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After a see-saw opening day to the Ashes series there was no doubting who was the more dominant team on day two of the first Test in Cardiff.

At the end of play skysports.com picks out some of the highlights, and lowlights, with our plays of the day. To have your view on our selections fill in the feedback form at the bottom of the page...

Player - Perfect Ponting

While Katich, who struggled badly in the 2005 series, deserves an honourable mention after making his first Test ton against England, it is Ponting who deserves the majority of the plaudits.

The Australia skipper became just the fourth player to make 11,000 Test runs - joining Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and compatriot Allan Border in the illustrious club.

He went on to reach three figures from the penultimate ball of the final over, sealing a superb day for both him and his team in the Welsh capital.

Shot - Swann goes aerial

England's tail wagged in a big way in the morning session, with Swann leading the way with an aggressive 47 not out.

The Nottinghamshire off-spinner smacked six fours during his whirlwind 40-ball knock that helped add 99 runs in under 17 overs.

While the reserve sweep off Hauritz was cheeky, the pick of the boundaries from Swann was a superb straight drive back over the head of Ben Hilfenhaus. Having timed it sweetly, the batsman stood and admired his work as it raced away for a one-bounce four.

Stat - Major milestone

Ponting reached 11,000 Test runs in his 222nd inning at the age of 34 years 202 days old on day two. He is the second fastest to the feat after Lara and the second youngest after Tendulkar.

None of the other three to achieve the feat can better the right-hander's average of 59.20 - with the possibility of more runs to come on Friday.

Catch - Prior pounces

On a day when only four wickets fell candidates are in short supply. Ponting did snare a sharp effort to remove Monty Panesar in the morning but he's topped enough of the catergories already.

Instead it is Matt Prior - a wicketkeeper often criticised for his glovework - who deserves the honour for diving low down to cling on to a bottom edge off Phil Hughes.

Moment - Flintoff v Hughes

For a short stint after lunch with Flintoff bowling it seemed like we'd stepped back that amazing summer of 2005.

Bowling straight after the lunch break, the big Lancastrian worked up a serious head of steam to opener Hughes, starting off with a quick bouncer that was followed up by a few words of advice to the batsman.

The crowd were thrilled by the duel, roaring on the bowler before he eventually removed the left-hander for 36.

Celebrity - Howard's way

Another Ashes day, another long list of recognisable names sitting in the crowd enjoying the action in the Welsh capital.

Michael Vaughan was back again and spotted sitting talking to Piers Morgan. Dual code rugby star and Sky Sports pundit Scott Quinnell was also in attendance.

However, former Australia Prime Minister John Howard is selected having watched on (at one stage in a rather dodgy hat) as his compatriots took full control of the series opener.

Daily debate - Swing Lo?

Before battle commenced it was thought England's bowlers would hold sway over their Australian rivals, particularly with their ability to swing the ball.

Yet for some reason nothing moved off straight on Thursday, allowing Katich and Ponting to cash in and show England's top order how to make the most of a good start.

Even James Anderson struggled to get the ball to swing, while opening partner Stuart Broad failed to find a consistent length before picking up an injury after tea.

Only Flintoff looked dangerous on a sluggish pitch that while offering turn, lacks pace to benefit spin duo Swann and Monty Panesar.