The lack of similar potency amongst the current crop of Australian bowlers - including Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and spinner Nathan Hauritz - has strengthened English hopes of a first series win down under since 1987.
The seamers fared a little better with Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris and Doug Bollinger all inflicting occasional damage on the English batsmen, but critics suggest they suffered from indecision by the selectors.
Yardy pulled Doug Bollinger to deep square-leg, and Pietersen was run out by Mitchell Johnson's kick on to the stumps in the first over of the batting power-play.