Journalism of Courage
Australia vs England, The Ashes 2021/22, 2nd Test - Live Commentary and Ball by Ball Updates
02
nd Innings
England
We are back for Australia's second innings! Joe Root has his team in a huddle and has a few words before leading them out on the field. Marcus Harris and David Warner are out in the middle. Warner is taking the strike and James Anderson is set to steam in.
Australia have a massive lead now! What a turnaround we have witnessed. England won the first session but after that, things went downhill. After losing Burns and Hameed cheaply, Malan and Root steadied the ship and England fought hard and came right back in this contest. However, both Malan and Root were denied their hundreds and the tourists were left in a spot of bother. It was Ben Stokes who showed great resistance against the Aussie bowlers but he ran out of partners and had to change his gears eventually. He too fell after smacking a couple of lusty blows and England were bundled out for 236. Australian bowlers came back really well in the second session and got rid of both the set batters in Malan and Root. It was Cameron Green who got the priced wicket of Root. Mitchell Starc also got into the act as he chipped in with a couple of wickets. However, it was Nathan Lyon who did the damage in the third session and he sent back a couple of English batters. It has been a terrific comeback from the hosts with the ball and they are well ahead in this game now. Also, Australia haven't enforced the follow-on and they will bat again.
84.1
over
84.1 | 0 Runs | HH: 236/10
84.1
W
Mitchell Starc to Stuart Broad, OUT! CAUGHT! England are bowled out for 236. Stuart Broad looks to go downtown but miscues his hit. Mitchell Starc gets his fourth wicket of the game. Touch short, around middle and leg. Broad moves back and looks to heave it away. The ball flies towards cover off the outer half. Head settles under it and takes it easily. 50 wickets in Day-Night Tests for Mitchell Starc. ENGLAND TRAIL BY 237 RUNS.
84
over
84 | 11 Runs | HH: 236/9
83.6
4
Jhye Richardson to James Anderson, FOUR! Nicely played! Full length and on off. James Anderson shuffles across and clips it through square leg to bag a boundary.
83.5
0
Jhye Richardson to James Anderson, Length ball, angled into the batter again. James Anderson looks to defend it out but misses to get hit just under the box. He would be glad.
83.4
0
Jhye Richardson to James Anderson, A length ball, angled into the batter. James Anderson looks to defend it out but gets banged on the pads.
83.3
1
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Short and on off. Stuart Broad pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
83.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Banged in a short ball, on off. Broad leaves it alone.
83.1
6
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, SIX! BANG! Mitchell Starc holds the catch on the ropes. He has a big smile on his face. Stuart Broad gets lucky and gets his 50th Test match six of his career. Back of a length ball, around middle and leg. Stuart Broad looks to hook it away. The ball takes the outside edge and flies towards fine leg. Mitchell Starc grabs the ball safely only to realise he has stepped on the ropes, as he tumbles on the ground.
83
over
83 | 1 Runs | HH: 225/9
82.6
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, OH, Well bowled. Got too much curve on it this time. Fuller, around off, shaping away. James Anderson looks to dig it out but gets beaten by the shape.
82.5
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, Slightly short, on middle and off. Anderson shuffles across and defends it solidly.
82.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Stuart Broad, Fuller, on the pads, Stuart Broad clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ahem, ahem - When Broady comes to Australia, sledging is turned full on! After the end of the previous over, David Warner went across and had a dig at both Broad and Anderson. It did not look serious but umpire Rod Tucker had to ask Warner to go back to his fielding position! You do not want to make either of these two fast bowlers grumpy, do you? This is just the first inning of the second Test of a 5-match series. You still have got to bat against these blokes!
82.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Stuart Broad, Short ball, around middle and leg. Broad leans back and leaves it alone.
82.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Stuart Broad, Short ball, around off. Stuart Broad stays back and looks to heave it away but misses.
82.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Stuart Broad, Sharp bumper, arouund middle and leg. Stuart Broad sways away from the line of the delivery.
82
over
82 | 3 Runs | HH: 224/9
81.6
1
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Back of a length, around leg. Stuart Broad hangs back and clips it past short leg for a single.
81.5
2
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, TWO LEG BYES! Short ball, on the body. Broad jumps and leans back in the process. The ball goes off the arm over Alex Carey to fine leg. The batters collect a couple of runs, as the fielder takes some time to get to the ball.
81.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Back of a length, around middle, shaping away. Stuart Broad leaves it alone.
81.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Another short delivery, on the bodyline. Stuart Broad blocks it to short leg.
81.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, Back of a length, on the bodyline. Stuart Broad hops inside the crease and defends it out to the leg side.
A slight halt in play. The physio is out in the middle after that blow to Broad's helmet. As per the concussion rules, Broad needs to change his helmet. In a way, it is good that the ball hit the gloves first. Else that jaw would have taken a pounding, if the ball had hit it directly. Broad certainly looks rattled. On comes the new helmet.
81.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Stuart Broad, NASTY!! That must've hurt. Short ball, on the bodyline. Stuart Broad hops and looks to defend it out. The ball goes of his gloves and hits the grill on its way.
Jhye Richardson (17-4-66-0) is back on too.
81
over
81 | 0 Runs | HH: 221/9
80.6
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, A maiden for Mitchell Starc. Length and on off. James Anderson blocks it out watchfully.
80.5
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, Good-length ball, outside off. James Anderson looks to have a poke at it but pulls his blade back eventually. The ball zips past the outside edge.
80.4
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, Short and on off. The ball flies off the deck. James Anderson hangs back and defends it out solidly.
Good to see Warner back on the field. By the way, Shane Warne is thinking aloud whether Smith will enforce the follow-on if he gets the chance. Yes, the lead is well above 200 but look at the overs bowled. That is almost a full day's play and Australia will think about resting their bowlers. However, Warney also remembers the previous time these two teams met at the Adelaide Oval - Australia were shot out for 138 in the third innings, with Jimmy rocking them hard. Yes, Australia still won that game but it does seem that batting third in Australia is the most difficult thing to do. Remember Adelaide 2020, where India were shot out for 36? So Shane reckons that Smith would be desperate to take the last wicket as quickly as possible, enforce the follow-on and take another 3-4 by Stumps tonight. Oh and Warne adds that there is RAIN FORECAST for tomorrow. Ah....
80.3
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, BEATEN! Shapes away nicely. Good-length ball, around off. The ball nips away off the deck. James Anderson looks to defend it out but gets beaten at the outside edge.
80.2
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, Back of a length, on off, close to the body. James Anderson hops and defends it out.
80.1
0
Mitchell Starc to James Anderson, Massive bounce and swing! Back of a length, way outside off, shaping away. James Anderson looks to chase it but misses.
The new ball is available now and it is not a surprise that it is taken! Mitchell Starc (14-5-36-3) is on now.
80
over
80 | 1 Runs | HH: 221/9
79.6
0
Cameron Green to Stuart Broad, Length ball, around off. Broad looks to block but gets the toe end towards first slip.
79.5
1
Cameron Green to James Anderson, Short of a length, around off. Pushed to point for one.
Robbed of a 'Stokes'ingley! If this had been the earlier Stuart Broad, we would have seen normal cricket, with Stokes rotating the strike and Broad playing watchful cricket. However, after Broad was hit on the nose by a Varun Aaron bouncer in 2014, he has never been the same batter. Hence, Stokes was forced to take matters into his own hands.
79.4
0
Cameron Green to James Anderson, Short of a length, outside off. Anderson looks to block but is beaten.
James Anderson comes out to bat now. Anderson and Broad together! This time with the bat. Can they make Australia bat again with a nice little partnership?
79.3
W
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, OUT! BOWLED! Green does the trick! Stokes really had no other option but to attack now! Green bowls it short of a length and outside off. Stokes looks to slog it away but gets the inside edge. The ball goes back to hit the stumps and England's chances of avoiding the follow on are dismal now.
79.2
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Stokes looks to go downtown but gets it towards deep square leg.
79.1
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short and outside off. Stokes slams it to the left of deep point. Harris gets across and dives to stop it. His knee gets stuck in the ground and he has an awkward. Stokes has a surprised look after seeing that.
79
over
79 | 11 Runs | HH: 220/8
78.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
78.5
4
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, outside off. Stokes backs away and goes heaves it over mid off for a boundary.
Uzzie lad is on the field! Yes, Usman Khawaja is on the field, as a substitute for David Warner. Ideally, Khawaja should have been playing in place of Marcus Harris but an injury ruled him out of the opening Ashes Test and then, he was picked to represent Australia A against England Lions in a 4-day game. As things stand, one certainly feels that UK will play against the team from the UK on Boxing Day but what about Mitchell Marsh? He has been in rollicking form, but don't think Travis Head or Cameron Green have done much wrong to be left out of the playing XI! A good selection headache for the think tank.
78.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Shorter ball, around off. Pushed to covers.
78.3
6
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, SIX! All the way! We could be in for a T20-style game now! Tossed up, on off. Stokes gets low and slog-sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence.
78.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Loopy ball, around off. Stokes gets the outside edge but it drops short of second slip.
78.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Short and outside off. Cut away to deep cover. Single is not taken.
78
over
78 | 5 Runs | HH: 209/8
77.6
1
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short ball, outside off. Stokes ramps it to third man for one.
77.5
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short and on off. Stokes lets it go.
77.4
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, outside off. Stokes cuts it to covers.
77.3
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Driven to long off but a single is not taken.
77.2
4
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Lucky boundary! Like we said, Stokes could cut loose now! Length ball, on off. Stokes looks to heave it away but gets the inside edge. It runs to the fine leg fence.
77.1
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, on off. Flicked to mid-wicket..
77
over
77 | 1 Runs | HH: 204/8
76.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, Turn and bounce! Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Stuart Broad looks to defend but the ball goes past his outside edge.
76.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, Flatter ball, on off. Stuart Broad blocks it out.
Who will walk out now? It is Stuart Broad.
Review! Ollie Robinson takes it upstairs for an LBW review. The orginal decision is OUT. The Hot Spot shows there is nothing on the blade. The RTS shows bat is absent. Impact is umpire's call and wickets are hitting. England do not lose a review here.
76.4
W
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Robinson, OUT! LBW! Nathan Lyon gets his third wicket and England are in deep trouble now! Flatter ball, outside off and spinning in sharply. Robinson is stuck to his crease and looks to flick it across the line. He misses it and gets pinged on his pad. Lyon appeals and the umpire raises his finger. Robinson reviews straightaway! The Hawk Eye suggests that the impact is umpire's call and the wickets hitting. Robinson has to take the long walk back to the pavilion.
76.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full and on off. Stokes pushes it to deep point for a single.
How will Stokes play? The pitch is starting to play a few more tricks and he is running out of partners. The southpaw has looked quite solid so far and he has nothing to lose to be honest. We could see him take the bowlers on soon. What is the worst that could happen? He could get out. But if it pays out, England could get 40-50 runs in short time.
76.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full and on off, kept it out.
76.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full and on off, pushed to cover.
76
over
76 | 1 Runs | HH: 203/7
75.6
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Robinson, Back of a length, outside off. Ollie Robinson looks to heave it away but he fails to get any bat on it.
75.5
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Robinson, DROPPED! Back of a length, outside off. Ollie Robinson looks to push it on the up on the off side but he gets a thick outside edge and the ball goes towards Mitchell Starc at gully who drops it. The ball pops up and goes towards Steven Smith at second slip. Smith looks to grab it with his right hand but he fails to gather it. Robinson survives.
75.4
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Robinson, On a length, around off. Ollie Robinson blocks it to cover.
75.3
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Robinson, BEATEN! Good-length ball, around off and nipping away late. Robinson looks to poke at it but the ball zips past his outside edge.
75.2
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Robinson, Fuller in length, angling in from off. Ollie Robinson defends it off the front foot.
75.1
1
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, around off. Ben Stokes stays back and blocks it past covers for a run.
Cameron Green (7-3-17-1) is back on now. Surely, Steven Smith is saving his main seamers for the second new ball.
75
over
75 | 1 Runs | HH: 202/7
74.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Robinson, Tossed up, outside off. Robinson comes forward to block it.
Ollie Robinson comes in at number 9. Will Australia straightaway take the second new ball once available? If we had been asked this a few minutes ago, it would have been a definite YES. However, now, things have changed. Nathan Lyon is settling into a real rhythm and at this point of time, one feels that that a wicket is around the corner, every 5 minutes. Once Garry gets into his zone, tailenders can get wiped out quickly.
74.5
W
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, OUT! BOWLED! Snorter! Shorter and lands outside off. This comes back in sharply. Woakes looks to block but it goes off the inside edge and the stumps are shattered!
74.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Woakes whips it towards mid on along the ground.
74.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Sharp turn! Lands outside off and comes back in. Woakes goes back to block but gets hit on the thigh pads.
74.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Loopy ball, on off, it comes back in. Woakes stays solid in his defence.
74.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full and on off. Stokes drives it to deep cover for one.
74
over
74 | 3 Runs | HH: 201/6
73.6
0
Michael Neser to Chris Woakes, Length ball, around off. Woakes blocks it from the crease.
73.5
1
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, around off. Stokes works it past mid-wicket for one.
A minute focus on keeping skills. If you look at Alex Carey, one needs to just watch when he actually gets up to collect the ball against Nathan Lyon. He is on his haunches right from the time Lyon starts his run up. Stays down, down, down, even when the ball is flighted. Then, he gets up after the ball lands on the deck. That way, he can exactly judge how the ball will spin or move and gather accordingly. If you are not a full-time wicketkeeper, you tend to get up a bit too early and in that process, either fumble or miss the ball.
73.4
0
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Another solid defence by Stokes.
73.3
0
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Length ball, around off. Blocked out.
73.2
2
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Nicely driven through covers for a couple.
73.1
0
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, outside off. Stokes blocks it from the crease.
73
over
73 | 0 Runs | HH: 198/6
72.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Tossed up, outside off. Woakes blocks it well.
72.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Flatter ball, on off. Blocked out.
72.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Woakes comes down the track and works it nicely to mid-wicket.
72.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Shorter ball, lands outside off and comes back in. Nicely blocked by Woakes.
72.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Wrong line again. Around off and turns down the leg side again.
72.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Flatter, lands on middle and turns down the leg side. Left alone.
Who will start from the opposite end? Nathan Lyon it is.
72
over
72 | 1 Runs | HH: 198/6
71.6
0
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Full and on the pads. Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.
71.5
0
Michael Neser to Ben Stokes, Fuller and right on the off pole. Stokes blocks it right under his eyes.
71.4
1
Michael Neser to Chris Woakes, On a length, around off. Woakes gets the outside edge past gully for one.
71.3
0
Michael Neser to Chris Woakes, Beaten! This lands on a length, just outside off. Woakes looks to block from the crease but it zips past the outside edge.
71.2
0
Michael Neser to Chris Woakes, Fired full and on middle. Woakes looks to flick it away but gets the leading edge back to the bowler.
71.1
0
Michael Neser to Chris Woakes, Neser starts with a shorter ball, wide outside off. Woakes goes at it with his hands but misses.
The final session is set to begin. The Australian players take the field. Followed by Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes who come out to bat for England. Michael Neser to start with the ball.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
The hosts are clearly on top now! It was Mitchell Starc who led the attack with the ball and bagged two wickets in this session. But it all started when Green sent back Root to the pavilion. The Australian bowlers managed to put a lid on the run rate, as the combination of Green and Lyon bowled 38 dot balls on the trot. Later, Lyon got himself into the wicket's column by getting rid of Ollie Pope. The gameplan for the hosts would be to bowl out England as soon as possible and get England to bat again under floodlights. Do join us at 7.30 pm local time (9 am GMT) for the final session of Day 3.
It was Déjà vu for the English camp. The pair of Root and Malan fared really well in the first session and started the second session positively, both the players knocked a boundary. But once Root slipped out, the floodgates opened up and wickets came at regular intervals to haunt the visitors. Stokes and Woakes managed to remain unscathed till the Tea break. Woakes played a couple of good shots, while Stokes focused on his defensive structure. Wonder what their approach will be with twilight and the new ball approaching.
What a great session of cricket, it was marked by a solid comeback from the Aussies. They have picked up 4 wickets in this session and only leaked 57 runs in 30 overs. England struggled to get back on their feet after losing the pair of Malan and Root.
71
over
71 | 0 Runs | HH: 197/6
70.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Lyon serves a full ball, around middle. Ben Stokes digs it out and loses his balance and also the bat in the process. That will be Tea on Day 3!
70.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes stays back and pushes it to cover.
70.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on a length, around middle. Ben Stokes gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it.
70.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Loopy ball, on a length, around middle. Ben Stokes blocks it out solidly.
70.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Floated, on a length, on middle. Ben Stokes defends it off the front foot.
70.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
70
over
70 | 10 Runs | HH: 197/6
69.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Short of a length, outside off. Chris Woakes lets it be.
69.5
4
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, FOUR! What a shot! Chris Woakes is on the charge! Banged into the deck, around off. Woakes hangs back and pulls it in front of square past the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.
It is very difficult to bowl well with both, the old and new ball. As a fast bowler. It is perhaps not that difficult to bowl well with the new ball, because you don't need to do much. But when the ball gets old, nothing much happens and that is when your credibility comes into account, as Jhye Richardson is finding out now. The great Waqar Younis had once said that when he played under Imran Khan, Imran never gave him the new ball as he did not want the youngster to compromise on his speed. When you are bowling with the old ball, you need to work really hard to make it move and get wickets and once you master that, the new ball becomes like a toy in your hands. Something which Richardson needs to learn.
69.4
2
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, On a length, outside off. Chris Woakes drives it past the cover fielder and the batters take a couple of runs.
69.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, on off. Chris Woakes defends it off the back foot.
69.2
4
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, FOUR! SHOT! Fuller in length, outside off. Woakes presses forward and carves it through the cover region for a boundary.
69.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, around leg. Chris Woakes nudges it to mid-wicket.
69
over
69 | 4 Runs | HH: 187/6
68.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, On a length, around off. Ben Stokes defends it off the front foot.
68.5
2
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Ben Stokes looks to block but it goes off the outside edge past the diving slip fielder for a couple of runs.
68.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, around off. Ben Stokes blocks it out.
68.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Flatter ball, turning down leg. Chris Woakes tucks it behind square on the leg side for a run.
68.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length, around middle. Ben Stokes clips it past mid on and takes a run.
68.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes looks to defend but the ball spins and hits him on his thigh pad.
68
over
68 | 4 Runs | HH: 183/6
67.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Uppish but safe! Length ball, outside off. Chris Woakes looks to drive but it goes off the outside half of the blade towards the backward point fielder.
67.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, around off. Chris Woakes taps it to backward point.
67.4
4
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller in length, outside off. Chris Woakes presses forward and drives it past the cover fielder for a boundary.
67.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Good-length delivery, around off. Chris Woakes blocks it to cover.
67.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Short of a length, outside off. Chris Woakes lets it through to the keeper.
67.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, way outside off. Chris Woakes lets it be.
67
over
67 | 0 Runs | HH: 179/6
66.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
66.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter and quicker, on middle. Ben Stokes tucks it to the leg side.
66.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Loopy ball, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
66.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on off. Ben Stokes defends it off the front foot.
66.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes does not offer any shot to thsi one.
66.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on off. Ben Stokes blocks it out.
66
over
66 | 8 Runs | HH: 179/6
65.6
4
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, FOUR! EDGY! Good-length delivery, outside off. Chris Woakes stays back and looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and sneaks through the second slip and the gully fielder for a boundary.
65.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, BEATEN! Good-length ball, just outside off. Chris Woakes looks to poke at it but the ball whistles past his outside edge.
65.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, On a length, well outside off. Chris Woakes leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
65.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, around off. Chris Woakes looks to defend but it goes off the thick outside edge towards Steven Smith at second slip, on the bounce.
65.2
4
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, FOUR! Glorious! Fuller in length, outside off. Woakes prods and caresses it past the cover fielder for a boundary.
65.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Chris Woakes, Back of a length, around off. Chris Woakes blocks it off the back foot.
Jhye Richardson (14-4-44-0) is back into the attack.
65
over
65 | 0 Runs | HH: 171/6
64.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter and on off. Stokes blocks it out watchfully.
64.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Outside off, left alone by Stokes.
64.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter and on off. Stokes defends it on the bounce to silly point.
64.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full and on off, Stokes prods and blocks it out.
64.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Looped up, around off, turns away sharply this time. Stokes leaves it alone.
64.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Floated, full and outside off, turning away. Stokes changes his stance and looks to reverse-sweep it but misses.
64
over
64 | 1 Runs | HH: 171/6
63.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, on top of off. Stokes blocks it towards backward point for a single.
63.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Good length, angled in on middle. Stokes shows full face of the bat and blocks it out.
63.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, On a length, around middle and off. Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
63.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Length and on the pads, Stokes defends it to the leg side.
63.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Good length and wide of off. Stokes lets it sail past him.
63.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, outside off. Stokes leaves it alone for the keeper.
63
over
63 | 1 Runs | HH: 170/6
62.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Around off, turning in, Woakes blocks it out.
62.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Looped up, outside off, Woakes inside-edges it to mid-wicket,
62.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Tossed up, wide outside off, Woakes leaves it alone.
62.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Quicker, angled down leg. Woakes leaves it alone.
62.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Chris Woakes, Nice turn! Floated, outside off, on a length, it turns in a long way with some bounce. Woakes leaves it alone and gets pinged on the pads.
62.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Looped up, around off, Stokes shuffles across and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
62
over
62 | 0 Runs | HH: 169/6
61.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Chris Woakes, Good length and outside off. Woakes leaves it alone. A wicket-maiden for Mitchell Starc here.
Chris Woakes is the new man in.
61.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc picks up his third wicket of the innings. Jos Buttler goes back without scoring. His first duck against Australia. The Aussies are dominating here. Starc enticed the batsman by going wide consistently and this time Buttler falls for it. Full-length ball, outside off, shaping away from the batter. Jos Buttler leans in and looks to drive it away. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the first slip. David Warner is stationed there who takes a brilliant catch.
61.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Length and wide outside off. Buttler leaves it alone.
61.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Full and wide outside off. Buttler has no stroke to offer.
61.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, BEATEN! What a peach of a delivery. Good length, around off, shaping away from the batter. Jos Buttler looks to defend it but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.
61.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller, just outside off. Buttler leans in and drives it to covers.
61
over
61 | 0 Runs | HH: 169/5
60.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Another maiden for Lyon. Pressure continues to build on England. Short and wide outside off, Stokes stays on the back foor and cuts it square on the off side. Not in the gap though.
60.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, full and outside off. Stokes presses forward to block it out.
60.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flighted, full and on off. Stokes goes back and defends it out.
60.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Floated, around off. Stokes prods and defends it to silly point.
60.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Looped up, way outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.
60.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Short, outside off, turning away. Stokes stays on the back foot and cuts it towards point.
60
over
60 | 0 Runs | HH: 169/5
59.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off. Buttler prods and blocks it to cover.
59.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on off. Buttler looks to block but he gets a thick outside edge which rolls towards the gully fielder.
59.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, BEATEN! Fuller in length, way outside off, inviting the right-hander to drive. Buttler accepts the invitation and looks for a booming drive but gets beaten on his outside edge.
59.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler leaves it alone.
59.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Length ball, way outside off. Jos Buttler prods and shoulders his arms to this one.
59.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Length ball, on middle. Jos Buttler tucks it to mid-wicket. Stokes looks for a run but is sent back by Buttler.
59
over
59 | 4 Runs | HH: 169/5
58.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, On a length, around off and turning away a bit. Stokes defends it off the front foot.
58.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
58.4
4
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Stokes breaks the shackles! This is a loopy ball, around off. Stokes gets down on his knee and sweeps it to the vacant deep square leg region for a boundary.
58.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on a length, around off. Ben Stokes blocks it to cover.
58.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Another ball, shorter in length, around off. Ben Stokes gets back in his crease to block.
58.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter ball, on off. Ben Stokes stays back and pushes it to cover.
58
over
58 | 1 Runs | HH: 165/5
57.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller in length, outside off. Jos Buttler drives but finds the cover fielder.
57.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, BEATEN! Back of a length, around off and angling across the right-hander. Jos Buttler looks to poke at it but the ball zips past his outside edge.
57.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good-length ball, on off. Jos Buttler prods and pushes it to cover.
57.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, outside off. Jos Buttler shoulders arms to this one.
57.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Good-length delivery, around leg. Ben Stokes tucks it to fine leg and collects a single.
57.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Length ball, on off. Ben Stokes blocks it out.
DRINKS! Australia on top clearly. They have been able to send back the pair of Malan and Root. While Lyon struck at the stroke of drinks to sent back Pope. The visitors would hope they can add some crucial runs and remain unscathed for the remain passage of the session. Jos Buttler comes out in the middle to bat for England.
