| 0.0 : It's almost here. The highly anticipated and one of the fiercest battles in world cricket is minutes away from getting underway. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for joining us for day 1 of Ashes 2017. The stage is set at the Gabba and the warriors have arrived to contest for the prestigious urn. For England, it's all about retaining it, while for Australia, it's all about regaining it. Both teams are packed with quality cricketers and we are expecting the mercury to rise when these |
| This place is often referred to as the 'Gabbatoir' where Australia have shown ruthless aggression over the years by slaughtering their opponents. They possess a formidable record here and this ground has shown the tendency of setting the tone of every series which has begun here. The reputation of this venue can unnerve any team and it will be interesting to find out how the English team will cope up with the weight of history (not won at Gabba since 1986). |
| Up goes the coin, Joe Root calls it correctly - ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT! For the English side, James Vince makes a comeback into the Test side after more than a year, rest the playing XI is on expected lines. For the Aussies, Cameron Bancroft gets his Baggy Green, becoming the 451st Test player for Australia. The hosts have David Warner and Shaun Marsh fit for the contest. |
| England's playing eleven - Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow(w), Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, James Anderson. |
| Australia's playing eleven - Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Steven Smith(c), Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. |
| The players are out for their respective national anthems. |
| We are done and dusted with the national anthems and are all set to get underway. We have a packed-house here at the Gabba expecting a fruitful day of cricket. Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman will open the innings for England. They will hope for a good start from these two. Mitchell Starc, who is returning from an injury to international cricket, will bowl with the new red cherry. He has a tendency to pick wickets in his first over, can he do it here? He has three slips and a gully in place. It' |
| 0.1 : M Starc to Cook, Starts off with a length delivery outside off, a nice delivery. Did not bounce a lot. Cook watchfully leaves it. Starc did get a little away swing, not a lot though. |
| 0.2 : M Starc to Cook, Fuller in length this time, outside off. Cook once again opts not to play at it. |
| 0.3 : M Starc to Cook, Good length swinging away. The ball is not zipping through to the keeper and going a touch slow off the surface. Cook leaves it for the third time in a row. |
| 0.4 : M Starc to Cook, Four balls and Starc has not made Cook play yet. He once again bowls it outside off, on a length. Cook lets it be. |
| 0.5 : M Starc to Cook, Bat on ball for the first time in the day! Starc bowls it on a length on off, Cook solidly defends it towards mid on. |
| 0.6 : M Starc to Cook, England are away! Cook too gets off the mark! A tad fuller in length on off by Starc. Cook guides it past the diving point fielder for a couple. |
| Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end. He has a bat-pad in place, three slips and a gully. |
| 1.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, BRAVE LEAVE! Good length on off by Josh, nips away a touch after pitching. Stoneman keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it. A good one as that was a probing line. |
| 1.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, This one was way outside off, Stoneman need not play at it. |
| 1.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 1.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fullish in length this time, outside off, wanting the batsman to drive. Mark lets it be. |
| 1.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length on middle, swinging away. Stoneman defends it solidly. Just like the first over, the bowler makes the batsman play on the fifth ball. |
| 1.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller in length on off, Mark drives it towards mid off. A maiden to start with for Hazlewood. |
| 2.1 : M Starc to Cook, Lovely bowling! He comes steaming in and angles it on off, shapes a touch into the batsman. Cook at the very last moment gets his bat to ball and keeps it out. |
| 2.2 : M Starc to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it towards covers. |
| 2.3 : M Starc to Cook, Shorter in length on off, does not bounce a lot. Cook, quite easily rocks onto the back foot and defends it. |
| 2.4 : M Starc to Cook, OUT! Starc draws first blood! Not in the first over, like he usually does, but he gets one in his second, a big one too. The experienced Cook is walking back early. Massive blow to England. Starc bowls it fuller in length on off, moves just a little, away from Cook. He pokes at it and the ball flies off the edge to first slip. Handscomb there moves across to his right and takes a very good catch. This is Cook's first single digit score in Tests at the Gabba. The Australians |
| James Vince comes out at number 3. He is making a return to the Test side and would want to make full use of this opportunity. |
| 2.5 : M Starc to Vince, Angles it on the pads, Vince flicks it through square leg for a couple. He gets off the mark and that should settle his nerves. |
| 2.6 : M Starc to Vince, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 3.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length on off, Mark defends it solidly. |
| 3.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Wide outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 3.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller in length outside off, closer to the off stump. But not close enough to make the batsman play. |
| 3.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Just short of a length on middle, Stoneman flicks it, the ball is not far away from the short leg fielder who dives but fails to reach it. It goes through square leg for a couple. Shaun Marsh was there under the lid and had to stretch to his left. Not doing his stiff back any favour. |
| 3.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman defends it. |
| 3.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Bowls it on a length outside off, Mark is not interested in playing at it. |
| 4.1 : M Starc to Vince, Fuller in a length outside off, a similar delivery to the ball which got Cook. Vince this time does not play at it. |
| 4.2 : M Starc to J Vince, FOUR! That was cracked! Full outside off, a half-volley. Vince leans into it and drives it beautifully through the cover region for a boundary. |
| 4.3 : M Starc to J Vince, A good comeback by Starc. He fires in a yorker on off, Vince does well to get his bat down in time and jams it out towards second slip. |
| 4.4 : M Starc to Vince, A low full toss on off, Vince drives it off the toe end towards mid off. |
| 4.5 : M Starc to Vince, A bouncer aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. The ball did not quite get up as much. Vince ducks under it. |
| 4.6 : M Starc to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it confidently. A confident start by the youngster. |
| 5.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Seeing no swing, Hazlewood comes around the wicket and tries to bowl a yorker. He instead serves a full toss on off, Mark drives it to mid off. |
| 5.2 : J Hazlewood to M Stoneman, Very full outside off, Mark drives it through covers, does not quite time it that well. Warner gives it a chase, dives and keeps it down to two. |
| 5.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, FOUR! This time he connects better. Hazlewood bowls it very wide outside off, Mark goes after it and square drives it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 5.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, A better length by Hazlewood on off, Stoneman defends it towards point. |
