Journalism of Courage
Australia vs England, The Ashes 2021/22, 1st Test - Live Commentary and Ball by Ball Updates
02
nd Innings
Australia
We are back for England's second innings! Australian players stride out to the middle and take their respective fielding positions. Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed are the openers for England. Mitchell Starc to start the proceedings with the ball.
So Australia have added another 82 runs to their tally to post a lead of 278. The host had England on the ropes all day long. Starc started the session and played a good innings of 35 and then Lyon chipped in some quick runs while Head continued to blossom on the other end, he scored 150 and carried on to rub more salt on England's wounds. Earlier in the innings, it was the partnership of Warner and Labuschagne that troubled them, both showed good composure but failed to reach the triple-digit score with Warner just missing by 6 runs. Wickets started tumbling down and it looked like England founded their rhythm until Head came out to bat. He was in a different mood as he batted at a good strike rate and just asked the tail-enders to support him from the other end. Things started slipping again for England as they failed to take the remaining three wickets quickly. Lately, England were made to work hard to scalp the wickets and now it is their batters' job to start on a front foot and at least stay compact until the Lunch break.
104.3
over
104.3 | 0 Runs | HH: 425/10
104.3
W
Mark Wood to Travis Head, OUT! BOWLED! Finally, England get their man and end Australia's innings as well. Travis Head makes room for himself very early and exposes his stumps. Mark Wood fires a straight ball, on the stumps. Travis Head tries to carve it over covers but he backed way too far and the ball was out of his reach. It sends the stumps flying and Travis Head walks back to the pavilion on the back of an excellent knock. Australia finish with 425 and have a lead of 278 runs!
104.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, DROPPED! That has been the story for England so far! Fuller this time, on middle, another off-pace delivery. Travis Head moves to the off side and flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. Haseeb Hameed charges ahead to take the catch. Dives in front but palms it out. The batters don't run though as Head wants to face as many deliveries as possible.
104.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Good-length ball, outside off. Took the pace off the ball. Travis Head looks to have a poke at it but drops his bat at the end.
104
over
104 | 5 Runs | HH: 425/9
103.6
0
Jack Leach to Josh Hazlewood, Full ball, outside off. Josh Hazlewood defends off the front foot.
103.5
0
Jack Leach to Josh Hazlewood, Tossed up, outside off. Hazlewood rocks back and blocks it out.
103.4
0
Jack Leach to Josh Hazlewood, Full and outside off. Josh Hazlewood prods across and defends it to covers.
103.3
1
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Outside off. Head mistimes his sweep to square leg for a quick single.
103.2
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Full again, outside off. Head tries to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
103.1
4
Jack Leach to Travis Head, FOUR! 150 for Travis Head! What an innings this is from him. He gets all the applause and the Gabba crowd erupts to cheer him. A full ball, on middle. Head slog-sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary and gets to his 150 in style.
103
over
103 | 5 Runs | HH: 420/9
102.6
0
Mark Wood to Josh Hazlewood, A yorker now, on middle. Josh Hazlewood gets his bat down in time.
102.5
0
Mark Wood to Josh Hazlewood, Short ball again, on middle. Josh Hazlewood looks to block but gets hit on the gloves. No control on that shot and the ball drops safe on the deck.
102.4
0
Mark Wood to Josh Hazlewood, Short ball, on middle. Josh Hazlewood ducks under it.
Josh Hazlewood is the last batter to walk in.
102.3
W
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, OUT! TAKEN! Wood finally gets his man. Short ball, on middle. Lyon looks to pull but gets a leading edge high in the air and towards short square leg. Ollie Robinson charges in and takes a simple catch.
102.2
4
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, FOUR! Edgy runs! Short of a length, on middle. Lyon rocks back and looks to pull but top-edges it over the keeper's head for a boundary.
102.1
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, In the air but safe. A length ball, on the pads. Head hops and flicks it uppishly and towards deep square leg for a single.
102
over
102 | 2 Runs | HH: 415/8
101.6
0
Jack Leach to Nathan Lyon, A loopy ball, on middle. Lyon pushes it to mid-wicket.
101.5
1
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Darted on the pads, this is flicked to square leg for a single.
101.4
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Around off, pushed to covers.
101.3
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Quicker now, spinning back in. Head blocks it out.
101.2
1
Jack Leach to Nathan Lyon, Flatter and outside off. Lyon dabs it late past the first slip for a single.
101.1
0
Jack Leach to Nathan Lyon, A full ball, on middle, pushed to mid on.
DRINKS! Travis Head is inching closer to 150 now and Australia have a massive lead of 266 runs. England bowlers already look tired and are getting no help from the pitch as well. They will look to quickly scalp the remaining two wickets and stop Australia to have a lead past 300. Bowling change for England. Spin for the first time today. Jack Leach (11-0-95-1) comes into the attack.
101
over
101 | 10 Runs | HH: 413/8
100.6
6
Mark Wood to Travis Head, SIX! Just over the fielder! A length ball, angling on the pads. Head whips it away and just clears the square leg fielder for a biggie. 5 runs shy of 150.
100.5
3
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, Short of a length, on middle. Lyon swivel-pulls it through mid-wicket for three runs.
100.4
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, On a length, on off. Head hops and taps it to cover for a single.
100.3
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Third time missed. Length and down the leg side, this was close to the leg pole. Head shuffles way across and misses his tuck.
100.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Length again and down the leg side. Head steps across and misses his flick.
100.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short and down the leg side. Head misses his flick.
Mark Wood is brought back into the attack. He replaces Ben Stokes.
Mark Wood is brought back into the attack. He replaces Ben Stokes.
100
over
100 | 3 Runs | HH: 403/8
99.6
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Good-length ball, outside off. Lyon lets it sail through.
99.5
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Length ball, on middle. Lyon tucks it on the leg side.
99.4
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Fuller, on off. Driven towards mid off.
99.3
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Good-length ball, angling in. Lyon knocks it back to the bowler.
99.2
2
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, On a length, on middle. Flicked to deep square leg for a brace.
99.1
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Pulled to deep square leg for a single.
99
over
99 | 5 Runs | HH: 400/8
98.6
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Fuller in length, on middle. Lyon drives it back to the bowler.
98.5
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Lyon again tries to pull. He misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
98.4
4
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, FOUR! Lyon takes on Stokes! Enough with the short balls, he says! Short of a length, on middle. Nathan Lyon pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Off the bottom of the bat but enough to clear the ropes. 400 up for Australia!
98.3
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Short of a length, on middle. Lyon tries to pull but misses.
98.2
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Length ball, down leg. Head tickles it to deep backward square leg for a single.
98.1
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Length ball, on middle. Head tucks it on the leg side.
98
over
98 | 1 Runs | HH: 395/8
97.6
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Lyon looks to play across but gets hit on the pads. England appeal for an lbw but the umpire says no. Going down leg.
97.5
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, DROPPED! Fuller in length, outside off, nipping away. Nathan Lyon chips it to the left of Woakes. He extends his left hand and tries to catch it but the ball fails to stick in his palms.
97.4
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, On a good length, outside off. Lyon leaves it alone.
97.3
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length, outside off. That bounced sharply. Lyon looks to drive but misses.
97.2
0
Chris Woakes to Nathan Lyon, On a length, on off. Lyon pushes it to mid off.
97.1
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Length ball, on leg. Head tries to defend but gets hit on the pads. The ball drops on the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.
97
over
97 | 3 Runs | HH: 394/8
96.6
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Length ball, on off. Lyon stays back and nudges it to mid on.
96.5
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, And again! A short ball, down leg. Lyon looks to pull but once again fails to make any connection.
96.4
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Another bouncer, on middle. Nathan Lyon looks to pull but misses.
96.3
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, JUST SHORT! Short ball, on leg. Travis Head pulls it without any timing to deep square leg. Haseeb Hameed charges ahead from the deep to take the catch but the ball falls just short of him.
96.2
1
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length, on middle. Lyon hops and tucks it to square leg. Gets off the mark with a single but more importantly, hands over the strike to Head.
96.1
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Good effort ball from Stokes! Serves a bumper, on off. Steep bounce on that occasion! Travis Head hops and takes his eyes off the ball. The ball goes off the outside edge to third man for a single.
Nathan Lyon walks out now.
96
over
96 | 5 Runs | HH: 391/8
95.6
W
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, England get the breakthrough! Woakes hurls a length ball, on middle. Mitchell Starc flicks it towards deep square leg. Gets the height but not the distance. Rory Burns is stationed over there. He doesn't even have to move an inch. Keeps his eyes on the ball and takes it with ease. Mitchell Starc departs but Australia will feel he has done his job. Chris Woakes breaks the 85-run stand and now England will look to wrap things up.
95.5
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, outside off. Starc lets it be.
95.4
4
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Starc is playing a gem of an innings here! Length ball, on middle. Mitchell Starc lofts it over mid on to fetch himself a boundary.
95.3
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, On a length, on leg. Starc defends it out from the crease.
95.2
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, outside off. Starc has a feel for it. The ball zips past the outside edge.
95.1
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, around off. Head stays back and steers it to backward point for a single.
Change from both ends! Chris Woakes (22-7-68-1) is brought back into the attack.
95
over
95 | 7 Runs | HH: 386/7
94.6
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Another solid defense from Starc. 7 coming off it, an expensive start from Stokes.
94.5
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, On a length, on off. Starc blocks this one on the deck.
94.4
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short and on middle, pulled away to square leg for a single.
94.3
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head has to get on his toes to keep this one out.
94.2
6
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, SIX! Statement from Head! A full ball, on middle. Head smashes it straight down the ground for a biggie.
94.1
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Length ball, angling on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Ben Stokes (9-0-50-0) is brought into the attack.
94
over
94 | 4 Runs | HH: 379/7
93.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, On middle. Blocked out.
93.5
4
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Good shot! Pitches this one up, on middle. Starc drives it firmly through mid on for a boundary.
93.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, on middle. Starc is solid on his defense.
93.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Short now, down leg. Easy leave for Starc.
93.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, A low dipping full toss, on middle. Starc jams it out on the off side.
93.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, on middle. Starc defends it off the front foot.
93
over
93 | 8 Runs | HH: 375/7
92.6
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head hops and blocks it out.
92.5
1
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, On middle, tucked away to mid-wicket for a single.
92.4
4
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! More runs! A length ball, outside off. Starc gets an outside edge and the ball rolls away through the gully region for a boundary. It went through the diving fielder.
92.3
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Length and angling on the pads. Head flicks it aerially and towards fine leg for a single.
92.2
2
Mark Wood to Travis Head, A short of a length, outside off. Head hops and taps it to third man for a brace. Easy for Australia, no trouble whatsoever.
92.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short of a length, outside off, extra bounce as well. Head has a poke at it and misses it completely. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
92
over
92 | 1 Runs | HH: 367/7
91.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, outside off, this one nips back in. Starc looks to defend away from the body but gets beaten on the inside edge.
91.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, On the pads, this is flicked to square leg.
91.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, outside off. Starc lifts it towards mid off who collects it on a bounce.
91.3
1
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, A length ball, on off. Head dabs it to deep point for a single.
91.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, A length ball, outside off, this one stays low and is too close for Head to cut it, misses.
91.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, A length ball, on off. Head blocks it to covers.
91
over
91 | 2 Runs | HH: 366/7
90.6
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, on middle. Starc stays back and pushes it to Wood.
90.5
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Short stuff from Wood. Starc sits under it.
90.4
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, On middle, on a length, hit back to the bowler.
90.3
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Short of a length, on middle. Starc misses his flick as he closes his bat face early. Gets hit high on the pads.
90.2
2
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, angling on the pads. Starc tucks it to deep square leg and collects a couple of runs.
90.1
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, outside off. Starc taps it to point.
90
over
90 | 2 Runs | HH: 364/7
89.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Back of a length, on off. Head jumps and defends it out off the inner half of the bat.
89.5
2
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
89.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, angling away from off. Travis Head has a poke at it. The ball beats the outside edge and carries through to the keeper.
89.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, attacking the stumps. Head covers the line and defends it back to the bowler.
89.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Short ball from Robinson, on middle. Head ducks under it and evades it comfortably.
89.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Touch fuller, outside off. Head leaves it for the keeper to collect.
89
over
89 | 3 Runs | HH: 362/7
88.6
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, on off. Starc hops and knocks it back to the bowler. These two are looking very solid!
88.5
2
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Fuller this time, on off. Starc drives it through cover-point for a couple of runs.
88.4
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, On a length, on middle, at 145 kph. Starc defends it on the leg side.
88.3
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, On a length, on off. Starc defends it with ease.
88.2
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, outside off, at 141 kph. Head slashes it to deep point for a run.
Mark Wood (20-4-57-1) is into the attack now.
88.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, on off. Head hops and taps it to point.
88
over
88 | 1 Runs | HH: 359/7
87.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, on leg. Starc pushes it to mid on.
87.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Length ball, outside off. Head dabs it past gully for a single.
87.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle. Head blocks it from the crease.
87.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Full and outside off. Head drives it towards covers.
87.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Length ball, on middle. Head blocks it on the leg side.
87.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, outside off. Head leaves it alone.
87
over
87 | 9 Runs | HH: 358/7
86.6
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, on middle. Starc looks to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge to point.
86.5
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Short of a length, outside off. Starc leaves it alone.
86.4
4
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Great shot! Fuller, on middle and leg. Starc works it away to wide of mid on for a boundary.
86.3
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on leg. Head looks to tuck. The ball goes off the thigh pad to the right of the keeper. The batters take a leg bye.
86.2
4
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, FOUR! He is continuing from where he left off! Short of a length, on middle. Head pulls it with disdain to deep square leg for a boundary.
86.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Outside off, on a length. Left alone.
86
over
86 | 2 Runs | HH: 349/7
85.6
1
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Pitched up, outside off. Head pushes it to point. Haseeb Hameed has a wild throw at the stumps for no reason. There is no one backing up and the batters take a single off the overthrows.
85.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Fuller, on off. Starc chips it towards mid off for a single.
85.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, On a good length, on off. Starc taps it to point.
85.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, around off, nipping away. Mitchell Starc looks to flick but gets beaten on the outside edge.
85.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, on off. Starc taps it on the off side.
85.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, angling away outside off. Starc lets it be.
Who will start from the other end? It is Ollie Robinson.
85
over
85 | 4 Runs | HH: 347/7
84.6
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Fuller, outside off. Head drives it towards covers.
84.5
3
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, on middle. Starc knocks it off the inside portion of the bat to deep square leg. Three taken. Australia now lead by 200 runs!
84.4
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, On a good length, outside off. Starc lets it go.
84.3
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, outside off. Starc leaves it alone. No signs of any swing as of now.
84.2
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head hops and tucks it to square leg for a single.
84.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle. Head stands up on his toes and plays it to gully.
We are all set. The players of England stride out to the middle. Travis Head and Mitchell Starc to continue their innings. Chris Woakes to start with the ball.
