. I was a nervous wreck during those last few scary moments in the second Test and, yes, I confess that I'd given up hope until big Steve Harmison coaxed Michael Kasprowicz into gloving a catch. Never mind that the talismanic Glenn McGrath is bowling - we have a couple of our own talsimen. Go for it boys.

1038: John Kettley, BBC weatherman
There was a little early shower around this area at about 0730. Sadly rain is pretty high on the agenda today - it's not the greatest of days. There are some sunny breaks on the way and hopefully it will brighten up in the morning session.

1034: Shane Warne, Australian spinner
I'm planning to produce something special to pick up my 600th wicket. I'd said before the summer I was hoping to make Kevin Pietersen my 600th scalp. But to be honest I don't really care who it is at the end of the day.

PLAY BEGINS WITH GLENN MCGRATH BOWLING TO MARCUS TRESCOTHICK

1030: Ricky Ponting, Australia captain
Glenn McGrath has come back remarkably well and it's a great effort from him and our physiotherapist. Our physio has been around a long time so he knows our players' bodies pretty well, while the players know their bodies pretty well. So I have no concerns about them at all.

1025: Michael Vaughan, England captain
It looks a good wicket so obviously we're going to bat. We need to get a good first-innings total of 400-odd like we did last time. As for Glenn McGrath being selected, we expected him to play. It'll be a good challenge for us.

1022: Jonathan Agnew, Test Match Special
Four days after what some are calling the greatest Test match ever, England and Australia are lining up against each other once again. Interest in cricket has never been so good. And hopefully the players can generate the same quality of play.

1016: James Doe, BBC Sport
The trams in Manchester are packed and there are queues galore. It doesn't look like a lot of spectators will get into the ground in time for the match start.

1010: Mark Harrington, England, via email
Well done Michael Vaughan on winning the toss on a good batting strip. It's about time we saw three figures against your name in this Test. Give Australia hell.

ENGLAND WIN TOSS AND ELECT TO BAT

1004: Emma, England, via email
Hmmm... another Ashes match and my boss is out of the office. The chances of doing any work are about as slim as Blowers not mentioning a passing bus on Test Match Special.

1002: Paul Richards, England, via email
Does anyone else think that the Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath injuries were a bit of mind games from the Aussies?

GLENN MCGRATH AND BRETT LEE INCLUDED IN AUSTRALIA'S STARTING LINE-UP; ENGLAND UNCHANGED

0953, madgazza, TMS messageboards:
I just heard the Australian chairman of selectors and he says Glenn McGrath is playing.

0944: William Symonds, Indonesia, via email I'm about to start listening to Test Match Special in Bogor, Indonesia, on crackling shortwave radio via Australia. Come on England and please skipper win the toss and bat, and score another of your sublime centuries.

0930: Danny Barlow, Bury, via email
Come on Freddie, let's rock 'n roll and send the Aussies home without the Ashes! Let them keep Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath. On the day, England will tweak them.

0912: Oliver Brett, BBC cricket reporter
Michael Kasprowicz is out in the middle and has a big grin on his face. Glenn McGrath is nowhere to be seen. As for the weather, it's overcast but there is no immediate threat of rain and the light is fine.

0900: Oliver Brett, BBC cricket reporter
The banter near Old Trafford begins early at the G-Mex tram station in Manchester. An England fan tells the driver "don't let the Aussies on". But there are many Australians bedecked in green and gold, and some look as though they've been up all night.

The Ashes is one of sport's greatest contests.

So over the course of the 2005 series, we'll be doing our best to convey all the colour and banter from the grounds by running a daily log during each of the five Tests.

You can read updates from our reporters and Test Match Special commentators, but we want you to join in too.

• Contribute to the general match debate with fellow fans by posting on our TMS message board and we'll include the best posts here.
  CLICK HERE to access our TMS message board

• Use the e-mail form on the right if you have specific information which would be of interest to other readers. Otherwise, please use our message board.

• If you are lucky enough to be at the match, text any observations or things you have spotted at the ground to 81111, putting Ashes at the start of your message, and your name at the end.
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