| 5.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Close shave! Josh lands it on a length outside off, gets some late inward movement. Stoneman does well to get his hands out of the way and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 5.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 6.1 : M Starc to Vince, Fuller in length on off, Vince times it to mid off. |
| 6.2 : M Starc to Vince, Good length, quite close to the off pole. Vince judges the line better and lets the ball through to the keeper. |
| 6.3 : M Starc to Vince, Length ball outside off, Vince lets it be. |
| 6.4 : M Starc to Vince, Pull his length back outside off, Vince need not play at those. |
| 6.5 : M Starc to Vince, Fullish ball on off, tails back in a touch. Vince drives it to mid off. |
| 6.6 : M Starc to Vince, Easy for Vince! Starc sprays on the pads. Vince flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| Pat Cummins is into the attack. He too has a bat-pad and three slips in place as he runs in. |
| 7.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Starts off with a back of a length delivery on off, Vince defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.2 : Pat Cummins to J Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince cuts it to point. |
| 7.3 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Short again but closer to the stumps. Vince guides it to point. |
| 7.4 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Just ahead of a length on off, Vince defends it to the man at mid off. |
| 7.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Bowls it on a length on middle, Vince defends it solidly. |
| 7.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Again on a length around off, Vince prods forward in defense. |
| 8.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Full ball on off, Stoneman drives it beautifully straight back down towards the bowler. Starc sticks his big, left boot out and stops a certain boundary. |
| 8.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, A low full toss on middle, Stoneman flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 8.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, A surprise short ball on off, Stoneman has a lot of time to watchfully let it go through to the keeper as the ball is not zipping off the surface much. |
| 8.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Errs in line and bowls it down the leg side. Stoneman tries to flick but misses. |
| 8.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Outside off this time. Stoneman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 8.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fullish in length on middle, Mark drives it back towards the bowler. A maiden by Starc, but not a threatening one. |
| 9.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 9.2 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince rocks onto the back foot and punches it through cover-point. Lyon hares after it, slides and pushes it back to the fielder who was also running after the ball from mid off. He fires a throw to the keeper. The batsman quite easily takes three. |
| 9.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Fuller on off, from around the wicket. Stoneman drives it to mid off. |
| 9.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on off, Mark defends it towards mid on. |
| 9.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, BOUNCER! A quick one! Little bit of chin music for Stoneman. He must have picked it late as he awkwardly ducks under it. Cummins also has something to say as he finishes his follow up. |
| 9.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, On the pads this time. Mark flicks it in the air through mid-wicket to bag three. There were shouts of catch it but nobody was there. |
| Change of ends for Josh Hazlewood. |
| 10.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fullish ball outside off, Stoneman drives it through extra covers. Warner is a dynamite on the field gives it a chase, gets to the ball, dives and passes it to the fielder who comes running in from point. The batsman take three. |
| 10.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Fuller ball on middle, Vince tries to drive but gets it off the inner half to mid on. |
| 10.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, CLOSE! Josh bowls it on a length around off, shapes back in. Vince tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his back pad. |
| 10.4 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Full ball, swings into the batsman. Vince drives it back towards Josh who sticks is hand out and stops it. He shows some aggression and fires a throw at the striker's end and also gives Vince the stare. Things are heating up here. |
| 10.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, FOUR! This has been Hazlewood's problem today. He has been wayward and not quite followed up after bowling a good delivery. He serves a half-volley outside off. Vince cracks it through covers for a boundary. |
| 10.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, FOUR! And again, errs in line and bowls on the pads. Vince flicks it through mid-wicket for another boundary. Back-to-back for Vince. 11 runs from the over. |
| 11.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Full and wide outside off, Australia have not made most of the new ball. Stoneman lets it be. |
| 11.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length on middle, Mark flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 11.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman punches it back to the bowler. |
| 11.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length on off, angles away from the batsman. Stoneman tries to defend it but gets an outside edge. The ball however, falls quite short of the man at third slip. |
| 11.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 11.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length on off, Stoneman tries to defend but gets it off the inner half to square leg. |
| 12.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, On a length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Vince lets it be. |
| 12.3 : J Hazlewood to J Vince, Fuller in length on off, Vince who has looked very good uptil now, drives it through extra covers. Some good running by the batsmen help them take three. |
| 12.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good bowling, this is what he need to do on a consistent basis. He lands it around off, angles away from the batsman. Stoneman points his bat skywards and lets it through. |
| 12.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length around off, Stoneman defends it solidly. |
| 12.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Shorter in length on off, Mark lets it be. |
| 13.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Good length outside off, Vince lets it be. |
| 13.2 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Back of a length on off, James has ample of time to rock back and defend it. |
| 13.3 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince pushes it towards wide mid off for a run. |
| 13.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Short ball, a well-directed one. Mark is up for the challenge as he ducks under it. |
| 13.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, That must have hurt! Cummins bowls it short and aims it at the rib cage of the of the batsman. Stoneman tries to fend at it, he gets it off the glove towards short fine leg for a run. |
| Good point. Cummins bowled a shorter delivery around leg and Michael Clarke on air feels that it's not the plan by Steven Smith as there ain't any fielder at short leg. Pat should be bowling more in the corridor outside off. |