Australia have completely bossed the game so far. On Day 1 their bowlers did their job by folding England for a paltry score of 147 and on Day 2 their batters did their job with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne both scoring half centuries although got to feel for Warner who missed out on a ton by just 6 runs. Later, it was Travis Head who scored runs aggressively and reached the milestone off just 85 balls which is also the fastest Test century at The Gabba. It was a spirited performance from the England's front three pacers but only if they had taken every opportunity which came in their way, the side would have been in a much better position. The Brits will now look to wrap things up and come out to bat with a much more positive intent but will still need a herculean task to get out of this rut.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the first Test match of the Ashes. Australia are in a commanding position now extending their lead to 196 and still have 3 wickets in hand but more importantly, have Travis Head at the crease who brought up his first Ashes ton. Australia will look to pile as many runs as possible and put England completely out of the contest as there is still ample of time to get a result unless rain plays a spoilsport. Stay tuned for further updates.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then! Yet another dominating performance from Australia and they end the second day on a high. They lead by 196 runs and will look to add as many runs as possible while England will look to take those last three wickets quickly. Join us for Day 3 as the action will begin at 9.30 am Local (11.30 pm GMT, previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!
David Warner is up for a chat, he says that England bowled really well and they were relentless. Tells that how incredible innings it was from Head. Says it was a tight battle between Khawaja and Head and Head got the nod and then scored a brilliant century. Tells that one doesn't know if it will be their last day or not so one has to go out, enjoy and make the most out of it. Mentions that when you are out of runs, you need some luck and he got exactly that.
England were in a good position but Head's brilliant batting took the game away from them. They have to blame themselves, misfields, drop catches, run out chances. Opportunities were there but all went begging. First, it was the partnership between Warner and Labuschagne and then once they fell, Head came out of nowhere and made things from bad to worse. Everyone were looking tired, bowlers, fielders and even Root, who had no clue what to do and get back into the game.
David Warner started the day with Marnus Labuschagne walking out later on the other end and the duo did really well to play the first session with great composure but Labuschagne fell just after posting a partnership in excess of 150. After that, wickets started tumbling and even Warner missed out on his century. It was then, Travis Head who was looking so good in the middle, just wanted someone to stay at the other end as he was scoring the bulk of runs. The tail-enders did really well to help him reach the landmark as he brought up his first Ashes century.
Absolutely wonderful innings from Travis Head, scoring his first Ashes hundred, stuff to dream of. Australia in pole position as they end the day with a lead of 196 runs and looks like they are not yet done. Travis Head walks off to a standing ovasion from the Gabba crowd and his teammates as well and he has righly deserved so.
84
over
84 | 3 Runs | HH: 343/7
83.6
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Fuller and wider, outside off. Starc lets it go. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2!
83.5
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, outside off. Starc shoulders arms.
83.4
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Was there an inside edge there? Definitely some sound when the ball passed the bat. Good-length ball, on off, coming back in. Mitchell Starc has a swing at it but misses. The ball goes well away from the keeper and Jos Buttler does really well to dive to his right but fails to pouch it. Yup! HotSpot shows that there was an inside edge there.
83.3
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Starc looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Mark Wood appeals for an lbw but the umpire says no. He is interested but Joe Root does not opt for a review.
83.2
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, left alone.
83.1
3
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Full and on the pads. Head flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Jack Leach from deep square leg chases it and keeps it down to three runs. The England players look very tired now and there body language says it all.
83
over
83 | 3 Runs | HH: 340/7
82.6
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Full and outside off. Starc lets it sail through.
82.5
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, left alone by Starc.
82.4
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length, on off. Driven to mid off.
82.3
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, On a length, on leg. Tucked on the leg side for a single.
82.2
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Fuller in length, on middle. Head drills it to mid on.
82.1
2
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
82
over
82 | 6 Runs | HH: 337/7
81.6
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length, on leg. Starc misses his flick. Gets hit on the pads. Wood with an half-hearted appeal for an lbw but the umpire is unmoved. That was going down the leg side.
81.5
0
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, On a length, on middle. Blocked out.
81.4
4
Mark Wood to Mitchell Starc, THICK EDGE AND FOUR! Good-length ball, outside off. Starc looks to drive. The ball goes off the outside edge past the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
81.3
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, on off. Head pushes it towards covers for a single.
81.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Fuller in length, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.
81.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Length ball, on leg. Head looks to work it away but gets hit on the thigh pad.
The physios come running in the ground as Travis Head gets hit near the chin. Wood walks straight to him to apologize though. He ssems fine now and we are ready to resume.
81.1
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, OH DEAR! NASTY! Wood steams in and bowls a full toss, on middle, at 138.6 kph. Travis Head is completely taken aback by the bounce and is in no position to play that shot. The ball hits the gloves and then rolls up to hit his chin. He immediately goes down on the ground. Mark Wood walks up to him to see if he is okay. He looks to be in some pain though. Also, Mark Wood has overstepped and no ball has been given.
81
over
81 | 11 Runs | HH: 331/7
80.6
3
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, A length ball, outside off. Head looks to defend but it takes the outside edge through the gully region and three runs are taken as the fielder chases it back and cuts it off.
80.5
3
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Full and on middle. Starc looks to go big down the ground but ends up slicing it over covers for three runs.
80.4
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, outside off. Starc shoulders arms.
80.3
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on the hips, Head flicks it on the leg side. Woakes runs across and collects it. A single.
80.2
4
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, FOUR! There it comes! FIRST ASHES HUNDRED FOR TRAVIS HEAD! What a knock this has been from him. Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Travis Head drives it past the diving mid on fielder and the ball races away to the boundary. He removes his helmet and soaks applause from his dressing room and the crowd erupts as well. Gets a hug from Mitchell Starc. He is elated. There were many questions regarding his place but he has repaid it by this ton. Sensational batting!
80.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, A length ball, outside off, shaping away as well. Left alone.
Second new ball is available now. Will England take it? Yes, they have opted to take it and it is Chris Woakes who will steam in now.
80
over
80 | 3 Runs | HH: 320/7
79.6
0
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, Fired in, on leg. Starc looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for an lbw but the umpire says no. Going down leg.
79.5
0
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
79.4
1
Joe Root to Travis Head, Full and on middle. Head eases it down to long on for a single.
79.3
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Loopy ball, on middle. Travis Head looks to work it on the leg side. He gets hit on the forearm and the ball lobs up in the air behind the keeper on the leg side. Rory Burns moves to his right and dives forward to take the catch but it didn't come off the gloves.
79.2
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, This is pushed back to the bowler.
79.1
2
Joe Root to Travis Head, Short and on off. Head punches it to wide of deep mid-wicket. The fielder moves to his right and cuts it off. Keeps it down to two runs.
79
over
79 | 3 Runs | HH: 317/7
78.6
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Travis Head hops and taps it towards covers. He wanted to be on strike the next over and thus sprins across for a quick single. Haseeb Hameed has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Good running!
78.5
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Short ball, on off. Starc takes his eyes off the ball and pulls it without any timing to mid-wicket. A single is taken.
78.4
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, On a good length, on middle. Starc pushes it to cover.
78.3
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, outside off. Starc with an another leave.
78.2
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off. Starc watches the ball closely and lets it go.
78.1
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Length ball, on off. Head pushes it through covers for a single.
78
over
78 | 6 Runs | HH: 314/7
77.6
0
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, Slightly short outside off. Starc taps it to point.
77.5
0
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, Full and on middle. Starc pushes it to covers.
77.4
0
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, Tossed up, on off, pushed to covers.
77.3
3
Joe Root to Travis Head, A low full toss, Head drives it to deep cover. Malan there runs across and dives but fumbles to collect it but does enough to flick it back with his leg. Three.
77.2
2
Joe Root to Travis Head, Tossed up, outside off. Head looks to slog-sweep but gets a top edge over the keeper's head and they take two runs.
77.1
1
Joe Root to Mitchell Starc, Full ball, on off. Starc gets low and pushes it on the off side for a single.
Interesting thoughts from Shane Warne on air. He reckons that with not much batting left, Australia should look to declare and take a few English wickets tonight. That means Head will have to try and get to his century quickly.
77
over
77 | 2 Runs | HH: 308/7
76.6
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Immediately off the mark! Length ball, on off. Starc nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
76.5
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Full and on middle, drilled down to long off for a single.
76.4
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short and on middle. Head ducks under it.
76.3
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on off. Head again gets cramp for room as he looks to cut.
76.2
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short and on middle. Head sits under it.
76.1
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, around off. Head looks to cut but gets cramp for room and misses.
The new batter in is Mitchell Starc.
76
over
76 | 7 Runs | HH: 306/7
75.6
W
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, OUT! TAKEN! Australia 7 down now. A full ball, down the leg side. Pat Cummins flicks it late with soft hands towards the leg slip where Haseeb Hameed is stationed and he takes a good low catch. Pat Cummins is disappointed with himself as he walks back. The England skipper gets the opponent skipper! End of a crucial 70-run stand.
75.5
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Follows Cummins on the leg side and serves it full, pushed back to the bowler.
75.4
1
Joe Root to Travis Head, A loopy ball now. Head works it to deep cover for a single.
75.3
2
Joe Root to Travis Head, Short and outside off, cut away to covers for a brace.
75.2
3
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Three taken! Full ball, outside off. Pat Cummins makes room and gets low, lifts this one over covers for three runs.
75.1
1
Joe Root to Travis Head, Full ball, on off. Head skips down and pushes it to long off for a single. 300 up for Australia!
75
over
75 | 10 Runs | HH: 299/6
74.6
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Travis Head is taken aback by the bounce. He does well though to drop it to the off side and take a single. 10 runs off the over.
74.5
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Top edge and the ball rolls away to the fence! A short ball, on middle. Head looks to pull but gets a top edge and races away behind the keeper for a boundary.
74.4
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! A length ball, on middle. Head smashes it wide of mid on and bags a boundary for himself.
74.4
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, NO BALL! A length ball, angling on middle. Head misses his flick and gets hit high on the pads. Ben Stokes oversteps and the umpire signals a no ball.
74.3
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short ball, on off. Head sits under it.
74.2
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, On a length, on middle. Head punches it to covers.
74.1
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Full and on middle. Head pushes it to mid on.
Ben Stokes (6-0-35-0) is back into the attack.
74
over
74 | 15 Runs | HH: 289/6
73.6
0
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Flatter and angling on middle. Cummins lunges and blocks it out.
73.5
5
Jack Leach to Travis Head, FIVE RUNS! Oh dear! Full and outside off. Head comes down the track and smashes it to mid off for a single. Ben Stokes collects the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end. Pat Cummins makes his ground with a dive. The throw is a wild one and it goes past Jos Buttler and dribbles away into the fence. Jack Leach is not happy with that at all.
73.4
6
Jack Leach to Travis Head, SIX! MASSIVE! Tosses it up, on middle. Travis Head comes down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
73.3
1
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, On off, punched to mid off for a single.
73.2
2
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Loopy ball, on off. Pat Cummins puts a big stride forward to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge to third man. Haseeb Hameed gives it a chase and cuts it off. Two taken.
73.1
1
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Loopy ball, outside off. Head punches it to deep point off the back foot for a single. Much better line from Leach!
73
over
73 | 2 Runs | HH: 274/6
72.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Down the leg side. Cummins looks to flick but misses.
72.5
2
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Fuller, on middle. Cummins flicks it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
72.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Length ball, on middle and leg. Cummins pushes it to mid on.
72.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Length ball, on middle and leg. Cummins looks to heave it away but gets hit on the thigh pads. A muted appeal for an lbw from the keeper but the umpire says no.
72.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Full again, on off, little slower this time. Cummins pushes it on the off side.
72.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Pat Cummins, Fuller in length, outside off. Cummins drives it firmly but straight to the cover fielder.
8 overs to go now, for the second new ball. Australia lead by 125 and if they go wicketless for the next 8 overs, in all likelihood, that lead will cross 150, which is a lot on this surface. The second new ball will be very crucial but England need to hold on too, till that period. They have missed quite a few opportunities and Australia have capitalized. Also, a bowling change for England. Ollie Robinson comes back on.
72
over
72 | 10 Runs | HH: 272/6
71.6
4
Jack Leach to Travis Head, FOUR! Full and down the leg side. Head gets on his knee and sweeps it past the leg slip for a boundary. Poor ball but England will not mind that too much. They need Cummins to face Wood and try and take wickets.
71.5
4
Jack Leach to Travis Head, MISFIELD, FOUR! Oopsy, what happened there? Short, around leg, Head pulls it to deep backward square leg. There are shouts of 'CATCH IT!' but Haseeb Hameed over there does not spot the ball at all. He looks to his left, then his right and in the end, realizes that the ball is coming at him. Runs forward but the ball bounces in front of him and worse, hits his body and deflects behind. It lobs in the air and Hameed looks to stop it off the rebound but too late, the ball is beyond the ropes! Oh dear, that is right in front of a vocal 'Gabba crowd and it is cheering!
71.4
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
71.3
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Full and on middle. Head leans and wrists it to the leg side.
71.2
1
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Tossed up, on middle, eased down to long on for a single.
71.1
1
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Flatter and on middle. Head nudges it to square leg and takes an easy single.
71
over
71 | 5 Runs | HH: 262/6
70.6
0
Mark Wood to Pat Cummins, Angles a length ball, on middle, tucked to square leg.
70.5
0
Mark Wood to Pat Cummins, A length ball, outside off. Cummins looks to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls along the ground to the slip fielder.
70.4
0
Mark Wood to Pat Cummins, Serves a pacy bouncer on middle. Cummins sits under it.
70.3
0
Mark Wood to Pat Cummins, Short of a length, outside off. Cummins watchfully leaves it.
70.2
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, On a length, on off. Head taps it to the gully region where the fielder fumbles and allows a single.
70.1
4
Mark Wood to Travis Head, FOUR! FIFTY for Travis Head, his 8th Test fifty and he is controlling the innings well really well. A full toss, on off. Head drives it firmly and through covers for a boundary.
70
over
70 | 8 Runs | HH: 257/6
69.6
0
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Drifting it on leg, Cummins is solid in his defence.
69.5
1
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Drags his length back and bowls it on leg, Travis Head works it to backward square leg for a single.
69.4
4
Jack Leach to Travis Head, FOUR! Edgy! Loopy ball, on middle. Travis Head steps out and looks to cut. The ball goes off the outside edge and goes past the keeper's gloves to third man for a boundary. Moves onto 46 now! Bit strange from Root and Leach. They have a leg slip for Head but no conventional slip. Had that conventional slip been there, it would have gone straight to him. Possibly because Leach has been expensive, it has forced Root to go defensive and it has cost them a potential wicket. That too, of the last recognized batter.
69.3
0
Jack Leach to Travis Head, Floats it up, on leg. Travis Head tucks it on the leg side.
69.2
3
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Good shot for three! Tossed up, on middle. Pat Cummins lifts it over covers. Long chase for the cover fielder and the batters take three runs.
69.1
0
Jack Leach to Pat Cummins, Loopy ball, on middle. Cummins presses forward and defends it out.
Jack Leach (8-0-62-1) is back into the attack. Good time for him to make a comeback. Australia have not allowed him to settle at all.
Expected ploy from Wood and England. After that blow to Head on his elbow before Drinks, the visitors are now aiming a barricade of short stuff to the former Aussie Test vice captain. There is a leg gully in place as well and the plan is to keep Head in his crease and then perhaps, slip in a full ball or two, in the hope that Head does not move his feet and nicks it behind.
