Image source, AP

Over in the Rod Laver Arena, defending champion Stan Wawrinka is cruising towards his intended destination - round two. The Swiss star is leading 6-1 6-4 4-1 against Marsel Ilhan of Turkey.

So far it appears to be 'First Set James Ward' on court seven. The British number two holds off the snappy Spaniard to hold his first service game of the third set.

So which James Ward are we going to see in the third set? First-set James Ward or second-set James Ward?

Whichever one it is, they have opted for a change of shirt - a floral number provided by his new kit sponsor, a name previously more familiar with high street shoppers than athletes. And the British Davis and Fed Cup teams.

Verdasco saves a break point with an ace but then loses a lengthy rally and has a bit of a chip at the umpire about spectators talking during the point. The Spaniard then dumps a forehand in the net, and the sizeable British contingent in the crowd perk up considerably.

Dominic Inglot
British doubles player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was a terrible set for James Ward, let's be honest. But it is one set all. He's not behind, he's even.

"He can take a time out, go to the toilet, have time to think, maybe knock your opponent out of his stride a bit. He's got to start again."

Verdasco can't wait to get this set wrapped up. Ward can't wait for it to be over. Then, as soon as the Spaniard does that, Ward takes a time out and legs it to the gents. Spoiling tactics rather than a bursting bladder, one would suggest.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"In a complete reversal of the first set, Verdasco gets the double-break as his booming forehand has Ward examine the outer limits of court seven. The Londoner spent part of his off-season at Andy Murray's infamously gruelling training camp in Florida and he might need everything that put in his legs if this goes long. Another of those cross-court backhands gives him a bit of hope in game five but Verdasco slams the door shut."

Block it out, James, block it out. After looking like a top 10 player in the first set, Ward is scampering around like a man outside the top 200 in the second. So that is probably why he averages out at around the 100 mark. Verdasco is easing through the gears, becoming more aggressive as this set draws to a conclusion.

* Upset alert *

Italy's Fabio Fognini is the third top-20 player in the men's singles to be looking at flights home. The number 16 seed is beaten in four sets - 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 - by Alejandro Gonzalez of Colombia.

Aaron Nicholson:, external This was worth staying up for. Please James keep it up, otherwise my sleep deprivation is for nothing.

Dominic Inglot
British doubles player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Verdasco is starting to hit that forehand much better now. He held his serve and is back in the lead - that first set doesn't really matter any more. Momentum is in his favour - even though he is a set down."

Failure to take those breaks in the previous game must have just lingered on the mind of Ward. The British number two can't find his rhythm in the second and loses his serve to put the Spaniard, who cracks the winner with a fizzing backhand, in command. Momentum shift perhaps?

Verdasco grabs himself by the scruff of the neck and lifts himself off the hook. Ward pins him back on the ropes, earning three break points but the Briton can't convert any of them. Huge sigh of relief from the Spaniard.

Fernando Verdasco can be a combustible character - and he looks ready to explode. The Spaniard angrily mutters something as he returns to the baseline for the start of the second set. His turn to serve.

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"I'm certain that isn't James Ward out there. James Ward is a good player but this bloke out there is playing like a top 10 player. This is the best tennis I have seen him play."

Sensational scenes. James Ward could be forgiven for strutting off Court 7 with a swagger and cheeky grin. The British number two takes the opening set in 37 minutes against former semi-finalist Fernando Verdasco.

Ward pulls a beauty deep into the corner on set point and Verdasco can only send his response long. But he knows there is still plenty of work ahead if he is to join hitting partner Andy Murray in the next round. Experienced Spaniard Verdasco looks shell-shocked.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Enormous name-drop alert but…. Andy Murray told me last year that Ward's cross-court backhand is "world class" and it certainly looks that way when he absolutely leathers one for a clean winner at 5-1 up. Verdasco is not a happy man but keeps himself in the set with an ace."

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"This is the best tennis I have seen James Ward play!"

Easy stuff this Grand Slam lark, isn't it? James Ward holds serve to go 4-0 ahead. Fernando Verdasco doesn't know what day it is at the moment.

Image source, Reuters

That's it for Great Britain's Kyle Edmund, his Australian Open is over for this year as he goes down in regulation fashion to world number 38 Steve Johnson. The American finishes with 49 winners to Edmund's 22 and better stats across the board. It's a useful marker for where Edmund must go to continue his rise up the rankings, and three qualifying wins is not too shabby for a 20-year-old these days.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Verdasco has not exactly been tearing up the tour in recent times but even so, it's a very loose start from the man who once extended Rafael Nadal to a five-hour semi-final in Melbourne. He opens the door for Ward and the British number two snaffles the chance to get the double break."