| 13.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, BEATEN! Cummins angles it into the batsman and gets it to shape away a touch after pitching. Vince feels for it but gets beaten. A good over by the pacer. |
| Drinks break. Apart from losing Alastair Cook early, England have done decently so far. Both the current batsmen have moved quite well. Plenty of concentration shown along with a truck load of patience. There isn't much pace on the pitch. The Australian pacers have not been too consistent with their lines and lengths either. |
| 14.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Bowls it on a length outside off, wanting the batsman to play a loose stroke as there are three slips waiting. Mark resists and lets it be. |
| 14.2 : J Hazlewood to M Stoneman, Just ahead of a length on off, Stoneman tries to defend but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls along the ground to the man at gully. |
| 14.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller in length on off, Stoneman drives it to mid off. |
| 14.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Short of a length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 14.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Short ball outside off, goes slow off the surface also does not bounce a lot. Stoneman lets it be. |
| 14.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller outside off, Mark leaves it. A maiden to start off after drinks by Hazlewood. |
| 15.1 : Pat Cummins to J Vince, Short ball on middle, Vince gets quickly into position and pulls it nicely but straight to fine leg for a run. |
| 15.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Bowls it on the pads, Stoneman flicks it to fine leg for a run. They do have a man at backward short leg but it would be a blinder if he takes something which is struck so firmly. |
| 15.3 : Pat Cummins to J Vince, Good length outside off, Vince drives it on the up through covers and bags three. He is looking quite confident now. |
| 15.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, A huge appeal! Cummins bowls it down the leg side, trying to cramp Stoneman for room. He tries to flick but fails to do so. The ball goes off something to the keeper. It had that clinky sound. The Australians appeal and the umpire shakes his head. They opt not to review. Rightly so, replays show the ball had clipped the thigh pad. |
| 15.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman has punched that ball through the offside. |
| 15.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 16.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Fuller in length on off, Vince drives it to mid off. |
| 16.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Shorter in length this time. The ball is not doing a lot. Vince rocks back and defends it. |
| 16.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Fullish ball outside off, Vince shoulders his arms to it. |
| 16.4 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Length ball on middle, Vince flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 16.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, Vince defends it solidly. |
| Two slips now. The third one is moved to a short cover position. |
| 16.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| Time for some spin! Nathan Lyon is into the attack as the fast bowlers were not getting any purchase of the wicket. He has a slip and short leg in p[lace. |
| 17.1 : N Lyon to M Stoneman, He straightaway gets some turn. Lyon bowls it flatter on middle, gets it to turn away. Stoneman tries to play it with an angled bat but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls towards covers. |
| 17.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Quicker on middle, 91.9 kph, Mark defends it off the front foot. |
| 17.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air on middle, Stoneman lunges forward in defense. |
| 17.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Floats it on middle, turns away ever so slightly. Stoneman defends it off the front foot. |
| 17.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 17.6 : N Lyon to M Stoneman, Gives it air on off, turning away. Also bounces a touch more. Stoneman gets it off the outer half towards cover-point for a run. A very good first over by Lyon. |
| 18.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Josh bangs it in short, Stoneman tries to pull but is early into the shot. The ball hits him on the arm guard and bounces towards gully. |
| 18.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 18.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good bowling! He bowls it closer to the off pole this time. Stoneman makes a good leave as he knew the angle would take it away. |
| 18.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Straighter this time, Stoneman flicks it towards fine leg. Some good running by the batsmen helps them get two. |
| 18.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Mark pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 18.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller in length on off, Stoneman mistimes his drive back to the bowler. |
| 19.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter outside off, from over the wicket. Vince prods forward in defense. |
| 19.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Pulls his length back a little, also gets it to turn into the batsman. Vince camps back and defends it. |
| 19.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it outside off, Vince blocks it. |
| 19.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 19.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Waits for the the ball to turn into him and then clips it around the corner for a run. |
| 19.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Fires it on the pads, Stoneman flicks it towards wide mid on for an easy run. |
| Mitchell Starc is now back into the attack! Australia would hope he can take another wicket before lunch. |
| 20.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fullish ball outside off, Stoneman leaves it. |
| 20.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fuller on off, Stoneman does not quite time his drive to mid off. |
| 20.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Full again, he normally keeps it very full, that is where he gets most of his wickets. Stoneman drives it back to Starc who mimes a throw at the striker's end. He stops and then underarms a throw at the batsman's end which hits the bat of Stoneman as he was standing right in front of the stumps but inside the crease. |
| 20.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, BOUNCER! The ball dies as it reaches the keeper. Stoneman evades it. |
| 20.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side but misses. |
| 20.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Good length on middle, Stoneman drives it back to the bowler. |
| 21.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Tosses it up on off, Vince defends it solidly. |
| 21.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Appeal but not given! Lyon bowls it flatter on off, gets it to turn and bounce. Vince fails to defend. The ball goes off his pads towards short leg where the fielder dives and catches the ball. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 21.3 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 21.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it on off, Vince defends it. |
| 21.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Vince uses his feet to counter the spin but does not quite get to the pitch of the ball. He tries to flick but gets it off the inner half to short leg. |
| 21.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Flighted ball outside off, Vince covers the line and defends it. |
| 22.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman punches it to mid off. |
| 22.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Length ball outside off, Stoneman watchfully leaves it. |
