NOTTINGHAM, AUG 7: Australia, led by off-form skipper Mark Taylor's knock of 76, scored an impressive 302 for just three wicket on the first day of the fifth Test against England today.

The tourists, who only need to draw the match to retain the Ashes, were given a 117-run opening stand by Mark Taylor and Mathew Elliot (69). Taylor, often criticised for his lack of form, struck a good patch after his century in the first Test.

At close, Waugh brothers, Mark (60) and Steve (39) were together, having already added 77 runs for the fourth wicket.

Elliott passed 50 for the fourth time in the series while Taylor passed 6,000 runs in Test cricket as Australia made the most of Taylor winning the toss for the fifth successive Test.

Left-hander Elliott reached 500 Test runs in the series when he progressed to 66, but three runs later he was caught behind by Alec Stewart off Dean Headley to end the 117-run opening partnership.

It was a vital breakthrough for England after the tourists cruised to 84 without loss at lunch on a flat, easy-paced wicket.

Taylor finally reached his half century by cutting off-spinner Robert Croft for his sixth boundary of the day off 122 deliveries.

The Australian captain seemed on course for his second century of the series when he was undone by a beautiful in-swinger by Andy Caddick which sent his off stump cartwheeling.

Caddick was one of four changes to the England team as the selectors went for all out attack in a bid to keep alive any hope of winning the series.Paceman Devon Malcolm was given a recall after missing the defeats at Headingly and Old Trafford while Adam and Ben Hollioake were awarded their debuts, making them the first brothers to represent England against Australia in a Test since Charles and George Studd in 1882-83.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.