69
over
69 | 6 Runs | HH: 249/6
68.6
2
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Fuller in length, pushed wider. Travis Head latches on it and drives it through cover-point for an easy two.
68.5
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, On middle, Head pushes it to mid on.
68.4
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length again, on off. Head hops and fends it away to the off side. Wood looking tired now!
68.3
4
Mark Wood to Travis Head, FOUR! Head moves into the 40s! A full ball, outside off. Head slashes it hard and through the point region for a boundary. A little bit of the late Phillip Hughes in that shot.
68.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, outside off. Head jumps up on his toes and blocks it out.
68.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short of a length, outside off. Head punches it to mid off.
68
over
68 | 3 Runs | HH: 243/6
67.6
1
Joe Root to Travis Head, Loopy ball, on middle. Head eases it down to long on for a single.
67.5
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, On middle. Head rocks back and looks to defend. Gets an inside edge and the ball rolls on the leg side.
67.4
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Tossed up, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.
67.3
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Outside off, cut away to point.
67.2
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Full and on off. Head prods and smashes it back to the bowler. Root collects it and mimes a throw at him.
67.1
2
Joe Root to Travis Head, Loopy ball, outside off. Head cuts it through point for a couple of runs.
DRINKS! Travis Head calls the physio straightaway after getting hit on the back elbow. Still looks in a bit of pain as he gets assessed by the physio. A good passage of play for both the teams. Australia now lead by 93 runs while England will be looking to take that four wickets quickly. Around 90 minutes roughly remaining to bowl out 31 overs. So plenty of time for both teams to cause some damage. It has been a very hot and humid day, so both teams are taking their time to get started. The umpires are not too concerned and rightly so.
67
over
67 | 1 Runs | HH: 240/6
66.6
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle. Tucked to backward square leg for a single.
66.5
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length, on off. Head hops and looks to defend but misses. He gets hit right above the elbow and looks to be in some pain.
66.4
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on off. Head defends it from the crease.
66.3
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Fuller in length, around off. Head doesn't move his feet much and looks for a drive. Only manages to get an inside edge onto the pads.
66.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, A bouncer this time, on middle and leg. Head sits under it.
66.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on middle. Head covers the line and knocks it back to the bowler with a straight bat.
Mark Wood (15-4-36-1) is back into the attack.
66
over
66 | 3 Runs | HH: 239/6
65.6
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Loopy ball down leg yet again. Cummins leaves it untouched.
65.5
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Again down the leg side. Cummins pads it away this time.
65.4
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Down the leg side, turning away. Cummins lets it be.
65.3
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Fuller this time, on the pads. Cummins blocks it out on the leg side.
65.2
0
Joe Root to Pat Cummins, Loopy ball, on leg. Cummins tucks it on the leg side.
65.1
3
Joe Root to Travis Head, Short and outside off, Head rocks back and scythes it through cover-point for three runs.
65
over
65 | 0 Runs | HH: 236/6
64.6
0
Chris Woakes to Pat Cummins, Full again, angling on middle. Pat Cummins nudges it on the leg side. A successful over from Chris Woakes, wicket-maiden over.
64.5
0
Chris Woakes to Pat Cummins, Welcomes Cummins with a fuller ball, on middle. Cummins defends it out.
The skipper, Pat Cummins walks out to bat.
64.4
W
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, OUT! TAKEN! England finds another breakthrough and Carey's debut innings is cut short for a timid score. Short of a length, on middle. Alex Carey gets on his toes as he looks to wrists it to mid-wicket but finds Ollie Pope at short mid-wicket who shows good reflexes and grabs this one over his head. Australia lead by 89 runs and England hanging in there.
64.3
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Full and outside off. Carey prods across and shoulders arms to it.
64.2
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Angles a length ball, on middle. Carey gets on the front foot and defends it out.
64.1
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, On a length, on middle. Blocked out.
64
over
64 | 7 Runs | HH: 236/5
63.6
6
Joe Root to Travis Head, SIX! BANG! A loopy ball, outside off. Head tonks it all the way over long on for a biggie.
63.5
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Around off, pushed to covers.
63.4
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, A full ball, angling around leg. Alex Carey tries to reverse sweep it to the fine leg region for a single. Buttler puts up an appeal for LBW but that came off the blade.
63.3
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Again pushes it but straight to covers. Dot.
63.2
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Tossed up, on off, Carey drives it to covers.
63.1
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Starts with a very full ball, on off, pushed down to long off for a single.
Just a bit of a personal opinion. First up, hats off to Ben Stokes for bowling even with so much discomfort. One can clearly see him in pain, and one would assume that he has been on the field just so that he is not stripped off his batting position for not spending enough time on the field. But one also needs to remember that this is just the first match of a massive 5-Test series. Should Joe Root just look after Stokes' health a little bit more? Yes, England need wickets right now, but in that process, they might end up sacrificing one of the world's greatest allrounders. Remember Ashes 2019, where Root overworked Jofra Archer and the result was a spate of injuries? Food for thought. Joe Root does take Ben Stokes off the attack and introduces himself to bowl. Good call this from the skipper.
63
over
63 | 5 Runs | HH: 229/5
62.6
3
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Three taken! A short ball, outside off. Carey slashes onto it, not quite off the middle towards deep cover and the batters take three runs.
62.5
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Pitches it up, on off. Head pushes it more off the outer half of the bat towards cover-point for a single.
62.4
1
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Length again, on middle. Carey tucks it to mid-wicket and takes a single.
62.3
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, On a length, on middle. Carey solidly blocks it out.
62.2
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Short of a length, on middle. Carey looks to flick but gets hit on the gloves. The ball lobs and drops back on the deck.
62.1
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, A length ball, outside off. Carey lets it through to the keeper.
62
over
62 | 12 Runs | HH: 224/5
61.6
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Third boundary of the over! On a length, on middle. Head pulls it to deep square leg. Jack Leach runs across to his right, puts a dive and flicks it but the ball rolls back and touches the fence.
61.5
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Length ball, outside off. Punched to covers.
61.4
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head defends it on the leg side.
61.3
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Now through the off side. A length ball, outside off. Head cuts it through point for another boundary. Turning out to be a good over for Australia.
61.2
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Pulled away! Short of a length, on middle. Head hangs back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
61.1
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on middle. Head gets on his toes as he tucks it to mid-wicket.
Ben Stokes (5-0-23-0) is back into the attack. Will bowl off a shorter run-up than his usual. Probaly because he is feeling some discomfort around his knee area.
61
over
61 | 0 Runs | HH: 212/5
60.6
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Just short of the third fielder. A length ball, outside off. Carey looks to push but gets an outside edge to the third slip where the fielder dives forward and collects it on a bounce.
60.5
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, A length ball, on middle. Carey works it to mid-wicket.
60.4
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, On a length, on middle. Carey blocks it out.
60.3
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Length again, outside off. Carey leaves it alone to the keeper.
60.2
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Swing and a miss! A length ball, outside off. Carey looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
60.1
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, A length ball, angling across, outside off. Carey shoulders arms to it.
The on-air commentators inform us that Cameron Green has been dismissed 4 times in First-Class cricket, SHOULDERING ARMS. The great Ian Chappell would have said, "Kid, you have been given a bat to play. USE IT!"
60
over
60 | 11 Runs | HH: 212/5
59.6
4
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Robinson sprays this one on the pads, Travis Head flicks it through mid-wicket. The mid-wicket fielder gives it a long chase and prevents the ball racing away to the boundary but the batters have run four already.
59.5
3
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, And again! Carey drives this full ball again to long off. The mid off fielder gives it a chase and manages to keep it down to three runs.
59.4
4
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, FOUR! First runs for Alex Carey in Test cricket! Opens his account with a boundary. This was full, on off. Alex Carey drives it towards long off for a boundary.
59.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Fuller, on the pads. Carey nudges it to square leg.
59.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Touch fuller, outside off, angling away. Carey shoulders arms to that one.
59.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Well blocked! Good-length ball, angling across. Carey presses forward and knocks it back to the bowler.
59
over
59 | 0 Runs | HH: 201/5
58.6
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, On a good length, on middle. Head stands up on his toes and defends it back to the bowler.
58.5
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Short of a length, on off. Head pushes it to point and shouts 'no run'.
58.4
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Length ball, outside off. Head taps it towards covers.
58.3
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on middle. Head defends it with a dead bat.
58.2
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on off, nipping away. Travis Head looks to defend but misses. The ball whistles past the outside edge and carries through to the keeper.
58.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle. Head defends it out off the front foot.
Chris Woakes (14-4-37-0) is back into the attack.
58
over
58 | 5 Runs | HH: 201/5
57.6
1
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Slower ball, on the pads. Head flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
57.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, A length ball, on middle. Travis Head stays back and defends it out.
57.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on off. Head tries to leave it alone but is late in lifting his bat. The ball goes off the bottom edge and drops on the ground.
57.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on off. Head gets all squared up and manages a thick outside edge to the fifth slip fielder.
57.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Fuller this time, on off. Head presses forward and defends it on the leg side.
57.1
4
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, FOUR! EDGY! Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Travis Head looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat too early. The ball goes off the outside edge and goes past the slip cordon and gully for a boundary. Travis Head is very fortunate there. Five slips and a gully and the ball still finds the gap!
57
over
57 | 0 Runs | HH: 196/5
56.6
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, Length ball, on off. Carey stays solid in his defence.
56.5
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on middle. Carey covers his sticks and defends it from the crease.
56.4
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, Short of a length, on middle. Alex Carey negotiates with it well by swaying away from the line.
56.3
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, On a good length, on middle. Carey blocks it from the crease.
56.2
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, on middle. Alex Carey tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
56.1
0
Mark Wood to Alex Carey, Length ball, outside off. Carey throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect.
56
over
56 | 1 Runs | HH: 196/5
55.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Back of a length, on middle. Head defends it onto the deck. Superb over from Ollie Robinson!
55.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on leg. Carey deflects it off his pads to fine leg for a leg bye.
55.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, No hat-trick for Ollie Robinson! Length ball, on middle. Carey blocks it out.
55.3
W
Ollie Robinson to Cameron Green, OUT! TIMBER! Sensational stuff from Ollie Robinson and England are back in the contest. Serves a good-length ball, on off, coming back in. Cameron Green comes forward and just shoulders arms to that one. Probably didn't read the length well. The ball jags back in and shatters the stumps. That was not a good leave at all. England are all pumped up and Ollie Robinson is on a hat-trick now. Alex Carey is the new batsman in.
Cameron Green is the new batsman in.
55.2
W
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, OUT! CAUGHT! Would you believe it? Warner misses out on a century. Robinson hurls in and bowls a slower ball, on middle. The ball stops a bit on the surface. David Warner tries to push it towards covers but throws his hands too early. He chips it instead towards extra cover where Ben Stokes dives ahead to catch the ball. Devastation for David Warner as he walks back to the pavilion after an excellent knock. For the first time in seven occasions, David Warner failed to hit a century after being dismissed off a no ball in a Test innings.
55.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length, on middle. Warner pushes it back to the bowler.
55
over
55 | 2 Runs | HH: 195/3
54.6
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, Length ball, on leg. Warner looks to tuck but misses. Gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls to fine leg. The batters take a leg bye.
54.5
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Length ball, on off. Head taps it towards covers and scampers across to get off the mark.
54.4
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length yet again, on middle. Head jumps and fends it on the leg side this time. Mark Wood falls on his followthrough but is fine to continue.
54.3
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length again, on middle. Head hops and blocks it out.
54.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Ohhh! Back of a length, outside off. Travis Head hops and looks to go over covers but only connects it with thin air round him.
54.1
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Good-length ball, on off. Head covers the line and defends it out.
We are back for the final session. Travis Head will face his first delivery and it will be Mark Wood who will start the session.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
England created a couple of chances but were let down by the sloppiness in the field. First, Rory Burns dropped Warner and then Haseeb Hameed missed a run out chance. The seamers tried everything and toiled hard but couldn't get the breakthrough. Although, Jack Leach remained expensive throughout, it was him who got England that one wicket they were searching for and then Mark Wood got the wicket of the big gun - Steven Smith, which he thoroughly deserved for his probing line and lengths. The wickets remain key for them to keep the deficit as low as possible and first would be targeting David Warner who is inching closer to his century. Join us at 3 pm local (5 am GMT, next day) for the final session.
Post Lunch, runs came very easily for the hosts! David Warner who was bowled off a no-ball in the morning session, rode his luck again as he was given two more reprieves. He got to his 31st Test fifty and Marnus Labuschagne from the other end continued to tick along and the runs kept flowing for them. Later, Marnus Labuschagne tried to attack Jack Leach on each and every ball and in the process holed out. While David Warner continued on his merry way, Steven Smith had a very scratchy stay and departed early. Australia now lead by 46 runs and still have 7 wickets in hand to post a hefty lead.
Some respite for England as they have removed the two big fish - Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith and look to crawl their way back into the game.
54
over
54 | 4 Runs | HH: 193/3
53.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Dot to end the over. Length ball, around off. Warner covers his stumps and lets it through to the keeper. That will be TEA on Day 2.
53.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, way outside off. Warner makes a leave.
53.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Fuller ball, on off. Kept out.
53.3
4
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, FOUR! Edgy runs! David Warner moves to 94! A full ball, outside off. David Warner tries to defend but gets an outside edge and beats the diving third slip for a boundary.
53.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length again, outside off, Warner shoulders arms.
53.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length, on off. Warner hops and blocks it out.
Travis Head walks out to bat at No.5
53
over
53 | 4 Runs | HH: 189/3
52.6
W
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mark Wood gets his man and the big-gun, Smith goes for a timid score. Back of a length, outside off. Smith has an unnecessary poke at it. He only manages an outside edge and Jos Buttler pouches it with ease. No need for Smith to chase that one as he was just settling in. Australia lose their third now.
52.5
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, A length ball, on middle. Smith defends it to mid-wicket.
52.4
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Short and on leg. Smith sits under it.
52.3
4
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, FOUR! Nicely driven! Goes wide of the crease and bowls a full ball, outside off. Smith shuffles and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
52.2
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, A length ball, on off. Smith stands tall and punches it to covers.
52.1
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Full ball, on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
52
over
52 | 0 Runs | HH: 185/2
51.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, slanting across, outside off. Warner leaves it alone.
51.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Full and way outside off. Warner shoulders arms.
51.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, This is on a length and outside off, extra bounce and it beats the outside edge of Warner.
51.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length again, outside off. Warner lets it through.
51.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length and on off. Warner punches off the back foot to covers.
51.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, BEATEN! On a length and outside off. Warner looks to defend but misses and gets beaten on the outside edge.
51
over
51 | 2 Runs | HH: 185/2
50.6
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, This is on a length and way outside off. Left alone.
50.5
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Short and on middle. Smith ducks underneath.
50.4
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, Short and on middle, pulled away to deep backward square leg for a single.
50.3
1
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. Smith runs across for a quick single but gets hesitant with Wood standing on his way. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Was gone by a miles if that had hit!
England take a review for an LBW. The third umpire checks for a legal delivery. No issues there. HotSpot shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the impact was outside off. The on-field decision stays. England lose a review.