57
over
57 | 1 Runs | HH: 164/5
56.6
W
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, OUT! CAUGHT! Nathan Lyon gets his man this time and he is delighted! Lyon serves a full-length delivery outside off which turns in sharply. Pope skips down in order to smother the spin. He tries to flick but gets an inside edge. The ball pops up and goes towards Marnus Labuschagne at short leg who takes a good catch. Good quick reaction from Labuschagne. England sink further as they lose their fifth wicket now!
56.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Flatter ball, around off and spinning in late. Ollie Pope blocks it out.
Review! Ollie Pope takes it upstairs for a review. The original decision is OUT. The Hot Spot shows the ball comes off the elbow, and nothing else is there. The RTS shows the bat is absent. The final decision is NOT OUT. Ollie Pope survives.
56.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, NOT OUT! A good review by Ollie Pope! This was nicely tossed up, around off and spinning in late. Pope looks to block but he misses and the ball hits his elbow and pops up towards short fine leg. Marnus Labuschagne takes the catch and Lyon appeals. The umpire raises his finger in no time. Pope reviews it and the RTS confirms that it came of Pope's elbow and not bat was involved.
56.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, A bit quicker and flatter, outside off. Stokes rocks back and cuts it late past the backward point fielder for a single.
56.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, On a length, around off. Ben Stokes defends it off the front foot.
56.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, BEATEN! Tossed up, outside off and spinning away sharply. Stokes looks to block but the ball goes past his outside edge.
Bowling in pairs. How important is this? Very. You look at the scorecard and think - 'Oh. Great captaincy by Smith to bring back Starc and get a wicket immediately.' Fair enough. But what we do not know from that scorecard is - after the wicket of Root, the combination of Lyon and Green bowled 38 DOT BALLS ON THE TROT. So clearly, the pressure was building and what seemed like a loose ball from Starc, turned out to be a wicket-taking one, that too, of a set batsman.
56
over
56 | 5 Runs | HH: 163/4
55.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Length ball, on off. Ollie Pope pushes it back to the bowler.
55.5
4
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Nicely played! Banged into the deck, around middle and leg. Ollie Pope sits back, swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side. The fielder in the deep looks to cut it off but he fails to get down in time and concedes a boundary.
55.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Good-length ball, on off. Ollie Pope blocks it to cover.
55.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Length ball, darted on the pads. Ben Stokes flicks it to deep square leg and gets off the mark with a run. It took him 24 balls to get off the mark.
55.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length, around off. Ben Stokes prods and drives it straight to the mid off fielder.
55.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Good-length ball, outside off. Ben Stokes shoulders his arms to this one.
55
over
55 | 0 Runs | HH: 158/4
54.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Angled into the batter, Pope goes back and keeps the ball out. Another maiden for Lyon, his sixth in this innings.
54.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Short, outside off, Pope goes back and guides it towards short third man.
54.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Flatter and on the pads, Pope goes back and tucks it to the leg side.
54.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Tossed up, full and outside off. Pope prods and defends it out solidly.
54.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Fuller and on off. Pope remains solid in his defense.
STAT ALERT - With that wicket of Malan, Starc has now taken his wicket tally in Tests to 260. That takes him above Jason Gillespie. He is now 8th in the list of the leading wicket takers for Australia in this format.
54.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, On off, Pope blocks it out solidly.
54
over
54 | 1 Runs | HH: 158/4
53.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A single to end the over! Good running! Fuller and on off. Pope pushes it to the right of mid off with soft hands and calls for a single. The fielder moves to his right but is unable to gather the ball and attempt a shy at the non-striker's end. Pope dives to get inside the crease safely.
53.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A length ball, on the fourth stump line. Pope stays back and pushes it to point.
53.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A length ball, on off. Pope defends it to cover off the front foot.
53.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Three dots in a row! On a length, outside off. Pope plays it late and looks to steer it past gully. The man there dives to his right and makes a sharp stop.
53.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Full length, on off. Pope pushes it to cover.
53.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Good length, shaping across the right-hander. Pope prods and shoulders his arms.
53
over
53 | 0 Runs | HH: 157/4
52.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Another play and a miss! Flatter and quicker, outside off. Ben Stokes stays back to cut but the ball goes well over his outside edge. A maiden over from Lyon!
52.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, well outside off. Ben Stokes looks to sweep but the ball goes past his blade.
52.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Flatter and quicker, around off. Ben Stokes pushes it to cover.
52.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, On a length, around off. Stokes blocks it off the front foot.
52.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Excellent delivery! Flatter ball, on a length, around off and spinning away late. Ben Stokes looks to block but the ball zips past his outside edge.
52.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
52
over
52 | 4 Runs | HH: 157/4
51.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, down leg. Ollie Pope misses his flick and Alex Carey moves across to his left behind the sticks to gather the ball.
Ollie Pope walks out to bat at number 6.
51.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc comes back into the attack and strikes after getting hit for a boundary. He has the last laugh here. Back of a length, outside off. Malan looks to chase it away from his body. The ball goes off the outside edge towards Steven Smith at first slip, who pouches it safely to his right. Another set batter departs for the visitors. Have the floodgates opened up for the Aussies?
51.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Nicely played! A length ball, outside off. Malan cruches it behind point for a boundary.
51.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Good length, just outside off, Malan leaves it alone and the ball brushes off the pads towards the keeper.
51.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Full length and on off. Malan digs it out on the bounce back to the bowler. Starc collects the ball and dummies a throw at Malan, who moves away from the stumps instantly.
51.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, EDGY! Fuller and on off. Malan puts his front leg across and looks to defend it but gets an inside edge and the ball sneaks through his leg and goes to the leg side.
Mitchell Starc (7-3-24-1) comes into the attack. Surprising from Smith. One would have expected Green to continue, especially after his wicket of Root. He has been bowling well in this spell, giving just 6 runs in 5 overs. Perhaps, Smith does not want to overwork his allrounder and risk an injury. It is another hot day. Plus, it does seem like there is some reverse swing on offer. So who knows - throw the ball to Mitch and the next thing you know - bang, bang.
51
over
51 | 3 Runs | HH: 153/3
50.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, On off, blocked out solidly by Stokes.
Phenomenal. That is the word to describe the GOAT. In the 43rd over, we saw a delivery. Short and slightly outside off. And after that, Lyon has bowled that type of a delivery to Malan, exactly identical. Once in the 47th over and the 49th over. In that first delivery, Malan got the cut shot away for a boundary through point. But after that, in spite of the length being the same, Dawid has struggled to put bat on ball. That is because of the extra bounce. So how come Lyon bowls the same ball but generates different types of bounce? The release. On the remaining occasions, Lyon delayed his release just a little bit, giving a little bit of flight, but not altering the length. So the batsman thinks that it is a short ball and runs are on offer, but is unable to pick the change in flight and pace.
50.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Floated, full and on off. Malan pushes it to cover and takes of for a single. The fielder collects the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's ned but spills it wide of the stumps. Malan gets inside the crease safely.
50.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, full and on off. Malan defends it on the front foot.
50.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Around off, pushed away to covers.
50.2
2
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on the pads. Malan looks to flick it away. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards third man. The batters collect a brace.
50.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flighted, full and on off. Malan stays back and drives it to mid off.
50
over
50 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/3
49.6
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Fuller in length, around middle. Ben Stokes drives but straight to the mid on fielder.
49.5
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Uppish but safe! Fuller in length, outside off. Ben Stokes drives it towards the mid off fielder, on the bounce.
49.4
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Green hurls a bumper, down leg. Stokes looks to pull but he fails to get any blade on it.
49.3
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, A yorker, around off. Ben Stokes squeezes it out nicely.
49.2
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, on off. Stokes keeps it out watchfully.
49.1
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, A low full toss, on off. Stokes drives it through mid on. The fielder there dives to his right and saves some runs for his side.
49
over
49 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/3
48.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, On a length, around off. Malan gets solid in his defense this time around. Back-to-back maiden overs!
48.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Dawid Malan rocks back to cut but he misses.
48.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Looped up, on a length, on off. Dawid Malan blocks it off the front foot.
48.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Nicely tossed up, on a length, just outside off. Dawid Malan looks to defend at first but sways his bat away from the line in the end.
48.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Another ball, on a length, outside off and turning away nicely. Malan prods but does not offer any shot to it.
48.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, outside off and spinning away late. Dawid Malan leaves it for the keeper to collect.
48
over
48 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/3
47.6
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, A maiden over from Cameron Green! Good-length delivery, around off. Ben Stokes blocks it solidly.
47.5
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, around off. Ben Stokes blocks it back to the bowler.
47.4
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, On a length, outside off and jagging back in. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
47.3
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Play and a miss! Banged into the deck, outside off. Stokes gets low and looks to ramp it over the keeper but he fails to get any bat on it.
47.2
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Short of a length, around off. Ben Stokes gets behind the line of the ball to defend it.
47.1
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, on off. Ben Stokes hangs back to block this one out.
47
over
47 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/3
46.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it off the front foot.
46.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, On a length, outside off. Dawid Malan lets it be.
46.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Dawid Malan stays back to cut but he misses.
46.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, outside off. Dawid Malan pushes it to backward point.
46.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Just short of the slip fielder! Loopy ball, on a length, outside off and spinning away. Dawid Malan looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and falls just in front of Steven Smith at first slip.
46.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it out.
46
over
46 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/3
45.6
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, outside off. Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
45.5
0
Cameron Green to Ben Stokes, On a length, around off. Ben Stokes gets behind the line of the ball to block it.
Ben Stokes comes out at number 5.
45.4
W
Cameron Green to Joe Root, OUT! CAUGHT! Cameron Green gets his reward and takes the big wicket of Joe Root! Green hurls a back-of-a-length delivery, around the corridor of uncertainty. Root looks to poke at it yet again and he gets a thick outside edge this time which goes straight to Australia's stand-in captain, Steven Smith at first slip who pouches it with ease. Root has to wait for his maiden Test hundred on Australian soil and this is a much-needed breakthrough for the hosts.
45.3
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Fuller in length, outside off. Joe Root looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards backward point.
45.2
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, On a length, around off. Joe Root blocks it out.
45.1
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, JAFFA! That is a peach of a delivery from Green! Good-length delivery, just outside off and nipping away a bit. Root looks to poke at it but the ball zips past his outside edge. Top stuff from Cameron Green!
45
over
45 | 0 Runs | HH: 150/2
44.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Second maiden of the innings for Lyon. Looped up, full and on off. Malan remains solid in his defense.
44.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Short and outside off. Malan goes back and cuts it to point. The fielder moves to his left to stop the ball.
44.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on off. Malan gets forward and blocks it to silly point.
44.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, full and on middle. Malan defends it out watchfully.
44.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Floated, full and on off. Malan drives it to cover.
44.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on off. Malan presses forward and defends it into the deck.
44
over
44 | 2 Runs | HH: 150/2
43.6
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, BEAUTY! Good-length ball, outside off, a bit extra bounce off the deck. Root hangs back and looks to push it to the off side on the up, but the ball zips past the outside edge.
43.5
1
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, around the hips. Malan tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. 150 comes up for the visitors.
43.4
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, On a length, outside off. Malan defends it to the slip cordon.
43.3
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Good length and on off. Malan looks to pull it away but miscues as the ball comes off the top half of the blade.
43.2
1
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Short, around middle and leg. Joe Root drags his pull shot towards fine leg and gets across for a single.
43.1
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Full and on off. Root hangs back and blocks it to the off side.
43
over
43 | 4 Runs | HH: 148/2
42.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, On off, Malan defends it out watchfully.
42.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and outside off. Malan prods and defends it towarrds gully off the outer half.
42.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Fuller, on off. Malan presses forward to defend it out.
42.3
4
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Nicely played! First boundary now after the break for Malan. Short and outside off. Malan hangs back and cuts it through point for a boundary. He timed it to perfection.
By no means do we mean to say that England have not batted well today. But if we look at the pitch over the past 2 days, Saturday definitely seems to be the best day to bat. The deck has gotten quicker and the ball is coming onto the bat nicely. If you remember on Day 1, Australia struggled to time the ball as the strawberry was simply not coming onto the bat.
42.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, full and outside off, Malan leaves it alone for the keeper. This is turns away a long way.
42.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Uppish but safe! Floated, full and outside off. Malan chases it, the ball goes off the outer half towards point. It was in the air for a while, but lands short of the fielder.
Who will bowl from the opposite end? Nathan Lyon it is.
42
over
42 | 4 Runs | HH: 144/2
41.6
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, On a length, on off. Root defends it to cover.
41.5
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Length and on off. Root blocks it out watchfully.
41.4
4
Cameron Green to Joe Root, FOUR! Deft touch! Good length, on the fourth stump line. Root opens the face of the bat and plays it late. The ball sneaks through the slip cordon and into the fence at third man.
41.3
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Good length, outside off. This one stays straight and Root shoulders his arms.
41.2
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Length ball, on the stumps, at 135 kph. Joe Root blocks it out watchfully.
41.1
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Full-length ball, around off. Root drives it towards mid off.
We are back for the second session! The players of Australia spread out on the field. Dawid Malan and Joe Root walk out to bat for England! Cameron Green will start with the ball after Dinner.
...Day 3, Session 2...
The Australian bowlers gave it their all in the first session but they failed to break the partnership between Joe Root and Dawid Malan. Steven Smith tried everything but the English pair had answers to all. Jhye Richardson looked threatening in his second spell where he bowled some top quality deliveries but luck didn't go his way. The pitch seems to have eased a little bit but there is certainly some turn in this track for Nathan Lyon. The Aussies would now look to come back strong in the second session and make early inroads. Will they be able to break this partnership and open the flood gates? Or will the English pair of Joe Root and Dawid Malan carry on with their resistance? We'll find that in the second session of the day which begins at 5.10 pm local time (6.40 am GMT).
This is exactly the kind of session that the English fans and the camp would have hoped for! The tourists have scored 123 runs in the first session without losing any wicket. Coming into Day 3, all the onus was on Malan and Root to bat through the opening session and set the tone for the rest of the Test and boy, have they delivered! Both Root and Malan had their share of luck but they also made sure that all the loose deliveries were punished. They have stitched together another important partnership and the English camp would hope that they dug in deep and bat long. Both Root and Malan have brought up their fifties and look all set to get a big one here.
What a session this has been for England! They have not only managed to survive but they have also scored at a good rate. The Aussies would be disappointed as they have failed to get an early breakthrough on Day 3 and have not been able to capitalize on the impressive start that was provided by their pacers under the lights on Day 2.
41
over
41 | 1 Runs | HH: 140/2
40.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, on off. Malan blocks it out solidly. THAT WILL BE DINNER ON DAY 3.
40.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length and on the pads, Malan blocks it out watchfully.
40.4
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, LEG BYE! A full-length ball, around off. The ball stays low and nips in off the surface. Root hangs back and looks to flick it away but misses to get pinged on the pads. The batters collect a leg bye. Cameron Green appeals for lbw but the umpire is unmoved.
40.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, On a length, on off. Root defends it to point.
40.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Length, on fourth stump. Root defends it out.
40.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good length, on off. Root stays back and defends it towards point.
40
over
40 | 5 Runs | HH: 139/2
39.6
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, On a length, outside off, angled in. Malan covers his stumps and leaves it alone for the keeper.
39.5
1
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Slightly short and on middle, Root swivels and pulls it to deep square leg. He rotates the strike.
39.4
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Good length and outside off, Root shuffles across and leaves it alone.
39.3
2
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Full and on off. Root leans in and drives it through the diving fielder at cover. The batters take two runs comfortably.
39.2
1
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Another single now! Touch short and outside off. Malan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
39.1
1
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Back of a length, around off. Root hops and guides it towards backward point for a run.
39
over
39 | 5 Runs | HH: 134/2
38.6
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller, on the pads, Root clips it to fine leg and gets off the mark with a single,
38.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, BEATEN! On a length, outside off, the ball straightens a bit after landing. Root presses forward, as he looks to defend it out but gets beaten on the outside edge.
38.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. Root stays inside the crease and blocks it out.
38.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good length, on top of off. Root defends it out.
38.2
4
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, FOUR! Runs are coming in thick and fast for England now! A full-length ball, angled down leg. Root stays back and glances it towards fine leg for a boundary. This also brings up Root's 52nd Test fifty. His team needed such an innings from him. But the job is still half done and Root would look to convert this into three digits.
38.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Full length and on off. Root stays back and defends it out watchfully.
38
over
38 | 6 Runs | HH: 129/2
37.6
1
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Touch short and outside off. Root punches it through point off the back foot for a single. 6 runs off it.
37.5
1
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Fuller, on the pads, Malan clips it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
37.4
4
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Cracked! Back of a length, outside off. Malan stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
37.3
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Hits the pad this time! A length ball, around off, nips away a bit. Malan puts his front leg forward and shoulders his arms. The ball rolls of the pads and goes behind. A stifled appeal but the umpire is not interested.
37.2
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Outside off, on a length, nipping in. Malan covers his stumps and shoulders his arms.
37.1
0
Cameron Green to Dawid Malan, Good length and outside off, nips in late. Malan shoulders his arms at it.
Cameron Green comes into the attack now.
37
over
37 | 6 Runs | HH: 123/2
36.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller, on middle and leg. Root clips it to square leg but finds the fielder.
36.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, OH BEAUTY! Good-length ball, around off. The ball nips in off the deck with some extra bounce. Root confidently shoulders his arms and trusts the bounce.
36.4
4
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, FOUR! Nicely played. Short ball, on the bodyline. Root swivels on the back foot and pulls it through square leg to bag a boundary.
36.3
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A single now! On a length, around middle and leg. Dawid Malan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
36.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length and around off. Malan defends it to the off side without any hesitation.
36.1
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller and on the pads, Root hangs back and clips it to deep square leg for a single.
36
over
36 | 0 Runs | HH: 117/2
35.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Fuller, on off. Malan drives it to cover but not in the gap though. First maiden for Nathan Lyon in 9 overs.
35.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter, angled onto the pads. Malan stays back and defends it to the leg side.
35.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Looped up, full and on off. Malan blocks it out.
35.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, full and on off. Malan prods and defends it out.
35.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Swing and a miss! So close! Flatter and short, outside off. Malan goes on the back foot and looks to cut it away but the ball sneaks past his outside edge.
35.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on off. Malan presses forward and defends it on the bounce to silly point.
35
over
35 | 4 Runs | HH: 117/2
34.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Full length and on off. Root leans in and drives it to cover. Not in the gap though.
34.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length and on the pads, Malan flicks it to mid-wicket and crosses for a single.
34.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson comes 'round the wicket for the left-hander. On a length, on the fourth stump line. Malan hangs back and looks to defend it out but gets beaten on the outside edge.
34.3
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Full length and outside off. Root steps forward and drives it past mid off. Head chases and does well to keep it down to a single.
34.2
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length and on off. Malan pushes it to cover and scampers through for a quick single.
34.1
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball, on the pads, Root stays back and looks to flick it away but misses. He gets hit just below the thigh pad and collects a leg bye as the ball rolls out.
34
over
34 | 3 Runs | HH: 113/2
33.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Play and a miss! Flatter and quicker, outside off. Dawid Malan hangs back to cut but he misses as the ball spins past his outside edge.
33.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it out.
33.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, on a length, turning in late. Root waits for the ball to turn and turns it to wide of mid-wicket for a run.
33.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, on middle. Dawid Malan nudges it to the leg side and collects a single. That brings up the 100-run stand between Malan and Root!
33.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Nicely tossed up, on a length, around off and turning away late. Dawid Malan prods to block but leaves it alone in the end.
33.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, turning down leg. Joe Root tucks it to the leg side for a run.
Conundrum. Especially if you are a wicketkeeper. Should I stand up or stay back? We have now spent a bit more than 2 days on this pitch. And though we cannot definitely say that the pitch has variable bounce, we have seen variable carry. Let's dissect. If the bowler pitches it full, getting the batsman forward to play, the edges are not carrying behind. But if the bowler bangs it short or around good length, the edge carries to above waist height. One can remember how Rory Burns got out last evening. So the question is - where does the keeper stand?
33
over
33 | 1 Runs | HH: 110/2
32.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it to cover.
32.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller in length, outside off. Joe Root drives it past the cover fielder but manages only a single as he did not time it that well. The stand moves to 98.
32.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, BEATEN! Good-length delivery, jagging back in sharply. Root prods to defend but the ball straightens a bit after pitching and goes past his outside edge.
32.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good-length ball, around off. Joe Root gets solid in his defense.
32.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, BEAUTY! Length ball, oustide off and angling in late. Root leaves it alone and the ball goes just past his off pole.
32.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Back of a length, just outside off. Joe Root hangs back, rides the bounce well and taps it with soft hands to the gully region.
Jhye Richardson (9-3-29-0) is back into the attack now.
32
over
32 | 4 Runs | HH: 109/2
31.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, A bt quicker, on a length, around off. Dawid Malan stays back and looks to cut but it goes off the shoulder of his bat to backward point.
31.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, On a length, around off. Dawid Malan keeps it out watchfully.
31.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, on off. Dawid Malan defends it off the front foot.
31.3
4
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, FOUR! CARESSED! Tossed up, on a length, outside off and spinning away late. Dawid Malan prods and carves it past the cover fielder to collect a boundary.
31.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter and quicker, on a length, around off. Dawid Malan presses forward and defends it solidly.
31.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, on off. Dawid Malan blocks it out.
31
over
31 | 7 Runs | HH: 105/2
30.6
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Joe Root presses forward and works it to mid on.
30.5
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length ball, around off. Joe Root presents the full face of the bat and pushes it straight back to hit the stumps at the non-striker's end.
30.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, On a length, around off. Joe Root defends it out.
30.3
4
Michael Neser to Joe Root, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, outside off. Joe Root stays back, rides the bounce nicely and punches it past the cover fielder to bag a boundary.
30.2
3
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Nicely played! Full ball, on middle and leg. Dawid Malan drives it past Mitchell Starc at mid on who dives to stop the ball but the ball goes past him and the batters collect three runs. 100 comes up for England.
30.1
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, outside off. Dawid Malan punches it to cover.
30
over
30 | 1 Runs | HH: 98/2
29.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, A stifled appeal from behind the sticks but the umpire is not interested! Flatter ball, fuller in length, around leg. Joe Root looks to sweep but he misses and gets hit low on his pad.
BREAKING NEWS - Ahh well, this is not going to sit well with English fans. The ICC has released a press statement that England have been DOCKED 8 POINTS for their slow overrate at the 'Gabba, instead of the previously mentioned 5. The clarification states that while the match fee is 20 percent per player for every delayed over, it cannot be more than 100 percent. But there is no cap on the deduction of points and hence, the actual number must be deducted. Well, after spending more than 150 overs and nearly 6 hours in the field, not what the news you wanted to wake up to.
29.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, way outside off. Joe Root stays back and does not offer any shot to this one.
29.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Another ball, shorter in length, around middle. Joe Root eases it to mid-wicket.
29.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, shorter in length, outside off and turning in late. Joe Root tucks it to the leg side.
29.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Loopy ball, on middle. Joe Root turns it past the short leg fielder.
29.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, outside off. Dawid Malan defends it to the point region and takes off for a run.
29
over
29 | 1 Runs | HH: 97/2
28.6
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length ball, jagging back in slightly from outside off. Joe Root prods to block this one out.
28.5
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Good-length ball, outside off. Joe Root defends it solildy.
28.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Back of a length, on off. Joe Root stays back and blocks it out.
Steven Smith opts to take the review for LBW at the final second! The original decision is not out. The replays show the ball is hitting the pad clearly. The Ball Tracker shows it is umpire's call on impact and the ball is missing the wickets by a long margin. Australia lose a review this time.
28.3
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, NOT OUT! Joe Root survives and Australia lose a review! This is a length ball, angling in from outside off. Root looks to defend off the front foot but he misses and gets rapped in front. Michael Neser appeals and the umpire says no. Steven Smith opts for a review but the Hawk Eye suggests that the ball would have gone well over the sticks so the on-field decision remains.
28.2
1
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Short of a length, around leg. Dawid Malan pulls it to fine leg and collects a single. Fifty for Malan and this is his ninth in Test cricket! Not the most convincing though but he'll take that!
28.1
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, around off. Dawid Malan hangs back, opens the face of his bat and guides it to the slip fielder, on the bounce.
28
over
28 | 4 Runs | HH: 96/2
27.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Nicely pushed off the front foot past covers for one.
27.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Lyon drags his length back a bit and bowls this outside off. Malan stays in the crease to block it but the ball turns away and goes past the outside edge.
