Cricket-England's batting goes from good to bad to ugly

By Ed Osmond

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) - England produced another typically inconsistent batting performance as the ghosts of Cardiff returned to haunt them in the second Ashes test on Thursday.

A score of 364 for six on the first day was disappointing after a rock-solid opening partnership of 196 provided the perfect platform to take control of the match.

Alastair Cook's dismissal for 95 precipitated a baffling collapse in near perfect conditions at a sun-kissed Lord's with Ravi Bopara, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior and Andrew Flintoff falling to lazy strokes.

The frailty of England's batting was reminiscent of the team's performance in the first test in Cardiff when several key batsmen threw away their wickets and only the heroics of tailenders James Anderson and Monty Panesar salvaged a draw.

Captain Andrew Strauss stayed calm in the chaos, ending the day on 161 not out, his 18th test century.

"I really enjoyed the opening partnership with Cookie but as they often do the Australians came back well in the final session," he told a news conference.

"I am slightly disappointed after the start we made but there are definitely wicket-taking opportunities on this pitch."

Strauss and Cook played themselves in patiently, mixing watchful defence with crisp cuts and pulls.