50.2
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, NOT OUT! A length ball, coming with the angle on off. Steven Smith looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge and gets hit on the back pad. An appeal but nothing from the umpire. Mark Wood has a discussion with his skipper and convinces him to opt for the review. HotSpot shows no bat. Ball tracker shows the impact was outside off and the on-field decision stays. England lose their review.
50.1
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, On a length, on middle. Blocked out.
50
over
50 | 8 Runs | HH: 183/2
49.6
3
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, In the air, but safe! Loopy ball, on off, turning away. Steven Smith advances down the track and looks to loft it over covers. The ball goes off the outside edge and flies over backward point. Ollie Robinson gives it a chase and keeps it down to three runs.
49.5
0
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, Loopy ball, outside off. Smith puts a big stride forward and blocks.
49.4
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Drops it short, on middle. Pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
49.3
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, On leg, turning away. Warner pads it away.
49.2
4
Jack Leach to David Warner, FOUR! Nicely played! This is tossed up, on middle. David Warner gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary.
49.1
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Loopy ball, on middle. Pushed to extra cover.
49
over
49 | 5 Runs | HH: 175/2
48.6
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Fuller, on middle. Smith nudges it to mid-wicket.
48.5
0
Mark Wood to Steven Smith, Length ball on leg, Smith tucks it to short leg.
48.4
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, Back of a length, on leg. Warner gets up on his toes and tucks it on the leg side for a single.
48.3
4
Mark Wood to David Warner, FOUR! He continues on his merry way! Fuller, outside off. Warner pierces the gap between point and cover and gets a boundary.
48.2
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Length ball, on leg. Warner plays it on the leg side.
48.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Back of a length, on off. Warner hops and fends it away to point.
Mark Wood to bowl now.
48
over
48 | 10 Runs | HH: 170/2
47.6
0
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, Quicker, on the stumps. Smith defends it to short mid-wicket.
47.5
0
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, Outside off, Smith defends it to extra cover.
47.4
4
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, FOUR! No respect to the bowler from Steven Smith as well. Opens his account with a boundary. This was full and on leg, Steven Smith dances down the track and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
47.3
0
Jack Leach to Steven Smith, Full and outside off. Smith lunges forward and pats it back to the bowler.
Steven Smith is the new man in.
47.2
W
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! TAKEN! A wicket out of nowhere and England get a much-needed breakthrough and it's Jack Leach who has provided that. Bowls it tad short, on off. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back, makes room for himself and cuts it straight to backward point. The ball perhaps got too big on him. Mark Wood there grabs the catch and Marnus Labuschagne walks off the pitch after a fine innings. Huge applause from the crowd as well. Can England build on this now?
47.1
6
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! SMACKED! Loopy ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne shimmies down the track and muscles it over long off for a maximum. Courageous batting this! Jack Leach continues to be expensive.
47
over
47 | 4 Runs | HH: 160/1
46.6
2
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Width on offer, full and outside off. David Warner reaches out for it and plays it through cover-point for a couple of runs. The partnership between these two is now 150!
46.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a length, on off. Warner first decides to leave. But in the end, fends it off the bottom half of the bat to gully.
46.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller in length, on middle. Warner clears his front leg and drives it back to the bowler.
46.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a good length, on off. Warner gets on top of the bounce and pushes it to mid off.
46.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, on off. Warner taps it to point off the front foot.
46.1
2
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller in length, on off. David Warner drills it past mid off for a coupls of runs.
46
over
46 | 6 Runs | HH: 156/1
45.6
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Loopy ball, on middle. Warner uses his feet and drills it long on for a single.
45.5
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Shortish and on leg, Warner drops it to short fine leg off the back foot.
45.4
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, On middle and leg. Warner deefnds it out.
45.3
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, This is nudged to square leg.
45.2
4
Jack Leach to David Warner, FOUR! Well played! Tossed up, on middle. David Warner gets down on his knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary. Australia are not allowing Jack Leach to settle.
45.1
1
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Loopy ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to square leg for a single.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs | HH: 150/1
44.6
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single. 150 up for Australia!
44.5
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length ball, outside off. Warner punches it to point for a single.
44.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full ball, outside off. Warner leaves it alone.
44.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short of a length, outside off, steered to point.
44.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length and outside off. Left alone.
44.1
2
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short in length and on middle. David Warner pulls it all along the ground to backward square leg where the fielder does well to run to his right and stop it. Two. Australia lead by one run now.
44
over
44 | 5 Runs | HH: 146/1
43.6
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Short and on the pads, Warner flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
43.5
1
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, A loopy ball, on off, Marnus Labuschagne turns it on the leg side for a single.
43.4
0
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, This is wide outside off. Left alone.
43.3
2
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, slower and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne skips down and drives it to deep point for a brace.
43.2
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Darted on the pads, flicked to fine leg for a single.
43.1
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Shorter and on the pads. Warner nudges it to square leg.
DRINKS! David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne are bossing this game right now and are looking very solid. England have missed two chances post Lunch and they will now look to scalp a few wickets as the deficit is just 6 runs.
43
over
43 | 0 Runs | HH: 141/1
42.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Slower ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne defends it under his eyes.
42.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Defended out.
42.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle. Marnus sits under it.
42.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! This one nips away and draws Marnus Labuschagne to drive but gets comprehensively beaten on the outside edge.
42.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on off, tucked to mid-wicket.
42.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne defends it out.
42
over
42 | 2 Runs | HH: 141/1
41.6
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Slightly short and on off. David Warner solidly defends it.
41.5
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Full and on off. Blocked out.
41.4
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, This one lands on middle and spins away from the left-hander. David Warner tries to reverse sweep it but misses.
41.3
1
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on off. Marnus Labuschagne skips down and hits it to the left of Leach who fails to stop it and the mid off fielder cuts it off. One.
41.2
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Full and on middle. Warner makes room and drives it to wide long off for a single.
41.1
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Tossed up on middle, flicked to square leg.
Jack Leach (3-0-31-0) is back into the attack.
41
over
41 | 6 Runs | HH: 139/1
40.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and outside off. Left alone.
40.5
4
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nicely played! Another full ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it uppishly and through square leg for a boundary.
40.4
2
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne wrists it to mid-wicket and beats the diving fielder there. Two.
40.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller again, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket.
40.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch fuller, on off, pushed to covers.
40.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne watchfully lets it through.
40
over
40 | 5 Runs | HH: 133/1
39.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Outside off, Warner lets it sail through.
39.5
4
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, FOUR! That was four from the moment it left the blade. Length ball, outside off. David Warner smashes it through covers. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash.
39.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. Warner drops his bat and leaves it alone.
39.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a good length, outside off. Warner offers no shot.
39.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Fuller in length, on middle. Warner knocks it back to the bowler.
39.1
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball on middle. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to square leg for a single.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs | HH: 128/1
38.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner hops and blocks it out. A maiden!
38.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Warner nudges it to square leg.
38.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, in the channel, outside off. Left alone.
38.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a length, around off. Warner shouders arms.
38.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller in length, on off. Warner pushes it to mid off.
38.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner taps it to point.
Chris Woakes is back into the attack. There is a pitch invader and the security guards are seen chasing him down. A slight bit of delay.
38
over
38 | 0 Runs | HH: 128/1
37.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Left alone.
37.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot.
37.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, on off. Pushed to mid on.
37.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Too straight, outside off. Left alone by Marnus.
37.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through.
37.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne stands up on his toes and meets the ball with a dead bat.
37
over
37 | 5 Runs | HH: 128/1
36.6
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Was that a run out chance? Full and on middle, Warner prods and nudges it to short leg. He then slips and loses his control over his bat as well trying to make it back to the crease. Warner ends up crawling back to the crease. Haseeb Hameed at short leg has ample time to score a direct hit at the stumps but he misses from a short distance. Warner gets another lifeline!
36.5
4
Mark Wood to David Warner, FOUR! Superb shot! Back of a length yet again, on leg this time, trying to get Warner cramped for room. David Warner instead makes room for himself by moving that side and cuts it through point for a boundary.
36.4
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Back of a length again, on middle. Warner hops and taps it to point.
36.3
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner stays solid in his defence.
36.3
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, WIDE! Bangs in way short, on off. Warner tries to pull but misses. The keeper collects it over his head. Wide called for height.
36.2
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Into the blockhole, at 152 clicks again. Warner jams it out.
36.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Fuller in length, attacking the stumps at 152 clicks. Warner defends it out.
36
over
36 | 0 Runs | HH: 123/1
35.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around off, coming back in. ML leaves it for the keeper to collect. A maiden!
35.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Very well-judged leave! On a good length, coming back in, on off. Marnus Labuschagne watches the ball closely and lets it through.
35.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, on middle. Driven back past the bowler. The mid on fielder moves to his left and stops the ball.
35.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, angling in, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.
35.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Left alone.
35.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne defends it out.
35
over
35 | 5 Runs | HH: 123/1
34.6
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Length and on middle. David Warner taps it to point and looks for a quick single but was wisely sent back. Dot ball.
34.5
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, A length ball, outside off. David Warner looks to defend with an angled bat but misses it.
34.4
4
Mark Wood to David Warner, FOUR! Pulled away! Comes around the wicket and bangs it short. David Warner pulls it wide of the running square leg fielder for a boundary.
34.3
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, tucked to square leg for a single.
34.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, This one jags back in very late. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone to the keeper.
34.1
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Now Wood serves it around the fourth stump line and keeps it tight. Marnus Labuschagne covers his stump and shoulders arms.
34
over
34 | 0 Runs | HH: 118/1
33.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length, on off, Warner defends it out.
33.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Full and on off. Blocked out.
33.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Serves it in the channel of around off. David Warner watchfully leaves it.
33.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Short ball, around off. Left alone.
33.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length and slanting outside off. Warner shoulders arms to it.
33.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner defends it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
33
over
33 | 3 Runs | HH: 118/1
32.6
3
Mark Wood to David Warner, FIFTY for David Warner! He continues his great form. A length ball, outside off. David Warner punches off the back foot through covers for three runs. A wonderful knock from Warner and will look to convert this into a bigger one. Loud applause from the crowd as well as he raises his bat.
32.5
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Short in length, outside off. Warner lets it through.
32.4
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Swing and a miss! A length ball, outside off. Warner looks to cut but misses.
32.3
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner defends it on the surface.
32.2
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Short ball, angling down the leg side. David Warner misses his pull.
32.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Starts from 'round the wicket and serves a length ball, angling on middle. David Warner looks to block but gets hit on the body.
Mark Wood to bowl from the other end.
32
over
32 | 2 Runs | HH: 115/1
31.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle, on a length, blocked on the leg side.
31.5
1
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, DROPPED at second slip! A full ball, slanting outside off. David Warner looks to push it but gets a thick outside edge to the left of the second slip where Rory Burns fumbles to catch it and puts down a dolly. A single. Second reprieve to Warner. How costly will this prove to be?
31.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, BEATEN! Lovely bowling! On a length, outside off. David Warner looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge. Warner has a big smile on his face.
31.3
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single. First run of this session.
31.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.
31.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A full ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne prods and blocks it towards cover.
We are back for the middle session! England players stride out to the middle and take their respective fielding positions. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne jog out as well to resume their innings. Ollie Robinson to start with the ball.
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
England needed an early breakthrough and Ollie Robinson provided them with one removing Marcus Harris early into the game. Robinson continued to create problems for the Aussies with his line and lengths while Mark Wood bowled with some serious pace but to no success. Later, Ben Stokes knocked David Warner in his very first over but he overstepped that delivery. All that hard work England did in the first hour vaporized quickly as David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne started scoring runs at a brisk pace as the pitch eased out. England need to find answers to Australian batters if they are to avoid a huge first innings lead. Join us at 12.40 pm local (2.40 am GMT, next day) for the second session.
Australia didn't have the dream start they would have hoped for as Marcus Harris departed early. But David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne batted very cautiously and kept motoring along well. David Warner was lucky to get a lifeline as he got bowled off a no ball. The duo then continued to keep the scoreboard ticking and played some aggressive shots. Marnus Labuschagne brought up his half-century whereas David Warner is close to getting his half-century after his reprieve. The duo have done well to remain unscathed till Lunch and Australia look well on course to post a healthy first innings lead.
Definitely Australia's session! David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne have brought up a 100-run stand between them and have done well to bat this session out. Australia will be very happy heading into the break and they only trail by 34 runs now. England bowlers were made to work hard and have plenty of thinking to do.
31
over
31 | 3 Runs | HH: 113/1
30.6
2
Mark Wood to David Warner, Two taken! This was full and outside off. David Warner awkwardly cuts it through the diving point fielder and collects a brace. That will be Lunch on Day 2.
30.5
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, BEATEN! Short of a length, just around the channel of uncertainty. David Warner looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
30.4
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it towards cover and takes a quick single.
30.3
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne taps it late on the off side.
30.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and angling down the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it to the keeper.
Mark Wood (6-0-3-8) is back into the attack.
30.1
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne dabs it to backward point.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs | HH: 110/1
29.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A length ball, slanting outside off. David Warner watchfully leaves it.
29.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full ball, on off, pushed to covers.
29.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length again, outside off. David Warner shoulders arms.
29.3
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A 100-run partnership between Warner and Labuschagne! Length and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
29.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne hops and taps it to point.
29.1
4
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! FIFTY for Marnus Labuschagne. He just loves batting here at Gabba. A length ball, outside off, cut away to point for a boundary.
29
over
29 | 13 Runs | HH: 105/1
28.6
3
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Misfield! A full ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it to covers where Ben Stokes lets it through. He chases it and flicks it back in the deep. Till that time, three taken.
28.5
0
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle. Marnus Labuschagne advances down and smacks it back to Leach. He half-stops it and doesn't allow any run.
28.4
6
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! 100 up for Australia! A full ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne skips down and tonks it over long on for a biggie. He moves to 44 now.
28.3
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Very full and off. David Warner paddles it to the fine leg region for a single.
28.2
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Full and outside off. David Warner comes down the track and hits it back to the bowler.
28.1
3
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, A full ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne gets low and drives it through covers for three runs. The Aussies targeting Leach here.
28
over
28 | 4 Runs | HH: 92/1
27.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, SWING AND A MISS! Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner has a hard swing at it but fails to connect.
27.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a good length, outside off. Warner leaves it alone.
27.4
4
Chris Woakes to David Warner, FOUR BYES! Length ball, outside off. Warner shoulders arms to that one. The ball just dies after pitching and Jos Buttler dives to his left to collect the ball but couldn't. It sneaks through his gloves and into the fence for four byes.
27.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a length, on leg. Pushed back to the bowler.
27.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Defended back to the bowler.
27.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, on off. Warner lets it go.
27
over
27 | 17 Runs | HH: 88/1
26.6
4
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Now Marnus Labuschagne gets in the act! This is pushed wider and fuller, Marnus Labuschagne leans onto it and creams it through covers for a boundary. A forgettable over for Leach. 17 runs coming from it.
26.5
1
Jack Leach to David Warner, Shortish, on leg. Warner makes room and punches it towards point for a single.
