Record-breaking Agar makes England sweat

Ashton Agar produced an Ashes performances for the ages as his Test record 98 from number 11 lit up the second day of the series at Trent Bridge.

Nineteen-year-old Agar, a shock selection on day one, scored 12 boundaries and two sixes against a shellshocked attack to change the entire complexion of a game that took a further twist when England sought clarification from match referee Ranjan Madugalle over Jonathan Trott's controversial dismissal.

Agar's 10th-wicket stand of 163 with Phil Hughes (81no) was another world record and rescued Australia from the depths of 117 for nine to a 65-run lead at 280 all out.

Amazingly, it seemed as though even the England fans were willing him to three figures when Graeme Swann held him in the deep off the bowling of Stuart Broad.

By stumps England were 15 in front on 80 for two, Alastair Cook (37no) and Kevin Pietersen (35no) ensuring the evening's play was the first wicketless session of the series.

Much earlier in proceedings, James Anderson had completed a five-wicket haul with a typically wonderful spell of swing and seam that saw him and Swann combine to take five Australian scalps for just nine runs.

Agar had been the beneficiary of a marginal call by third umpire Marais Erasmus while still on six, but that was nothing compared to the controversy created by Trott's exit.

After Joe Root feathered Mitchell Starc down the leg-side, Trott was given not out following a strong lbw appeal from the same bowler.

The batsman appeared certain he had hit a ball that was otherwise destined to topple the stumps, with initial replays hinting he may have without unequivocally confirming it.

Side-on 'hotspot' replays were unavailable to settle the matter once and for all but Erasmus controversially overturned on-field official Aleem Dar anyway.

England were furious and promptly contacted Madugalle to explain the application of DRS in this instance.