27.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Root is sweeping nicely now. This goes to deep square leg for one. We can see more batters play this shot against Lyon.
27.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, around off. Malan gets the thick inside edge towards square leg for a single.
Learning from our mistakes. We all should be doing that. But right now, Joe Root has done exactly that. A few minutes ago, Mark Waugh opined on air that perhaps the sweep shot is not the greatest option against Nathan Lyon on this pitch, as there is a bit of bounce here. Root tried that shot, got a top edge, survived but since then, has kept that shot in his bag. The genius has understood quickly enough what type of shots are NOT to be played against Lyon and that is the sign of a great player. Oops, just as we said that, there came another sweep! Careful, Joe!
27.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Nice and full again, around off. Malan gets forward to block it well.
27.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Lyon tosses it nicely, around off. Root gets low and sweeps it nicely to deep backward square leg for one.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 92/2
26.6
2
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Full ball, on middle. Dawid Malan drives it back past the bowler and collects a couple of runs.
26.5
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Just short of the slip fielder! Good-length delivery, around off and curling away late. Malan looks to poke at it but he gets a thick outside edge which lands just in front of Steven Smith at third slip.
26.4
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Length ball, angling in from off. Malan looks to defend by staying back in the crease but he gets an inside edge onto his pads. Luckily for Malan, the ball does not pop out back to the bowler.
26.3
2
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, angling in from middle. Malan looks to block but it goes off the thick inside edge towards fine leg for a couple of runs.
26.2
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Neser follows it up with a length ball, outside off and angling across the left-hander. Malan stays back and leaves it alone.
26.1
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Banged into the deck, down leg. Dawid Malan ducks underneath!
26
over
26 | 4 Runs | HH: 88/2
25.6
4
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, FOUR! Root brings out the reverse sweep now! Loopy ball, on a length, outside off. Joe Root gets low and reverse sweeps it past the backward point fielder. Travis Head gives it a chase but the ball wins.
25.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, outside off and turning in late. Joe Root gets back in his crease and then pushes it behind square on the off side.
25.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Nicely tossed up, around middle. Joe Root prods and works it to mid-wicket.
25.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, A bit quicker, on a length, outside off. Joe Root blocks it to the point region.
25.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Another ball, shorter in length, outside off and spinning in sharply. Root stays back and punches it to the point fielder.
25.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Flatter ball, on off, turning in late. Joe Root blocks it out.
DRINKS! The tourists have negotiated the first hour of the day extremely well! Two of the most dependable batters of England have managed to not only survive but they have also scored at a brisk rate. Australia would look to break this partnership as early as possible and then chip in with wickets.
25
over
25 | 7 Runs | HH: 84/2
24.6
4
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Nicely played. Good-length ball, outside off. Malan stays on the back foot and punches it behind the point fielder. Lyon gives it a chase but the ball wins the race.
24.5
1
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Full and on leg. Root clips it to mid-wicket for a single.
24.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Good length and on the fourth stump line.Root shuffles across and blocks it watchfully.
24.3
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length and on around off, nips in a bit. Root presses forward and blocks it out solidly.
24.2
1
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, EDGY! A full-length ball, outside off. Malan looks to drive it away, but inside-edges it towards fine leg for a single.
24.1
1
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Full ball, on middle and leg. Root flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
24
over
24 | 9 Runs | HH: 77/2
23.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Floated, full and outside off. Malan does not chase this one.
23.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Looped up, outside off. Malan leaves it alone for the keeper.
23.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on off, Malan defends it on the front foot.
23.3
4
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Now, Malan gets into the act. Short and outside off, turning away. Malan stays on the back foot and cuts it through covers for a boundary. He did not direct it well, but would be glad it went past the fielder.
23.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Short and on the pads, Root uses the depth of the crease and flicks it through square leg for a single.
23.1
4
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, FOUR! Nice use of the feet this time! Tossed up, full and on off. Root advances forward and lifts it towards long on. Two bounces and into the ropes.
23
over
23 | 1 Runs | HH: 68/2
22.6
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Length and on off. Malan defends it onto the deck.
22.5
1
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Very full and around off. Root squeezes it out towards backward point and gets a single.
22.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, A length ball, outside off, nips in a bit. Root stays back and blocks it out.
22.3
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, BEATEN! This one shapes away off the deck. Good-length ball, around off. Root shuffles across and looks to defend it out. The balls nips away and Root gets beaten on the outside edge.
22.2
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length and outside off. Root steps forward and defends it out.
22.1
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length and on off. Root defends solidly.
Michael Neser (4-0-9-1) comes back to bowl. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
22
over
22 | 2 Runs | HH: 67/2
21.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, full and on off. Malan pushes it to cover, but not in the gap.
21.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, In the air but safe! Full and on leg. Root gets low and slog sweeps it towards deep square leg. The balls lands safely and they take a run.
21.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Looped up, on off. Malan pushes it towards extra cover and gets off the mark.
21.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Full and on off Malan defends it out.
21.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, JAFFA! Good spin and bounce this time. Tossed up, around off. Malan presses forward and looks to defend it out, but gets beaten by the turn. The ball zips past the outside edge.
21.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Floated, full and on off, turning away. Malan presses forward and hits it on the up, only on the thigh of the silly point fielder. The ball bounces back onto the deck, but Marnus Labuschagne could not react quickly.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 65/2
20.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Touch short, on leg. Root stays back and defends it out. A maiden for Starc.
20.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Fuller length, on the pads, Root stays back and defends it back to the bowler.
A slight halt in play as Joe Root gets his bat changed!
20.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Length and on off, Root gets behind the line really well and follows it with a solid block. Looks like Root is not happy with his blade, maybe it got damaged. Root waits for the options to come out.
20.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Good-length, around off. Root defends it towards point.
20.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, A full-length delivery, outside off. Root shoulders his arms at it.
20.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Slightly short, around the hips. Joe Root stays back and defends it to the leg side.
20
over
20 | 1 Runs | HH: 65/2
19.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, on a length, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it out to cover.
19.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, A bit shorter, outside off. Malan waits for the turn and then works it to backward point.
19.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Tossed up, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it solidly.
19.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, A bit quicker, fuller in length, outside off. Malan defends it off the front foot.
19.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Dawid Malan, Flatter ball, around middle. Dawid Malan stays back and tucks it to square leg.
19.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Joe Root, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Joe Root prods and pushes it to the cover region for a single.
Nathan Lyon comes into the attack now. He replaces Jhye Richardson.
19
over
19 | 2 Runs | HH: 64/2
18.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, angling in from off. Dawid Malan stays back to block but he gets an inside edge onto his pad.
18.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, outside off. Dawid Malan hangs back, opens the face of his bat and steers it past the backward point fielder for a couple of runs.
18.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, on middle. Dawid Malan stays back to defend it.
18.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Banged into the deck, around off. Dawid Malan gets low and lets it through to the keeper.
18.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, around off. Dawid Malan blocks it to cover.
18.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, around off. Dawid Malan leaves it alone.
18
over
18 | 7 Runs | HH: 62/2
17.6
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A run out chance goes begging! Good-length ball, on off. Dawid Malan taps it to cover and takes off for a single. Root at the non-striker's end is late to react. Travis Head runs in from mid off, collects the ball but misses his shy at the striker's end. A very wayward throw by Head!
17.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Back of a length, outside off. Joe Root stays back, rides the bounce well and blocks it past the cover fielder for a quick run.
17.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Length ball, jagging back in from middle. Joe Root prods and pushes it to mid on.
17.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, On a length, around off. Joe Root blocks it out.
17.2
2
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good-length ball, outside off. Joe Root hangs back to block but he gets a thick outside edge which falls short of the third slip fielder. The fielder there fails to stop it cleanly and the batters sneak in a couple.
17.1
3
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Full-length delivery, outside off. Dawid Malan prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The fielder there gives it a chase and the batters take three runs.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs | HH: 55/2
16.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Another yorker, outside off. Root reaches out and digs it out behind square on the off side.
16.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Good-length delivery, around off. Joe Root blocks it to the cover-point region.
16.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, On a length, way outside off. Joe Root does not offer any shot to this one.
16.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Fuller in length, around middle. Joe Root prods and pushes it to mid on.
16.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Back of a length, outside off. Joe Root shoulders arms to this one.
16.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Starc serves a pin-point yorker, around off. Root is up to the task as he digs it out watchfully.
16
over
16 | 4 Runs | HH: 55/2
15.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Fuller in length, way outside off. Dawid Malan lets it be.
15.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good-length ball, around leg. Joe Root nudges it behind square on the leg side for a brace.
15.4
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length ball, outside off. Dawid Malan looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge past the diving slip fielder for a single.
15.3
2
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Nicely done! Good-length ball, outside off. Dawid Malan presses forward and pushes it past the cover fielder for a couple of runs.
15.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Short of a length, around leg. Dawid Malan tucks it to mid-wicket.
15.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, outside off. Dawid Malan prods and leaves it alone.
15
over
15 | 11 Runs | HH: 51/2
14.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, OUCH! Good length and around the hips. Some extra bounce off the deck. Root hangs back, hops and looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
14.5
3
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Full and straight, on off. Malan drives it past mid off. The batters take three runs before the fielder cuts it out.
14.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Better from Starc! Good-length ball, outside off, nips in late though. Malan shoulders his arms and lets it go to the keeper.
14.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Length and on the pads, Malan defends it out.
14.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Short again by Starc and the result is the same. Back of a length, outside off. Malan stays on the back foot and slashes it towards backward point for a boundary.
14.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Mitchell Starc starts with a loosener! A short ball, wide outside off. Malan stays back and upper cuts it over the point region for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc (3-1-11-1) comes into the attack.
14
over
14 | 5 Runs | HH: 40/2
13.6
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Full, around middle and leg. Malan flicks it to square leg and gets a single.
13.5
4
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Down the ground with ease! A full-length ball, on off. Malan stays back and drives it past mid off. The ball races away to the fence. He does not hit it hard but caresses it instead.
13.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, around off. Malan defends it to point and yells 'NO RUN'.
13.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Full-length ball, coming across the left-hander. Malan presses forward and ends up inside edging it onto the pads.
13.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Touch short and around leg. Malan blocks it to the leg side.
13.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length, around leg. Malan defends it on the back foot.
13
over
13 | 1 Runs | HH: 35/2
12.6
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length and on off. Root gets behind the line and defends it out.
12.5
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Short and outside off. Root leaves it alone.
12.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, A length ball, wide of off. Root plays it late and defends it out.
12.3
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Full and on the pads, Root flicks it to mid-wicket.
12.2
1
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, A touch short and on leg, Malan stays back and flicks it to square leg for a single.
12.1
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Outside off, Malan leaves it alone for the keeper.
12
over
12 | 6 Runs | HH: 34/2
11.6
1
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Length and on off. Malan stays back and taps it towards point. Malan gets across for a single and retains the strike. Jhye Richardson is unable to ask question to the batsman, unlike the last session on Day 2. He will try to focus on getting that edge into play, sooner than later.
11.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Drop and run! Touch fuller and on off. Root defends it to cover and scampers across for a single.
11.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, On a length, on off. Root pushes it towards cover. Not in the gap though.
11.3
4
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, FOUR! Opens the face of the bat late but this time through the gap. Good-length ball, around off. Root goes back in the crease and steers it past backward point for a boundary.
11.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Slightly short and on the fourth stump line. Root opens the face of the bat late and tries to steer it past gully. The fielder dives to his right to make a good stop.
11.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller and on off. Root gets behind and blocks it out to point.
11
over
11 | 5 Runs | HH: 28/2
10.6
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Short ball, outside off, Malan is not interested in playing that one.
10.5
1
Michael Neser to Joe Root, LEG BYE! Back of a length, on the body, Root hops and looks to tuck it away. The ball takes the thigh pad and rolls towards fine leg. They collect a leg bye.
10.4
1
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, EDGY! A full-length ball, on the fourth stump line. Malan looks to drive it through covers but plays at it without any foot movement. The ball takes the inside edge and goes towards square leg. They take a single.
10.3
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, On a length, outside off. Malan shoulders his arms at it.
10.2
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, moving across the batter. Malan leaves it alone for the keeper.
10.1
3
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Sweetly timed. A full-length ball, on off. Root stays back and drives it past mid on. The batters take three runs before the fielder cuts it out.
10
over
10 | 6 Runs | HH: 23/2
9.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A bit fuller this time, outside off and angling across the batter. Malan shoulders his arms to this one.
9.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Good-length delivery, around the fourth stump channel. Dawid Malan lets it through to the keeper.
9.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Short of a length, outside off. Dawid Malan leaves it alone watchfully.
9.3
4
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, FOUR! STREAKY! Richardson hurls a full ball, angling across the left-hander. Malan prods and look for a booming drive but it goes off the thick inside edge past the keeper and into the fine leg fence.
9.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, This is a length ball, around off. Dawid Malan hangs back and blocks it to covers.
9.1
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Back of a length, outside off. Root stays back and punches it past the cover fielder for a run. England are up and running on Day 3!
9.1
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, NO BALL! Good-length ball, angling in from off. Joe Root defends it solidly. Jhye Richardson oversteps and the umpire signals a no ball.
Jhye Richardson to bowl from the River end.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 17/2
8.6
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, On a length, around off. Dawid Malan presses forward and blocks it to cover.
8.5
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, What a delivery first up! Length ball, just outside off. Dawid Malan prods to block but the ball jags away and Malan sways away from the line of the delivery in the end.
The first session is set to begin. The Australian players stride out to the middle. Followed by Joe Root and Dawid Malan who walk out to bat for England. Michael Neser will have the ball in hand to complete his over.
England find themselves in a tough position yet again in the Test series. Their bowlers were made to toil hard on Day 2 as well. It was Robinson who started the proceedings by sending back Labuschagne. In the same session, Root and Stokes struck as well to make it their session. Smith and Carey were taking the game away from them, until Anderson struck at the stroke of Tea and hunted down the pair, only to get beaten by the tail enders in the final session. The same pair that fought out of their skin to keep the side in the mix in the second innings of the first Test match has to do it all over again. But this time the position is even worse. Root and Malan need to bat in phases and make sure to keep an eye on running down the deficit. Another thrilling day of cricket awaits.
The Australians dominated Day 2 with the blade first and later even with the ball to end the day on a high. It started with Marnus Labuschagne's first ton against England. The stand-in skipper, Steven Smith, making 93. Carey with his maiden Test fifty. And to add on to the misery of the visitors, Starc and Neser extended their tally to 473/9 declare. Later the pair of Starc and Neser also had a great time with the ball. Starc got rid of Burns yet again in this series atleast it was not on the first ball this time. Soon after, Neser picked up his first-ever Test wicket, he couldn’t have asked for any better start to his international career. Steven Smith and his men would want to chip a couple wickets in the first session with the ball being pretty new.
Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the second Ashes Test match between Australia and England. As the game was abandoned on Day 2 due to a frightening lightning, the Australian bowlers would be itching to come back on the field but this afternoon the only thing lit up will be the sun. The hosts clearly hold the advantage coming into the moving day.
...Day 3, Session 1...
The rain gods come to the rescue of the Englishmen. Australia would be disappointed as they had to walk back to the pavilion because of some serious thunders around the Adelaide Oval. Something to cheer for the English fans as the play has been abandoned. It was a tough day with the ball earlier for the visitors and it that transcended with the blade as well, as they lost two wickets in just 8.4 overs into their innings. They would have lost Joe Root as well but luckily for them, the outside edge off his bat landed just short of his counterpart in the slip cordon. Australia, on the other hand, clearly hold the upper hand in this Test match. They will be hoping to come back stronger and better on the morning of Day 3. As far as England are concerned, they have a mountain to climb. But when the chips are down, that is when champions step up. And they have a pair in the middle which did a remarkable job in the second innings of the first Test, putting in a resounding fightback. Let's hope for a good day of cricket overall. Do join us for another intriguing day of Test cricket at 2.11 pm local time (3.41 am GMT). Cheers!
What a day it has been for Australia. It was Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith who started the second day with the blade. The former was sent back after he made his first century against England, early on in the day. And in no time, Australia even lost Travis Head and Cameron Green. Smith was very good with the blade today. He was supported well by Alex Carey who scored his maiden Test fifty for the Aussies and stitched a crucial sixth-wicket stand with Steven Smith of 91 runs. Although, at the stroke of Tea it was James Anderson who sent back both the batters back in the hut. The first session of the Day belonged to England, as they snatched up three wickets. But in the second session Australia were flying high at a brisk rate but Anderson made sure to pull things back for his side. This is when the tail-enders came out in the final session to bat for the hosts and England would've like to wrap things up early but that was not the case. Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser stitched a stand worth 58 runs which was followed by another short but impactful partnership of Starc and Richardson of 9-ball 25. Which hurt the English camp the most. After Jhye Richardson got caught behind, Steven Smith decided to call his players back in the hut and declared at 473/9.
UPDATE - 9.24 pm local (1054 GMT) - Not the news we were hoping for! The play has been abandoned and the umpires have called STUMPS on Day 2!
UPDATE - 9.13 pm local (1043 GMT) - OH NO! There is some serious lightning at the Adelaide Oval and so the umpires have asked the players to walk off the field. The good thing is that there is no rain at the moment. There is a precautionary cover placed over the pitch for now. Stay tuned for further updates.
8.4
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Back of a length, outside off, moving away. And just as Neser released the ball, there was a huge flash around the ground. Malan leaves it alone though. The umpire have decided to stop the play for now.
8.3
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Length and on off. Malan defends it out watchfully.
8.2
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, outside off, moving away. Malan leaves it alone.
8.1
1
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Length and on off. Root defends it to cover for a single. Good running this time. Root and Malan need to make sure to keep changing the strike here to get that left-hand/ right-hand combination in play.
8
over
8 | 1 Runs | HH: 16/2
7.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Good length and shaping away, outside off, Malan shoulders his arms.
7.5
1
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Fuller and outside off. Root leans in a drives it past mid off for a single.
7.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Back of a length, outside off. Root gets back and blocks it to point.
7.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good length and on off. Root defends it out solidly.
7.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Good-length ball, on off. Root defends it to the off side.
7.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Joe Root, Length ball, on the pads, Root flicks it to square leg.
Slight drizzle is going on at the moment so the umpires are having a chat but they have decided to keep the play on for now.
7
over
7 | 3 Runs | HH: 15/2
6.6
0
Michael Neser to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, on off. Malan hangs back and blocks it out watchfully.
6.5
3
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Three runs! On a length, outside off. Root stays back and guides it past the gully fielder. Nathan Lyon gives it a chase and keeps it down to three.
6.4
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, EDGED AND SHORT! Good-length ball, on the fourth stump line. Root hangs his bat out, as he looks to defend it out. The ball takes the outside edge and lands short of Steven Smith at second slip. A sigh of relief in the English camp.
6.3
0
Michael Neser to Joe Root, Outside off, left alone by Root.
Joe Root, the skipper of England walks out to bat at number 4.
6.2
W
Michael Neser to Haseeb Hameed, OUT! CAUGHT! Michael Neser gets his maiden Test wicket in his first over. His teammates love it. A full-length ball, around middle and leg. Haseeb Hameed stays inside the crease and flicks it aerially towards short mid-wicket. Mitchell Starc is placed at the right place and takes the simplest of catches to put the visitors in a spot of trouble already. You can call this a poor shot, or what was the need to play the ball in the air and so on. But this is where Smith's captaincy has to be given a nod. That man was strategically placed there, because Hameed has this habit of slicing the ball in the air, while getting across the line and looking to play on the leg side.
A very late withdrawal from Haseeb Hameed and Michael Neser has to wait for his first ball in Test cricket.
6.1
0
Michael Neser to Haseeb Hameed, Full-length ball, on off. Hameed stays back and blocks it out towards gully off the outer half, as he gets squared up here.
The debutant, Michael Neser comes into the attack now.
6
over
6 | 0 Runs | HH: 12/1
5.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A length ball, around off. Malan defends it out solidly. Third consecutive maiden for Jhye Richardson.
5.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Good length and outside off. Malan leaves it alone for the keeper.
5.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A length ball, around off. Malan defends it out watchfully.
5.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, A length ball sliding down leg. Malan leaves it alone. Carey moves to his right to collect the ball.
5.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, outside off, the ball straightens a bit after hitting the deck. Malan stays back and shoulders his arms.
5.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, On a length, around off. Malan hangs back and taps it towards point.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs | HH: 12/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Full length and outside off, Hameed looks to crunch it through the off side but miscues it. The ball takes the inner half and lands on the deck. First maiden for Mitchell Starc in this Test game.
4.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good length, outside off, nipping away. Hameed lets it go to the keeper.
4.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Back of a length, on off. Hameed shoulders his arms. He trusts the bounce this time and sees the cherry go above the off pole.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Starc makes Hameed play this time. Good-length ball, on off. Hameed stays inside the crease and blocks it out solidly.
4.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Touch fuller, outside off, some extra bounce off the deck. Haseeb Hameed does not chase this one.
4.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off, moving away. Hameed shoulders his arms and leaves it alone.
This is what mental games can do to you. In his 56-inning Test career, Rory Burns has opened for England in every inning. But here comes a small spice. In these 56 innings, Burns has NOT FACED the first ball of the team innings ONLY TWICE. And does it surprise you even one bit that both of those innings have come in this series? After that first-baller at the 'Gabba, Rory definitely seems to be nervous or not too keen to face the first ball of the innings. Or even more so, he seems to be hesitant to be facing Mitchell Starc up early. Position 1 or 2 does not matter too much while batting. But just the fact that RB seems to be thinking too much in his mind, has seen him tentative in this series so far. It is all in the mind, they say.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs | HH: 12/1
3.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Another maiden over for Jhye Richardson. A length ball, around middle and off, shaping away. This is close to the body but Malan lets it go past him.
3.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Full-length ball, outside off. Malan presses forward and defends it out watchfully.
3.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, On a length, outside off, shaping away. Malan shoulders his arms.
3.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Another swinging away, on a fuller length. Malan does not chase this either.
3.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, On a length, moving away from the left-hander. Malan holds his defensive pose and lets the ball goes past him.
3.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Dawid Malan, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away from the left-hander. Malan leaves it alone for the keeper.
3
over
3 | 5 Runs | HH: 12/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, outside off, moving away. Hameed lets it go to the keeper. End of a successful over By Mitchell Starc.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Outside off, left alone by Hameed.
2.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, LEG BYE! Back of a length, around the hips. Malan misses his flick. The ball takes the thigh pads and runs towards fine leg. The batters collect a leg bye.
2.3
3
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Nicely placed! Fuller and outside off. Hameed leans in and drives it through covers. Head recovers the ball near the ropes. The batters take three runs.
2.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Malan gets off the mark. Good-length ball, outside off. Malan defends it towards cover and gets across for a single.
Dawid Malan walks in at number 3.
2.1
W
Mitchell Starc to Rory Burns, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc sends back Rory Burns yet again in this Test series. Australia get the dream start they were looking for. Starc serves it quicker, back of a length, around off. Rory Burns shuffles across and looks to defend it out. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the second slip. Steven Smith is placed there who makes no mistake and pouches it comfortably.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 7/0
1.6
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, BEATEN AGAIN! What a beauty! Jhye Richardson starts his spell with a maiden. A length ball, around off, nipping away. The ball beats the outside edge.
1.5
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, Full-length ball, on middle and leg. Haseeb Hameed squeezes it towards square leg. Not in the gap though.
1.4
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, Length and outside off, Hameed leaves it alone for the keeper.
1.3
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, BEATEN! Jhye Richardson causing early problems. On a length, outside off, nips in a touch. Haseeb Hameed looks to defend it out but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge. The keeper, Alex Carey catches it on his left.
1.2
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, A length ball, outside off. The ball seams away yet again. Hameed keeps the blade close to his body and lets it sail past him.
1.1
0
Jhye Richardson to Haseeb Hameed, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away. Hameed leaves it for the keeper.
Who will bowl from the opposite end? Jhye Richardson it is.
1
over
1 | 7 Runs | HH: 7/0
0.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Rory Burns, FOUR! Rory Burns gets off the mark with a boundary. Fuller and on the pads, Rory Burns stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket. The ball races away into the fence. A positive start for the visitors, 7 runs coming off the first over.
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Rory Burns, Burns plays it very cautiously knowing what happened with him last time around! A full-length ball, around middle and leg. This one straightens a bit off the deck, Burns stays back and defends it to the leg side.
0.4
3
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Good shot! A full-length ball, outside off. Hameed leans in and crunches it through covers. The fielder gives it a chase and pulls it back in time near the ropes. The batters take three runs.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, That's better! Seems back off the deck. Good-length ball, on the fourth stump line. The ball nips in off the deck. Haseeb Hameed shoulders his arms and the ball goes off the off pole.