| 22.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fuller in length on middle, Stoneman flicks it through mid-wicket. Marsh does the fielding and the batsmen take three. |
| 22.4 : M Starc to Vince, Just short of a length around off, angling away. Vince defends it solidly off the back foot. |
| 22.5 : M Starc to Vince, OUCH! A bouncer at 145.6 kph but stays low. Vince goes for the pull but is beaten by pace and the low bounce as the ball hits him near the box. A painful one but he isn't showing. That surely must have hurt him though. |
| 22.6 : M Starc to Vince, The batsman does well to leave that bouncer. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman cuts it towards cover-point to change strike. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Drags his length back, Vince lets the ball do its bit and flicks it to short leg. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it up on middle, turning in. Vince clips it to fine leg. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to J Vince, Slower through the air outside off, turns back in. Vince goes for the expansive drive but mistimes it to mid off. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Tosses it up on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, The batsman has edged that one but on the bounce to gully. |
| 24.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball to covers. |
| 24.3 : M Starc to M Stoneman, Full outside off, Stoneman square drives it through the off side for a run. |
| 24.4 : M Starc to Vince, Angles it on the pads, Vince flicks it through square leg for a run. They were thinking about a second but opt not to go for it. |
| 24.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman cuts it but can't find the gap at point. |
| 24.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Well done, Paine! Starc fires it down the leg side. Stoneman tries to flick but misses. The ball brushes the pads and goes to the right of Tim. He runs and puts a dive to save runs for his team. Stoneman will be disappointed to not get that away. |
| 25.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it on middle, Vince defends it solidly. |
| 25.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter on middle, Vince prods forward and defends it. |
| 25.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it up on off, turning back in. James blocks it. |
| 25.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Tosses it up on off, Vince plants his front foot forward and drives it to mid off. |
| 25.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 25.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Shorter in length on off, Vince defends it off the back foot. |
| 26.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Strangely he is coming around the wicket to the left-hander. Maybe some chin music and yes he bowls it short on leg stump. Stoneman ducks under it. He has a leg gully and a bat pad for this tactic. Trying something different before the break. |
| 26.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman pushes it to point. |
| 26.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Bowls it on a length on middle, Stoneman flicks it but straight to short leg. |
| 26.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Short but angling away from the batsman. Stoneman evades it. |
| 26.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Bouncer! The ball comes very slow off the surface. Stoneman quite easily defends it off the back foot. |
| 26.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Short again! Stoneman defends it down onto the ground. A maiden. |
| 27.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter outside off, goes on with the arm. Vince tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards backward point. |
| 27.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Slower through the air, Vince camps back and defends it. |
| A leg slip in place now. |
| 27.3 : N Lyon to Vince, FOUR! Streaky! Quicker on off, goes away from the batsman with the angle. Vince tries to defend but gets an outside edge past first slip for a boundary. |
| 27.4 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 27.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it towards leg gully with the spin. |
| 27.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Loopy ball on off, Vince defends it with the full face of the bat. |
| 28.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman need not play at it. |
| 28.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Bangs it in down the leg side. Stoneman thinks about flicking it but then pulls out of the shot. There is a leg gully waiting for any mistake. |
| 28.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, BOUNCER! The batsman has all the time in the world to watchfully duck under it. |
| 28.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Lands it on a length on middle, Stoneman defends it solidly. |
| 28.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Short and this one zips off the surface. Stoneman ducks under it at the very last moment. |
| 28.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on middle, Stoneman defends it solidly and the two batsmen walk towards the dressing room as it is LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| A session England will be happy with! After electing to bat first, they lost Cook early but the inexperienced pair of Stoneman and Vince have really fought hard out there and have ensured the away side head into the break only one down. |
| The Australian bowlers have not gotten any purchase off the surface. Starc is the only wicket-taker but he struggled for consistency. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were also wayward in their spells to say the least. Nathan Lyon has looked the most threatening of the lot. The home side has not let the visitors run away by keeping the scoring rate in check and they would hope for quick wickets after the break. The tourists would be happy if these two continue for as long as possible. Join us for |
| ...Day 1, Session 2... |
| Update 1245 local time - It started drizzling during the break and has not stopped yet. The covers are on and we are going to have a delayed start. Michael Slater can see plenty of blue in the sky and hopes that this is just the passing shower. Stay tuned for latest updates... |
| Update 1317 local time - The rain has gotten heavier and more covers are coming on. The chief curator, Kevin Mitchell Jr, says that they will need 15-20 minutes to get the ground ready once the rain stops completely. Let's be positive. Stay tuned... |
| Update 1355 local time - Out comes the sun, off goes the covers. It's looking good now for resumption. Stay with us, first ball after lunch isn't far away... |
| We are finally back after a long delay. Mark Stoneman and James Vince will resume their innings. Nathan Lyon will continue his spell. He has a slip and a short leg in place. |
| 29.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Starts off with a flatter ball on middle, Vince flicks it to short fine leg with the spin. |
| 29.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it on middle, turning into the batsman. Vince defends it solidly. |
| 29.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Quicker but shorter in length on middle, Vince waits for it to spin and then clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Drags his length back on off, turning into the batsman. James works it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.5 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 29.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Short ball outside off, turns back into the batsman. Vince, against the spin, guides it towards backward point. Cummins dives to his left and makes a half stop but can't prevent a single. |
| Pat Cummins will bowl from the other end. |
