England dig in after McGrath's double strike

SYDNEY: Glenn McGrath captured his 900th international wicket yesterday after England's batsmen gatecrashed Australia's Ashes party to reach 234 for four on the opening day of the final test.

McGrath dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell in the space of four balls after tea as Australia threatened to rip through England's fragile batting line-up.

But the tourists, 4-0 down in the series and hoping to avoid their first Ashes whitewash in 86 years, fought back strongly in the final session to share the honours before bad light ended play early at the Sydney Cricket Ground.