Hussain: Leading from the front

Although they are still a long way behind in the first innings, they must have gained some confidence from their left hand/ right hand combination this afternoon.

Waiting patiently for the irregular loose ball, both batsmen were able to dispatch anything marginally scoreable to the boundary.

Having watched the aggressive style of our batsmen for a day and a half, I get the impression that England have decided to back themselves on this Headingley pitch and be more aggressive than they have in the previous three Tests.

This style is never easy against our attack, but at the end of the day it is probably the best way to go about their business.

By showing positive intent, through aggressive running between the wickets or positive stroke play, England can turn the pressure back onto us.

This approach takes courage and through the leadership of their captain, I believe they should have learned a lot about their game plan in the last session of play tonight.

Darren Gough's five-wicket haul was another boost for the hosts, who looked flat and a little lethargic for a great deal of the first day and even this morning.

Taking the new ball gave England a new burst of energy and after the dismissal of Simon Katich, who played well in his first Test innings, they enjoyed a fruitful day after the new ball entered the equation of the game.

Martyn: Resembled Richards

Apart from a brilliant century from Damien Martyn, none of our batsmen could really assert any authority on the England attack.

So entertaining was Marto's second Test century that the boys in the viewing area were calling him Vivian Isaac - after the great West Indian batsman.

He is in rare form, playing shots that the Master Blaster himself would have been proud of.

With little, but precise foot movement, his balance is as good as a professional ice-skater and his eye is like an SAS sniper.

Not only is he scoring runs regularly, but he is also scoring them with a fluency and confidence reserved for the greatest of players.

Some of his shots through the off-side, and with a relatively straight bat, are breathtaking to watch.

Like Mark Waugh or Adam Gilchrist, he is the type of batsman you are happy to pay money to watch.

It is a pleasure to see him realising his awesome potential and turning his natural ability into cold hard performances that will be remembered for a long time.

While this Test has produced wonderful entertainment up until now, there are three days to go.

If the first two days are anything to go by, you cricket lovers have plenty more to look forward to.

From Leeds,
JL