| 30.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Starts off with a half-volley outside off. Vince leans into it and drives it through covers. The long boundaries here means that the batsmen get only three. |
| 30.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, BEAUTY! Cummins comes around the wicket and angles it into the batsman, gets it to shape away after pitching. Stoneman tries to defend it from away from his body and gets beaten. That was so close to the edge. |
| 30.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, A similar length ball to the last one. This time it does not nip away. Stoneman defends it towards point. |
| 30.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Fuller in length on middle, Mark drives it back past the bowler for a boundary. That was beautifully timed by Stoneman. |
| 30.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. Smith standing at first slip appeals as he thought there was an edge there but he is soon told by the keeper that the batsman left it. |
| 30.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 31.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Lyon is getting some drift now! He gives it air outside off, gets it to drift away and turn in. Vince defends it solidly. |
| 31.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Drags his length back on off, James defends it off the back foot. |
| 31.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Tosses it up on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter on off, turning into the batsman. Vince tries to defend but gets it off the inner half on the leg side. |
| 31.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Fuller in length on off, James drives it back to the bowler. |
| 31.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Loopy ball on off, Vince lunges forward and blocks it. A maiden by Lyon. A very good over. |
| 32.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman is not interested at playing it. |
| 32.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Just ahead of a length outside off, Stoneman drives it on the up towards point. There were shouts of catch it but it falls well short of the fielder. |
| 32.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman pushes it on the off side. |
| 32.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, A bouncer from around the wicket, angling into the batsman. Mark ducks under it. |
| 32.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Clips it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 32.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Just ahead of a length outside off, Stoneman tries to play it with soft hands but gets an outside edge which rolls along the ground to gully. |
| 33.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Loopy ball on off, Vince defends it. |
| 33.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Gives it air, Vince prods forward in defense. |
| 33.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 33.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter on middle, Vince camps back and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 33.5 : N Lyon to J Vince, FOUR! Lovely use of the feet by Vince! He comes down the track to the flighted ball outside off. He went late so that the bowler can't change his length. Gets to the pitch and drives it through covers for a boundary. Didn't try to hit it hard and that was the key, just placed his shot through the gap. |
| 33.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Drags his length back, James has ample time to flick it to mid-wicket. |
| 34.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Length ball on middle, Stoneman taps it towards mid-wicket and gets himself off strike. He needed that as he was facing a lot of Cummins. |
| 34.2 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Pacey ball, a fuller one on middle. Vince drives it back to the bowler. |
| 34.3 : Pat Cummins to J Vince, Short ball outside off, Vince tries to cut it but mistimes it to gully who makes a tumbling stop. |
| 34.4 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Length on off, Vince with minimal foot movement pushes it to mid off. The umpire has a word with Cummins as he is getting close to the danger area. |
| 34.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Pulls his length back on off, Vince defends it off the back foot. The umpire once again walks to Cummins and has a word with him. Two balls in a row now, a warning coming up the next time? |
| 34.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince punches it uppishly but in the gap through extra covers. Warner from mid off gives it a chase and the batsmen run three. Vince is now onto his highest score (43) in Test match cricket. |
| 35.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 35.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, He now gets a crack at the left-hander. Lyon tosses it up on middle, Stoneman defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 35.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air on middle, Mark preods forward and defends it. |
| 35.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Loopy ball on off, turning away. Stoneman defends it solidly. |
| 35.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 36.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, FOUR! What a shot! Short ball outside off, bounces at a nice height for the batsman. Vince cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 36.2 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Back of a length on off, James punches it to covers. |
| 36.3 : Pat Cummins to Vince, On the shorter side, Vince guides it towards cover-point to change strike and he moves on to 49. He is a run away from his maiden fifty. |
| 36.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 36.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, angles it into the batsman. Stoneman defends it off the back foot to mid on. |
| 36.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Just ahead of a length on middle, Mark plays it with an angled bat towards mid on. |
| Josh Hazlewood comes back into the attack. He was wayward in his first spell. Can he get the breakthrough for Australia? |
| 37.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Back of a length on off, Vince punches it to mid off. |
| 37.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good length outside off, James opts not to play at it. |
| 37.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Bowls it on a length around off, Vince defends it with authority off the back foot. |
| 37.4 : J Hazlewood to Vince, FOUR! 50 for Vince, his maiden Test fifty and he gets there in style. What a return it has been till now. He still has a long way to go though. Fuller in length by Hazlewood outside off, Vince square drives it through backward square leg to fetch himself a boundary. |
| 37.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Full ball on off, James eases it to mid off. |
| 37.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Short and outside off, Vince cuts it hard but straight to point. He should have found the gap there, it was a poor ball by the Australian pacer. |
| Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. Australia are in a desperate need of a wicket here and they need him to deliver. |
| 38.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Short of a length outside off, Stoneman rocks back and punches it through point for three. |
| 38.2 : M Starc to Vince, Wide outside off, Vince opts not to play at it. |
| 38.3 : M Starc to J Vince, FOUR! Classy, too easy for a lad who is playing on a half ton. Full and wide outside off by Starc. Vince drives it, right off the middle of the bat through covers and the ball races to the fence. |
| 38.4 : M Starc to Vince, Good length outside off, Vince need not play at it. |
| 38.5 : M Starc to Vince, Bowls it on the stumps. Vince works it to mid on. |
| 38.6 : M Starc to Vince, Shorter in length on middle, Vince defends it off the back foot. |
