Watching the match-saving partnership between Michael Clarke and Marcus North on Monday, I couldn't help but draw parallels between England toiling unsuccessfully and Australia missing out on an expected victory at Cardiff.

BBC: Justin Langer column

England's innings got off to a bad start when Nasser Hussain, opening with Butcher in the absence of rested duo Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan, was bowled second ball by Dilhara Fernando for a duck.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | Sri v Eng | Butcher bounces back

The other option for Australia would be to include Brett Geeves, who like McKay has played two one-dayers but has yet to experience Test cricket, in an all-seam attack and rely on Marcus North and Michael Clarke to provide any spin they might need.

BBC: Paceman Clint McKay to make Test debut for Australia