Siddle hat-tricks aside, only lame Trott can stop Poms winning at a canter

Lunch England 2-226, 76 overs (Trott 31*, Pietersen 30*)

Tea England 5-304, 101 overs (Trott 65*, Prior 12*)

Stumps England 5-444, 136 overs (Trott 141*, Prior 75*)PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jonathan Trott. Unbeaten on 141 at stumps, he might have his eye on eclipsing his highest Test total when play resumes today. His best is 226, against Bangladesh at Lord's this year.

Peter Siddle. The Victorian paceman was Australia's most dangerous bowler yesterday, consistently troubling England's batsmen with speed, accuracy and aggression. A repeat of his first Test hat-trick this morning would at least spare his teammates another long day in the field.PLAY OF THE DAY

Umpire Aleem Dar's referral of Mitchell Johnson's ''wicket'' of Matt Prior became the moment Australia were effectively bundled from this contest. As they celebrated the caught behind, the excellent Dar told Prior to wait while he checked a possible no-ball, which proved to be so upon replay. Instead of England being 6-295, they went on to a lead of 346 runs.STATS OF THE DAY

The unbeaten partnership between Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior of 158 is the highest for the sixth wicket by an English pair at the MCG.

The five English dismissals so far have all involved Peter Siddle - three as bowler, two as catcher.QUOTES OF THE DAY

''Ricky Ponting's going to get an interesting reception by the time he bats tomorrow, the ground will probably be a third full, with plenty of England fans there … A lot of the Aussies will be batting for their careers.'' - Former England captain Michael Vaughan on BBC Radio

''I've got no idea what Ricky Ponting was doing arguing like that. You can question a point of law but you can't dispute a judgment call. It's not the first time he's argued with umpires, but it may well be the last. … I think a suspension would be in order. If the ICC don't punish him, the board should. The Australian captain shouldn't be allowed to behave like that.'' - Ian ChappellTHE FORECAST

Today: Morning cloud, 25

Wednesday: Fine, 29

Thursday: Partly cloudy, 27

THE ODDS

Australia England Draw

Saturday $2.40 $3.25 $2.85

Sunday $13 $1.20 $6

Monday $26 $1.16 $6