0.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Length ball, way outside off, shaping away. Haseeb Hameed leaves it alone for the keeper.
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Haseeb Hameed, Full-length ball, wide outside off. Haseeb Hameed leaves it alone. He would be glad that it was not on the stumps and did not trouble him.
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01
st Innings
Australia
The second innings is set to begin! The Australian players stride out to the middle. Followed by Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed who walk out to bat for England. Mitchell Starc to start with the ball.
Rght then. The visitors have a steep task in front of them. They would hope to remain unscathed till the stumps on Day 2. Australia, on the other hand, would hope to take a couple of wickets and put instant pressure on the tourists. Do join us in a while for a thrilling passage of play.
England bowlers toiled hard for two days straight in this game. There were moments when they thought the game was getting away from them. With a couple dropped catches on the first Day and a few falling short of the slip cordon on Day 2. Only Broad and Stokes got into the wicket’s column on Day 1. The hosts had a lot of wickets to play with on Day 2, and Smith took complete advantage of that. He was scoring at a brisk rate and the Englishmen were forced to change their bowling plans. Robinson was on fire with the ball in the first session and set back a set batter in Labuschagne. While, Root and Stokes chipped in as well, to make the first session theirs. It was Smith and Carey who looked solid in the middle and scored at a brisk rate. But it was Anderson, who weaved his magic and sent back both the set batters, to take the momentum along with them in the Tea Break. The last session was just an insult to injury, the bowlers would’ve liked to chop the tail-enders quickly but took a beating instead.
Declare! Steve Smith has signalled from the pavilion and Australia DECLARE AT 473/9 . It was a steady start by the hosts with the blade. They lost Harris pretty early on. Then it was the third wicket-partnership between Warner and Labuschagne who took the game away from the visitors. Yet again, in the series, Warner slipped out in his 90s and Smith and Labuschagne ended on a high at the end of Day 1, after the latter was dropped at 95. Runs came more swiftly on Day 2, thanks to the tremendous effort of the stand-in skipper, Steven Smith. Marnus Labuschagne came out and was sent back on 103 by Robinson, after getting him caught off a no-ball. Head and Green had a short stay in the middle. Later, Smith and Carey stitched a crucial stand for the sixth wicket of 91 runs, Carey was the aggressor with his maiden Test fifty, but both were sent back by Anderson at the stroke of Tea. Starc came out with Neser in the final session to bat. The pair stitched a quick-fire 58-run stand. The latter though slipped out, Starc then switched gears and made sure his side ends on a high.
150.4
over
150.4 | 10 Runs |
HH: 473/9
150.4
W
Chris Woakes to Jhye Richardson, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Short ball, on off. Jhye Richardson looks to heave it away. The ball takes the outside edge and Jos Buttler takes the catch safely, unlike on Day 1. Steven Smith signals from the pavilion. AUSTRALIA DECLARE AT 473/9.
150.3
6
Chris Woakes to Jhye Richardson, SIX! Jhye Richardson frees his arms this time. A short ball, around middle and leg. Jhye Richardson stands tall and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The team-mates in the pavilion are loving it.
150.2
1
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller and outside off. Starc carves it over cover and gets a single.
150.1
3
Chris Woakes to Jhye Richardson, Jhye Richardson is up and running straightaway!! This is a length ball, on off. Richardson looks to slog it over long on but he does not middle it and the ball goes just over Ben Stokes at mid on. The batters take three runs.
150
over
150 | 15 Runs |
HH: 463/8
149.6
2
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length, around middle. Mitchell Starc works it to long on for a couple of runs.
149.5
4
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Banged into the pitch, around middle. Starc looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
149.5
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Wide! Stokes bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mitchell Starc misses his pull and the umpire calls it a wide for height!
149.4
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, A slower ball, on a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc looks to heave it to the leg side but he gets an under-edge towards the keeper.
149.3
4
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! BACK-TO-BACK BOUNDARIES! Length ball, in the slot, around off. Starc stays back and smokes it over the bowler's head for another boundary.
149.2
4
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc stays back and cuts it past the point fielder for a boundary.
Jhye Richardson comes in at number 10.
149.1
W
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, OUT! CAUGHT! That is a seriously good catch from Stuart Broad. Length ball, just outside off. Neser looks to go downtown but he gets the toe end of his bat and the ball balloons in the air behind the mid on fielder. Stuart Broad at mid on backtracks, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch. End of an entertaining innings from the debutant. Broad is making his teammate know that he could not see the ball. The lights were right in the eyes and that's why he tumbled into the ground as he grabbed the ball.
149
over
149 | 8 Runs |
HH: 448/7
148.6
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc shuffles across and looks to scoop it over the keeper but he misses.
148.5
2
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, DROPPED! A tough one though! Length ball, outside off. Mitchell Starc heaves it uppishly towards the mid-wicket region. Ollie Pope runs in from the deep, reaches there but drops it in the end. The batters take a couple.
148.4
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, A slower ball, fuller in length, way outside off. Mitchell Starc looks to slog but the ball goes past his bat.
148.3
0
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Play and a miss! Good-length ball, angling across the batter. Mitchell Starc looks to tonk it over long on but fails to get any blade on it.
148.3
1
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Wide! Woakes hurls a slower ball but way outside off. Mitchell Starc leaves it alone. Wide called by the umpire.
148.2
4
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Cut away! Short of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc stays back and cuts it past the point fielder for a boundary.
148.1
1
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, Back of a length, outside off. Michael Neser looks to heave it across the line but it goes off the inner half of the blade behind square on the leg side for a run.
148
over
148 | 7 Runs |
HH: 440/7
147.6
1
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Banged into the deck, yet again, around off. Neser pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two!
147.5
0
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Banged into the deck, outside off. Michael Neser lets it be.
147.4
4
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, FOUR! WHACKED! Another slower ball, on a length, around middle. Michael Neser gets low and heaves it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. There were fielders set in the deep, but Neser manages to find the gap.
147.3
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, DROPPED! A full toss, around off. Mitchell Starc his it straight back to Stokes who fails to collect it cleanly. The ball goes past him for a run.
147.2
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Good change of pace from Stokes! Another slower ball, fuller in length, outside off. Mitchell Starc looks to slog but gets deceived by it and leaves it in the end.
147.1
1
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, A slower ball, on a length, around leg. Michael Neser stays back and helps it on its way towards fine leg for a single.
147
over
147 | 16 Runs |
HH: 433/7
146.6
1
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, Full ball, outside off. Neser drives it the cover fielder who fumbles and the batters take a run.
146.5
6
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, SIX! Even better shot! Neser is having some fun out there! Shorter in length, outside off. Neser sits back and cuts it over the deep point fence for a biggie.
146.4
4
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, FOUR! SHOT! Full ball, around off. Michael Neser stays back and strokes it past the mid on fielder for a boundary.
Joe Root takes the review for caught behind. Mostly in hope. He says, he heard something. The hot spot shows nothing on the blade. The RTS shows no bat is involved. England have lost all their reviews now. The skipper, Root wastes a review here.
146.3
0
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, NOT OUT! England lose all of their reviews now! This was a short-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Neser backs away and looks to cut but he misses. Chris Woakes appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Joe Root opts for a review but the RTS confirms that there is no bat involved and the on-field decision remains.
146.2
4
Chris Woakes to Michael Neser, FOUR! Edged and boundary! Back of a length, outside off. Michael Neser looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
146.1
1
Chris Woakes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, around middle. Mitchell Starc pulls it along the ground towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Chris Woakes (21-6-69-0) comes into the attack now.
146
over
146 | 3 Runs |
HH: 417/7
145.6
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length, outside off. Mitchell Starc works it to mid off and keeps the strike for the next over by taking a run.
145.5
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, around off. Mitchell Starc looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses and gets hit on his thigh pad.
145.4
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, around middle. Mitchell Starc tucks it to the leg side.
145.3
1
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Length ball, around leg. Michael Neser flicks it to deep square leg and takes one.
145.2
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Full-length delivery, outside off. Mitchell Starc digs it out towards mid off and rotates the strike.
145.1
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, on off. Mitchell Starc stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.
Ben Stokes (22-2-88-2) comes into the attack now.
145
over
145 | 3 Runs |
HH: 414/7
144.6
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Back of a length, around off. Michael Neser tucks it to mid-wicket.
144.5
1
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and leg. Mitchell Starc works it to mid on and takes off for a single.
144.4
2
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length, outside off. Starc looks to go downtown but he miscues it and the ball goes just over Stuart Broad at mid on. The batters take a couple of runs.
144.3
0
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc punches it to cover.
Oh dear. This is bad news. We could see lightning captured on the camera. Whether it rains or not, the umpires will not allow play to go on for long, if they see that lightning.
144.2
0
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, This is a good-length ball, around off. Mitchell Starc blocks it to covers.
144.1
0
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, angling in from off. Mitchell Starc blocks it off the front foot.
144
over
144 | 8 Runs |
HH: 411/7
143.6
4
Stuart Broad to Michael Neser, FOUR! Nicely done! Banged in short, outside off. Michael Neser hangs back and pulls it in front of square to collect a boundary. Ollie Pope at deep mid-wicket dives to his left to stop the ball but he fails to do so.
143.5
1
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc heaves it towards deep mid-wicket and collects a single.
143.4
2
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, In the air...but safe! Good-length ball, around off. Starc looks to heave it away across the line but it goes off the thick outside edge over the slip cordon for a couple of runs.
143.3
0
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, angling in from outside off. Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.
143.2
1
Stuart Broad to Michael Neser, Back of a length, around leg. Michael Neser nudges it behind square on the leg side for a run.
143.1
0
Stuart Broad to Michael Neser, Short of a length, around off. Michael Neser stays back and blocks it back to the bowler.
143
over
143 | 4 Runs |
HH: 403/7
142.6
1
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Back of a length, outside off. Michael Neser rocks back and cuts it wide of backward point for a run.
142.5
2
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Length ball, outside off. Michael Neser looks to defend but it goes off the thick outside edge past the gully fielder for a couple.
142.4
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Good-length delivery, nipping back in late. Michael Neser looks to block but that ball came back in a long away and went past Neser's defense to hit him high on his pad.
142.3
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Short of a length, outside off. Michael Neser stays back, rides the bounce well and cuts it to backward point.
142.2
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, On a length, around off. Michael Neser blocks it off the front foot.
142.1
1
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, Full ball, on middle. Mitchell Starc works it past the short mid on fielder and collects a run. 400 comes up for Australia now!
142
over
142 | 9 Runs |
HH: 399/7
141.6
4
Stuart Broad to Michael Neser, FOUR! First runs in Test cricket for Michael Neser! Good-length ball, just outside off and shaping away late. Neser looks to defend but it goes off the thick outside edge past the slip cordon for a boundary.
141.5
1
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, down leg. Starc glances it to fine leg and takes a run.
141.4
4
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Uppish but well over the mid-wicket fielder! Full ball, darted on the pads. Starc flicks it uppishly and the ball flies over James Anderson at mid-wicket who hops to take the catch. It races away to the fence.
141.3
0
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, Short of a length, outside off. Mitchell Starc punches it to cover.
141.2
0
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, This is a good-length delivery, well outside off. Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.
141.1
0
Stuart Broad to Mitchell Starc, Length ball, around middle. Mitchell Starc blocks it out.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Stuart Broad.
141
over
141 | 2 Runs |
HH: 390/7
140.6
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Fuller in length this time, around leg. Michael Neser flicks but straight to the square leg fielder.
140.5
0
James Anderson to Michael Neser, Good-length ball, on middle. Michael Neser blocks it towards mid on.
The final session is set to begin! The England players stride out to the middle. Followed by Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser who walk out to bat for Australia. James Anderson to complete his over.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
Right then! We are into the last session on Day 2 which will be played under the artificial lights! Will the Aussies declare straightaway after Tea? Or will they go hard in the next few overs, get to that 400-run mark and then declare? We will find that out. Do join us for another intriguing session which will begin at 7.30 pm local (9 am GMT).
English bowlers toiled hard in the second session but luck wasn't going their way as there were lot of instances where the ball didn't carry to the slip cordon. The Aussie batters came hard at them in the second session and the tourists had to change some of their bowling plans. It was James Anderson who struck twice and got rid of both Steven Smith and Alex Carey. A total of 88 runs were scored in the second session and England managed to pick a couple of wickets just at the stroke of Tea.
Australia did lose Steven Smith and Alex Carey just at the stroke of Tea but the damage had already been done as the stand-in skipper batted beautifully and was backed up well by Carey who also scored his maiden Test fifty. These two put on a 91-run stand for the sixth wicket and kept the English bowlers at bay. Australia are in a good position in this game but they would be a touch disappointed as they lost two batters in the 90s in this innings and it was only the second instance in the history of Ashes that two batters were dismissed in the 90s in the same innings. The first instance was in 2006 with Paul Collingwood (96) and Kevin Pietersen (92) which was played in Brisbane.
Just like Day 1, Australia have managed to come back well in the second session after the opening session belonged to the tourists. Australia's stand-in skipper, Steven Smith along with Alex Carey have taken their team to a very good total.
140.4
W
James Anderson to Alex Carey, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. James Anderson picks up his second wicket in the space of two overs. A length ball, around off. Alex Carey plays it on the up and lifts it towards cover. Haseeb Hameed keeps his eyes on the ball, dives to his right and pouches it safely. He was a bit sloppy in the field, since the first Test match, but this catch was a crucial one and he does not drop this one. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2!
140.3
1
James Anderson to Mitchell Starc, Length and on the pads, Starc flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
140.2
1
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Fuller, on middle and leg. Carey flicks it to the leg side for a single.
140.1
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Length ball, outside off. Carey defends it out watchfully.
140
over
140 | 3 Runs |
HH: 388/6
139.6
2
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Fuller and on leg. Starc clips it to deep mid-wicket and collects the brace.
139.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Short and around the hips, Starc stays back and flicks it to the leg side.
139.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Full and on the stumps, Starc defends it out watchfully.
139.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Fuller and on off. Starc helps it towards mid on.
139.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Mitchell Starc, Good-length ball, angled across the left-hander. Starc leaves it alone.
139.1
1
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, MAIDEN TEST FIFTY for Alex Carey! Back of a length, on the hips, Carey flicks it to square leg and scampers through for a single.
Mitchell Starc walks out to bat.
Steven Smith reviews it straightaway after being adjudged LBW! Was there any bat on it? Nope, says the Hot Spot. The Hawk Eye indicates that the impact is umpire's call and wickets hitting. The on-field decision remains!
139
over
139 | 2 Runs |
HH: 385/6
138.6
W
James Anderson to Steven Smith, OUT! LBW! James Anderson gets his first wicket of the game and sends back the Australian skipper, Steven Smith, back to the pavilion. Nervous 90s they say and the experienced seamer Anderson hands a crucial breakthrough for his side. He was agonisingly close to his century, and shakes his head as he walks out of the field. A full-length ball, outside off. The ball nips in a long way. Smith shuffles across and looks to defend it out, but misses and gets struck on the pads. James Anderson appeals and the umpire raises his dreaded finger. Smith goes for the review. The RTS shows no bat is involved. The Ball Tracker shows it is umpire's call on impact and the ball is hitting the wickets. Smith has to walk back.
138.5
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, on the fourth stump line. Smith comes across and blocks it to the leg side off the inner half.
138.4
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, On a length, around off. Smith shuffles across, closes the face of the bat and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
138.3
1
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A single for Carey now! Length and on the pads, Carey stays back and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. He moves to 49.
138.2
1
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Length and on the pads. Smith comes inside the line and flicks it towards fine leg for a single. He moves to 93.
138.1
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Fuller and on off, at 125 kph. Smith stays back and just blocks it out.
James Anderson (25-10-47-0) comes back to bowl. He replaces Ben Stokes.
138
over
138 | 0 Runs |
HH: 383/5
137.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, A length ball, around middle and off. Carey shuffles across and looks to flick it away. The ball rolls out to the off side off the outer half.
137.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good length, on off. Carey defends it out watchfully. He is just 2 runs away from his maiden Test half-century. Does not want to play any risky shots now.
137.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Length and on off. Carey defends it out solidly.
137.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, A length ball, around middle and off. Carey gets an inside edge, the ball rolls out to the slip cordon.
137.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Length ball around off. Carey looks to defend it out, but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
137.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Full-length ball, angled across the batter on off. Carey presses forward and defends it out.
Ollie Robinson (25-12-42-1) is back on.
137
over
137 | 7 Runs |
HH: 383/5
136.6
4
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, FOUR! Classy batting from Smith. Back of a length, around off. Smith wait for the ball and pokes it over the slip cordon to bag a boundary at third man. He moves to 92 now.
136.5
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short and on middle. Carey pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
136.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Touch short, on the pads, Carey misses his flick. The ball balloons off the thigh pads, to the right of Buttler.
136.3
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Fuller and on off. Smith caresses it towards cover for a single. He moves to 88.
136.2
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short and on the body, Carey swivel and pulls it behind square on the on side for a single.
136.1
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Play and a miss! Stokes comes from 'round the wicket. A length ball, around leg. Carey makes room and looks to crunch it through covers but misses.
136
over
136 | 10 Runs |
HH: 376/5
135.6
1
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, A single to end a good over for Australia. Full and on off. Carey drives it through covers to get to the other end.
135.5
0
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, Good length, on off. Carey presses forward and defends it out.
135.4
0
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, Length and around off. Carey punches it to point. Pope dives to his right to make a good stop.
135.3
0
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, Fuller and outside off. Carey leans in and drives it to extra cover.
135.2
4
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, FOUR! Pulled away! A short ball, on off. Carey stays back and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.
After every ball, Smith is talking to himself and indicating, okay the ball is moving this way. Okay, the ball is moving that way. The on-air commentators are whispering, "Whom is he talking to?" And suddenly a suggestion comes - "Smith's world is unique. He is his own teacher and his own student. So the teacher is telling the student that the ball moved that way and you should have played it this way. And the student is responding by nodding his head. Normally, this involves two individuals but in Smith's case, he is two in one"
135.1
5
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Overthrows and it is five! A full-length ball, on off. Smith defends it to cover and missed his attempt at the non-striker's end. The ball runs past the fielder who dives to cover it and goes into the fence at long on.
135
over
135 | 1 Runs |
HH: 366/5
134.6
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short of a length, outside off. Carey rides the bounce nicely and taps it to backward point.
134.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Fuller in length, outside off. Alex Carey drives but straight to the cover fielder.
134.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Back of a length, around leg. Alex Carey tucks it to the leg side.
134.3
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, around leg. Steven Smith nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single.
A bit of cloudcover coming across the Adelaide Oval. Hope there are no interruptions in this intruiging Test match. Let us keep our fingers crossed.
134.2
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Short of a length, around off. Steven Smith stays back and blocks it off the back foot.
134.1
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, around middle. Steven Smith tucks it to mid-wicket.
134
over
134 | 1 Runs |
HH: 365/5
133.6
1
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, around leg. Steven Smith glances it and the ball goes just past the leg slip fielder for a run.
It might just seem a bit intriguing looking at the number of edges that are falling short of the slip cordon today. The slip fielders always mark their position looking at where their keeper is standing. So, is the problem or fault entirely with Jos Buttler? A no and a yes. Why are we sitting on the fence? Let's start with the no then. Just compare the carry on Day 1 and the carry on Day 2. Yesterday, Buttler was getting majority of the balls at chest and shoulder height. Even the one he put down late in the evening, of Labuschagne, was above the waist. So probably, Jos is still thinking - 'Today is just Day 2, so the carry will not go down so much.' Now, this is where we might pin the fault on Buttler. We are already halfway through Day 2 and by now, JB should have realized that the balls are definitely not carrying as highly as on Thursday. So maybe, say from the start of the second session at least, he should have taken a step or two ahead, especially given that England do not have 140kph-plus bowlers in the side. The average pace is around 130-135 and the extra pace, or the lack of it, definitely matters.
133.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, This was angled in around middle. Smith turns it to mid-wicket.
133.4
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, around off. Steven Smith gets behind the line of the ball to defend it.
133.3
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, around off. Steven Smith blocks it towards cover-point.
133.2
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, On a length, around middle. Steven Smith blocks it off the front foot.
133.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, BEATEN! Back of a length, around off and shaping away a bit. Smith hangs back and looks to block but the ball zips past his outside edge. That really moved a lot. Even Smith, who rarely opens his mouth while batting, could not stop saying, 'Oh, my word!'
133
over
133 | 6 Runs |
HH: 364/5
132.6
4
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, FOUR! SMASHED! Length ball, outside off. Alex Carey caresses it past the extra cover fielder for a boundary.
132.5
2
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Sloppy from Zak Crawley (sub) at covers. Good-length ball, outside off. Alex Carey punches it through the cover region. Crawley puts in a dive at covers but throws it to the striker's end which was completely needless. The batters take a couple.
132.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Banged into the deck, around leg. Alex Carey looks to pull but he fails to get any bat on it.
132.3
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Stokes goes fuller this time, around off. Alex Carey pushes it back to the bowler.
132.2
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, On a length, around off. Alex Carey defends it off the front foot.
132.1
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, angling in from middle. Alex Carey turns it to mid-wicket.
132
over
132 | 2 Runs |
HH: 358/5
131.6
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, On a length, just outside off. Steven Smith looks to block but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards backward point.
131.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Short of a length, around off pole. Steven Smith stays back and keeps it out.
131.4
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, on middle. Steven Smith defends it solidly.
131.3
1
Stuart Broad to Alex Carey, Back of a length, outside off. Alex Carey stays back and steers it towards the gully fielder who half-stops it and the batters take a run.
131.2
1
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, darted on the pads. Smith clips it past the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.
131.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Length ball, around middle. Steven Smith blocks it out.
Stuart Broad (21-6-44-1) with the ball now.
131
over
131 | 4 Runs |
HH: 356/5
130.6
2
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, outside off. Carey drives it past the diving cover fielder and bags a couple of runs.
130.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Edged but falls short of the slip fielder yet again! Frustration continues for England! This was a good-length delivery, outside off. Carey looks to drive on the up but he gets a thick outside edge which lands just in front of Joe Root at first slip.
130.4
2
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, On a length, just outside off. Alex Carey prods and square drives it past the point fielder for a couple of runs.
130.3
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Fuller in length, outside off. Alex Carey drives but straight to the mid off fielder.
130.2
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short of a length, angling in from off. Alex Carey punches it to cover.
130.1
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Back of a length, way outside off. Alex Carey leaves it alone.
DRINKS! Australia are getting a move on now and England should make sure they do not leak runs here! Smith and Carey are scoring swiftly and their stand has moved to 58. England, on the other hand, would look to take take a couple more wickets before the Tea break. Ben Stokes comes into the attack now for the visitors to look for the breakthrough.
130
over
130 | 11 Runs |
HH: 352/5
129.6
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, around off. Steven Smith pushes it to mid off.
129.5
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, around off. Steven Smith blocks it out.
129.4
6
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, SIX! What a shot! First maximum of the innings! On a length, around off. Smith gets low, swivels underneath it and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie. 350 comes up for Australia!
129.3
1
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, around leg. Alex Carey glances it to fine leg and collects a single.
129.2
4
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, FOUR! Not where Carey intended it to go but he will take that! Back of a length, outside off. Carey stays back and slashes hard. It goes off the thick outside edge past the gully fielder and into the fence.
129.1
0
Chris Woakes to Alex Carey, Fuller in length, around middle. Alex Carey pushes it to mid on.
129
over
129 | 1 Runs |
HH: 341/5
128.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Robinson hurls a full ball, angling in from off. Steven Smith prods and defends it back to the bowler.
128.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Steven Smith turns it to mid-wicket.
128.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length delivery, angling down leg. Steven Smith misses his flick and the ball ricochets off his thigh pad to the leg slip fielder.
128.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Short of a length, around middle. Steven Smith moves across in his crease and looks to flick but he misses and gets hit high on his body.
128.2
1
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, around leg. Carey looks to block but it goes off the thick inside edge towards fine leg for a run.
128.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, angling across the batter. Alex Carey leaves it alone.
128
over
128 | 9 Runs |
HH: 340/5
127.6
4
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, FOUR! CARESSED! Length ball, outside off. Smith presses forward, reaches out and carves it past the mid off fielder for another boundary.
127.5
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Steven Smith leaves it alone.
127.5
5
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, NO BALL and FOUR! Edged but it sneaks through the first and the second slip fielder! This was a good-length ball, outside off. Smith hangs back and has a tentative poke at it. It takes the outside edge and goes in between the slip cordon for a boundary. Woakes oversteps and the umpire signals a No Ball. Imagine, if this catch would've been taken. This would've played with the heads of the English players yet again.
