At Turnberry, Watson and Ross Fisher, praying that his wife could delay the birth of their first child, were the threads of the last two days which lacked nothing in excitement and intrigue despite Woods having this time missed the cut.

BBC: Age no barrier for Watson

Neil McCallum and Ross Lyons join Hamilton, Watson and Coetzer as the only players remaining from the side that faced England two years ago.

BBC: Skipper Gavin Hamilton returns to face England

Ross Fisher, who started the day one shot behind Watson, suddenly found himself in a three-shot lead after birdies on the 1st and 2nd coincided with dropped shots from the American veteran.

BBC: Westwood laments missed chances

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first and was soon out in the middle when opener Phillip Hughes - a replacement for the injured Shane Watson - become Arnel's first Test wicket when he edged a catch to Ross Taylor at slip.

BBC: Michael Clarke ton puts Australia on top in Wellington