| 39.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length on off, Stoneman defends it stoutly. |
| 39.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Full ball on middle, Stoneman drives it down the ground. He does not quite time it. Warner who is very quick on the turf, hares after it and keeps it down to two. |
| 39.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, BOUNCER! A good one. Mark does well to evade it. |
| 39.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Short again. This time Stoneman works it through square leg for a run. |
| 39.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 39.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Short on middle, Vince moves out of the way. |
| 40.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Works it through mid-wicket with the angle for a run. |
| 40.2 : M Starc to Vince, Good length outside off, Vince watchfully makes a leave. |
| 40.3 : M Starc to Vince, Once again on a length but outside the off. The batsman is not interested at playing it. |
| 40.4 : M Starc to Vince, Shorter in length on off, Vince defends it towards covers for no runs. |
| 40.5 : M Starc to Vince, Shorter in length on off, Vince evades it. |
| 40.6 : M Starc to Vince, A full toss outside off. Vince tries to drive but gets an outside edge on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 41.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, FOUR! Lovely wrist work by Stoneman! Hazlewood bowls it on middle, Stoneman flicks it through wide mid on for a boundary. |
| 41.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, JAFFA! Hazlewood changes his angle and it almost paid off. He bowls it full and wide around off, inviting the batsman to drive. Stoneman does so in a very lazy manner. Luckily for him the ball beats the outside edge. |
| 41.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Drives it with the angle to mid on. |
| 41.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length on off, Stoneman defends it stoutly. |
| 41.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman defends it towards mid off. |
| 41.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Angles it on the pads, Stoneman flicks it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| Drinks break. James Vince and Mark Stoneman continue to bat strongly and are keeping the Aussie bowlers at bay. Vince, in particular, has looked very fluent and is receiving a solid support from the other end. At this point of time, the hosts are looking clueless. |
| 42.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 42.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fullish ball outside off, Stoneman drives it but not crisply past the diving short cover fielder. Warner gives it a chase and the batsmen run two. 100-run stand also comes up! They walk up to each other and give a handshake. An excellent partnership, this. |
| 42.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 42.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Shorter in length on middle, Mark works it to square leg. |
| 42.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Mark shoulders his arms to it. |
| 42.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Superb by Cummins! The tall fast bowler saves a certain boundary there! Fuller in length by Starc on middle, Stoneman times it to the right of mid on. Pat runs to his right and dives full stretch to make a stop. |
| 43.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it stoutly. |
| 43.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Goes wide of the crease and lands it on a length outside off. Vince, who has showed great patience, lets it be. |
| 43.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Full on the pads, Vince flicks it down towards fine leg and some good running by him gives him two. |
| 43.4 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Fuller in length on off, James drives it back to the bowler. |
| 43.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Short ball, comes ever so slowly off the surface. Vince is himself surprised by the lack of pace, he adjusts and defends it onto the ground. |
| 43.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it towards covers. |
| 44.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Good length on off, Stoneman defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : Nathon Lyon is seen doing some warm ups. A bowling change maybe? |
| 44.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fuller ball outside off, Mark mistimes his drive towards covers. |
| 44.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Shorter in length, only bounces till waist height. Stoneman camps back and works it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 44.4 : M Starc to Vince, He comes around the wicket to Vince. He fancies this angle to the right-handers. He serves a full ball on middle. Vince drives it hard down the ground and once again the big boot of Starc comes in the way. |
| 44.5 : M Starc to Vince, Shorter in length on the body of the batsman. Vince tucks it towards mid-wicket for an easy single. |
| 44.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Fuller in length on off, tails back in ever so slightly. Stoneman defends it off the front foot. |
| So Nathan Lyon comes into the attack again. We did mention he was warming up and now he is all set to roll his arm. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter down the leg side. Vince tries to flick but misses. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to Vince, Inside edge but out of Bancroft's reach! Lyon gives it air on off, turning back in. Vince tries to defend but gets an inside edge which goes past the diving short leg fielder. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Vince, FOUR! Flatter on middle, Vince makes room and punches it off the back foot through covers for a boundary. |
| 45.5 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Vince has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Double change! Pat Cummins comes back from the other end. |
| 46.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Short but errs in line and sprays down the leg side. Stoneman watches it go through to the keeper. |
| 46.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman opts not to play at it. |
| 46.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Plays it with the angle to mid on. |
| 46.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Angles it into the batsman. Stoneman flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 46.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Fullish ball but not quite there for the drive. Vince still goes for it on the up and he beats the diving short cover fielder to bag a brace. |
| 46.6 : Cummins to Vince, Another huge appeal but missing leg probably! Cummins bowls it on a length on leg stump. Vince tries to clip but misses and the ball strikes the pads. The Australians make a huge appeal but the umpire remains put. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to M Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman cuts it to point. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air on off, turning away. Stoneman tries to defend but gets an edge past the diving slip fielder for a couple. He moves onto 48. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Floats it on middle, Stoneman defends it stoutly. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter on middle, Mark defends it solidly. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Gives it air on middle, Stoneman lunges forward in defense. |
| 48.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 48.2 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Fuller in length on off, Vince drives it to the man at covers. |
| 48.3 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Good length around off, very close to the off pole. Vince judges the line and make a very good leave. |
