Dropped catches were a thorn in England’s side on day one of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, moving along to 273-5 after the first three sessions.

Three batsmen – Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and George Bailey – all made half-centuries, but couldn’t go on to make a big score against an England attack that included two frontline spinners down under, for the first time in more than two decades.

Ben Stokes was also called in, alongside Monty Panesar, to make his Test debut. Despite dismissing the half-century scorers before they moved into three figures, the tourists will be frustrated with the chances in the field that were squandered.

Neither Panesar, Joe Root, nor Michael Carberry could cling onto catches in the evening session, as Australia recovered from the loss of three wickets for 17 runs just before tea.

However, it was the Hampshire opener who got the day off to a strong start when he caught David Warner at point off Stuart Broad, to send the explosive batsman packing after a rapid 29.

The morning sessions was disjointed by three rain delays, and as a result, only 14.4 overs were possible before lunch. These intervals arguably worked to England’s advantage, as the Aussie top order strived to keep their concentration high throughout.

After lunch it was Rogers and Watson who took the fight to the bowlers with a second-wicket stand of 121. Both batsmen surpassed 50, but failed to make a potentially match-winning score.

For Watson, this is a regular occurrence, but Rogers will be equally disappointed if the rumours that he is fighting for his place in the team are true. Both fell within five balls of each other in the end.

Watson (51) was the first to go when he tamely drove the ball straight back to James Anderson, who made no mistake with his caught and bowled effort. Then Rogers (72) went in the next over, and there are no prizes for guessing which bowler got him.

For the seventh time in as many Tests, Graeme Swann claimed the scalp of Rogers, getting him to edge behind to wicketkeeper, Matt Prior. And the new partnership of Michael Clarke (48*) and Steve Smith would not prove as difficult to break.

In the final over of a long afternoon session, the Barmy Army had more to cheer about when Panesar got one to go past the defensive stroke of Smith and hit the stumps.

Nevertheless, that pre-tea joy would have a tinge of frustration and disappointment in it by the close of play.

Australia’s one-day captain, George Bailey put on 83 for the fifth wicket with the Test side equivalent, Michael Clarke.  There were nervy moments for both batsman though, as Panesar squandered an dolly from Bailey, off his own bowling.

Meanwhile Joe Root had a more difficult chance at full stretch, to try and displace Clarke – who also survived a reviewed run-out.

Bailey – unlike Clarke – didn’t make it through to the close of play, although he did claim his maiden Test fifty. He became Stuart Broad’s second victim of the day when he mistimed a hook.

Brad Haddin (7*) came to the crease, only to survive a big LBW appeal, and then get dropped by Carberry. The keeper will start day two alongside his captain, with the pair looking to pile on the runs, and compound England’s missed opportunities.