26.4
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Tosses it up, on middle. Warner pushes it to covers.
26.3
6
Jack Leach to David Warner, SIX! Here he goes again! Loopy ball, on middle. David Warner advances down the track and hammers it over long on for another biggie of the over. He moves to 44 with that shot.
26.2
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, On the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.
26.1
6
Jack Leach to David Warner, SIX! Warner wants to attack Leach! In the slot, on middle. David Warner stands tall and lofts it over long on for a maximum. Attacking intent rightaway!
26
over
26 | 2 Runs | HH: 71/1
25.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to mid-wicket.
25.5
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, LEG BYE! On the pads, tickled to backward square leg off the pads for a leg bye.
25.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Ripper! Good-length ball, on off, nipping away. The ball shoots up after landing. David Warner looks to defend but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and carries through to the keeper. That was a beauty from Woakes!
25.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner hops and fends it to cover.
25.2
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on middle. Tucked to mid-wicket for an easy single.
25.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Fraction straighter and fuller, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.
Chris Woakes is back into the attack.
25
over
25 | 1 Runs | HH: 69/1
24.6
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Fuller ball, on middle. David Warner defends it off the front foot.
24.5
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Flatter and on middle. David Warner blocks it out.
24.4
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, A loopy ball, outside off, pushed to covers.
24.3
0
Jack Leach to David Warner, Very full and outside off. David Warner smashes it straight back to the bowler. Leach in a little bit of pain.
24.2
1
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne wrists it to square leg for a single.
24.1
0
Jack Leach to Marnus Labuschagne, Starts with a tossed up ball, on middle, driven to mid off.
Time for some spin! Jack Leach to operate now.
24
over
24 | 11 Runs | HH: 68/1
23.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Fuller and on middle. Defended out.
23.5
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, pulled to square leg for a single.
23.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! This one shapes away after landing, on a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
23.3
4
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Runs flowing now for Australia. Pitches it up, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leans and drives it through covers and collects a boundary.
23.2
3
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A length ball, outside off. Warner cuts it through point. The fielder chases it and cuts it off. Three.
23.1
3
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Full ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it through covers and picks up another three runs. This also brings up a 50-partnership between these two.
23
over
23 | 7 Runs | HH: 57/1
22.6
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Length and on off, defended out.
22.5
3
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, angling on the pads, flicked through mid-wicket and three runs are taken as the fielder cuts it off near the fence.
22.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off, kept out.
22.3
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, A length ball, on off. David Warner defends it towards cover and takes a quick single.
22.2
2
Mark Wood to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. David Warner flicks it just over short leg and collects a couple of runs.
22.1
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, LEG BYE! Back of a length, on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick and gets hit on thigh pad. The ball rolls to fine leg and a leg bye is taken.
22
over
22 | 4 Runs | HH: 50/1
21.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, On a length, on middle. David Warner blocks it on the off side.
21.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
21.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Short of a length, on middle. David Warner hops and looks to tuck but gets hit on the body.
The issue has been sorted and we are back!
21.3
3
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Three taken!
21.2
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
21.1
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, One run!
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 46/1
20.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
20.5
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
20.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
There is some issue with the broadcast. Let's hope it is sorted soon. Sorry for the issue.
20.3
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
20.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
20.1
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Dot ball!
20
over
20 | 4 Runs | HH: 46/1
19.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, In the channel, outside off. Left alone.
19.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Switches to over the wicket again, on a length, on middle. Warner looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
19.4
4
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller in length from 'round the wicket, on off. David Warner prods, opens the face of the bat and creams it through extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
19.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Fuller in length, outside off. Warner lets it go.
19.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Good-length ball, on middle. Warner plays it to mid off.
19.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner hops and blocks it out.
19
over
19 | 0 Runs | HH: 42/1
18.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Very full, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive but misses.
18.5
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Wood goes wide on the crease this time and bowls it full, on off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it on the off side.
18.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, on off. Blocked back to the bowler.
18.3
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Left alone.
18.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, That one moves away! Good-length ball, on off, moving away. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge. That was a beauty from Mark Wood.
18.1
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, on middle, at 148.7 kph. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it on the leg side.
Mark Wood (3-1-2-0) is back into the attack.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 42/1
17.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner hops and taps it towards covers and shouts 'no run'.
17.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner defends it back to the bowler.
17.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, JAFFA! Good-length ball, around off, nipping away from middle. David Warner presses forward and looks to defend. The ball whistles past the outside edge.
17.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Good-length ball, on leg. David Warner pushes it to mid off.
17.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a good length, in the fourth stump channel. Warner lets it be.
17.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Good-length ball, around off, angling away. David Warner watches the ball closely and shoulders arms.
17
over
17 | 1 Runs | HH: 42/1
16.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne continues his leaving spree.
16.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it sail through.
16.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, outside off. Left alone.
16.4
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne hops and blocks it from the crease. No ball signalled as Ben Stokes overstepped.
16.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it untouched.
16.2
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Well outside off, Marnus Labuschagne is not troubled by that line and lets it be.
16.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go.
DRINKS! A good passage of play for Australia despite losing Marcus Harris early on, they look sturdy now in the middle. England though are having their chances as well but are missing by some margin. If they carry on with discipline, they will get the result.
16
over
16 | 5 Runs | HH: 41/1
15.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, PEACH! Good-length ball, nipping away from middle. David Warner looks to defend. The ball zips past the outside edge and carries through to the keeper. A fine delivery to end the over.
15.5
4
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, FOUR! Lucky boundary! Good-length ball, on middle, angling away. David Warner looks to defend it with soft hands. The ball goes off the outside edge through the slip cordon for a boundary.
15.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length, angling away, outside off. David Warner leaves it alone.
15.3
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket for a run.
15.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it sail through.
15.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, on middle, coming back in. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms and gets hit above the pads.
Ollie Robinson (4-2-10-1) is back into the attack.
15
over
15 | 2 Runs | HH: 36/1
14.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, An appeal for LBW but that was clearly pitching outside leg. A length ball, on the pads. David Warner misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
14.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Length and on off, defended to covers. Warner is quick to call no to his partner.
14.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Length and on the pads, flicked to square leg.
14.3
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Short of a length, on off. Warner covers his stumps and shoulders arms.
14.3
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, WIDE! A pacy short ball, on middle. David Warner watches it sail over his head. Wide given for height.
14.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Quick single! A full ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it in front of covers and takes a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Would have been close if that hit the stumps.
14.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
14
over
14 | 3 Runs | HH: 34/1
13.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Now goes full, on middle. David Warner defends it off the front foot.
13.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. David Warner solidly defends it out.
13.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a length, on off. David Warner hops and blocks it to covers.
13.3
3
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it, not quite of the middle though. Hits it over mid-wicket and collects three runs.
13.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Just short of the first slip. A full ball, angling around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to push but it takes the outside edge to Joe Root at first slip who collects it on a bounce.
13.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle, Blocked out.
13
over
13 | 5 Runs | HH: 31/1
12.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Full ball, on off, Warner works it to mid off.
12.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Length ball and way outside off. Warner watchfully leaves it alone.
12.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A length ball, outside off. Left alone.
Who comes in?
12.4
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, NO BALL! It looked like Ben Stokes knew it was a no ball even before the umpire signals it as Stokes walk back on his mark. This was full and on middle. David Warner gets beaten on the inside edge as he looks to defend but misses and the ball sneaks through and rattles the stumps. Warner survives as the umpire signals a no ball as Stokes overstepped.
12.3
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Very full, on middle. Blocked out.
12.2
4
Ben Stokes to David Warner, FOUR! Just wide of the slip fielder! A length ball, outside off. David Warner looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge and the ball goes through the left of third slip for a boundary.
12.1
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. David Warner gets an inside edge onto the pads as he looks to flick and the ball rolls to mid-wicket.
Ben Stokes is introduced into the attack. He replaces Mark Wood.
12
over
12 | 5 Runs | HH: 26/1
11.6
2
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Over-pitched from Woakes and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne frees his arms as he drives it through covers and picks up a couple of runs.
11.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Angles this one on middle. Marnus Labuschagne watchfully defends it.
11.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off delivery, on a length. Marnus Labuschagne with yet another leave.
11.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to it.
11.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off, defended back on the deck.
11.1
3
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A full ball, straight on middle. David Warner pushes it nicely straight down the ground before the fielder cuts it off. Three taken.
11
over
11 | 1 Runs | HH: 21/1
10.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to mid-wicket.
10.5
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, Quick single! A length ball, on middle. Warner taps it in front of covers and scampers through for a single.
10.4
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Swing and a miss! Short of a length, outside off. Warner looks to cut it again but misses it completely.
10.3
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Body blow! A length ball, angling on middle. David Warner rocks back as he looks to flick but gets beaten by the pace. Gets hit on the body.
10.2
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, On middle, on a length. Blocked out.
10.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Wood continues from 'round the wicket and serves a length ball, just around off. Warner tries to cut it but this was too close to cut.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 20/1
9.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it towards point. He calls for a single and starts running but David Warner sends him back and rightly so. A maiden over from Woakes!
9.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
9.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.
9.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, coming into the batter, on leg. Marnus Labuschagne looks to tuck but gets hit on the pads. An appeal from the keeper for an lbw but the umpire says no. Probably going down leg.
9.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, In the corridor of uncertainty, no swing this time. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through.
9.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around off, nipping in. Marnus Labuschagne makes a good leave.
Chris Woakes (3-0-9-0) is back into the attack as he replaces Ollie Robinson.
9
over
9 | 0 Runs | HH: 20/1
8.6
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Swing and a miss! Good-length ball, well outside off. David Warner goes chasing for it and has a hard swing at it but fails to connect. A maiden!
8.5
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Good-length ball, on middle, angling in. David Warner pushes it to point.
8.4
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Good bouncer from Wood! Bangs a short ball, hard onto the deck, on middle. David Warner sits under it.
8.3
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Length ball, outside off. Warner pushes it straight to point.
8.2
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, On a length, on off. David Warner taps it to point.
8.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Just short! Back of a length, on off. David Warner chips it uppishly towards extra cover. The ball falls just short of Ben Stokes there.
8
over
8 | 9 Runs | HH: 20/1
7.6
4
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Shot! Fuller in length, on off, at 130 clicks. Marnus Labuschagne this time drives it past mid off. Ben Stokes gives it a chase but the ball wins the race to the boundary.
7.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch fuller, on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it towards covers.
7.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
7.3
4
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Good-length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge and races past the slip cordon to third man for a boundary. Few words exchanged between them.
7.2
1
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Fuller in length, on the pads. David Warner flicks it to mid-wicket for a tight single. Chris Woakes quickly moves to his left, picks the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. The batsman was well in though.
7.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Good-length ball, angling away from off. David Warner shoulders arms to it.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs | HH: 11/1
6.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, This is a little fuller, in the corridor of uncertainty. Marnus Labuschagne is not interested in playing that. Just a single off the over then.
6.5
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off, at 151.6 kph. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it for the keeper to collect.
6.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, around off, at 150 kph. Marnus Labuschagne watches the ball closely and leaves it untouched.
6.3
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Some serious pace there from Wood! Short of a length, on middle, at 147.2 kph. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it onto the deck.
6.2
1
Mark Wood to David Warner, Short of a length again, on middle. David Warner hops and taps it to the off side for a single.
6.1
0
Mark Wood to David Warner, Short of a length from around the wicket, outside off. David Warner offers no shot to that.
Mark Wood is into the attack now.
6
over
6 | 0 Runs | HH: 10/1
5.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Ohh, that was close! Full again, very close to the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne at first thinks of playing it but in the end, opts out as he shoulders arms.
5.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it sail through.
5.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne drills it to point.
5.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around off. Got some extra bounce as well. Marnus Labuschagne moves away and lets it through.
Marnus Labuschagne walks in at number 3.
5.2
W
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, OUT! CAUGHT! England needed an early breakthrough and Ollie Robinson provides them with one. Hurls a good-length ball, outside off, nipping away. Marcus Harris has a feel for it. The ball kisses the outside edge and flies to the third slip. Dawid Malan moves to his left and takes a good low catch. Ollie Robinson roars as he draws first blood. Good start by them and Marcus Harris has to walk back to the pavilion for a timid score.
5.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, Good-length ball, in the fourth stump channel. Marcus Harris shoulders arms.
5
over
5 | 4 Runs | HH: 10/0
4.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Dot to end the over! On a length, on middle. Warner blocks it on the deck.
4.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short of a length, outside off. David Warner leaves it alone to the keeper.
4.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short and on middle. Warner with another good leave as he leans back and lets it through to the keeper.
4.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Way outside off, on a length. Left alone.
4.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short and outside off. Warner sways away from it.
4.1
4
Chris Woakes to David Warner, FOUR! The sound it made when the ball hit the blade. Brilliant. A length ball, outside off. David Warner drives it firmly through mid off for a boundary. Helds his pose as well.
4
over
4 | 1 Runs | HH: 6/0
3.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, BEATEN! Good finish to the over. This is on a length and just around the 4th stump channel. Harris has a poke at it but misses as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Change of bats for David Warner.
3.5
1
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Robinson concedes his first run. A full ball, on middle. Warner punches it with soft hands to mid off and scampers across for a quick single.
3.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length and on middle. Warner hangs back and punches it back to the bowler.
3.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Outside off again, on a length. Warner steps across and shoulders arms to it.
3.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, straight and on middle. David Warner solidly blocks it out.
3.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length ball but this is way outside off. Easy leave for Warner.
3
over
3 | 1 Runs | HH: 5/0
2.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Short of a length, outside off, extra bounce on offer. Harris lets it through to the keeper.
2.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Another leave from Harris as he prods across and shoulders arms to this full ball.
2.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Length ball, outside off. Positive leave from Marcus Harris.
2.3
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full and on the pads, flicked to the left of mid-wicket where the fielder dives and stops it. A single.
2.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner prods and defends it back to the bowler. Chris Woakes collects the ball and mimes a throw as Warner is made to race back to the crease.
2.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, JAFFA! Woakes goes fuller now, outside off. Warner does not move too much as he tries to defend it. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 4/0
1.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, Length and on middle. Harris blocks it back to the bowler. Maiden to start for Ollie Robinson.
1.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, On a length, outside off. Harris covers his stumps and shoulders arms to it.
1.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, BEATEN! Good bowling from Robinson. This one jags away after landing, Harris is squared up as he looks to defend it out.
1.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, Touch fuller, on middle. Harris defends it off the front foot to covers.
1.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, A length ball, on off. Harris works it with an angled bat to gully.
1.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marcus Harris, Robinson starts with a length ball, angling outside off. Harris looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge. Only the slip cordon is appealing for a caught behind but Ollie Robinson shakes his head.
Ollie Robinson to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 4 Runs | HH: 4/0
0.6
1
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, On a length, on off. Harris punches it through point for a single. Both Australian openers off to a confident start.
0.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Now targets the hip area. Harris stays back and tries to nudge it away. Gets hit on the body though. No swing or seam noticed yet.
0.4
2
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Marcus Harris is off the mark as well! A length ball, outside off. Harris leans into his drive and hits it through covers for a brace. Confident-looking drive that from Harris!