| 48.4 : Pat Cummins to Vince, BEATEN! We have seen him get out a lot of times like this in the past. Cummins bowls it full outside off. Vince goes for a loose drive and gets beaten. |
| 48.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it with authority. |
| 48.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Length outside off, shapes away after pitching. Vince watchfully makes a leave. |
| Two slips in place now for the batsman. |
| 49.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Almost! Brilliant by Lyon. He gets the ball to drift into the batsman and then spin away sharply from the off stump. Stoneman tries to defend it but gets beaten. The second slip was exactly brought in for that reason. |
| 49.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 49.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Tosses it up on off, Stoneman defends it solidly. |
| 49.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Loopy ball on off, Mark lunges forward and defends it. |
| 49.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 49.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Excellent lines and lengths here by Lyon. He bowls a flighted ball on middle. Stoneman defends it stoutly. |
| 50.1 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince cuts it through point. There is a sweeper in the deep so he only gets a single. |
| 50.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Works it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 50.3 : Pat Cummins to M Stoneman, Another edge but this too does not carry. He gets to his half century, not in convincing manner but he won't mind. His sceond Test fifty. Cummins lands it on a length outside off, Stoneman tries to defend it but gets an outside edge which bounces way short of the second slip fielder who makes a half stop but can't prevent the batsman from picking up two. He acknowledges the applause from the crowd but you can see it on his face he wants to make it big. |
| 50.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 50.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Shorter in length outside off, Vince lets it be. |
| 50.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Good length on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 51.1 : N Lyon to Vince, SHARP TURN! Lyon bowls it slower from around the wicket and gets it to turn into the batsman. Vince tries to defend but misses and is hit on the stomach. |
| 51.2 : N Lyon to Vince, Shorter in length on, Vince camps back and defends it. |
| 51.3 : N Lyon to Vince, DROPPED! A regulation catch for Paine and he does not hang on. Lyon deserved it for the the way he has been bowling. Unlucky! Lyon bowls it on middle and the ball goes on with the arm. Vince plays for the turn but gets an outside edge to Tim who gets two hands to it but drops it and then the ball hits him on his shoulder. Had it not hit him on the shoulder Smith at first slip might have had a chance. Vince has been playing really well, how costly will that prove now? |
| 51.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Bowled down the leg side. The batsman pads it away. |
| 51.5 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 51.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Flighted ball on off, Vince defends it off the front foot. |
| 52.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length outside off, Stoneman punches it to the man at point. |
| 52.2 : Pat Cummins to M Stoneman, Fuller in length on off, Stoneman drives it through covers for a run. |
| 52.3 : Pat Cummins to Vince, FOUR! Full ball on middle, Vince eases it down the ground for a boundary. |
| 52.4 : Pat Cummins to Vince, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. |
| 52.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, BOUNCER! The batsman leaves it. |
| 52.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Wide outside off, the batsman need not play at it. |
| 53.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter on off, Stoneman defends it towards covers. |
| 53.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Tosses it up on middle, gets it to turn away. Stoneman covers the spin and defends it. |
| 53.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 53.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Very full on off, Stoneman drives it with the spin towards covers for a run. |
| 53.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 53.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Floats it on off, Vince prods forward in defense. |
| 54.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 54.2 : Cummins to M Stoneman, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Cummins finally gets the breakthrough. This was proving to be a good spell by him and he finally gets his reward. He steams in from around the wicket and bowls it on a length on off, angling into the batsman. Stoneman is late as he tries to work it around. The ball goes between bat and pad and hits the top of middle. Cummins is absolutely pumped. Stoneman goes after a gritty knock. He would be disappointed as he would have wanted to make it big. A mu |
| Joe Root is the next man in. The skipper comes out to bat, his first Test match as a captain. |
| 54.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 54.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length on off, Root lets it be. |
| 54.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, A very full ball on off, Root does well to dig it out. |
| 54.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Length on middle, Root flicks it towards mid-wicket and sneaks a single to keep strike AFTER TEA ON DAY 1! |
| A session which was going all England's way but a wicket towards the end has just given a sniff to the Australians. Vince and Stoneman started from where they left off after rain effected the major half of the session. They continued their merry way and both of them brought up their respective half ton along with a century stand, before the southpaw fell prey to Cummins. It would have been an even better session for the Aussies had Paine not dropped James Vince off Nathan Lyon. |
| Now with the captain out there and Vince already set, England will hope for another big partnership between the two. The home side, on the other hand, have to keep chipping away at the wickets to not let England run away with the game. Join us for the final session in a while. |
| Day 1, third session... |
| We're back for the final session. 27 overs still left in the day's play and both teams will be aiming to end it on a high. Josh Hazlewood to kickoff proceedings after the break. Three slips in place. Here we go... |
| 55.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Starts with a full length ball, angling into the batsman around off, Root gets forward and defends it back. |
| 55.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, A little short and around off, it's punched off the back foot through covers for a brace. |
| 55.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Lands it on a length outside off, holding its line, Root allows it through. |
| 55.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Solidly gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it safely. |
| 55.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, In the zone outside off, good positive footwork by Root to cover the line before leaving it alone. |
| 55.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, On a good length around off, Root once again covers the line perfectly before defending it. |
| Mitchell Starc to operate from the other end. |
| 56.1 : M Starc to Vince, FOUR! Edgy! Frustrating for the bowler. Starc steams in and dishes out a fullish ball outside off, Vince reaches out for it and tries to drive it square of the wicket. But it takes the outside edge and screams through the gap between gully and second slip for a boundary. |
