Fifth day stats

It is not only Australia's frontline bowlers that England must be wary of on a dry day, says our Benedict.

The Ashes in numbers every day with Benedict

Sky Sports' cricket stats man Benedict Bermange will be here throughout the summer to bring you the statistical lowdown on the battle for the Ashes. Benedict has teamed up with skysports.com to bring you the best stats ahead of each day's play and to give you a few pointers on what to look out for during Sky Sports' comprehensive Ashes coverage. And if you have any questions or queries that you'd like Benedict to look into, just fill out the comment form at the bottom of the page and he'll answer your questions.

First Test, Day Five - Cardiff

England's first Ashes Test woes may continue - they have lost the first Test of the last four Ashes series, but they did storm back in 2005 to win the series 2-1. However, the next Test is at Lord's where they have not beaten the Aussies since 1934.

Playing their part

Ricky Ponting has no shortage of options as Australia seek to break down England's resistance - particularly some of the statistics racked up by his part-time spinners.

Player	Against	Year	Figures
Michael Clarke	India, at Mumbai	2004	6-9 in 6.2 overs
Michael Clarke	India, at Sydney	2008	3-5 in 1.5 overs
Simon Katich	South Africa, at Durban	2009	3-45 in 11.2 overs

Another ton in sight

Mitchell Johnson needs two wickets to become the 33rd Australian to reach 100 in Test cricket. He is playing his 22nd Test which is the same number that both Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson took to reach three figures. The Aussie record is held by Clarrie Grimmett and Charlie 'Terror' Turner who both took just 17 matches. Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting needs one catch to become just the seventh man (and fourth Australian after M.Waugh, Taylor and Border) to take 150 or more in the field in Test cricket.

LUCY'S WEATHER WATCH

The England batsmen opened their curtains to some dodgy weather this morning, with some showers in the Cardiff area, but unfortunately for them the rainfall was not too significant and if there is any disruption to play it will be slight. Cardiff is quite well sheltered so spectators should experience a mostly dry day as the cloud breaks up. The temperature could reach 20c as the day brightens up with increasing amounts of sunshine.