CRICKET: Siddle gives locals hope as England 304-5 at tea

MELBOURNE, Australia — Seam bowler Peter Siddle claimed three wickets and took two catches to leave England at 304-5 at tea on the second day Monday and revive Australia's slim hopes in the fourth Ashes test. Jonathan Trott was 65 not out at the break with Matt Prior on 12 as England took a commanding 206-run lead after Australia was bundled out for 98 on the first day — its lowest ever score against England at the MCG. England will retain the Ashes with a win here. After dismissing openers Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss to start the day, Siddle (3-41) trapped a dangerous-looking Kevin Pietersen for 51 after lunch with his third delivery with the second new ball. Pietersen brought up his half century an over earlier off 85 balls with seven boundaries. Pietersen survived a brief scare while on 49 when Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin persuaded captain Ricky Ponting to call for a video review after an edged Ryan Harris delivery. The subsequent not out decision appeared to prompt an angry reaction from Ponting. Mitchell Johnson (2-72) maintained Australia's momentum by dismissing Paul Collingwood for 8, caught by Siddle at fine-leg. Johnson, who took 9 wickets in Australia's 267-run win at Perth in the third test, has been far less effective in Melbourne, conceding 57 runs from 12 overs before his first dismissal. Siddle took his second catch off Johnson's next over when he dived for a low chance at deep fine-leg to end Bell's innings at just 1 run and leave England at 286-5. Johnson appeared to have taken his third wicket shortly before tea when Prior was caught behind. Prior was on his way off the pitch as the Australians celebrated before he was called back by umpire Aleem Dar who made a protracted no-ball decision. Resuming on the overnight score of 157-0, England lost its first wicket of the test when Cook edged a Siddle delivery to Shane Watson at first slip in the fifth over of the day. Cook's 82 included 11 boundaries in a 159-run opening partnership. The opener has now amassed a series leading 577 runs. Siddle dismissed Strauss four overs later for 69 when he nicked a ball up to a leaping Michael Hussey, who caught him one-handed at backward-point. The England captain timed five boundaries in his 170-ball knock. After winning the toss and sending Australia in to bat, England took less than two rain-shortened sessions to dismiss the hosts in 42.5 overs Sunday, with six catches taken by wicketkeeper Matt Prior, two in the slips and two at gully. — AP