0.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Short again and on middle. Harris stands behind the line of the ball and defends it on the surface.
0.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marcus Harris, Short of a length, on middle. Harris stands tall and blocks it out. Good bounce from Woakes.
0.1
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Australia and David Warner are underway. A length ball, on off. Warner taps it to point and runs for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but instead hits it to Warner.
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01
st Innings
England
We are set to begin! The players of England stride out to the middle. David Warner and Marcus Harris are the openers for Australia. Chris Woakes will start the proceedings with the ball.
Australia dominated day one thoroughly as their pacers enjoyed bowling in seaming conditions. The lethal trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc combined to take 9 wickets while Cameron Green celebrated his maiden Test wicket. The star of the day was the newly made leader, Pat Cummins, a five-fer on his captaincy debut against arch-rivals are stuff to dream of. England will be without their veterans Broad and Anderson. A tough job lies ahead for the other pacers and Joe Root has to lead his troops without his go-to guns. Stay tuned for further updates.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 2 of the first Test match between Australia and England here at Gabba. Australia have had a dream start to the series as they bundled out the visitors for mere 147 runs. The onus is with the Aussies as they will look for a good start to their innings. Overcast conditions and rain might play its role yet again. Let's hope the weather stays clear.
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
It was raining non-stop and the umpires had no other option but to call it the day. It was overcast all day but thankfully we got two full sessions of entertaining cricket. The Test era under Cummins is underway and they have done exceptionally well to shred England batting apart. Now Australia will try and build on the advantage they have. But after watching the Aussie pacers, the opposition pacers will be itching to get out. Join us for Day 2 as the action will begin half an hour early at 9.30 am Local (11.30 pm GMT, previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!
Update 1656 local (1856 GMT) - Well the inevitable has happened. The cut-off time was 5 pm local and with the rain gods showing no signs of mercy, the play has been called off. Australia dominated the first two sessions with their pace bowlers making England dance on their tunes. The visitors were 60/5 at one stage and then Pope and Buttler steadied the ship but the latter fell and then wickets started tumbling. England will surely miss Anderson and Broad in this pitch but they have other pacers to bet on.
Update 1628 local (1828 GMT) - It has stopped raining for now and the covers are coming off. The ground is still wet though and if the ground staff can make the ground ready in the next few minutes, we are in for some play but that will take a big effort. Pitch inspection in 10 minutes.
Update 1610 local (1810 GMT) - We are waiting for any official update regarding further play. Stay tuned with us for further updates. Even if the rain stops, the damp patches might make more upsets and drainage as well. Fingers crossed.
Update 1530 local (1730 GMT) - It is absolutely pouring down at the Gabba at the moment. Lots of water already on the covers. It seems like we might be in for a long delay. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that we resume the action soon. Stay tuned.
Update 1520 local (1720 GMT) - Missing out on some red-ball action? Don't worry as you can catch the action from Bangladesh vs Pakistan where Bangladesh are trailing by 186 runs and have 6 wickets in hand as we write this. Do enjoy the coverage of that match until we bring you more updates from this match.
Update 1500 Local (1700 GMT) - It was time for the Australian batters to walk out but the rain gods have other ideas. It was dark and overcast for quite a while and has started pouring here at Gabba and the pitch is covered for now. The play has been interrupted due to rain. Hope it clears soon and we get back to cricketing action. Stay tuned for further updates.
The pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been right on the money since the word go and the skipper didn't take too long to draw the first blood as he scalped Hameed straightaway after the Lunch break leaving England reeling at 60/5. After that, they were kept quiet for a tad period but Mitchell Starc provided Australia with the breakthrough and then the pacers bossed the game where Cameron Green also bagged his maiden Test wicket and in the end, Pat Cummins ended the innings with a five-fer to his name bundling England out under 150. Australia batters would look to come out and will look to take a healthy first innings lead. For England, there is still enough from the pitch to keep their bowlers interested but remember, they do not have Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The overcast conditions could help Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. Will they able to replicate a performance just like their rivals did? Do join us for the final session at 3 pm local (5 am GMT) to find out.
England already had a herculean task on their hands as they were pushed in early tatters and would have hoped Haseeb Hameed and Ollie Pope to repair the damage work. That wasn't the case though as the former's resistance came to an end in the first over itself after Lunch. The visitors then enjoyed a good passage of play as Jos Buttler played counter-attacking shots to keep the scoreboard moving and not allow the opponent's bowlers to take the game away. Pope supported him well from the other end and just when their partnership was blossoming, came a flurry of wickets and they got bundled out in a blink of an eye.
What a Test captaincy debut for Pat Cummins! First match as a Test captain, in an Ashes opener and has led from the front as he bags a five-wicket haul and the mighty Aussies, have rattled England out for 147 runs. The skipper would be very proud of his team's efforts and will head to the break with nothing but smiles. He leads his side to the pavilion and gets acknowledged by the crowd for his five-fer.
50.1
W
Pat Cummins to Chris Woakes, OUT! TAKEN! The captain takes a five-fer. A short ball, on middle. Chris Woakes pulls it but does not middle it. The ball goes off the top edge towards Josh Hazlewood in the deep again. He has to work hard as he runs across from fine leg and takes a diving catch. He plucks it just above the ground. Almost a carbon copy of the catch he took at backward square leg of Pope. Sensational stuff from Josh Hazlewood and England are all out for 147. THAT WILL ALSO BE TEA ON DAY 1!
50
over
50 | 1 Runs |
HH: 147/9
49.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Jack Leach, Leach survives. Around off, defended to point.
49.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Jack Leach, Full and on off. Kept out.
49.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Jack Leach, Now covers his stumps and blocks it to covers.
49.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Jack Leach, Tossed up, on middle. Leach gets on the front foot to block it out.
49.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Outside off. Woakes skips down and drills it to long on for a single.
49.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Tossed up, outside off. Woakes prods and defends it out.
49
over
49 | 3 Runs |
HH: 146/9
48.6
2
Pat Cummins to Jack Leach, A full ball, on off. Leach punches it wide of mid off and gets off the mark with a couple of runs.
48.5
0
Pat Cummins to Jack Leach, On a length, on off. Leach blocks it on the off side.
48.4
0
Pat Cummins to Jack Leach, An appeal for caught behind but turned down! A length ball, outside off. Leach looks to defend but misses.
Jack Leach is the last batter to come in.
48.3
W
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, OUT! TAKEN! Cummins goes wide of the crease and serves a short-of-a-length ball, on middle. Mark Wood hops and looks to work it on the leg side but without any control. He gets hit on the gloves and the ball lobs nicely for Marcus Harris who takes the easiest of catches at short leg.
48.2
1
Pat Cummins to Chris Woakes, A length ball, on off. Woakes taps it to point for a quick single.
48.1
0
Pat Cummins to Chris Woakes, Short of a length, angling down the leg side. Woakes swings and misses.
48
over
48 | 3 Runs |
HH: 143/8
47.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Mark Wood, Length again, outside off. Wood taps it straight to gully.
47.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Mark Wood, Length and around off. Kept out.
47.4
2
Josh Hazlewood to Mark Wood, In the air but safe! A short ball, on middle. Mark Wood rides the pull and hits it to vacant deep square leg region for a brace.
47.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Mark Wood, A length ball, angling on middle. Wood defends it solidly.
47.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Mark Wood, Length ball, way outside off. Wood leaves it alone.
47.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, Length and outside off, punched to point for a single.
47
over
47 | 6 Runs |
HH: 140/8
46.6
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, Short of a length, on middle. Wood gets hit on the gloves as he attempts to block.
46.5
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, A length ball, on middle. Wood defends it under his eyes.
46.4
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, A pacy short ball, on middle. Mark Wood sways away from the line.
46.3
4
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, FOUR! Boundaries flowing with ease! Full and on off. Mark Wood drives it crisply wide of mid off for a boundary.
46.2
2
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, Short of a length, on middle. Mark Wood pulls it to square leg for a couple. Marnus Labuschagne gives the chase and cuts it off.
46.1
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, A full ball, on middle. Blocked out.
46
over
46 | 12 Runs |
HH: 134/8
45.6
4
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Three boundaries in a row! A length ball, outside off. Chris Woakes dabs it late and through the slip cordon for a boundary.
45.5
4
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, FOUR! A length ball, outside off. Chris Woakes looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and beats the diving gully fielder for a boundary.
45.4
4
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Nicely driven! A full ball, on off. Chris Woakes drives it with soft hands and wide of mid off for a boundary.
45.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, On a length, on middle. Chris Woakes defends it on the deck.
45.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, Alex Carey appeals behind for caught behind but Hazlewood shakes his head. A length ball, outside off. Chris Woakes looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
45.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Chris Woakes, Serves a length ball, on middle. Chris Woakes blocks it out.
Josh Hazlewood (11-4-27-2) is back into the attack.
45
over
45 | 0 Runs |
HH: 122/8
44.6
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, Full, outside off, shaping away. Mark Wood goes feeling for it but gets beaten on the outside edge. A wicket-maiden from Pat Cummins.
44.5
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, Back of a length, angling in, on off. Mark Wood looks to defend but gets an insideedge onto the pads.
44.4
0
Pat Cummins to Mark Wood, Good-length ball, around off, nipping away. Mark Wood looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Mark Wood walks out to the middle.
44.3
W
Pat Cummins to Ollie Robinson, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another catch for Alex Carey. He is having a day out and so is their new skipper as he bags his third. Pitches it on a good length, outside off, nipping away. Ollie Robinson is tempted to go for a drive. The ball goes off the outside edge and carries through to Alex Carey who snaffles it up. England in nothing but tatters now.
44.2
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Robinson, Length ball, on leg. Flicked to short leg.
44.1
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Robinson, Bangs in short, on middle. Ollie Robinson sits under it.
Pat Cummins (10-2-29-2) is back on.
44
over
44 | 4 Runs |
HH: 122/7
43.6
0
Cameron Green to Chris Woakes, A successful over from Cameron Green. This was around off. Woakes taps it on the off side.
43.5
0
Cameron Green to Chris Woakes, A full ball, on middle. Chris Woakes turns it to square leg.
43.4
0
Cameron Green to Chris Woakes, On a length, on off, Blocked out.
43.3
4
Cameron Green to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Well played! This was on a length and outside off. Chris Woakes drives it through covers for a boundary.
43.2
0
Cameron Green to Chris Woakes, Serves a short ball, on middle. Woakes sits under it.
Ollie Robinson is the new man in.
43.1
W
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch from Josh Hazlewood in the deep! Cameron Green bags his maiden Test wicket and enters the wickets column as well. Green bowls a back-of-a-length delivery, on middle. The ball gets a little too big for Ollie Pope as he tries to pull. He is slightly late on his shot and the ball goes off the top edge towards deep backward square leg. Josh Hazlewood has to cover quite a ground as he runs from fine leg and runs to his left. He keeps his eyes on the ball, makes a full-stretch dive and manages to grab the ball. A stunner from him. Cameron Green is elated and so is Australia! They have been all over England.
Cameron Green (2-1-2-0) is back into the attack.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs |
HH: 118/6
42.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Width offered, outside off. Chris Woakes drives it to point.
42.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, on middle. Chris Woakes hops and blocks it right under his eyes.
42.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Bangs in short, on middle. Chris Woakes sways away from the line and half-ducks under it.
42.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Length ball, outside off, pushed to covers.
42.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, on middle. Ollie Pope tucks it on the leg side for a run.
42.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Length ball, on off. Ollie Pope presses forward and defends it solidly off the front foot.
42
over
42 | 3 Runs |
HH: 117/6
41.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Floated it up, on middle. Pope nudges it to square leg for a single.
41.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Around off, pushed to cover.
41.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Turning in, on leg. Pope is solid in his defence.
41.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Nicely played! Full and outside off, Ollie Pope pushes it through covers for a couple of runs.
41.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up, on off. Pope blocks it watchfully.
41.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Loopy ball, on off. Pope blocks it on the leg side.
41
over
41 | 6 Runs |
HH: 114/6
40.6
2
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Fuller in length, outside off. Chris Woakes drives it through covers for a couple of runs to get off the mark. A sucessful over from Mitchell Starc as he gets rid of Jos Buttler.
40.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, on off. Chris Woakes prods and defends it from the crease.
40.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Length ball, outside off. Chris Woakes lets it sail through.
Chris Woakes walks out now.
40.3
W
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Second catch for Alex Carey on his debut and he commits no mistake. Just when the partnership was starting to blossom for England, Jos Buttler holes out. Mitchell Starc provides his team with a breakthrough. Serves a good-length ball, on off, nipping away. Jos Buttler has a nibble at it from his crease. The ball goes off the outside edge and goes to Alex Carey who gobbles it up cleanly. Huge wicket as Jos Buttler was looking dangerous.
40.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Crunched away! Widh on offer, outside off. Mitchell Starc latches onto it and carasses it through covers for a boundary. That brings up the 50-run partnership as well between Jos Buttler and Ollie Pope.
40.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on middle. Jos Buttler tucks it on the leg side.
40
over
40 | 0 Runs |
HH: 108/5
39.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Slightly short and outside off. Pope cuts it straight to point.
39.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, A flighted ball, on middle. Ollie Pope lunges to defend.
39.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
39.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Sharp turn again, tossed up, around middle. Ollie Pope rocks back to flicked it but misses and gets hit on the pads.
39.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Full and on off. Pope solidly blocks it.
39.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up, on off. Ollie Pope comes down the track and defends it out off the front foot.
DRINKS! A good passage of play for the visitors as after losing Haseeb Hameed early, Jos Buttler played some counter-attacking shots and kept the run flow in check while Ollie Pope has supported him equally well. They will look to make this session unscathed whereas Australia would try to scalp a few more and put England on complete back foot.
39
over
39 | 1 Runs |
HH: 108/5
38.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Short again, on middle. Jos Buttler sways away from the line of the ball.
38.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Length and on middle. Defended out.
38.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A length ball, on middle, tucked on the leg side.
38.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A bouncer now, on middle. Buttler sits under it.
38.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Short of a length, on middle, Pope tucks it to mid-wicket and scampers across for a quick single. The fielder there dives and flicks it on the non-striker's end but Pope made his crease with a big dive.
38.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A length ball, way outside off. Pope shoulders arms to it.
38
over
38 | 7 Runs |
HH: 107/5
37.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Full again, on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
37.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Lyon comes 'round the wicket and serves a full ball, on middle. Buttler solidly defends it.
37.4
4
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Good shot! A loopy ball, on off. Jos Buttler drives it crisply and through covers for a boundary.
37.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Quicker one, on middle. Buttler rocks back and blocks it on the deck.
37.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, On middle, pushed to mid on.
37.1
3
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, A flatter ball, outside off. Pope cuts it through backward point. The fielder gives a long chase and flicks it back near the ropes. Three runs.
37
over
37 | 2 Runs |
HH: 100/5
36.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A length ball, down the leg side. Buttler misses his flick.
36.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A length ball, outside off. Buttler drives it straight to short cover where Marnus Labuschagne catches it on a bounce.
36.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A length ball, on middle. Buttler solidly blocks it out.