127.4
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Short of a length, outside off. Steven Smith looks to block but it goes off the outer half of the bat towards backward point.
127.3
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, outside off. Steven Smith prods and blocks it to cover.
127.2
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, On a length, around middle. Steven Smith gets behind the line of the ball and defends it.
127.1
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, around off. Steven Smith blocks it off the back foot.
127
over
127 | 0 Runs |
HH: 331/5
126.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, outside off. Alex Carey presses forward and defends it back to the bowler. Another maiden over from Robinson!
126.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Length ball, outside off. Alex Carey looks for a booming drive but finds Jonny Bairstow (sub) at covers who half-stops it.
126.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Back of a length, around leg. Alex Carey tucks it to mid-wicket.
126.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Short of a length, outside off. Alex Carey stays back and looks to push it through covers but he gets it from the inner half of his blade towards mid on.
126.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Back of a length, around off. Alex Carey rides the bounce nicely and blocks it to cover.
126.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, around off. Alex Carey prods to defend but it goes off the outer half of the bat towards backward point.
126
over
126 | 0 Runs |
HH: 331/5
125.6
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Length ball, angling in from off. Steven Smith presents the full face of his bat and blocks it back to the bowler.
125.5
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, This is a wayward ball, down leg. Smith leaves it for the keeper to collect.
125.4
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Length ball, around off. Steven Smith presses forward and looks to block but it goes off the thick outside edge towards Rory Burns at second slip, on the bounce.
125.3
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, well outside off. Steven Smith does not offer any shot to it.
125.2
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Goes fuller this time, outside off. Steven Smith prods and lets it through to the keeper.
125.1
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Woakes starts with a good-length ball, outside off. Steven Smith leaves it alone.
Chris Woakes (18-5-49-0) is brought into the attack. He replaces James Anderson.
125
over
125 | 0 Runs |
HH: 331/5
124.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Full length and outside off, Carey works it to mid on off the inner half. This is the eleventh maiden over for Robinson.
124.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, outside off. Carey watches it sail past him.
124.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Four dots on the trot now! Length and outside off, angled across the batter. Carey gets behind the line and defends it onto the pitch.
124.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, Length and on off. Carey blocks it to short mid off.
124.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, BEATEN! A length ball, around off, shaping away from the left-hander. Carey looks to defend it out but gets beaten at the outside edge.
124.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Alex Carey, A full-length ball, around middle and off. Carey defends it back to the bowler off the front foot.
Ollie Robinson (22-10-41-1) comes back into the attack.
124
over
124 | 3 Runs |
HH: 331/5
123.6
1
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Around the hips, Carey tucks it to square leg for a single.
123.5
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Length and on the pads. Carey defends it to short mid-wicket.
123.4
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A length ball, outside off. Carey stays back and defends it to point.
123.3
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, outside off, shaping in. Carey punches it to cover.
123.2
2
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Fuller, on middle and leg. Carey tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
123.1
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Anderson comes in from 'round the wicket. Length ball, angled into the batter. Carey flicks it to the leg side.
123
over
123 | 10 Runs |
HH: 328/5
122.6
4
Joe Root to Steven Smith, FOUR! Slapped and clouted to the ropes! Tossed up, full and outside off. Smith leans into it and drives it through covers to bag the second boundary of the over.
122.5
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Flatter and short, outside off, Carey cuts it through point for a single.
122.4
4
Joe Root to Alex Carey, FOUR! Up and over! Flighted, full and on off. Carey gets under it and lifts it over mid off. A few bounces and the ball goes into the boundary.
122.3
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Short and outside off. Carey helps it towards point.
122.2
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it to square leg for a single.
122.1
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter and outside off. Smith pushes it to point.
122
over
122 | 2 Runs |
HH: 318/5
121.6
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A dot to end another good over by Anderson. Good-length ball, outside off. Some extra bounce this time. Carey shuffles across and leaves it alone for the keeper.
121.5
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, On a length, outside off. Carey shoulders his arms at it.
121.4
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Good length, angled into the batter on off. Carey hangs back and blocks it out.
121.3
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Fuller and on off. Carey works it to the left of the bowler.
121.2
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Length and outside off. Carey defends it to cover.
121.1
2
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Full length and outside off. Carey leans into his shot and drives it past extra cover for a brace.
121
over
121 | 4 Runs |
HH: 316/5
120.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter and on middle. Smith blocks it out solidly.
120.5
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, On leg, Carey flicks it to square leg for a single.
120.4
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Full and on off. Smith pushes it to the off side for a single.
120.3
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, In the air but safe! Floated, full and on off. Carey chips it over mid off and takes a single. All England players had their eyes on the ball in hope, but it landed just besides the mid off man, who was running back.
120.2
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Root comes 'round the wicket for the left-hander. Flatter, around off, Carey blocks it into the deck.
120.1
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Floated, full and outside off. Smith leans forwards and works it to covers for a single.
120
over
120 | 2 Runs |
HH: 312/5
119.6
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A good over by Anderson, but ain't bothering the batter much! A length ball, on off. Carey defends it to the off side.
119.5
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Length and on off. Carey blocks it back to the bowler.
119.4
2
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A couple of runs now! A length ball, angled into the batter. Carey stays inside the crease, closes the face of the bat and flicks it through square leg for a brace.
119.3
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, around off. Carey stays on the back foot and pushes it to covers.
119.2
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A length ball, around middle and off, Carey pushes it away.
119.1
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Back of a length, around off. Carey punches it to cover.
119
over
119 | 2 Runs |
HH: 310/5
118.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Short and wide outside off. Smith shuffles across and shoulders his arms. This one turned in with some bounce.
118.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Full and outside off. Smith prods to the pitch of the ball and defends it out.
118.4
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Floated, outside off. Carey pushes it to point for a single.
118.3
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Full and around off. Carey drives it to cover. Stokes gets low and stops it from running past him.
118.2
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter and short, around middle and leg. Smith goes back and punches it through point for a single.
118.1
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Full and on middle. Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.
118
over
118 | 0 Runs |
HH: 308/5
117.6
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Yes, he surely can! This one is quicker, on a good-length, around off, close to the body this time. Carey shoulders his arms at it.
117.5
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Five dots in a row! Fuller and on leg. Carey tucks it to mid-wicket. Can Anderson gets his tenth maiden of the game?
117.4
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Good length, on the pads, Carey stays inside the crease and nudges it to mid-wicket.
117.3
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Length ball, angled across the left-hander on off. Carey defends it out watchfully.
117.2
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, Slightly short, outside off. Carey punches it aggressively towards point, straight to the man there.
117.1
0
James Anderson to Alex Carey, A length ball, on off. Carey stays back and pushes it towards cover. Not in the gap though.
Who will start from the opposite end? James Anderson it is.
117
over
117 | 6 Runs |
HH: 308/5
116.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter, around off, spinning in. Smith goes back and pushes it to cover. Australia with a bright start to the second session.
116.5
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Drop and run! Tossed up, outside off, Carey leans forward and defends it to cover. Carey scampers through to the other side for a quick single.
116.4
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Looped up, outside off, turning away. Carey defends it to the left of first slip.
116.3
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Angled into the pads, Smith goes back and flicks it to fine leg for a single this time.
116.2
3
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Tossed up, full and on off. Alex Carey gets low and reverse-sweeps it towards third man for three runs.
116.1
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Floated, full and on leg. Smith clips it to deep square leg and gets a single.
We are back for the second session! The players of England stride out to the middle and they are followed by Alex Carey and Steven Smith who walk out to bat for Australia. Joe Root to start with the ball.
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
Right then. Something to smile about in the English camp then. Their bowlers will come back after the break and look to bowl out the hosts as quick as possible. Australia, on the flip side, will hope to bat another whole session and assess things at the Tea break. Do join us for another thrilling session of cricket at 5:10 pm local (0640 GMT).
Steven Smith holds the key for his side now! It was Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith who started the day on a good note. The runs were coming in at a good rate for the latter throughout the innings, while the former lost his track and slipped out after a gritty knock of 103. Steven Smith and Travis Head later steadied the ship by not letting the visitors capitalize and racked up runs at a good rate. Head made his intentions clear as he hit one ball over Root for a boundary, but was sent back on the very next delivery as he got deceived by the slowness of the ball. Alos, Green was sent back to the pavilion within a flash, just like his outing in Brisbane. In the end, Carey and Smith made sure they remain unscathed till the break.
A well fought session by the visitors! England could not keep it tight, with a still-new ball on the morning of Day 2. Attacking the stumps should’ve been their aim early on but as they kept leaking runs, their bowlers bowled wide and the batters were not bothered by it at all. Until Ollie Robinson showed his team-mates how its done. He was on the money with the ball in the first session amongst the seamers. He got rid of Marnus Labuschagne in his second attempt, as the first one was ruled out as he overstepped. Robinson got the outside edge into play quite frequently, but a few opportunities fell short of the slip cordon. Soon, Root and Stokes chipped in as well by sending back Head and Green respectively to get their side back in the hunt.
What a session of Test cricket this one was. Roller-coaster of emotions in the English camp, while Marnus Labuschagne rode his luck, but he ran out of it eventually. In the final half-an-hour of play, England picked up wickets in cluster and got their side back into the game.
116
over
116 | 0 Runs |
HH: 302/5
115.6
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, A bumper, around middle. Alex Carey ducks underneath and that will be Dinner on Day 2!
115.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Stokes follows it up with a pin-point yorker, around off. Alex Carey digs it out watchfully.
115.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Back of a length, down leg. Alex Carey looks to pull but he gets it from the inner half of his blade towards the leg slip fielder.
115.3
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, BEATEN! Good-length delivery, just outside off. Alex Carey looks to poke at it but gets beaten on his outside edge. What a spell this has been from Stokes!
115.2
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Banged into the deck, around middle. Alex Carey ducks underneath.
115.1
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Length ball, around leg. Alex Carey misses his nudge on the leg side and gets hit on his pad.
115
over
115 | 1 Runs |
HH: 302/5
114.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, around middle. Steven Smith blocks it out.
114.5
1
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Floated, around off. Alex Carey taps it to backward point and takes off for a quick run.
114.4
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Loopy ball, around middle. Alex Carey blocks it back to the bowler.
114.3
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Alex Carey punches it to extra cover.
114.2
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Flatter ball, on off. Alex Carey blocks it off the front foot.
114.1
0
Joe Root to Alex Carey, Tossed up, outside off. Alex Carey gets down on his knee to paddle it down leg but it goes off the toe end towards mid-wicket.
114
over
114 | 5 Runs |
HH: 301/5
113.6
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, A yorker, outside off. Steven Smith sits back and squeezes it out towards backward point.
113.5
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Leg bye! Length ball, around leg. Alex Carey misses his flick and gets hit on his thigh pad. The ball rolls behind square on the leg side for a leg bye.
113.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short of a length, outside off. Alex Carey punches it to cover.
113.3
4
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, FOUR! Banged into the deck, around leg. Carey stays back and swivel-pulls it behind square on the leg side. Dawid Malan runs across to his right from fine leg but he fails to stop the boundary. 300 comes up for Australia!
113.2
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Good-length ball, around middle. Alex Carey looks to defend but he misses and gets hit high on his pad.
113.1
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, angling away from the batter. Alex Carey leaves it alone.
113
over
113 | 2 Runs |
HH: 296/5
112.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning down leg. Steven Smith lets it through to the keeper.
112.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, around off. Steven Smith defends it off the front foot.
112.4
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Loopy ball, around leg. Steven Smith tucks it to mid-wicket.
112.3
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, A quicker ball, fired down leg. Steven Smith lets it be.
112.2
2
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, down leg. Steven Smith stays back and nudges it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.
112.1
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, down leg. Steven Smith offers no shot, it hits his pad and the ball goes past the leg slip fielder. The batters don't run though.
112
over
112 | 3 Runs |
HH: 294/5
111.6
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Stokes bangs it into the deck, around off. Alex Carey sways away from the line of the delivery.
111.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, On a length, around off. Alex Carey blocks it off the front foot.
111.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on middle. Alex Carey turns it to mid-wicket.
Alex Carey comes in at number 7.
111.3
W
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, OUT! BOWLED! That is a peach of a delivery from Stokes and Cameron Green is castled yet again! Stokes hurls a length ball, angling in from off. The ball straightens and goes past Green's defense to knock his off stump over. Green completely misread the line of the delivery as he played for the inswinger! Top stuff from Ben Stokes. Two wickets in two overs for England and they are back in the contest!
111.2
2
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, First runs in the series for Cameron Green! Length ball, angling in from leg. Green glances it towards fine leg and comes back for the second run.
111.1
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Banged into the deck, around leg. Steven Smith swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a run.
111
over
111 | 4 Runs |
HH: 291/4
110.6
0
Joe Root to Cameron Green, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Cameron Green stays back and leaves it alone.
110.5
0
Joe Root to Cameron Green, Tossed up, on a length, around leg. Cameron Green turns it to mid on.
110.4
0
Joe Root to Cameron Green, Overpitched ball, on off. Cameron Green digs it out.
Cameron Green is the new man in.
110.3
W
Joe Root to Travis Head, OUT! BOWLED! Joe Root strikes and gets the big wicket of Travis Head! Did him for flight and drift, maybe! Loopy ball, drifting in around leg and then spinning away late. Head looks to flick it across the line but he misses, gets into a tangle and the ball crashes onto his off pole. So the ploy to attack Root hasn't quite worked for Australia! The centurion of the previous game walks back to the hut.
110.2
4
Joe Root to Travis Head, FOUR! Top shot! Loopy ball, on a length, around off. Head smacks it over the bowler's head and bags a boundary.
110.1
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Tossed up, on off. Travis Head blocks it off the front foot.
110
over
110 | 7 Runs |
HH: 287/3
109.6
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Smith looks to play the upper cut but gets beaten by the bounce. Another good over for the hosts.
109.5
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short ball, into the ribs. Head drags his pull shot towards fine leg for a single.
109.4
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Back of a length, around off. Head blocks it out and the ball lobs in front of him.
109.3
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Short and on off. Smith pulls it through square leg for a single.
109.2
4
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, FOUR! EDGED AND OVER! Smith gets his FIFTY in no time. Short ball, around off. The ball is above his head. Smith throws his bat at it and gets an outside edge, as the ball flies over the keeper and into the fine leg fence.
109.1
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Back of a length, around the hips. Head clips it to square leg and crosses for a single.
109
over
109 | 6 Runs |
HH: 280/3
108.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Tossed up, full and outside off. Smith comes forward and defends it out with his pads. Runs are coming in at a really good pace for the hosts.
108.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter and on off. Smith gets behind the line and blocks it out.
108.4
4
Joe Root to Steven Smith, FOUR! Nicely guided and another boundary for the Australian skipper. Short and wide outside off. Smith hangs on the back foot and guides it through backward point for a boundary.
108.3
1
Joe Root to Travis Head, Darted on the pads, Head clips it to mid-wicket for a single.
108.2
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Tossed up, full and on off. Head drives it towards cover.
108.1
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flighted, full and on off. Smith advances down the track and pushes it to mid off for a single.
108
over
108 | 6 Runs |
HH: 274/3
107.6
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short ball, going down leg. Head shoulders his arms and leaves it alone for the keeper. A decent start by Stokes.
107.5
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Short ball and on off. Head defends it out to the off side.
107.4
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Smith stays on the back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
107.3
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Length and on off. Smith continues to remain solid in his defense.
107.2
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, Full-length ball, on off. Smith blocks it out watchfully.
107.2
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, WIDE! A sharp bumber, going above Smith's head. Umpire calls it as a wide.
107.1
4
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, FOUR! Up and Over! Ben Stokes sticks with his plan of bowling short, but gets punished this time. Back of a length, outside off. Smith hangs back and lofts it over point for a boundary.
Ben Stokes (13-1-50-1) comes into the attack.
107
over
107 | 0 Runs |
HH: 268/3
106.6
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, On off, pushed away. A good over by Root.
106.5
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Full and on off. Head drives it towards mid on. He is out of his crease looking for a single. But Smith is blocked by Root who is ball watching and sends Head back. No trouble for Head, as he gets back safely.
106.4
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Nice turn and bounce this time! Floated, outside off. The ball turns away with some extra bounce. Head looks to cut it away but the bounce beats him. Jos Buttler collects the ball near his chest and clips the bails off. Head had his back leg planted inside the crease.
106.3
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Looped up, full and on off. Head prods and blocks itout.
106.2
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Tossed up, around middle. Head goes back and blocks it back to the bowler.
106.1
0
Joe Root to Travis Head, Floated, full and outside off. Head pushes it out.
Joe Root (11-1-37-0) comes to bowl.
106
over
106 | 8 Runs |
HH: 268/3
105.6
3
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Three leg byes! Touch short and on the pads, Head stays back and misses his flick. It goes towards fine leg off the pads. The batters run three and the umpire signals a leg bye.
105.5
3
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good running this time! A full-length ball, on the pads, Smith clips it through mid-wicket. The batters run three before the fielder cuts it out.
105.4
2
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Full length and on off. Smith looks to defend it out. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards backward point and collects a brace.
105.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good length, wide outside off. Smith leaves it alone.
105.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length and on off. Smith keeps it out watchfully.
105.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Full and outside off. Smith leans forward and blocks it out.
105
over
105 | 7 Runs |
HH: 260/3
104.6
4
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, FOUR! Crunched! Short and wide, outside off. Head swats it through cover-point and bags a boundary.
104.6
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, NO BALL! Woakes has overstepped and he has to reload the last delivery again. A length ball, outside off. Head drives it to cover.
104.5
1
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Full and on leg. Smith clips it to deep square leg for a single.
104.4
1
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Nice fielding by Malan. A length ball, around off. Head punches it towards cover. Dawid Malan dives to his left and makes a sharp half-stop. The batters cross for a single.
104.3
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, EDGED! But does not carry again. Woakes comes over the wicket this time. A length ball, angled across the batter. Head looks to push it away but gets an outside edge towards second slip. Rory Burns dives forward but the ball lands in front of him, as Head plays it with soft hands.
104.2
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Good-length ball, angled in on off. Head stays back and punches it towards point. Hameed gathers it safely.
104.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Full length, on off. Head comes inside and plays it to the left of the bowler. Woakes puts his left hand out and stops the ball.
104
over
104 | 0 Runs |
HH: 253/3
103.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Another maiden for Ollie Robinson. Full-length ball, angled into the batter. Smith defends it to the leg side.
103.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length and on off. Smith blocks it out.
103.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Lovely bowling from Ollie Robinson. On a length, on the fourth stump line. Steven Smith shuffles across to play at it, but as the ball curls away late. Smith opts to leave it instead.
103.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Fuller, around off. Smith prods and defends it out solidly.
103.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, in the channel of uncertainty. Smith is persistent on leaving the ball outside his eyeline.
103.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length ball, outside off. Smith leaves it alone for the keeper.
103
over
103 | 2 Runs |
HH: 253/3
102.6
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Good length and on off. Head defends it to point.
102.5
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, A length ball, outside off. Head shoulders his arms at it.
102.4
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Another dot! Good-length ball, angled into the batter. Head defends it out towards mid on.
102.3
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Length ball, outside off. Head stays back and cuts it towards point. Not in the gap this time.
102.2
2
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Nice timing! Good-length ball, around off. Head hangs back and punches it through the gap at covers and gets a brace.
102.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Woakes comes 'round the wicket. A length ball, just outside off. Head stays back and taps it to point.
DRINKS! England must be a bit relieved side as they finally got to see the back of Marnus Labuschagne and they would now look to chip in with wickets and not let the Aussie batters to pile on the runs. Ollie Robinson is in the middle of a very good spell here and Travis Head and Steven Smith would look to see through this passage of play and then attack later.
102
over
102 | 0 Runs |
HH: 251/3
101.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length ball, on off. Smith defends it back to the bowler.
101.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, BEATEN! Ollie Robinson is on the money yet again. A length ball, on the fourth stump line. Smith covers his off stump and looks to defend it out but gets beaten on the outside edge.
101.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A full-length ball, on off. Steven Smith defends it out solidly.
101.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A good-length ball, outside off, Smith pushes it to cover.
101.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Enquiry from behind the wickets but the umpire is unmoved! On a length, in the channel of uncertainty. Steven Smith comes across and shoulders his arms. The ball flies of the deck, to clip the thigh pads and go towards the keeper.
101.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, SHORT! Good-length ball, around off, nipping away. Steven Smith looks to defend it out, but manages to get an outside edge. The ball goes towards the right of second slip. Rory Burns there dives to his right but the ball lands in front of him.
101
over
101 | 4 Runs |
HH: 251/3
100.6
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Length ball, on off. Head defends it out watchfully.
100.5
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Back of a length, on off. Head hops and blocks it onto the deck.
100.4
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Length and on off. Head blocks it out watchfully. Not getting carried away with that boundary.
100.3
4
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, FOUR! Width on offer and Travis Head opens his account with a boundary. Slightly short, outside off. Head stays on the back foot and cuts it through covers for a boundary.
100.2
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, On a length, around off, angled across the left-hander. Travis Head stays back and blocks it out.
100.1
0
Chris Woakes to Travis Head, Woakes serves a length ball, on the pads. Head stays inside the crease and nudges it to square leg.
Chris Woakes (15-5-36-0) comes into the attack now.
100
over
100 | 1 Runs |
HH: 247/3
99.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length ball, around off. Steven Smith gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it to mid on.
99.6
1
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, NO BALL! Good-length delivery, around off and curling away late. Steven Smith gets back in his crease to block but he gets squared up yet again and the ball hits him high on his bat. The umpire signals a no ball as Robinson oversteps.
99.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, outside off. Steven Smith presses forward and drives but straight to the mid off fielder.
99.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, on off. Steven Smith blocks it off the front foot.
99.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length ball, around off. Steven Smith looks to defend but gets squared up and it goes off the outer half of the blade towards point.
99.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off and jagging back in late. Steven Smith shoulders his arms to it.
99.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, On a length, just outside off. Steven Smith moves across in his crease and leaves it alone.
99
over
99 | 5 Runs |
HH: 246/3
98.6
1
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Leg bye! Good-length delivery, angling in late from middle. Steven Smith mises his flick and the ball ricochets off his thigh pad towards Haseeb Hameed at leg slip who half-stops it and the batters cross for a leg bye.
98.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Length ball, around middle. Steven Smith covers the line of the ball and defends it.
98.4
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, On a length, around off. Steven Smith blocks it out.
98.3
4
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, FOUR! Another short ball, around leg. Steven Smith stays back, swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side. Chris Woakes at deep backward square leg does not pick the ball and the ball races away to the fence.
98.2
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Banged into the deck, around leg. Steven Smith ducks under it.
98.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, around middle. Steven Smith tucks it to the leg side.
98
over
98 | 0 Runs |
HH: 241/3
97.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Travis Head, Good-length ball, around off. Travis Head blocks it off the back foot. A wicket-maiden from Robinson!
Travis Head comes out at number 5.
Marnus Labuschagne will take the review for LBW! The original decision is OUT. There is no shot involved. The Ball Tracker shows three reds and Marnus Labuschagne finally walks off the field.
97.5
W
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! LBW! Ollie Robinson gets his man this time and he is pumped! Joy for England! This was a length ball, jagging back in sharply after pitching from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it but the ball nips back late and hits him near the knee roll. Robinson appeals and the umpire raises his dreaded finger. Marnus Labuschagne consults with his partner, Steven Smith and opts for a review. The Hawk Eye indicates three reds and Labuschagne is a goner! Robinson would surely breathe a sigh of relief!
97.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, way outside off and curling away late. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to it.
97.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and defends it to cover.
97.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne prods but does not offer any shot to this one.
97.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, angling in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
97
over
97 | 1 Runs |
HH: 241/2
96.6
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Steven Smith leaves it alone.
96.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Short of a length, way outside off. Steven Smith lets it be.
96.4
1
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, DROPPED! A tough one though! Banged into the deck, around off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and pulls. Ollie Robinson at square leg hops to his right and stretches out to grab it but he puts it down and the ball goes past him for a run.
96.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, angling in from middle. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to square leg.
96.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
96.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back to defend it.
96
over
96 | 2 Runs |
HH: 240/2
95.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Outside off, left alone by Smith. Cricket is a cruel game. Ollie Robinson with a superb over but still he won't be happy about it.
95.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, LEG BYE! Fuller, on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick. The ball goes to square leg off the pads. A leg bye is collected.
95.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket.
95.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to mid-wicket.
95.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around off. The ball nips away off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms and lets it go through him.
95.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full-length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it to mid off and yells No RUN.