36.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Short ball, on middle. Pope pulls it to deep backward square leg where Josh Hazlewood does well to stop it. Along with that single, 100 comes up for England. A good passage of play from the visitors.
36.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Full ball, on middle. Buttler flicks it to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single.
36.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On middle, on a length, Blocked out.
36
over
36 | 2 Runs |
HH: 98/5
35.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Full and outside off, turning back in. Ollie Pope prods as he defends with bat and pad together. A muted appeal follows for LBW but nothing from the umpire.
35.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Tossed up, on middle, eased down to long on for a single.
35.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, This one spins back in, on middle. Jos Buttler tucks it on the leg side.
35.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Slightly short and on middle. Buttler rocks back and pushes it back to the bowler.
35.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Jos Buttler, Flatter, slower and outside off. Buttler hits it back to the bowler.
35.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Angles a full ball, on middle, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
Nathan Lyon (4-1-8-0) comes back into the attack.
35
over
35 | 0 Runs |
HH: 96/5
34.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A touch fuller, on middle. Jos Buttler drives it back to the bowler. A maiden over!
34.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Length ball, on off. Buttler pushes it towards covers.
34.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller, on off. Buttler pushes it to mid off.
34.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it out.
Review time! Australia take a review for caught behind. HotSpot shows nothing as the ball passes the bat and the on-field decision stays. Australia lose their review.
34.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, NOT OUT! Good-length ball, down the leg side. Jos Buttler looks to flick but misses. Alex Carey grabs the ball and throws it in the air in delight as he thinks Buttler has nicked it. Australia appeal but the umpire says no. Pat Cummins opts for a review. No mark on the HotSpot and the on-field decision stays. Replay shows that it came off the thigh pad and hence, Australia were interested. They burn their review though.
34.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, outside off, nipping away. Loose shot from Jos Buttler as he tries to drive it on the up but fails to connect.
Mitchell Starc (7-1-25-1) is back into the attack.
34
over
34 | 4 Runs |
HH: 96/5
33.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Length ball, on middle. Pope blocks it to mid on.
33.5
3
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Jos Buttler clips the ball off his pads to deep mid-wicket for three runs.
33.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good-length again, outside off. Jos Buttler is not interested to offer a shot to that.
33.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on off. Jos Buttler stays solid in his defence.
33.2
1
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Fuller, on off. Pushed towards covers for a single.
33.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Well fielded! Back of a length, on off. Ollie Pope guides it towards gully. The fielder there does well to dive to his right and stop the ball.
33
over
33 | 5 Runs |
HH: 92/5
32.6
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, on off. Jos Buttler taps it to point off the back foot.
32.5
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Full and angled in, Jos Buttler taps the ball to mid on.
32.4
4
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, FOUR! He is timing the ball so well! Widh offered, outside off. Jos Buttler pounces on it and carves it to deep backward point for a boundary.
32.3
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, slanting into the batter. Jos Buttler looks to work it on the leg side but gets struck on the thigh pad.
32.2
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it to mid off.
32.1
1
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, Short of a length, on middle. Ollie Pope pulls it to deep backward square leg. There's protection in the deep and will only get a single.
32
over
32 | 6 Runs |
HH: 87/5
31.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, On a good length, on off. Jos Buttler taps it to point.
31.5
2
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Length ball, on middle and leg. Jos Buttler works it through mid-wicket for a brace now.
31.4
1
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, On a length, on middle. Ollie Pope tucks it on the leg side for a single.
31.3
3
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, This is good counter-attack from Buttler! This was on a length, on off. Jos Buttler lofts it towards long off. Travis Head from mid off gives it a chase and the batters run three.
31.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Full again, on off. Jos Buttler looks to drive but gets an outside edge to point.
31.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Little fuller, outside off. Jos Buttler shoulders arms.
31
over
31 | 5 Runs |
HH: 81/5
30.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, Good-length ball, on middle. Ollie Pope covers the sticks and defends it back to the bowler.
30.5
2
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, More runs! Fuller, on middle. Ollie Pope flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple more.
30.4
3
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Nice batting from Buttler! Back of a length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it through covers. The point fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to three runs.
30.3
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, on middle. Jos Buttler blocks it out.
30.2
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Length ball, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it to the off side.
30.1
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, PEACH! Good-length ball, around off, shaping away. Jos Buttler looks to drive but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge and carries through to the keeper.
30
over
30 | 7 Runs |
HH: 76/5
29.6
3
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, A full ball, on middle. Jos Buttler lifts it over mid on. The ball bounces near the ropes and the mid on fielder cuts it off in time. Three taken.
29.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, A length ball, just around off. Jos Buttler defends it as he gets on his toes.
29.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, This one nips back in, on a length, on off. Jos Buttler blocks it on the leg side.
29.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Again outside off, an easy leave for Buttler.
29.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, A length ball, way outside off. Left alone.
29.1
4
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler is not in a mood to play defensive strokes. A full ball, outside off. Butter drives it on the up and clears mid off for a boundary.
29
over
29 | 2 Runs |
HH: 69/5
28.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, On a length, outside off. Pope taps it to the gully fielder.
28.5
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, This one shoots off the deck. Short of a length, on off. Pope looks to defend but gets hit on the right tricep. That was quick as well.
28.4
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, Outside off, on a length, pushed to point.
28.3
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, A short ball, banged on middle. Ollie Pope misses his pull and the keeper jumps to grab it.
28.2
1
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Length ball, outside off. Buttler punches it through covers for a single. England finding the gaps and taking quick singles here.
28.1
1
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, On a length, outside off. Pope taps it to covers for a quick single.
28
over
28 | 7 Runs |
HH: 67/5
27.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, A pacy short ball, outside off. Jos Buttler leaves it alone to the keeper.
27.5
2
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Full again, outside off. Buttler this time punches it to covers and takes a couple of runs.
27.4
4
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler is off the mark now. Over-pitched delivery, outside off. Buttler drives it firmly through covers for a boundary.
27.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, A length ball, outside off. Jos Buttler keeps it out.
27.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, BEATEN! Lovely bowling! This is on a length and around off. Jos Buttler looks to drive but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball passes over the stumps.
27.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, A full ball, outside off. Ollie Pope punches it through covers for a quick single.
Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end.
27
over
27 | 1 Runs |
HH: 60/5
26.6
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Length ball, on off. Jos Buttler defends it from the crease. A great start for Australia post Lunch. A wicket and a single off it.
26.5
0
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Full and angled in, pushed to covers.
Jos Buttler is the new batsman in.
26.4
W
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Haseeb Hameed's long stay in the middle comes to an end. A length ball, angling outside off. Haseeb Hameed gets on the front foot to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards the second slip where Steven Smith takes a sharp catch on his left. Half of the England side back in the hut.
26.3
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, outside off, shaping a bit away, Haseeb Hameed looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
26.2
1
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, A full ball, outside off. Pope prods and defends it towards cover for a quick single.
We are back for the middle session! The Australian players stride out to the middle. Haseeb Hameed and Ollie Pope will resume their innings as well. Pat Cummins to start with the ball.
26.1
0
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, A length ball, angling on middle. Ollie Pope mistimes as he looks to play on the leg side.
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
Josh Hazlewood is up for a chat. He says that Starc has been pretty good and provided the first breakthrough. Tells that he just tries to bowl on good lengths and that helps him take wickets. Adds that it has been a good start and they bowled in the right areas. Says it is a pretty good wicket and will be a bit harder after lunch. On asked about key to dismiss Joe Root, he says that they just need to bowl good balls and says he is a good player.
Hameed is standing like a wall at one end but the wickets are falling like a pack of cards for England. Burns was out on the very first ball and after that, the floodgates opened for the host as wickets started tumbling. Stokes tried to steady things but he didn't have the return to cricket he wished for. Now, Pope is showing good composure along with Hameed and England will be happy that they have at least steadied the ship and will hope these two continue to build on. Stay tuned with us as the post-lunch session will resume at 12.40 pm local (2.40 am GMT).
It was a good toss to lose for Pat Cummins as after watching that first ball from Mitchell Starc, Australia were more and more thankful for losing the toss. The ball was seaming, shaping both ways and creating all sorts of problems for the visitors. Cummins was shuffling the bowling attack really well and he was certainly enjoying his captaincy role too. A good first session for Australia and they will be very happy heading into the break.
The Ashes truly live to its anticipation and it was Australia who enjoyed the outcome as they were brilliant in the opening session. While for England, other than Haseeb Hameed, no one from their batting attack showed any composure.
26
over
26 | 2 Runs |
HH: 59/4
25.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Full and on off, Haseeb Hameed presses forward and negotiates well by defending it back onto the deck. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!
25.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Loopy ball, on middle. Hameed is solid in his defence.
25.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Floated it up, on off. Hameed blocks it out.
25.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short and on middle, Ollie Pope comes down the track and hits it to deep square leg. One.
25.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up, outside off. Ollie Pope lunges forward and tries to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. A mild appeal for an lbw but the umpire says no.
25.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Loopy ball, on middle. Haseeb Hameed plays it with the turn towards covers for a single.
25
over
25 | 2 Runs |
HH: 57/4
24.6
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, A full toss, down the leg side. Ollie Pope looks to flick but misses.
24.5
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Length ball, outside off. Ollie Pope shoulders arms.
24.4
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Touch fuller, on middle. Pope nudges it to mid on.
24.3
2
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Full again, on the pads this time. Ollie Pope flicks it to deep square leg to collect a couple of runs.
24.2
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Fuller in length, on off. Pope drives it straight to cover.
24.1
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Good-length ball, outside off. Left alone by Pope.
24
over
24 | 5 Runs |
HH: 55/4
23.6
4
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, FOUR! Nicely played! Loopy ball, around off. Haseeb Hameed rocks back and dabs it past first slip towards third man for a boundary.
23.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short again, on middle. Ollie Pope hits it through mid-wicket for a run.
23.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short and outside off, cut away to point.
23.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, On middle, blocked out.
23.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short and on off, some turn there as well. Ollie Pope hangs back and defends it to the off side off the outer half of the bat.
23.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up nicely, on middle. Ollie Pope presses forward and defends it out.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs |
HH: 50/4
22.6
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller in length, on off. Haseeb Hameed drives it to short cover. A maiden to begin with for Cameron Green!
22.5
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, on off. Haseeb Hameed is solid in his defence.
22.4
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Bangs in short, on middle. Haseeb Hameed sits under it.
22.3
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Very full, on middle. Haseeb Hameed flicks it straight to square leg.
22.2
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller, outside off. Driven towards covers.
22.1
0
Cameron Green to Haseeb Hameed, Green starts with a fuller length, down the leg side. Haseeb Hameed looks to flick but misses. The ball brushes off his pads and carries through to the keeper. Australia appeal for a catch but the umpire says no.
Cameron Green is into the attack now.
22
over
22 | 1 Runs |
HH: 50/4
21.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Outside off, Ollie Pope makes room for himself and cuts it straight to cover-point.
21.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short and on middle. Ollie Pope pulls but the ball hits Marnus Labuschagne at short leg.
21.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Full and on middle, Ollie Pope uses his feet to defend it to mid on.
21.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Loopy ball, on off. Ollie Pope steps out and looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.
21.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up, on off. Ollie Pope blocks it out from the crease.
21.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Fllighted, full and on off. Haseeb Hameed nudges it to mid on for a tight single. 50 up for England!
21
over
21 | 2 Runs |
HH: 49/4
20.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, on off, with a slight inward movement. Haseeb Hameed drops it to the off side and retains the strike by taking a single.
20.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Starc bangs in short, on middle. Haseeb Hameed negotiates with that one easily by ducking under it.
20.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Length ball, on middle, straightens up after pitching. Haseeb Hameed looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
20.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, On a good length, on middle. Ollie Pope tucks it to square leg and scampers across for a quick single.
20.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Good-length ball, outside off. Ollie Pope shoulders arms to that one.
20.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, on middle. Ollie Pope looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs |
HH: 47/4
19.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Quicker one now, on middle. Haseeb Hameed rocks back and nudges it to square leg. Maiden to start for Nathan Lyon.
19.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Tossed up, full and on middle. Haseeb Hameed prods and keeps it out.
19.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, A loopy ball, on middle. Hameed hangs back and blocks it back on the surface.
19.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Full and on off. Haseeb Hameed defends it off the front foot.
19.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Flatter and outside off. Hameed taps it to point.
19.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Haseeb Hameed, Lyon starts with a tossed up ball, on middle. Haseeb Hameed rocks back and blocks it towards short leg.
Time for some spin! Nathan Lyon is brought into the attack. Can he get to his 400th Test wicket? A slip, leg slip and short leg in place for him.
19
over
19 | 4 Runs |
HH: 47/4
18.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Now targets the pads, Pope tucks it to square leg.
18.5
4
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Nicely driven! A full ball, outside off. Ollie Pope gets on his knee and drives it through the vacant cover region for a boundary.
18.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Touch fuller, outside off, pushed straight to covers.
18.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Length and on off. Ollie Pope hits it back to the bowler. Solid defensive intent from Pope.
18.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A length ball, on middle. Pope turns it to the on side.
18.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, On middle, on a length. Ollie Pope blocks it off the upper half of the blade back on the deck.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs |
HH: 43/4
17.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, just around off. Haseeb Hameed looks to defend inside the line but gets beaten on the outside edge. Maiden over.
17.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on off. Haseeb Hameed hops and blocks it to point.
17.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, This was on a length and way outside off. Left alone.
17.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, Length and on off. Another solid defense from Haseeb Hameed on the off side.
17.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, slanting on middle. Haseeb Hameed solidly blocks it out.
17.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, Short of a length, just around off. Haseeb Hameed covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.
17
over
17 | 5 Runs |
HH: 43/4
16.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Full ball, on off, pushed back to the bowler.
16.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, On a length, on middle, swinging in very late. Ollie Pope gets an inside edge as he looks to defend and gets hit on the thigh pad.
16.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Good shot. A length ball, outside off. Ollie Pope drives it through the square on the off side and bags his first boundary.
16.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on middle. Haseeb Hameed glances it to the fine leg region for a single.
16.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Short of a length, angling across, around off. Haseeb Hameed shoulders arms to it.
16.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, targeting the pads, hint of seam movement. Haseeb Hameed misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
Mitchell Starc (4-1-14-1) is back on.
16
over
16 | 1 Runs |
HH: 38/4
15.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Angles a length ball, on off. Pope defends it confidently.
15.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, A length ball, on off. Pope hangs back and blocks it on the off side.
15.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, This is short and around off. Ollie Pope ducks under it.
15.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Another outside off delivery, another easy leave for Pope.
15.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, A length ball, outside off. Pope covers his stumps and lets it through to the keeper.
15.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, on middle. Hameed tucks it to square leg for a single.
15
over
15 | 7 Runs |
HH: 37/4
14.6
3
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller in length, on off. Haseeb Hameed wrists it to deep mid-wicket. Long chase for Mitchell Starc who runs from mid on and cuts it off. Three runs taken. 7 runs coming from the over.
14.5
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on off. Haseeb Hameed covers the line and blocks it out.
14.4
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off. No movement there. Haseeb Hameed shoulders arms.
14.3
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off. Hameed leaves it untouched.
14.2
3
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, Short of a length, on middle. Ollie Pope pulls it towards deep square leg. Didn't hit it quite from the middle of the bat and the batter gets three runs.
14.1
1
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, On a good length, on off. Haseeb Hameed defends it awkwardly. The ball goes off the bottom half of the bat towards short fine leg for a single.
14
over
14 | 0 Runs |
HH: 30/4
13.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Length ball, outside off, shaping away. Left alone. Another maiden for Josh Hazlewood!
13.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Fuller in length this time, on middle. Ollie Pope drives it straight back to the bowler. Josh Hazlewood collects it on his followthrough and gives a stare to the batsman.
13.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Good-length ball, on middle and leg, coming back in. Ollie Pope looks to defend but gets struck on the thigh pad.
13.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Around off, on a length, coming back in. Ollie Pope lets it through.
13.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Length ball, outside off. Ollie Pope leaves it alone.
13.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, outside off. Ollie Pope shoulders arms to that one.
Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. His figures till now read (4-2-2-2).
13
over
13 | 6 Runs |
HH: 30/4
12.6
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Short ball, on middle. Haseeb Hameed ducks underneath.
12.5
1
Pat Cummins to Ollie Pope, Off the mark straighaway! Full and outside off. Ollie Pope gets forward and pushes it towards covers for a single.
12.4
W
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, OUT! CAUGHT! Pat Cummins gets rid of the big fish. Hurls in and bowls a back-of-a-length ball, on middle, angling in. Ben Stokes gets all squared up and hops from his crease as he tries to defend. The ball kisses the outside edge and flies to the third slip where Marnus Labuschagne takes a good low catch diving to his left. Ben Stokes is not happy with that and goes back shaking his head off. First wicket for Pat Cummins and Australia well on top! England in deep deep trouble now!
Ollie Pope is the new man in.
12.4
1
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, WIDE! Cummins bangs in too short, on middle and leg. Ben Stokes sways away from the line. Wide called for height.
12.3
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, On a length, outside off. Ben Stokes taps it to the off side.
12.2
4
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Well played! Pat Cummins pitches it up, outside off. Ben Stokes leans onto it, opens the face of the bat and drives it through covers for a boundary.
12.1
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length, at 136 kph, on off. Ben Stokes drives it confidently but straight to mid off.
DRINKS! A dominating opening hour for Australia. Their pacers were top-notch from ball one and are very much in a pole position. England though need these two, Stokes and Hameed to stay in the middle and do the repair work.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs |
HH: 24/3
11.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller this time, on off. Haseeb Hameed puts a stride forward and drives it well but straight to the mid off fielder. A dot to end the over!
11.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away. Haseeb Hameed watches it let go past him.
11.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Length ball, outside off. Haseeb Hameed leaves it for the keeper to collect.
11.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, What a ripper! Tad fuller, in the fourth stump channel, swinging away. Haseeb Hameed is forced to have a poke at it but gets fortunate as it beats his outside edge.
11.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, On a good length, outside off, shaping away. Haseeb Hameed lets it sail through. This is much better line from Starc.
11.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, FOUR LEG BYES! Back of a length, on leg. Haseeb Hameed looks to tuck but misses. The ball goes off the thigh pads and races away to the fine leg fence for four leg byes.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs |
HH: 20/3
10.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, On a good length, outside off. Ben Stokes is not troubled by that line as he shoulders arms to that one. A maiden from Pat Cummins!
10.5
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Good-length ball, on middle. Ben Stokes stays solid in his defence.
10.4
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, On a good length, on middle, angling in. Ben Stokes turns it to short mid-wicket.
10.3
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Full and outside off, Ben Stokes presses forward and drives it to mid off. Travis Head there does well to dive to his left and stop the ball. Saved a certain boundary.
10.2
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, OH! That was close! Good-length ball, angling in on middle. Ben Stokes lets it go. The ball goes just over the middle stump and carries through to the keeper.
10.1
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length, on the pads. Ben Stokes clips it to short mid-wicket.
10
over
10 | 4 Runs |
HH: 20/3
9.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, outside off. Haseeb Hameed leaves it alone to the keeper.
9.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, on the hip. Defended out.
9.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, A full ball, on middle. Haseeb Hameed drives it straight back. Mitchell Starc seems to get a hand on it as the ball ricochets it on the non-striker's stumps and Australia appeal for a run out but the umpire is not interested in it.
9.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on off. Haseeb Hameed hops and taps it on the off side.
9.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, FOUR! Edgy runs! A full ball, outside off. Haseeb Hameed looks for a big booming drive but gets a thick outside edge over the slip cordon and the ball races away to the third man fence.
9.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, swinging in, on middle. Haseeb Hameed watches carefully and defends it on the leg side.
Mitchell Starc (2-0-10-1) is back into the attack. He replaces Josh Hazlewood.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs |
HH: 16/3
8.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, A length ball, outside off. Ben Stokes drives it nicely but straight to mid off.
8.5
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, A length ball, on middle. Ben Stokes rocks back and defends it solidly.
8.4
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, on middle, tucked away to mid-wicket.
8.3
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, That one really stayed low. A length ball, angling on off. Ben Stokes looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
8.2
0
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Full ball, on middle. Ben Stokes covers his stumps and blocks it out.
8.1
1
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on middle. Haseeb Hameed nudges it to deep square leg for one run.
8
over
8 | 2 Runs |
HH: 15/3
7.6
1
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, LEG BYE! Short of a length, angling on the thigh pad. Haseeb Hameed misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls to square leg and a leg bye is taken.
7.5
1
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, Ben Stokes is off the mark. A full ball, on middle, flicked to square leg. He slips as he flicks but no harm done as he completes the run comfortably.
7.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, A length ball, outside off. Stokes shuffles across and leaves it alone. Good from Stokes, he just need to stay in the middle for some time.
7.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, Another solid defence from Stokes. This is on a length and on middle.
7.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, Fuller and on middle. Ben Stokes is strong behind the line of the ball as he defends it out.
7.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, Length ball, angling across, outside off. Stokes shoulders arms to it.
7
over
7 | 2 Runs |
HH: 13/3
6.6
2
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller and outside off. Hameed punches it with soft hands through covers and takes a couple of runs.
6.5
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, BEATEN! A full ball, just around the fifth stump channel. Haseeb Hameed looks to defend on the front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.
6.4
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Now serves Hameed with a short ball. Haseeb Hameed sits under it.
6.3
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Full again, on off. Hameed blocks it towards cover.
6.2
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller ball, on off. Hameed gets on the front foot to keep it out.
6.1
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, JAFFA! Back of a length, outside off. Haseeb Hameed looks to play it but leaves it very late. Good leave actually.
6
over
6 | 0 Runs |
HH: 11/3
5.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, angling across, outside off. Stokes shoulders arms to it.
Ben Stokes walks out to bat at No.5.
5.5
W
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, OUT! TAKEN! Australia not letting England to settle in. What a start for the Aussies. A full ball, outside off, this one is coming with the angle. Joe Root lunges and looks to block it out but the ball takes the outside edge and it goes straight to the first slip where David Warner holds onto it. England in all sorts of trouble as their skipper goes on a duck.
5.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, This one nips back in sharply. A length ball, on middle. Root stays back to defend but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
5.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, BEATEN! Beauty. A full ball, outside off, this one hits the deck and shapes away. Root prods to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
5.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, On a length and angling on middle. Joe Root hops and defends it on the leg side.
5.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, A length ball, outside off. Root shoulders arms to it.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs |
HH: 11/2
4.6
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, on middle. Haseeb Hameed gets on top of the ball and blocks it from the crease.
4.5
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Full and on middle. Haseeb Hameed watches it closely and meets it with a dead bat.
4.4
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Slightly fuller, on the off pole. Haseeb Hameed pats it back to the bowler.
4.3
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Pitched up, outside off, Haseeb Hameed shuffles across a bit before making a leave.
4.2
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Length ball, on off, coming back in sharply. Haseeb Hameed is caught in the crease as he tries to defend and gets an inside edge onto the pads.
4.1
0
Pat Cummins to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, on off. Haseeb Hameed looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge and falls short of the man at second slip.
Pat Cummins is into the attack now.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs |
HH: 11/2
3.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, Huge inward movement! Back of a length, on off. The ball rises on that occasion and shaped back in sharply. Joe Root looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. A wicket-maiden from Josh Hazlewood.
3.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, Length ball, in the corridor of uncertainty. Joe Root presses forward and steers it to point.
3.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, Back of a length, on off, shaping back in again. Joe Root taps it towards covers.
3.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Joe Root, Full and on off, shaping back in. Joe Root plays that one back to the bowler.
The skipper of England, Joe Root walks out to the middle.
3.2
W
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Alex Carey takes his first catch on his debut and England lose their second wicket. Josh Hazlewood serves a good-length ball, around off, with a hint of away movement. Enough to kiss the outside edge of Dawid Malan's bat as he has a poke at it. Alex Carey makes no mistake behind the stumps as it was a regulation catch. Dawid Malan has to walk back to the pavilion and Australia are all pumped as they have got two wickets very early into this game.
3.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away. Dawid Malan leaves it for the keeper to collect.
3
over
3 | 4 Runs |
HH: 11/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off. Haseeb Hameed shoulders arms to that one.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Starc drags his length a bit this time, outside off, shaping away. Haseeb Hameed lets it go.
2.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, FOUR! That's a shot! Pure timing and placement! Fuller in length, on off. Haseeb Hameed gets into the position early and drives it straight down the ground for a boundary.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Length ball, outside off. An easy leave for Haseeb Hameed.
2.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Fuller in length, outside off. Haseeb Hameed leans onto it and drives but finds the cover fielder.
2.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away. Haseeb Hameed lets it sal through.
2
over
2 | 1 Runs |
HH: 7/1
1.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Just the single off the over then! Josh Hazlewood again hurls in a back-of-a-length ball, on middle this time. Dawid Malan stands up on his toes and defends it down the pitch.
1.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, in the fourth stump channel, nipping away from the batter. Good bounce and carry as well. Dawid Malan watches the ball closely and makes a leave.
1.4
1
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, Haseeb Hameed gets off the mark! Good-length ball, on middle. No movement off the ball this time. Haseeb Hameed tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.
1.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, On a length, on off. Haseeb Hameed covers the line and blocks it down with a dead bat.
1.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, JAFFA! Back of a length, around off, nipping in. Haseeb Hameed this time tries to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
1.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, outside off, nipping in. Haseeb Hameed leaves it alone.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Josh Hazlewood.
1
over
1 | 6 Runs |
HH: 6/1
0.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, A length ball, on middle. Malan stays back and tucks it to square leg.
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, A length ball, outside off. Malan blocks it to point.
0.4
2
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Fuller in length, on off. Malan opens his face of the bat and hits it through point for a couple of runs.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, A full ball, on middle. Dawid Malan defends it towards cover.
0.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, FOUR! England and Dawid Malan are underway! This is full and around off, hint of away swing. Dawid Malan without any foot movement looks to defend but this goes off the outer half and through the gully region for a boundary.
Dawid Malan walks out at number 3.
0.1
W
Mitchell Starc to Rory Burns, OUT! BOWLED! Can you believe it? That's Ashes for you! Mitchell Starc you beauty! He draws first blood and roars. Starc seams in and bowls it full and on leg. Rory Burns shuffles across too far, tries to flick but misses and gets knocked round his legs. There might be hint of late swing as well. This is a dramatic start as it gets. A wicket of the first ball and Australia are delighted. The players are all over Mitchell Starc. Rory Burns has to take the long walk back and goes without troubling the scorers. England certainly didn't hope for this kind of start. An early blow to them. Welcome to the 'Gabba' says Starc.
Done with all the pre-match formalities! We are all set for the action now as the players of Australia stride out to the middle. Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns are the openers of England. Mitchell Starc to start with the ball. Here we go...
Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia says that it feels great and he can't wait to get things start. Admits that they were going to bat first but were not quite sure about it. Says that the bowlers and batters will get equal assistance. Tells that the boys are really excited and quite relaxed.
Joe Root, the skipper of England, says that they will bat first. Tells that it wasn't a straightforward call with the wet build-up. Mentions that the pitch looks soft underneath and might do a bit more on the second and third day. Informs that leaving Broad out was a difficult decision to make but all the seamers will have their part to play in the series. Tells that they have prepared very well and are ready to go and enjoy the series and make the most of it.
Australia (Playing XI) - David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
England (Playing XI) - Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Jack Leach.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favour of ENGLAND. They have elected to BAT first.
The weather is arguably set to play the biggest role in the opening Test as there is a forecast of rain everyday and whether the match will produce a result is open to debate. Both sides would be keen to avoid a losing start so a draw seems the best outlook. With all that, let us hope that the rain gods stay away and we get all the action on Day 1. Stay tuned for toss and further updates.
Will Gabba be a fortress? Well, Australia had not lost a Test at the Gabba for 33 years until India's famous victory in January. But it still has not been a happy hunting ground for the visitors. Their last win at the Gabba came in 1986 and the visitors now would be keen to break that record.
For England, they have announced their 12-man squad. The bitter truth for them is that they have lost 9 out of their last 10 Tests in Australia. England relies too much on Joe Root and they will need other players to step up if they are to gain the urn. They simply can't rely on individual performances. They will have the services of Ben Stokes but he has not played a competitive game of cricket since July and has not played a red-ball game since his last Test in March. However, his class and competitiveness can never be questioned (try forgetting his masterclass at Headingley). It has been announced that James Anderson will miss the first Test to manage his workload, which means Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad should feature unless there is a surprise. The England Lions will need to find answers to Steven Smith who racked up the bulk of runs in the 2019 Ashes series (774 to be precise) and they would also be aware of Marnus Labuschagne who has been a revelation for Australia. England would be raring to stamp their authority straightaway. The Brits would love to win their first Ashes down under since 2011 and thus, get the urn back to merry-old London.
Australia have already announced their playing 11 and this curtain-raiser marks the new era with Pat Cummins to lead his nation for the first time. He has Steven Smith as his deputy partner and they also have a new man behind the stumps in Alex Carey who will make his Test debut and couldn't have asked for a better platform than this to show his skills. Their batting order looks sorted with David Warner and Marcus Harris as their openers while their middle order relies on two batsmen who are rock solid - Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. On the bowling front, they have the deadly pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins and in spin, they possess Nathan Lyon. Australia owing to their home record will definitely begin as favorites and will have their eyes wide open to retain the urn.
Well, well, well! The day has finally arrived. Wherever you are, just go home and stick to your television screens because it is time for probably one of the most intense rivalry in the history of cricket. Yup, you guessed it right. It is time for THE ASHES. It hasn't been long since these teams last crossed swords in an Ashes series but yet it feels like an eternity. The last time both sides met, Australia retained the urn although the spoils were shared. Both teams would be eager to step on the field and bring on their 'A' game as one team would start their quest to gain the urn while the other to retain. Who will win the first Test match? Will the weather forecast permit to have a full game? How will Pat Cummins lead his side as a captain? Will England win a Test in Australia after almost 10 years? All these questions will be answered over the course of these five days. On that note, a warm welcome to the coverage of the first day of the Ashes.
... MATCH DAY ...