Is that a no ball? The replays show Ollie Robinson did not have any part of his foot behind the popping line and hence the umpire signals a no ball and Marnus Labuschagne has been called back to bat. Marnus Labuschagne is riding his luck even on Day 2. The English camp is gutted. Ollie Robinson still can't believe it.
95.1
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, NO BALL! Oh, dear! A chance goes begging and Marnus Labuschagne gets a lottery ticket! Ollie Robinson bowls a beauty straightaway, gets the nick and most importantly Jos Buttler takes the catch this time. But Robinson oversteps and the TV umpire confirms that it is a no ball. This was a good-length ball, around the corridor of uncertainty, Marnus Labuschagne looks to block it but gets the thick outside edge towards the keeper. Buttler moves to his right and takes a good catch. The on-field umpire asks Marnus Labuschagne to wait as he checks the front foot of Ollie Robinson. The replays roll in and it suggests that there was nothing behind the line. It is a no ball and the Adelaide crowd erupts. Looks like Christmas came 7 times early for Marnus Labuschagne. The smile on his face as he walks back into the middle says it all.
Ollie Robinson comes into the attack now.
95
over
95 | 0 Runs |
HH: 238/2
94.6
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Broad goes fuller this time, around leg. Steven Smith looks to flick but gets in a tangle, loses his balance and gets hit on his pad.
94.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Steven Smith shoulders arms to this one.
94.4
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, jagging back in sharply from outside off. Steven Smith stays back to block but he misses and gets hit high on his pad. A stifled appeal but the umpire is unmoved.
94.3
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Another ball, jagging back in down leg. Steven Smith misses his flick yet again.
94.2
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, outside off. Steven Smith blocks it to cover-point.
94.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, angling down leg. Steven Smith misses his flick.
94
over
94 | 6 Runs |
HH: 238/2
93.6
2
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, drifting down leg. Marnus Labuschagne clips it past the mid-wicket fielder. The fielder there chases it and the batters take a couple.
93.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.
93.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off and jagging back in late. Marnus Labuschagne looks to leave but gets hit high on his body.
93.3
4
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Finally, Marnus Labuschagne gets to his sixth Test hundred! Back of a length, outside off. Labuschagne looks to block but it goes off the thick outside edge past the slip cordon and races away to the fence. What a gritty knock this has been from him! He punches the air in delight and gets a hug from his mate, Steven Smith!
93.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, around off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out to cover.
93.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, dear! That came from nowhere! This was a good-length ball, around off and taking off from a length. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but he gets hit on the shoulder of his bat and he loses the grip on his bat as well.
93
over
93 | 4 Runs |
HH: 232/2
92.6
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, On a length, angling down leg. Steven Smith misses his flick. Jos Buttler does well behind the sticks to move across to his left to gather the ball.
92.5
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Another full ball, around off. Steven Smith hangs back and pushes it to mid on.
92.4
4
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, FOUR! Glorious! Fuller in length, outside off. Steven Smith moves across in his crease and caresses it through the cover region for a boundary.
92.3
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, outside off. Steven Smith lets it through to the keeper.
92.2
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, jagging back in from outside off. Steven Smith leaves it for the keeper to collect.
92.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Short of a length, way outside off. Steven Smith shoulders arms to it.
92
over
92 | 1 Runs |
HH: 228/2
91.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it.
91.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
91.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Back of a length, outside off and curling away a bit. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball whistles past his outside edge.
91.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around off and shaping away late. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but he misses and gets hit on his thigh pad.
91.2
1
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Anderson bangs it into the deck, around middle and leg. Steven Smith stays back and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for one.
91.1
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, outside off. Steven Smith stays back and drives it towards mid off.
91
over
91 | 2 Runs |
HH: 227/2
90.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.
90.5
1
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Leg bye! Back of a length, around leg. Steven Smith stays back and looks to flick but he misses. The ball ricochets off his thigh pad towards fine leg for a leg bye.
90.4
1
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, jagging back in late, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but it goes off the thick inside edge towards fine leg for a run. Labuschagne moves to 96!
90.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Much better from Broad! A length ball, angling in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.
90.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, This is a wayward ball, well outside off. Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot to this one.
90.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Broad starts with a length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back in his crease to block this one out.
Stuart Broad (16-5-34-1) to bowl from the opposite end.
90
over
90 | 4 Runs |
HH: 225/2
89.6
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, On a length, just outside off and angling in late. Steven Smith lets it be.
89.5
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Back of a length, way outside off. Steven Smith leaves it alone.
89.4
4
James Anderson to Steven Smith, FOUR! Steven Smith is up and running on Day 2! Anderson shortens his length, outside off. Smith stays back and cuts it past the point fielder for a boundary.
Also, the Australian players and the umpires will wear black arm bands today to pay respects for those involved in the Devenport tragedy on 16th Decemeber, 2021.
89.3
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Lovely delivery! This was a good-length ball, around the fourth stump channel and curling away late. Smith looks to poke at it at first but sways away from the line in the end.
89.2
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Back of a length, around off. Steven Smith moves across in his crease and blocks it out.
89.1
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Anderson starts with a good-length delivery, outside off. Steven Smith lets it through to the keeper.
The first session is set to begin. The England players take the field. Followed by Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith who walk out to bat for Australia. James Anderson to start with the ball.
England got off to a start that they were hoping for on Day 1 as they got rid of Marcus Harris very early and their new ball bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad executed their plans to perfection. However, the Aussie batters came hard at them in the second session and they were put under pressure. The short ball ploy worked to certain extent for the tourists as they got the crucial wicket of David Warner and it was Ben Stokes who struck for England at a crucial juncture. The visitors would be gutted with themselves as they could have easily got a couple of wickets more had they taken their catches and that would have completely changed the complexion of the first day of this intriguing Test. Joe Root and his men would hope that they make early inroads on Day 2 and not let the Aussies run away with the first innings score. Also, the new pink ball is just 9 overs old and the English bowlers should use it to their advantage in the first session. Will England bounce back in the first session? Will Marnus Labuschagne get to his 6th Test hundred? Lots of things to look forward to in the first session on Day 2.
Australia started steadily on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test after losing Marcus Harris early, but once Warner got his eye in, he took the attack to the opposition and runs started to flow for them. Marnus Labuschagne didn't look at his absolute best but he held one end and made sure that the loose deliveries were punished. He got a couple of lives from Jos Buttler as he was put down twice (On 21 and 95) and Labuschagne would hope that he converts this one into a big one and help his team to post a big total in the first innings. It was David Warner who was dismissed in the nervous 90's yet again but Steven Smith came in at number 4 and looked solid in the middle. The Aussies will now hope that they get as many runs as possible until the Tea break on Day 2, so that they can test the English batters under the lights in the last session.
Hello and a very warm welcome to Day 2 of the second Ashes Test between Australia and England. The first day of the pink-ball Test saw the hosts riding the advantage as they came back really well after the Dinner break after having kept on their toes in the first session by the English bowlers. England failed to capitalize on the start that they got and the fielders didn't help their bowlers either.
...Day 2, Session 1...
So! End of a day which began brightly for England ends on a sorry note. But there is some good news for English fans. One of their stars for the future, Tom-Kohler Cadmore, has smoked a stunning 92 in just 55 balls for the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. Do switch tabs to cover all the action from that series but also remember to tune back in here when Day 2 of this Test resumes on Friday, 17th December, 2021. The first ball will be bowled at 2.30 pm local (0400 GMT) but as you are aware, the build up will begin well in advance. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Marnus Labuschagne is in for a chat. He says, the last passage of play really tested them. Adds, Buttler dropping that catch (on 95) was unbelievable and he would look to capitalize on it on Day 2. Mentions, he feels for Warner, he played a patient knock but was unable to make his century. Ends by saying, his comments in the middle are mostly self-talk, but it may also add on to the pressure of the bowler. 2 birds with one stone he says with a smile.
England had their noses ahead after the first session as their bowlers stuck to their plans and executed them well. Broad and Anderson were impressive as ever at the start and the likes of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne found it hard to negotiate the quality of English bowling. However, nothing went the visitors way in the next couple of sessions as they managed to get just one wicket post Dinner and it was Jos Buttler who dropped a couple of sitters behind the sticks which could prove to be very costly for them in the end. All the English bowlers bowled their hearts out and it was Ben Stokes who took the big wicket of David Warner and denied him his 25th Test hundred. All the bowlers bowled good probing lines and lengths but the Aussie batters had answers to all of them. To add insult to England's injury, they have also wasted a couple of reviews and are left with only 1 now. They got the new pink ball later in the day under the lights which did not do much but Anderson did create an opportunity which was dropped by Buttler yet again. What a contrasting second half of the day it has been for Jos Buttler! He took a stunner to dismiss Marcus Harris and then dropped a couple of dollies post Dinner session. The English bowlers will need to come back harder on Day 2 and get early breakthroughs and ensure that the hosts don't run away with the first innings score.
Having opted to bat first after winning the all-important toss, Australia were put on the back foot straightaway by the English bowlers as they lost their opener in Marcus Harris for just 3 runs. England's veteran, James Anderson and Stuart Broad set the tone early with the new ball as they kept things in check and did not give any opportunities to Aussie batters to free their arms. David Warner who is known to be an aggressive batter was forced to change his style of play as well. However, as the ball got older, both David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne started to play their shots and the Aussies certainly got a move on. Just when Warner was looking to up the ante, he perished for 95 and missed out on another well-deserved hundred. Steven Smith joined Marnus Labuschagne in the middle and he too looked in good nick. Both these batters managed to survive the most crucial phase of the day, when the artificial lights came on, thanks to that drop catch by Jos Buttler just minutes before stumps. All in all, it was a good day for the Aussies and they have justified their stand-in skipper's decision of batting first.
What an enthralling day of Test cricket we have witnessed at the ever-so scenic Adelaide Oval. The Aussies though would be the happier of the two sides as they have done well to pile up the runs after losing their opener early on in the day. The visitors would be a bit disappointed as they weren't able to capitalize on the start that they got with the ball.
89
over
89 | 0 Runs |
HH: 221/2
88.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out solidly towards the on side and shouts NO RUN. So England fail to get a wicket from the new ball and Australia finish with 221-2 at the end of Day 1.
88.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A full ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. England players are little excited but nothing there in the end.
88.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go this time.
88.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it away but gets hit high on his pads.
88.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Beaten this time! Good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne tries to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten as the ball misses the outside edge of his blade.
88.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery, outside off and jagging in sharply. Marnus Labuschagne is in no mood to play that one and shoulders his arms again.
88
over
88 | 0 Runs |
HH: 221/2
87.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A length ball, outside off. Steven Smith lets it go again. Easy leave for Steven Smith.
87.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A full ball and down the leg side again. Smith looks to clip it but misses.
87.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Ollie Robinson tries to bowl it on the stumps and ends up drifting down the leg side. Smith leaves it alone.
87.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, On a length and seaming into the batter. But Steven Smith leaves it again. Good leave.
87.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A length ball, outside off. Smith decides to let it go again.
87.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A good-length delivery and around off. Smith just shoulders his arms and lets it go. They need to make batters play here!
87
over
87 | 1 Runs |
HH: 221/2
86.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Another length ball, outside off and Marnus Labuschagne lets it go comfortably again.
86.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go comfortably.
86.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it square on the off side this time off the back foot.
86.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone with his typical unusual style.
86.2
1
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, A length ball, on off. Smith defends this with soft hands square on the off side and gets a quick single.
86.1
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Steven Smith gets across and leaves it alone. The ball bounces over the stumps and goes back to the keeper.
86
over
86 | 3 Runs |
HH: 220/2
85.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go again. England are still searching for that wicket with the new ball.
85.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery, around off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone this time.
85.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh...swing and bounce there! A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it but the ball moves away sharply to beat the outside edge of his blade.
85.3
3
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A full ball, on off. Smith punches this down the gorund, The fielder running behind it cuts it off and the batters run three.
85.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A full ball, on off. Smith gets forward and defends it.
85.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Ollie Robinson starts with a one down the leg side. Steven Smith lets it go.
85
over
85 | 0 Runs |
HH: 217/2
84.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper and this time Jos Buttler gets a hold of it.
84.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, down leg. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
84.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, DROPPED! Hard to say who is more tired. Labuschagne? Because there was barely any feet movement. That was a very poor shot. Or Buttler? He would have taken that catch 999 times out of 1000. But tonight was that 1 odd time where he just could not catch this dolly! Either ways, poor Jimmy has to bear the brunt of bad luck. This is the second time he has dropped Marnus Labuschagne. A regulation catch goes down and with the all the English heads go down as well. Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive it through the cover region. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of the keeper. Jos Buttler gets towards the ball but is unable to pouch it comfortably. And what about Marcus Harris? He will be sitting there in that Aussie dressing room and wondering - 'Well, Jos dropped a tough one of Marnus early on and now a dolly of the same guy. Then why did he have to take a jaffa of mine?'
Aha. We have a look at the dressing room and can see Cameron Green padded up, but not Travis Head! Clearly, the latter is in no mood to come out to bat in these conditions. Where is the GOAT (Nathan Lyon) by the way? At this time of the day, all eyes search the night watchman.
84.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to cover off the front foot.
84.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
84.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A full-length ball, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to the leg side.
84
over
84 | 5 Runs |
HH: 217/2
83.6
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Length ball, on off. Smith blocks it out solidly. 5 runs coming off it and there were no signs of getting the edge into play.
83.5
4
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, FOUR! Nicely played, well timed by the skipper. Full-length ball, outside off. Steven Smith leans forward and creams it through covers for a boundary.
83.4
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off. Smith shoulders his arms.
83.3
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Length ball, sliding down leg. Steven Smith looks to flick it away but misses. Jos Buttler dives to his left to make the stop.
83.2
0
Stuart Broad to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, outside off, moving away. Steven Smith lets it go to the keeper.
83.1
1
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Full-length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it out. The ball takes the inside edge and goes towards fine leg. The batters cross for a single. Marnus Labuschagne moves to 95.
83
over
83 | 0 Runs |
HH: 212/2
82.6
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Another maiden for James Anderson. England are still hunting for the nick. Anderson wastes an opportunity this time, as he serves a length ball, down leg. Smith is happy to leave it alone.
82.5
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Full length, on middle and leg. Smith gets inside the line and tucks it to short leg.
82.4
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Slightly short, on off. Smith gets across and nudges it to the square leg.
82.3
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, James Anderson fires in a full-length ball, around middle and leg. Steven Smith moves across and defends it to the leg side.
82.2
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Touch short and outside off, Smith shoulders his arms to it.
82.1
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Length ball, going down leg. Smith leaves it alone for the keeper.
82
over
82 | 0 Runs |
HH: 212/2
81.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and on off. Nips in a bit. Marnus Labuschagne blocks out solidly.
81.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne finally gets his bat to the ball and blocks it out.
81.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Another one beats the outside edge! A length ball, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne comes forward and looks to drive it away but misses and the ball beats the outside edge.
81.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, JAFFA! Marnus Labuschagne is not shy of appreciating such great deliveries. Good-length ball, outside off, the ball holds its line after hitting the deck. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it out but misses.
81.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
81.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, OUCH!! That must've hurt Marnus Labuschagne. A length ball, around off. This time the ball nips in off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne gets squared up, as he looks to defend it out. He gets hit on his elbow. This is going to hurt.
Stuart Broad (12-3-28-1) is back into the attack now. Can he make this new pink cherry talk?
81
over
81 | 0 Runs |
HH: 212/2
80.6
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Seventh maiden of the game for James Anderson! A length ball, on the fourth stump line. Steven Smith gets behind the line and defends it onto the deck.
80.5
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, outside off. The ball nips in a long way. Smith hops and looks to push it through cover. He gets an inside-edge onto the pads.
80.4
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Nice movement! Good sign now. A full-length ball, around off. The ball shapes away after hitting the deck. Smith lets it go to the keeper.
80.3
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, outside off, moving away. Steven Smith does not chase it at all.
80.2
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, A good-length delivery and around off. This time a little swing as it swings in to the batter. Steven Smith leaves it alone comfortably.
80.1
0
James Anderson to Steven Smith, On a length, on off. Steven Smith moves across and defends it to the on side. Not much swing on that first ball.
The new ball is available now. The moment all the English fans were waiting for. Will the visitors take the new ball straightaway? Yes, they do. They do not want to waste any more time. An intriguing passage of play awaits.
80
over
80 | 0 Runs |
HH: 212/2
79.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! A beauty by Chris Woakes! A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it but the ball seams away sharply to beat the outside edge of his blade.
79.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone again.
79.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends this watchfully onto the turf off the back foot.
79.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone again.
79.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go.
79.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out off the back foot.
79
over
79 | 1 Runs |
HH: 212/2
78.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, On middle and leg. Smith nudges it to the on side again.
78.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Quicker and flatter on middle. Smith works it to the on side.
78.4
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, A shorter length delivery on middle. Smith gets back and blocks it.
78.3
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, A flatter ball, on off. Smith gets back and defends it.
78.2
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A fuller ball, on off. Driven to covers for a single.
78.1
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller ball, on middle. Defended off the fornt foot towards the on side.
78
over
78 | 0 Runs |
HH: 211/2
77.6
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, on off. Smith looks to work it away towards the on side. Gets a leading edge square on the off side.
77.5
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, A length ball, on off. Smith works it to short mid-wicket comfortably.
77.4
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery on off. Steven Smith gets forward and blocks it towards the off side.
77.3
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, Back of a length, on off. Smith gets back and defends it to the on side.
77.2
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, A full ball, on middle. Smith pushes it off the front foot towards mid on.
77.1
0
Chris Woakes to Steven Smith, BEATEN! Good-length ball, outside off. Smith steps a long way towards the line of the delivery and gets squared up. The ball zips past the outside edge.
77
over
77 | 3 Runs |
HH: 211/2
76.6
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A fuller ball, on leg. Turned to square leg.
76.5
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Shorter length on middle and leg. Smith gets back and tucks it behind square on the on side for a single.
76.4
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Fuller on middle. Worked away to mid-wicket.
76.3
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Drifting on the pads again. Nudged to square leg for a single.
76.2
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, On middle and leg. Turned behind square on the on side for a single.
76.1
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Quicker on middle. Defended off the back foot.
76
over
76 | 2 Runs |
HH: 208/2
75.6
2
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on middle. Tucked behind square on the on side and comes back for two runs.
75.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it square on the off side.
75.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A fuller ball, on middle. Pushed to mid on.
75.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and defends it to the off side.
75.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go.
75.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it to square leg.
Chris Woakes is back into the attack.
75
over
75 | 4 Runs |
HH: 206/2
74.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning sharply down leg. Steven Smith leaves it alone for the keeper to collect it.
74.5
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it to wide of mid off and collects a run.
74.4
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Shorter in length, turning down leg. Steven Smith works it with the turn behind square on the leg side for a single.
74.3
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter ball, sliding down leg. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to wide of square leg for one.
74.2
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne rocks back and flat-bats it to cover.
74.1
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Tossed up, around leg. Steven Smith stays back and turns it to square leg for a single.
74
over
74 | 0 Runs |
HH: 202/2
73.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it out.
73.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, well outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.
73.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone watchfully.
73.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
73.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne turns it to mid-wicket.
73.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
73
over
73 | 3 Runs |
HH: 202/2
72.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, on middle. Steven Smith turns it to mid-wicket.
72.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Tossed up, around middle and leg. Steven Smith presses forward and turns it to mid-wicket.
72.4
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit shorter in length, around leg. Steven Smith nudges it to wide of square leg and collects a run.
72.3
1
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning down leg. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.
72.2
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, down leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets down on his knee and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one. 200 comes up for Australia!
72.1
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Loopy ball, on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne prods and blocks it back to the bowler.
72
over
72 | 1 Runs |
HH: 199/2
71.6
1
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bumper, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in front of square towards deep square leg for a run.
71.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Broad bangs it into the deck, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne does not offer any shot to this one as he sways away from the line of the ball.
71.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit shorter this time, well outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
71.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and defends it to cover.
71.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
71.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Full ball, darted on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to square leg.
Great discussions between Shane Warne and Michael Hussey on air. Warney's favourite topic has been over rates and England have been appalling again, in this Test, after losing points in the last game. So Warne just recounts the earlier rule - captain being suspended for the next match. Another suggestion he gives is awarding a certain amount of runs to the opposition for every over pending at the end of the day's play. He then asks for suggestions as to how can the over rate improve because he mentions that if there is a game where you would want as many overs as possible, it is the pink-ball Test, where you have just a small amount of time, perhaps just a session to make the ball talk. To this, Mr. Cricket has a kind view. He reminds Warney that with reviews in use these days, one review results in almost 5 minutes of no play. So that is one consideration to be taken. Then, he agrees that players need to be more responsible. For instance, Warne remembers an incident after Tea today where, Root was discussing the field with his bowler after entering the field. What were they doing during the break? And to this, Mussey adds that he saw Warner and Labuschagne change gloves a bit too often than required. So clearly, the issue is with both sides but be it Warne or Hussey or the ICC, we are still struggling in enforcing discipline in terms of over rates.
71
over
71 | 0 Runs |
HH: 198/2
70.6
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Loopy ball, around middle. Steven Smith clears his front leg and whips it off his pads but finds the mid-wicket fielder.
70.5
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Tossed up, around middle. Steven Smith defends it off the front foot.
70.4
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, on a length, around leg. Steven Smith tucks it to mid-wicket.
70.3
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning way down leg. Steven Smith does not offer any shot to this one.
70.2
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Tossed up, on a length, around middle. Steven Smith blocks it out off the front foot.
70.1
0
Joe Root to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning down leg. Steven Smith leaves it alone.
Drinks! A fascinating passage of play here! Ben Stokes has managed to get the priced wicket of David Warner as he was inching towards a century and England will hope to capitalise on that breakthrough now. Joe Root is back into the attack now.
70
over
70 | 0 Runs |
HH: 198/2
69.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Marnus Labuschagne now trying to cheer the bowler up. A length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and defends it out. As soon as he gets any bat on it. He says, "this is a good delivery". Ollie Robinson shares a smile with the batsman.
69.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. This got a lot of interest from Jos Buttler and Joe Root from behind the stumps, but as England only have a single review left now, the skipper opted against it. A length ball, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne prods and looks to defend it out but fails to get any bat on it. He gets pinged on his pads. The English players appeal but the umpire does not raise his finger.
69.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full-length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it gently towards cover.
69.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it back to the bowler.
69.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, some extra bounce this time off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it out and does so with the outside edge.
Great gesture by David Warner. We saw plenty of reactions on his dismissal. First of all, he was dismayed, having picked out the only fielder in that direction in the ring. A meter either side of Broad and it would have been a boundary. He just stood there, looking at Stokes, then Labuschagne and then the ground. He trudged off, shaking his head but then, while walking back towards the dressing room, he showed a thumbs up to the entire crowd. And then, the icing on the cake - just when he was about to enter the gates heading towards the dressing room, he threw his gloves to a couple of young kids in the ground. Boy, were they thrilled! Great to see this kind of an attitude from the senior statesman.
69.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it out watchfully.
69
over
69 | 5 Runs |
HH: 198/2
68.6
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, CLOSE! Back-of-a-length ball, on off. Steven Smith looks to block it away. The ball takes the inner half and falls just short of the short leg fielder. This was very close.
68.5
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, A sharp bouncer, on middle. Steven Smith ducks under it.
68.4
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it behind square for a single.
68.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back-of-a-length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to pull it away. The ball hits him on his elbow. That's nasty.
68.2
4
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Short and punished! Short ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it through square leg for a boundary. The runs are coming in thick and fast for the hosts.
68.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Marnus Labuschagne moves back to the leg side and Stokes follows the batsman with a length ball. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to the leg side.
68
over
68 | 5 Runs |
HH: 193/2
67.6
4
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, FOUR! Smith takes on the short ball and gets his first boundary of the innings. Back of a length, on off. Smith swivels on the back foot and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
67.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Fuller and on off, Smith defends it back to the bowler.
67.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, NO BALL! Full length and on off. The ball stays low after hitting the deck. Smith does well in the end to dig it out. The umpire signals a no ball, as the bowler oversteps.
67.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, On a length, on off. Steven Smith blocks it to point.
67.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Length and on off. Smith gets behind the line and blocks it out solidly.
67.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, A length ball, on off stump. Steven Smith blocks it out solidly.
67.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, outside off, nips in a bit. Steven Smith shoulders his arms to it.
67
over
67 | 8 Runs |
HH: 188/2
66.6
2
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it towards square leg. The batters take two.
66.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
66.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it out.
66.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Just falls in front of the keeper. Marnus Labuschagne gets lucky this time. Stokes serves it back of a length, around middle and leg. He stays back, swivels and looks to pull it away. The ball comes in contact with the ball and deflects off his shoulders in front off the keeper, which is why all the pace goes off. Jos Buttler tries to charge in front of him, but all the English hope dies, as the ball lands on the ground.
66.2
4
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Top Shot! Marnus Labuschagne moves to 78 now. A short ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce well and smacks it through square leg for a boundary.
66.1
2
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and pulls it towards square leg for a couple. Marnus Labuschagne had to cover a lot of ground for the second run, as Ben Stokes was a wall standing in middle, on his way back.
66
over
66 | 1 Runs |
HH: 180/2
65.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Full-length and on off. Steven Smith gets slightly squared up this time. He defends it to the off side.
65.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Smith gets squared up now. A length ball, around off. Smith looks to work it to the leg side. The ball takes the outer half and goes towards point.
65.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Full length and on middle. Steven Smith clips it to mid-wicket.
65.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Some sound but not off the blade. A length ball, around off. Smith comes across and looks to defend it out but misses. The ball goes off the top end of the pad and into the keepers mitt's. A stifled appeal by the bowler but the umpire shows no interest.
65.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Steven Smith, Good-length ball, outside off, Smith looks to defend it out but misses.
65.1
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Ollie Robinson (11-5-25-0) is back on.
65
over
65 | 7 Runs |
HH: 179/2
64.6
0
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, A short ball to end the over on middle. Steven Smith ducks under it and end of a successful over from Ben Stokes.
64.6
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, NO BALL! A short ball, on off. Steven Smith ducks under it. Ben Stokes oversteps and the umpire calls it a No Ball.
64.5
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, A bouncer again and around leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets across and pulls it to fine leg for a single.
Two Tests, two 90s for Warner. Both occasions, Stokes was a part of his dismissal. It was a catch in the first game and takes a wicket this time. Interestingly, after that catch was taken, Stokes went on his knees and quickly asked the umpire - was it a no ball? The umpire shook his head and the Big Ben was relieved. So will be the whole of England. They have been waiting for this for what - nearly 6 hours!
64.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Shorter length and around leg. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go.
64.3
1
Ben Stokes to Steven Smith, A short ball, around off. Steven Smith pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.
Who will walk out now? It is Steven Smith who comes out at number 4.
64.2
W
Ben Stokes to David Warner, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh! David Warner is gone and misses out on another century! A short ball, outside off. David Warner cuts it hard but straight to Stuart Broad at covers. He takes a fine flat catch and David Warner has to walk back. David Warner is disappointed and he deserved a century after playing so well throughout the day. Stuart Broad was the only fielder there and David Warner finds him perfectly. This is the opening England needed and they would like to capitalise on it now.
64.1
4
Ben Stokes to David Warner, FOUR! Just five needed now for a century! A short ball, on middle. David Warner pulls it aerially towards backward square leg for a boundary.
64
over
64 | 3 Runs |
HH: 172/1
63.6
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller on leg. Worked to square leg.
63.5
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Shorter length, on off. Pushed to covers for a single.
63.4
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Slower in the air on middle. Defended off the front foot.
63.3
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller on middle. Marnus Labuschagne works it to square leg for another single.
63.2
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Flatter and on leg this time. Warner tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
63.1
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Fuller on middle. Warner defends this off the front foot towards the on side.
63
over
63 | 9 Runs |
HH: 169/1
62.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, going down leg. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper. 9 runs off it, Australia is starting to accelerate here.
62.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Shorter length again, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne backs away and slaps it to mid on.
62.4
4
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Another boundary and Australia are getting a move on here! Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne backs away and smashes it through covers for another boundary.
62.3
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Shorter length, around leg. Pulled to fine leg for just a single this time.
62.2
4
Ben Stokes to David Warner, FOUR! A full ball this time and David Warner takes full advantage of it. A fuller ball, on off. David Warner drives it this time aerially over cover-point for a boundary.
62.1
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A bouncer, outside off. David Warner lets it go comfortably.
Ben Stokes (9-1-21-0) is back on now. Will he be able to find the breakthrough? England need to make inroads into the gap before it gets too late.
62
over
62 | 9 Runs |
HH: 160/1
61.6
4
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Two boundaries in the over! A short ball again by James Anderson on off. Marnus Labuschagne stays deep in his crease and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
61.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Shorter length again on off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it to square leg.
61.4
1
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner cuts it to deep point for a single.
61.3
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner lets it go.
61.2
4
James Anderson to David Warner, FOUR! A shorter length this time and punished! A short ball on middle. David Warner gets back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
61.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, A length ball and angling into leg from 'round the wicket. David Warner looks to defend but gets hit high on the pads.
61
over
61 | 3 Runs |
HH: 151/1
60.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good leave to end the over! A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to this one.
60.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Another length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go again.
60.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
60.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball hits his gloves as it takes off from a length.
60.2
3
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A full ball, on middle. Warner drives it past mid on. Ben Stokes running from mid off cuts it off and the batters run three.
60.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner nudges it to square leg.
60
over
60 | 2 Runs |
HH: 148/1
59.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Just short of the mid off fielder! Length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive but the ball hits high on his bat and goes to Ben Stokes at mid off, on the bounce.
59.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne punches it to wide of mid off but Ben Stokes there moves across quickly and prevents the single.
59.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it straight back to the bowler. James Anderson does well to bend down and stop the ball.
59.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, angling in from middle. Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and pushes it to mid on.
59.2
2
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back, rides the bounce well and punches it past the cover region for a couple of runs.
59.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Excellent delivery! Good-length ball, angling in from outside off and curling away late. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball whistles past his outside edge.
59
over
59 | 2 Runs |
HH: 146/1
58.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length ball, around off and shaping away late. David Warner presses forward to defend but it goes off the inner half of the blade towards mid-wicket.
58.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A bit fuller this time, around off. David Warner presses forward and blocks it to cover.
58.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, On a length, around off. David Warner prods and keeps it out.
58.3
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged in short, around off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in front of square and collects a run.
58.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
58.1
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Short of a length, around middle and leg. David Warner tucks it to wide of mid on and takes a single. Marnus Labuschagne wanted the second run but was sent back by Warner.
58
over
58 | 0 Runs |
HH: 144/1
57.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Another maiden over from Anderson! Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and guides it to the slip cordon, on the bounce.
57.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, darted on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket.
57.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne turns it to square leg.
57.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it out.
57.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to cover.
57.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it out off the back foot.
57
over
57 | 8 Runs |
HH: 144/1
56.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length ball, outside off and curling away late. David Warner leaves it alone.
56.5
3
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, angling in from off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it back past the bowler. It is Ben Stokes yet again who chases the ball and the batters take three more runs.
56.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to square leg.
56.3
3
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Another ball, fuller in length, outside off. David Warner drives it past the mid off fielder. Ben Stokes gives it a chase and the batters take three runs.
56.2
2
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Top effort from Ben Stokes at mid off to save a certain boundary! Length ball, outside off. David Warner drives it back past the bowler. Stokes cuts it off by running to his left from mid off and saves a couple of runs for his side.
56.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner lets it through to the keeper.
56
over
56 | 3 Runs |
HH: 136/1
55.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
55.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, angling in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and defends it towards point.
55.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Another ball, shorter in length, just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it out.
55.3
1
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, around off. David Warner stays back and works it behind square on the off side for a run.
55.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Short of a length, around off. David Warner hangs back and blocks it.
55.1
2
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner prods and punches it to wide of the deep point fielder for a couple of runs.
55
over
55 | 2 Runs |
HH: 133/1
54.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it to extra cover. Cannot find the gap. Only 2 runs off it.
54.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Another dot now! On a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne comes across and shoulders his arms to it.
54.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Full-length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it towards mid on.
54.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne shuffles across and clips it to the leg side.
54.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it back to the bowler.
Who will start from the other end? Chris Woakes it is.
54.1
2
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne inside-edges it towards square leg for a brace.
54
over
54 | 2 Runs |
HH: 131/1
53.6
2
James Anderson to David Warner, A couple now! First runs of the final session. A length ball, outside off. David Warner punches it towards deep point. The batters collect a brace.
53.5
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off, nips in a bit late. Warner leaves it alone for the keeper.
53.4
0
James Anderson to David Warner, On a length, around off, Warner defends it back to the bowler with full face of the bat.
53.3
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length ball, angled into the batter. David Warner defends it to the leg side.
53.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Full length and on off. Warner drives it to extra cover but straight to the fielder.
53.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Anderson starts from 'round the wicket. Length ball, on off. Warner defends it out solidly.
We are back for the last session on Day 1! English players walk out and they are followed by David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne who walk out to bat for Australia. James Anderson to start with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
A good session for Australia despite some good bowling by English bowlers they have managed to play out the whole session without losing a wicket. Marnus Labuschagne looked iffy against the short ball and almost gave away a wicket at the start of the session but luckily for him the catch was dropped. David Warner at the other end played some adventurous shots and got to his fifty and eventually, Marnus Labuschagne also got more comfortable as they notched up a century partnership. Australia are in a commanding position now and will be looking to continue their good work in what is expected to be the toughest session to bat. Will England fight back or will Australia continue their march? We shall find that out. Do join us at 7.30 pm local (9.00 am GMT) for the final session of Day 1.
Yet another session where English bowlers tried hard but did not get the result they desired. England started with bowling good disciplined lines and lengths and a short ball ploy by Stokes nearly worked against Marnus Labuschagne but Jos Buttler behind the stumps failed to latch onto it. They kept bowling hard lengths and created few chances but failed to get the breakthrough as David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne piled on the runs. The post-Tea session is known to help bowlers a bit more in the pink-ball Test and England will hope that the coming session will bring more wickets for them.
53
over
53 | 4 Runs |
HH: 129/1
52.6
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Quicker and short, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it out watchfully. That will be Tea on Day1!
52.5
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Short and on middle. David Warner pulls it to square leg for a single.
52.4
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to square leg for a single.
52.3
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, full and on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it to cover but straight to the fielder.
52.2
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Short and around off. Warner cuts it towards point for a single.
52.1
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, full and on off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it through covers for a single.
52
over
52 | 6 Runs |
HH: 125/1
51.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Full and on off. Warner prods and defends it into the pitch.
51.6
3
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, NO BALL! Angled into the pads, Warner clips it through square leg. The batters collect a brace. Ollie Robinson oversteps and the umpire signals a no ball.
51.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Full length and on off. David Warner punches it to point but straight to the fielder.
51.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length and outside off, Warner leaves it alone for the keeper.
51.3
3
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FIFTY for Marnus Labuschagne! He has delivered yet again in this series and would love to take it to three digits. Fuller and on off. Marnus Labuschagne leans forward and drives it through mid off. The batters take three runs.
51.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! A peach of a delivery. Good length and on off, nipping away. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it out but gets beaten at the outside edge.
51.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to cover.
51
over
51 | 6 Runs |
HH: 119/1
50.6
0
Joe Root to David Warner, On off, defended out solidly.
50.5
0
Joe Root to David Warner, BEATEN! Some turn now, even Warner is surprised. Looped up, full, around off. The ball turns away and beats the outside edge as Warner presses forward to defend it out.
50.4
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Floated, full and around middle. David Warner looks to go for the reverse-sweep. The ball takes the shoulder of the blade and bounces to his left. It was going towards the stumps and Warner was worried, as he turns and looks to put it away but luckily for him the ball stops near the pole.
50.3
3
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Three runs this time! This one just goes past the leg slip. Floated, on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and looks to flick it towards fine leg. The ball goes off the shoulder of the blade and past Ben Stokes at leg slip. The batters take three before the fielder cuts it off.
50.2
2
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A couple now! Floated, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets low and sweeps it to fine leg. The batters collect a brace now.
50.1
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Darted on the pads, David Warner clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
50
over
50 | 6 Runs |
HH: 113/1
49.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Full ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to this one.
49.5
1
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Shorter in length, around leg. David Warner tucks it to fine leg and the batters cross for a single.
49.4
3
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and drives it past Ben Stokes at mid off. Stokes chases it and the batters take three runs. A round of applause in the crowd, as Marnus Labuschagne takes his tally to 2000 Test runs.
49.3
2
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A well-directed bumper, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in front of square past the diving mid-wicket fielder for a couple of runs.
49.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
49.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A bumper, around off. Marnus Labuschagne gets behind the line of the ball to block it but it hits his glove and the ball pops out onto the deck.
49
over
49 | 4 Runs |
HH: 107/1
48.6
1
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged into the deck, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne rocks back, rides the bounce nicely and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for one.
48.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged into the deck, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
48.4
1
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Banged into the deck, around leg. David Warner swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
48.3
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Short of a length, around off. David Warner blocks it out.
48.2
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Full ball, outside off. David Warner drives but finds the mid off fielder.
48.1
2
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. David Warner stays back and punches it past the cover fielder for a couple of runs. That brings up the 100-run partnership between Warner and Labuschagne!
48
over
48 | 0 Runs |
HH: 103/1
47.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
47.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fuller this time, just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to cover.
47.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
47.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, nipping back in from off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it to mid on.
47.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, jagging back in from off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it out.
47.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
Ollie Robinson (8-4-13-0) is back into the attack.
47
over
47 | 3 Runs |
HH: 103/1
46.6
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Broad bangs it into the deck, around middle. David Warner ducks underneath watchfully.
46.5
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Short of a length, outside off. David Warner shoulders arms to this one.
46.4
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Good-length ball, angling in from middle. David Warner blocks it out.
46.3
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Length ball, down leg. David Warner misses his flick.
46.2
3
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Sloppy from Haseeb Hameed at square leg. Full ball, darted on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne flicks it and Hameed at square leg does not stop the ball cleanly. The ball goes past him and the batters take three runs.
46.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Overpitched ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne digs it out back to the bowler.
46
over
46 | 4 Runs |
HH: 100/1
45.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, around off. David Warner gets behind the line of the ball and defends it to cover.
45.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length ball, just outside off and going on with the angle. David Warner leaves it alone.
45.4
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but it goes off the thick edge past the gully fielder for a brace. Australia bring up their 100!
45.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Top delivery from Woakes! A length delivery, around off and shaping away late after landing. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but the ball zips past his outside edge.
45.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, angling in from middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
45.1
3
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full ball, outside off. David Warner stays back and drives it past the cover fielder. Haseeb Hameed there gives it a chase and slides in front of the ropes to keep it to three.
45
over
45 | 3 Runs |
HH: 96/1
44.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go this time.
44.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A full ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne drives it straight to mid off.
44.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends this off the back foot onto the turf.
44.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and angling into middle. Marnus Labuschagne works it to short mid-wicket.
44.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go.
44.1
3
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Full ball, on middle. David Warner just lifts this over mid off but doesn't time it well. The fielder from mid off cuts it off and the batters run three. Good running.
Stuart Broad (7-2-17-1) comes back into the attack.
44
over
44 | 6 Runs |
HH: 93/1
43.6
2
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes forward to defends and gets a thick outside edge to backward point. The batters take a couple before the fielder cuts it off.
43.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Solidly defended off the back foot again.
43.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Defended off the back foot.
43.3
4
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Easy pickings! A full toss, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne just flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
43.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Thick edge found but safe! A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend this off the fornt foot but gets a thick outside edge and just short of gully.
43.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne prods and pushes it back to the bowler.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs |
HH: 87/1
42.6
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Stokes bowls this from 'round the wicket and shorter around leg. Marnus Labuschagne works it to backward square leg for a single.
42.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Another shorter length delivery on off. Marnus Labuschagne gets back and defends it to mid-wicket.
42.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne is right back to defend this one.
42.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, This time he pitches it up a little. Marnus Labuschagne defends this without much foot movement this time.
42.2
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and defends it to the on side.
42.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets across and defends it to short leg.
42
over
42 | 1 Runs |
HH: 86/1
41.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, on off. Warner defends this off the back foot onto the turf.
41.5
1
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A half-chance there! A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it to backward point and sets off for a single. David Warner is late to respond and then runs towards the danger end. There is a shy at the striker's end but the fielder misses. Warner is anyway inside his crease.
41.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
41.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball and angling into off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to the on side.
41.2
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off. The ball seams away a little after pitching and beats the outside edge of Marnus Labuschagne's blade as he looks to defend.
41.1
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
41
over
41 | 8 Runs |
HH: 85/1
40.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A short ball, around off. Warner lets it go this time.
40.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A short ball and down the leg side this time. Warner lets it go.
40.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Back of a length, on middle. Warner defends this off the back foot towards the on side.
40.3
4
Ben Stokes to David Warner, FOUR! Another boundary and another half-century for Warner! A short ball, on leg. Warner pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Another gritty knock by David Warner!
40.2
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A good short ball this time by Stokes on middle. Warner sways away from the line of the ball this time.
40.1
4
Ben Stokes to David Warner, FOUR! David Warner gets it away for a boundary! A short ball on middle. David Warner backs away and slaps it over extra-cover for a boundary.
DRINKS! Australia have managed to survive the first hour after Dinner without losing any wickets. The English seamers have been unable to get the edge into play, only Anderson got somewhere close to it. They have kept the pair quiet but could not capitalize on it. The visitors would hope to grab a few wickets before going into the break.
40
over
40 | 3 Runs |
HH: 77/1
39.6
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outisde off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it sail past him and into the keeper's mitts.
39.5
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, on leg, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it towards square leg.
39.4
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
39.3
0
Chris Woakes to Marnus Labuschagne, A dot this time! Length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it to cover.
39.2
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A single now! A length ball, around off. David Warner punches it towards point. Haseeb Hameed misfields which allows Warner to get to the other end.
39.1
2
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, around the hips. David Warner clips it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Chris Woakes (4-3-5-0) is back on.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs |
HH: 74/1
38.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Another short ball, sliding down leg. Marnus Labuschagne does not chase this one either.
38.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Silly mid on comes into the play now! Back of a length, going down leg, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
38.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Stokes continues to bowl the short delivery. This time on off. Marnus Labuschagne hops yet again and blocks it out.
38.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne hops and blocks it out.
38.2
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short ball, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it towards short mid on.
38.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Slightly short, on the body. Marnus Labuschagne hops inside the crease and defends it to short leg off the inner half.
38
over
38 | 5 Runs |
HH: 74/1
37.6
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, 5 runs off it. Full, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne clips it to square leg for a single.
37.5
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Full and around off. David Warner drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
37.4
2
Joe Root to David Warner, Up and over! Tossed up, full and on off. David Warner comes down the track and chips it over mid off. Ben Stokes gives it a chase and pulls the ball back in play and keeps it down to a brace.
37.3
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Floated, full and on middle. David Warner prods and blocks it back to the bowler.
37.2
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, full, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne clips it to square leg and gets across for a single.
37.1
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Way down leg, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
37
over
37 | 1 Runs |
HH: 69/1
36.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Slightly fuller but wide outside off, David Warner leaves it watchfully. Stokes has only one game-plan and that is to bowl short. England need to find some more ways to trouble the batters.
36.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A sharp bouncer this time, outside off, this one flies off the deck. David Warner leaves it alone.
36.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Back of a length, around middle and off. David Warner stands tall and pulls it to mid-wicket. Not in the gap though.
36.3
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Stokes comes 'round the wicket for the left-hander. Short ball, around off. David Warner leans back and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
36.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, A single now! Back of a length, on the body, Marnus Labuschagne stays back, hops and nudges it to square leg. He gets across for a single. Surely, he is finding it difficult to negotiate against Stokes and will be happy to go to the other end.
36.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on the fourth stump line. Marnus Labuschagne gets behind the line and blocks it out.
36
over
36 | 6 Runs |
HH: 68/1
35.6
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, around off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it towards mid off for a single. A good over for the hosts. 6 runs off it.
35.5
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flighted full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to the leg side.
35.4
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, down leg. Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick.
35.3
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Tossed up, full and outside off. Warner drives it through cover for a single.
35.2
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Looped up, around off, Warner presses forward and defends it out.
35.1
4
Joe Root to David Warner, FOUR! David Warner showing his intent against the spinner. Overpitched, around off. David Warner shimmies down the pitch and creams it through cover for a boundary.
Joe Root (1-0-2-0) brings himself into the attack.
35
over
35 | 1 Runs |
HH: 62/1
34.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, A short ball on middle to end the over. Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.
34.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne gets back and defends it towards the on side.
34.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Defended off the back foot towards short leg.
34.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, DROPPED by Jos Buttler! A short ball, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets back and looks to pull but gets a glove on that one. The ball goes to the left of Jos Buttler and he dives but ends up dropping it. He took a spectacular catch early on but could not swallow this one.
34.2
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A short ball from 'round the wicket and angling into leg. Warner pulls it to fine leg for a single.
34.1
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Back of a length, on leg. Warner defends this off the back foot towards the on side.
Ben Stokes (4-0-10-0) is back into the attack. He replaces Ollie Robinson.
34
over
34 | 1 Runs |
HH: 61/1
33.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot back to the bowler.
33.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
33.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Defended off the front foot onto the turf.
33.3
1
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner pushes it off the back foot to deep point for a single.
33.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Ohh..beaten! A good-length ball, around off. Warner pushes his bat at it but the ball beats the outside edge of his blade.
33.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, A length ball, outside off. Warner lets it go.
33
over
33 | 4 Runs |
HH: 60/1
32.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle. Defended off the front foot towards mid on.
32.5
4
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Just over the head of Stuart Broad at square leg! A short ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne pulls it aerially and just over the diving effort of Broad at square leg for a boundary.
32.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne defends this off the front foot towards the on side.
32.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Defended off the back foot towards the on side.
32.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends this off the back foot square on the off side.
32.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne nudges it to mid-wicket.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs |
HH: 56/1
31.6
0
James Anderson to David Warner, A length ball and angling into middle. Warner turns it away towards the on side and calls NO.
31.5
0
James Anderson to David Warner, A length ball, on off. Warner defends it towards the off side from his crease.
31.4
1
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the back foot towards backward point and gets a single.
31.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A good-length delivery and around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends this with soft hands and gets a thick edge to gully.
31.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball and angling into off. Marnus Labuschagne defends this off the back foot towards the on side.
31.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and around off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
31
over
31 | 0 Runs |
HH: 55/1
30.6
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, BEATEN! A good-length delivery and around off. Warner looks to defend his from his crease but the ball seams away nicely to beat the outside edge of his blade.
30.5
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, On a length, on off. Warner defends it solidly off the back foot onto the turf.
30.4
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Back of a length, on off. Warner pushes it off the back foot to short cover.
30.3
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Back of a length, on off. Warner gets back and defends it to cover-point this time.
30.2
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, on off. Warner defends it off the front foot towards the off side.
30.1
0
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner defends it watchfully from his crease.
30
over
30 | 0 Runs |
HH: 55/1
29.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone. This is Anderson's fifth maiden over of the innings!
29.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Another jaffa! This is a good-length ball, around off and curling away late. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but the ball beats his outside edge and goes to the keeper.
29.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
29.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it for the keeper to collect.
29.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Top delivery! Length ball, angling in from outside off and straightening after landing. Marnus Labuschagne prods and looks to defend but the ball goes past his outside edge.
29.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it off the front foot.
29
over
29 | 5 Runs |
HH: 55/1
28.6
4
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, FOUR! Width on offer and David Warner pounces on it! This is shorter in length, way outside off. Warner stays back and cuts it past the backward point fielder for a boundary.
28.5
1
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Leg bye! Length ball, darted on the pads. Marnus Labuschagne misses his nudge to the leg side and gets hit on his pad. The ball rolls away behind square on the leg side for a leg bye.
28.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, just outside off and straightening just that little bit after pitching. Marnus Labuschagne does not offer any shot to it.
28.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, well outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.
28.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged in short, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath watchfully.
28.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off and nipping back in sharply. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone and the ball goes just above off pole. A good leave in the end!
28
over
28 | 4 Runs |
HH: 50/1
27.6
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Fuller in length, around off. David Warner defends it to the cover region.
27.5
4
James Anderson to David Warner, FOUR! Nicely done! Length ball, outside off. David Warner prods and carves it past the cover fielder for a boundary.
27.4
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner lets it be.
27.3
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length delivery, angling in late from middle. David Warner looks to leave it but the ball hits him high on his thigh. A stifled appeal but the umpire shakes his head,
27.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. David Warner leaves it alone.
27.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, A stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested! Good-length ball, on leg. David Warner misses his flick and gets hit high on his pad.
27
over
27 | 1 Runs |
HH: 46/1
26.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
26.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fuller this time, around off and angling in late. Marnus Labuschagne gets behind the line of the ball to block it.
26.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, around off and shaping away a bit. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block off the front foot but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards backward point.
26.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, way outside off and jagging back in late. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to this one.
26.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it to cover off the front foot.
26.1
1
Ollie Robinson to David Warner, Length ball, around middle. David Warner turns it to wide of mid on and takes off for a single. James Anderson there does well to keep it to just one.
Ollie Robinson to bowl from the other end.
26
over
26 | 0 Runs |
HH: 45/1
25.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A maiden over to start the second session! Good-length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it onto the deck, off the back foot.
25.5
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the back foot.
25.4
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to mid-wicket.
25.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets right behind in his crease and blocks it solidly towards mid on.
25.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off and nipping away slightly. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to it.
25.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Anderson starts with a length ball, angling in from middle. Marnus Labuschagne prods and pushes it to mid on.
The second session is set to begin. The England players stride out and take the field. Followed by David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne who walk out to bat for the hosts. James Anderson to start with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
Right then. Will the hosts be able to up the ante in the second session? Or will the England bowlers continue to cause trouble? Do join us in a short while to find out. Another exciting session awaits which will begin at 5.10 pm local (6.40 am GMT).
What a bowling show by the visitors! Unlike the first game, the bowlers aren’t being taken for aplenty. James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s inclusion has provided a lot of control with the ball for the visitors. It was Stuart Broad who drew the first blood in his 150th Test match. Later, Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes joined the attack and probed good lines and lengths but did not find any success. Surely, the seamers made the batters earn the runs here. At the fag end of the session, Ben Stokes troubled Marnus Labuschagne with some short deliveries and would look to attack instanly in the second session. Even, Joe Root got the ball to turn and would not be happy with the exclusion of Jack Leach into the side.
Runs for Warner and Harris came at a slow pace. It was not the start the hosts had envisioned for themselves. The latter though got slipped out as he went to attack a delivery down leg and Buttler came out with a spectacular to catch to send him back. No one can have any complaints about that one. Although, Warner has had an impact in the first hour of the session, not with the blade but because of the threat he possess, England lost two reviews as they looked to take him out early, but that was not the case. Warner and Labuschagne fared really well and stitched a good partnership. The only aim was to remain unscathed till the Dinner break and they did that.
It has been a good session of Test cricket. We witnessed some good battles between the two sides. A slow start for the hosts on Day 1, but England have done well to not leak away many runs. They have conceded just 45 runs from 25 overs and also got the wicket of Marcus Harris.
25
over
25 | 1 Runs |
HH: 45/1
24.6
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Short of a length, around off. David Warner blocks it off the back foot towards cover and yells 'NOOO'. That will be Dinner on Day 1!
24.5
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Shorter in length, outside off. David Warner lets it go through to the keeper.
24.4
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Play and a miss! A bouncer, outside off. David Warner looks for a pull shot but he fails to get any bat on it.
24.3
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A well-directed short ball, around middle. David Warner pulls it to square leg, on the bounce.
24.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged in short, around leg. Marnus Labuschagne swivels and pulls it along the ground to fine leg for a single.
24.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bumper, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne ducks well underneath.
24
over
24 | 2 Runs |
HH: 44/1
23.6
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Flatter and quicker, outside off. David Warner looks to cut but he misses and the ball goes past his outside edge.
23.5
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Tossed up, on a length, outside off. David Warner blocks it off the front foot.
23.4
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Flatter ball, on middle and turning away. David Warner looks to turn it to the leg side but he gets a leading edge which falls towards the point region.
23.3
0
Joe Root to David Warner, Flatter ball, on middle. David Warner defends it off the front foot.
23.2
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne prods and drives it to wide of mid off for a brace.
23.1
1
Joe Root to David Warner, Tossed up, outside off. David Warner drives it to wide of cover and collects a single.
Joe Root comes into the attack now.
23
over
23 | 4 Runs |
HH: 42/1
22.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged in short, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath.
22.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, NASTY! Stokes bangs it into the deck, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets into awkward tangle and decides to leave it in the end. He gets hit on his ribs.
22.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but he gets hit high on his bat.
22.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
22.2
4
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Just wide of the slip fielder! Banged into the deck, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and looks to ramp it over the slip cordon but he does not middle it and it goes past the diving first slip fielder and into the fence.
22.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged into the deck, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out off the back foot.
22
over
22 | 4 Runs |
HH: 38/1
21.6
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Short ball, down leg. David Warner sways away from the line of the ball.
21.5
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. David Warner lets it through to the keeper.
21.4
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Good-length delivery, outside off. David Warner leaves it alone.
21.3
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Broad comes over the wicket and hurls a full ball, on off. David Warner blocks it off the front foot.
21.2
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Length ball, on off. David Warner blocks it out.
21.1
4
Stuart Broad to David Warner, FOUR! Nicely done! Banged in short, around middle. David Warner anticipates the bumper, stays back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.
21
over
21 | 4 Runs |
HH: 34/1
20.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Stokes goes back to over the wicket and bowls it fuller this time, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
20.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, around middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne pushes it to mid-wicket.
20.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Stokes comes 'round the wicket this time and hurls a good-length ball, on leg. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to mid-wicket.
20.4
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, NO BALL! Banged into the deck, yet again around middle. Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath watchfully. Stokes oversteps and the umpire signals a no ball.
20.3
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Stokes serves a back-of-a-length delivery, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets right back in his crease to defend this one out.
20.2
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms to this one.
20.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, NO BALL! Ben Stokes oversteps! Back of a length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
20.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Wide! A bumper, way outside off and over the batter's head. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone. Wided!
20.1
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Banged into the deck, around leg. David Warner stays back and swivel-pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
20
over
20 | 5 Runs |
HH: 30/1
19.6
1
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Full and on leg, Warner tucks it to mid-wicket and scampers through for a single. 5 runs off it.
19.5
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. Some fly off the seam. David Warner is happy to not chase it.
19.4
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Short and on the fourth stump line. David Warner shoulders his arms at it.
19.3
4
Stuart Broad to David Warner, FOUR! David Warner gets on the act now and gets his second boundary of the game. Fuller and on the pads. David Warner clips it through mid-wicket. Chris Woakes gives it a chase but the ball wins the race to the fence.
19.2
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Full-length ball, on the stumps. David Warner blocks it out watchfully. David Warner hasn't been his normal aggressive, maybe it is becuase he knows his record against Stuart Broad.
19.1
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Touch fuller and around off. David Warner presses forward and blocks it onto the deck.
19
over
19 | 1 Runs |
HH: 25/1
18.6
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Just a single from this over! Nicely bowled by Stokes. A length ball, angled into the pads. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it towards short mid-wicket.
18.5
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on the body, Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and defends it to the leg side.
18.4
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
18.3
1
Ben Stokes to David Warner, A length ball, around off. Warner works it to the left of the gully fielder off the outer half. The fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. The batters cross for a single.
18.2
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Slightly short and outside off. Warner cuts it to point, but not in the gap.
18.1
0
Ben Stokes to David Warner, Stokes starts with a full-length ball, on off. Warner digs it out watchfully.
Ben Stokes comes into the attack.
18
over
18 | 4 Runs |
HH: 24/1
17.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh dear, Stuart Broad beats him again. Marnus Labuschagne needs to be a little careful now. Good-length ball, on the fourth stump line. Marnus Labuschagne comes across and looks to block it out and gets beaten yet again, as the ball zips past the outside edge. Stuart Broad did everything right here, but was unable to get the edge into play. Brilliant over by him.
17.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Absolute beauty! Marnus Labuschagne gets beaten again. On a length, around off, nipping away. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it out but the ball beats the outside edge.
17.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! A fuller-length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne prods and looks to drive it through cover. The ball goes through to the keeper.
17.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Some movement this time! Good-length ball, outside off. The ball nips away off the seam. Marnus Labuschagne misses his attempt to defend and the ball goes past the outside edge.
17.3
4
Stuart Broad to David Warner, NO BALL! Overpitched, around middle and leg. David Warner plays the on drive towards long on and the batters run three before the fielder cuts it out. The umpire signals a no ball, as the bowler oversteps.
17.2
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Much better this time from Stuart Broad! A length ball, on off. David Warner presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
17.1
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Stuart Broad serves a short ball, outside off. David Warner stays back and cuts it hard towards point. Haseeb Hameed is positioned well to collect the ball.
Stuart Broad (4-2-4-1) comes back to bowl. He replaces Chris Woakes.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs |
HH: 20/1
16.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne gets across and blocks it out. Another maiden for England. It has been a good battle.
16.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
16.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A sharp bouncer, wide of off stump. Marnus Labuschagne ducks under this one.
16.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, around off, nipping in off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne inside-edges it onto the pads as he looks to defend it out off the front foot.
16.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
16.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and flicks it to square leg.
16
over
16 | 0 Runs |
HH: 20/1
15.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Another maiden for Chris Woakes. On a length, around off. Warner helps it towards cover-point.
15.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller and on off. David Warner drives it towards cover but straight to the fielder.
15.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off, David Warner shoulders his arms to it.
15.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Touch short, outside off, Warner cuts it to backward point but Hameed does well to stop it.
15.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full-length ball, around off. David Warner creams the drive towards cover. Dawid Malan gets low to his left and stops it brilliantly.
15.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller, on the pads, David Warner flicks it to mid-wicket but straight to the fielder.
15
over
15 | 0 Runs |
HH: 20/1
14.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it go to the keeper. Another great over by Ollie Robinson and another maiden for him.
14.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it towards mid off.
14.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on off. Marnus Labuschagne remains solid in his defense.
14.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off. Marnus Labuschagne defends it solidly.
14.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, " placeholder="Please insert here...">14.2: Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Brilliant leave by Marnus Labuschagne in the end. Length ball, pitching outside off. Marnus Labuschagne was ready to play at it, but the ball nips in a long way. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms and gets pinged above the pads. Missing the stumps clearly. No appeal and just "Ooohhs" and "Aahhss" from the slip cordon.
14.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to it. He is not dealing with any ball outside off.
14
over
14 | 5 Runs |
HH: 20/1
13.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Outside off, left alone by Warner. 5 runs coming off the over.
13.6
1
Chris Woakes to David Warner, WIDE! A sharp bumper, on leg. David Warner ducks under it. The umpire signals a wide due to the height.
13.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length and on top of off. David Warner defends it on the front foot.
13.4
4
Chris Woakes to David Warner, FOUR! David Warner gets the first boundary of the game. Chris Woakes serves it short and outside off. David Warner rides the bounce and cuts it through covers for a boundary.
13.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, A length ball, around middle and leg, nipping in off the deck. David Warner looks to defend it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
13.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, around off, shaping away from the left-hander. David Warner shoulders his arms.
13.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good length and on off. Warner stays back and defends it out solidly.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs |
HH: 15/1
12.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, around middle and off, on the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne defends it towards short mid on. A maiden over for Ollie Robinson now.
12.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, around middle. Marnus Labuschagne squares up and defends it back towards the bowler, showing the full face of the bat.
12.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on top of off. Marnus Labuschagne stays inside the crease and defends it watchfully.
12.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Ollie Robinson serves a length delivery, on the fourth stump line. Marnus Labuschagne stays back and shoulders his arms to it.
12.2
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A fuller length and on off. Marnus Labuschagne stands back and defends it to cover.
12.1
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, on off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it towards mid on.
DRINKS! The first hour of the day belongs to the visitors! The English bowlers have been right on the money with the pink ball and they have kept things really tight in the middle. Things don't look good for Australia as David Warner doesn't seem to be at his best and the rib injury looks to be bothering him.
12
over
12 | 0 Runs |
HH: 15/1
11.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller and on off. David Warner hangs back and defends it onto the pitch. Another maiden for Chris Woakes.
11.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner shoulders his arms.
11.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. Warner leaves it alone for the keeper.
11.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Outside off, left alone by Warner.
Joe Root opts for a review yet again! The English players look confident! Was there any bat involved in it? The Hot Spot shows that there was a mark on the back pad and the TV umpire doesn't overturn the on-field decision.
11.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, NOT OUT! After several replays of the Hot Spot. The third umpire says, it was inconclusive, as they could not make a difference if it hit the pad or bat first. David Warner survives the review. A length ball, around leg, the ball straightens a bit. David Warner looks to defend it out but misses and gets hit on the pads. Chris Woakes appeals but the umpire is unmoved. The RTS shows that the pad is being hit, but it is inconclusive, as the bat is very close to the ball and the Hot Spot showed a small dot on the blade. Hence, the third umpire asks the umpire to stick to his original decision.
11.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Touch short, around middle and leg. David Warner blocks it back to the keeper.
11
over
11 | 4 Runs |
HH: 15/1
10.6
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, This one stays a little low. Touch fuller, around middle and leg. The ball stays low off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne gets some bat on it and digs it out.
10.5
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out watchfully.
10.4
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off. Lifts off the seam with some inward movement. Marnus Labuschagne moves back in time and leaves it for the keeper.
10.3
0
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone for the keeper.
10.2
2
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Two more! If it was a direct hit, Marnus Labuschagne could've been in trouble. Fuller and on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it to square leg. He calls for two, the fielder collects the ball and throws it at the keeper, who clips the bails. Marnus Labuschagne's dive saves him this time. The batters get two runs in the end.
10.1
2
Ollie Robinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A full-length ball, on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne clips it through mid-wicket. The batters take two comfortably. Marnus Labuschagne wanted the third run as well but Warner sent him back smartly, as the fielder was already on the ball.
Ollie Robinson comes into the attack now. He replaces James Anderson.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs |
HH: 11/1
9.6
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Woakes starts with a maiden over! A length ball, around off. David Warner defends it solidly towards cover.
9.5
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Fuller in length, outside off. David Warner drags it to mid on.
9.4
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Length ball, darted on the pads. David Warner misses his flick and gets hit high on his pads.
9.3
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Good-length ball, outside off. David Warner lets it through to the keeper.
9.2
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Back of a length, around the fourth stump channel. David Warner shoulders arms to this one.
Chris Woakes comes into the attack now. He replaces Stuart Broad.
9.1
0
Chris Woakes to David Warner, Full ball, outside off. David Warner looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge to the leg side.
9
over
9 | 4 Runs |
HH: 11/1
8.6
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, around off. Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and defends it to cover.
8.5
1
James Anderson to David Warner, Finally, David Warner is off the blocks! Full ball, around off. Warner pushes it back to the bowler who half-stops it and the ball goes towards mid off. Warner scampers through for a single and gets off the mark on his 20th delivery.
8.4
3
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne prods and drives it past the mid off fielder. The batters take three runs.
8.3
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, A stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved! This was a good-length ball, jagging back in from off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to leave it but the ball hits him high on his pad.
8.2
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, way outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
8.1
0
James Anderson to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
8
over
8 | 3 Runs |
HH: 7/1
7.6
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, NOT OUT! David Warner escapes! Good-length delivery, around off and angling in sharply. Warner looks to block but he misses and gets hit high on his pad. Stuart Broad appeals and the umpire says no. England opt for a review but the Hawk Eye suggests that the impact is umpire's call and the wickets is missing. The on-field decision remains!
Joe Root takes a review for caught behind! The hot spot shows no bat is involved. RTS shows there is no spike as the ball passes the blade. The Ball Tracker shows the ball is missing the wickets. The original decision of not out stands. England lose a review here.
7.5
3
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Marnus Labuschagne is up and running! Full ball, angling in from middle. Marnus Labuschagne drives it past the mid on fielder and the batters take three runs.
7.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
Marnus Labuschagne comes in at number 3.
7.3
W
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What a catch from Jos Buttler behind the sticks! England get their breakthrough and they are delighted! Broad bangs it into the deck, around leg. Marcus Harris stays back and looks to hook it behind square on the leg side but he gets a feather and Jos Buttler behind the sticks dives full stretch to his right and takes a stunner! This is a much-deserved wicket for Stuart Broad and the English bowlers finally get their reward!
7.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, On a length, nipping back in from off. Marcus Harris defends it to mid on.
7.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Length ball, on off. Marcus Harris blocks it out.
7
over
7 | 0 Runs |
HH: 4/0
6.6
0
James Anderson to David Warner, BEATEN! Top delivery from the veteran! David Warner is yet to get off the mark! Good-length ball, around off and shaping away late. Warner looks to defend but the ball beats his outside edge.
6.5
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Length ball, angling in from middle. David Warner defends it watchfully.
6.4
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Length ball, around off. David Warner looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the backward point region.
6.3
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, around off. David Warner covers the line of the delivery and blocks it.
6.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Short of a length, on off. David Warner sits back and pushes it to cover.
6.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, On a length, around middle. David Warner defends it out.
6
over
6 | 1 Runs |
HH: 4/0
5.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Good-length ball, around leg. Marcus Harris tucks it to square leg.
5.6
1
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, NO BALL! Good-length ball, on off. Marcus Harris blocks it out. No ball called as Stuart Broad oversteps.
After seeing the review. Marnus Labuschagne is elated by the decision. He is seen punching the helmet in the pavilion.
5.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Length ball, around off. Marcus Harris looks for a booming drive but it goes off the inside half of the bat towards mid on.
5.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Full ball, down leg. Marcus Harris misses his flick.
5.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Full ball, outside off. Marcus Harris looks to drive but it goes off the inner half of the blade to mid-wicket.
Review taken by Marcus Harris for LBW. The original decision is out. The hot spot shows no bat is involved and same with the RTS. The Ball Tracker shows the ball is missing the wickets by a long way, going over the stumps. Marcus Harris survives. The review has worked in their favour and Harris lives another day.
5.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, NOT OUT! Marcus Harris survives! That is a good review from Harris! This was a full ball, around off and jagging back in sharply. Harris looks to block but he misses and gets rapped in front. Broad appeals and the umpire raises his finger. Harris opts for a review and the Hawk Eye suggests that the ball would have gone down leg so the on-field decision is overturned!
5.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Fuller in length, way outside off. Marcus Harris shoulders arms to this one.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs |
HH: 3/0
4.6
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length delivery, outside off and shaping away late. David Warner leaves it alone watchfully.
4.5
0
James Anderson to David Warner, On a length, around off. David Warner gets behind the line of the ball and defends it to cover.
4.4
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Back of a length, outside off. David Warner shoulders arms to this one.
4.3
0
James Anderson to David Warner, That is a peach of a delivery! Good-length ball, around off and curling away late. Warner stays back and looks to defend but the ball zips past his outside edge.
4.2
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Short of a length, outside off and shaping away. David Warner lets it through to the keeper.
4.1
0
James Anderson to David Warner, Good-length ball, around the fourth stump and moving away late. David Warner leaves it alone.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs |
HH: 3/0
3.6
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Broad goes fuller this time, around off. Marcus Harris plays an on drive but finds James Anderson at mid on.
3.5
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Back of a length, way outside off. Marcus Harris sways away from the line of the delivery.
Stuart Broad got the better of David Warner 7 times out of 10 during the 2019 Ashes Test series. David Warner could only rack up 35 runs against the seamer. The most awaited battle is back on now and Broad has been all over Warner. He has already struck him a couple of times on the pads at the start of the day.
3.4
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Fuller in length, way outside off. Marcus Harris does not offer any shot to this one.
3.3
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, A loud shout for LBW but the umpire says no! Good-length ball, around off and jagging back in late. Marcus Harris looks to block but gets an inside edge onto his pad.
3.2
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Good-length ball, around leg. Marcus Harris looks to flick but misses and gets hit on his thigh pad.
3.1
0
Stuart Broad to Marcus Harris, Back of a length, nipping back in sharply from off. Marcus Harris looks to leave it but the ball jags back and hits him high on his pad.
3
over
3 | 3 Runs |
HH: 3/0
2.6
3
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, First runs on the board for Marcus Harris and Australia! Anderson hurls a full ball, on the pads. Harris flicks it past the mid on fielder and the batters take three runs.
2.5
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Back of a length, around off. Marcus Harris gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it out.
2.4
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Shorter in length, outside off. Marcus Harris lets it be.
2.3
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Short of a length, outside off. Marcus Harris lets it through to the keeper.
2.2
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, A bit fuller this time, outside off. Marcus Harris shoulders arms to it.
2.1
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, BEATEN! Good-length delivery, around off and shaping away late. Marcus Harris looks to defend but the ball zips past his outside edge.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs |
HH: 0/0
1.6
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Back-to-back maiden overs! This is a good-length ball, way outside off. David Warner sways away from the line of the ball. Australia yet to get off the mark.
1.5
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Fuller in length, outside off. David Warner prods and drives it to cover. Cannot find the gap though. Warner was quick to pass on the message to Harris by a loud "NO".
1.4
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Length ball, nipping back in from off. Warner blocks it back to the bowler.
1.3
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Full ball, around off. David Warner pushes it back to the bowler.
1.2
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, Length ball, down leg. David Warner misses his flick and Jos Buttler moves to his right behind the sticks to gather the ball.
1.1
0
Stuart Broad to David Warner, A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested! Broad comes 'round the wicket straightaway and hurls a length ball, around middle which angles in late. David Warner sits back and shoulders arms to this one. He gets hit high on his pad. Top start from Stuart Broad.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs |
HH: 0/0
0.6
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, A maiden over to start the proceedings in this pink-ball Test! Length ball, way outside off. Marcus Harris does not offer any shot to this one.
0.5
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Good-length delivery, ouside off and going on with the angle. Marcus Harris shoulders arms to this one.
0.4
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, A bit fuller this time, around off. Marcus Harris defends it to cover.
0.3
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Back of a length, on middle. Marcus Harris blocks it out.
0.2
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, BEAUTY! Movement early on for James Anderson! Length ball, around off and curling away late. Marcus Harris has a tentative poke at it but the ball goes past his outside edge.
0.1
0
James Anderson to Marcus Harris, Anderson starts with a good-length ball, outside off. Marcus Harris leaves it alone.
The game is set to begin. The England players stride out and take the field. Followed by David Warner and Marcus Harris who walk out to open for Australia. James Anderson to steam in with the new ball. Here we go...
Joe Root, the captain of England, is in for a chat. He says, they would’ve batted first as well. Adds, it looks like a good surface. Mentions, Stuart Broad comes in and marks his 150th Test match, while Jack Leach has been left out. Ends by saying, it is a brave call and hope the seamers can make use of the conditions.
Steven Smith, the stand-in skipper of Australia, says that they will bat first. Adds that it is a huge honour for him to lead his country. Tells that it looks like a typical Adelaide day-night pitch which has plenty of grass on it. Mentions that Cummins and Hazlewood are big losses for them but they are excited to see what Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser can do.
England (Playing XI) - Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson (In place of Mark Wood), Stuart Broad (In place of Jack Leach).
Australia (Playing XI) - David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Michael Neser (In place of Pat Cummins), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson (In place of Josh Hazlewood).
TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Australia. They have elected to BAT first.
UPDATE - Stuart Broad is being presented his 150th Test cap from the veteran James Anderson. So both Broad and Anderson will be playing this pink-ball Test match.
UPDATE - Big news coming in from Adelaide is that Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Test as he has come in close contact with a Covid case. Michael Neser is set to replace him and it will be Steven Smith who will be leading the side in Cummins' absence. Michael Neser is set to make his debut and receives the baggy green from Glenn McGrath.
England struggled to put on an exhibition with the bat in both the innings. They were forced to reshuffle their squad coming into this game, and why wouldn’t they? This time they have made sure to involve James Anderson in their 12-man squad. Four years ago, Anderson played a day-night game at Adelaide and racked up a five-wicket haul. The visitors would hope the pacer can replicate this and make the ball dance on his tunes. Their batters need to make sure to stick around in the middle and focus on stitching partnerships, unlike the first game. Yet again, Jonny Bairstow has been excluded from the 12-man squad. How costly will it prove to be for the visitors? Also, will they exclude Stuart Broad in the second Test match as well? We shall wait and find out. Stay tuned for toss and more updates.
Are you really telling me Pat Cummins is captaining the side for the first time ever? He looked a natural in that role. Along with a flying start to the captaincy, Pat Cummins ran riot with the ball in the first innings and crowned his captaincy with a five-wicket haul. The visitors were bundled out for 147. It was then a master-class by Travis Head, which took the game away from England. After coming of off a nine-wicket victory over the visitors, Australia cannot afford to sit back, because this time it will be a swing-friendly affair in a day-night Test in Adelaide. Also, the hosts will be missing the services of Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson will come into the side as his replacement, he has a good record in a day-night Test. Australia will be looking forward to extend their unbeaten run in the pink-ball Test match.
Hello and a warm welcome to all! It is time for the second Ashes Test match between Australia and England. The Ashes 2021-22, started off with a bang, it was a dominating performance by the hosts, and they have taken a 1-nil lead in this series. This game will be a pink-ball Test match. England will need a rub of the green to level the series. As history suggests, England have never won an Ashes series in Australia after losing the first Test match since 1954-55.
... Day 1, Session 1 ...