| 56.2 : M Starc to Vince, Back of a length delivery on off, shaping away, Vince watches the line closely and then lets it through to the keeper. |
| 56.3 : M Starc to Vince, FOUR! Well done! Starc strays on the pads of the batsman and Vince has no qualms in deflecting it fine down the leg side. A boundary, second of the over. |
| 56.4 : M Starc to Vince, Perfect line, full and just around off, moving back in a bit, Vince lunges and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 56.5 : M Starc to Vince, Good line again, not offering much to the batsman to play with, James is not trying to be too fancy either. He just sticks back and keeps it out safely to short cover. |
| 56.6 : M Starc to Vince, Fractionally short in length around leg, not enough pace off the pitch to bother the batsman. Vince gets back and taps it down to mid-wicket. |
| 57.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Superb wristwork by Joe. He just flicks a full ball in the gap at mid-wicket and fetches a couple of runs. All too easy for a batsman of his caliber. |
| 57.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Hazlewood alters his length to go short, angling into the batsman and Root is early into his pull shot. Gets a bit of an under edge as it falls near the pitch. |
| 57.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Drops it on a length and outside off, straightening a hint off the seam, Root shoulders arms. |
| 57.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Shortish and on off, Root goes on the back foot and taps it down to point. Screams 'no' straightway. Maybe, Vince was eyeing a run. |
| 57.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Errs in line and drifts on the pads, Root nudges it to fine leg and scampers across for the second run. Josh has struggled for consistency in his line and length today. Something which is very rare. |
| 57.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, A strong front foot drive by Joe Root but he finds the short cover fielder. A good shot for no run. |
| Hammer is out! One of the groundsmen is trying to level up the area near the bowler's landing. Slight hold up in play. |
| 58.1 : M Starc to Vince, Bowls it just around off, attempting for a big inswinger from that region, but there is nothing on offer. Vince strides forward and defends it back. |
| 58.2 : M Starc to Vince, Pitches it full and outside off, inviting the batsman for a drive, Vince accepts it and strokes it through extra cover for a couple of runs. James has been particularly good with his drives today. |
| 58.3 : M Starc to Vince, Starc changes to round the wicket angle. He slants in a full ball on off, James defends it with gentle hands. |
| 58.4 : M Starc to Vince, Starc attempts to put it in the blockhole but ends up bowling it too full and wide outside off, Vince squeezes it out through point for one. |
| 58.5 : M Starc to Root, Beaten! Starc switches to over the wicket for the English skipper. He angles across a length ball outside off, zipping off the surface, Root is sucked into a drive and gets beaten. |
| Two fielders in the gully region now. |
| 58.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Fullish and on off, Root is on the front foot as he pushes it away to covers. |
| 59.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Hint of reverse there but the line is not good. Full and on the pads, James flicks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 59.2 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, holding its line, Vince sees it through carefully. |
| Direct hit! Such things are always close. Nathan Lyon it is and he is sure that he has got his man. The Australian are already celebrating. It's referred upstairs... |
| 59.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, OUT! Vince is sent packing on 83. Oh dear, what a heartbreak for the young man. But what an exceptional piece of fielding by Nathan Lyon at the same time! Brilliant, brilliant. Back of length delivery outside off, Vince tries to tap and run after playing it towards covers. He calls his partner through for a single and Root responds. Lyon manning the point region attacks the ball like a lion attacking on his prey, picks up the ball and booom...a direct hit at the non-s |
| Dawid Malan is the new batsman. |
| 59.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Outside off, left alone. |
| 59.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, On a good length outside off, played down with an angled bat to point. |
| 59.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Full and outside off, driven through the cover region for a couple of runs. |
| 60.1 : Starc to Malan, Full in length on off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 60.2 : M Starc to Malan, Angling away from the batsman outside off, Malan taps it down to covers for one. Off the mark. |
| 60.3 : M Starc to Root, Lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 60.4 : Starc to Root, Terrific delivery by Starc. Hits the blockhole at 142.8 kph and Root does really well to keep it out safely. |
| 60.5 : M Starc to Root, Sharp delivery, on a length around middle and leg, Root firmly gets behind the line and defends it back. |
| 60.6 : M Starc to Root, Poor delivery, down the leg side, Root tries to flick but misses. |
| 61.1 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Angling down the leg side, Malan tries to flick but misses. |
| 61.2 : J Hazlewood to Malan, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| This is what listening to on-air commentary does. Kevin Pietersen had come for his new stint on commentary when Vince and Stoneman were at the crease. While he was praising the Aussies for bowling well on a slowish pitch, he was kind of disappointed with the fielding tactics from Steven Smith. KP saw Smith changing his field and pushing point to the fence. He, at that time, opined that had he been the skipper, would have kept point in, then kept someone at short mid-wicket and bowled a straighti |
| 61.3 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Too full and on middle, pushed down to mid on. |
| 61.4 : J Hazlewood to Malan, A hint of movement back into the batsman from around off, Malan with his limited footwork defends it from the inner half of the bat. |
| 61.5 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Full and outside off, driven down to mid off where Warner made a diving stop. Saved a certain four. |
| 61.6 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Malan has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 62.1 : M Starc to Root, Poor line by Starc again. Like his last delivery, he once again slips one down the leg side. Root has no chance of getting any bat behind it. |
| 62.2 : M Starc to Root, FOUR! Starc gets some movement this time, but the line is middle and leg, Root leans forward and across before flicking it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 62.3 : M Starc to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 62.4 : M Starc to Root, In the air... safe! The pitch is surely offering more pace than the morning. Starc digs in a short ball on middle, Root top edges his attempted pull shot and it drops safely in the deep. The fine leg fielder cuts it off and they cross for a run. |
| 62.5 : M Starc to Malan, Good length ball outside off, Malan leaves it. |
| 62.6 : M Starc to Malan, Another delivery in the channel outside off, Malan makes another leave to end the over. |
| Bowling change. Nathan Lyon to have another go. He will be all pumped up after his brilliant fielding display. |
| 63.1 : N Lyon to Root, Flighted and on middle, flicked with the turn to backward square leg. |
| 63.2 : N Lyon to Root, The crowd gets excited along with the close-in Aussie fielders. Spin and bounce into Root, from around middle, the English skipper tries to defend but misses. It pops out from his front pad, Bancroft catches it and they all appeal. Nothing from Lyon and the umpire. |
| 63.3 : N Lyon to Root, Big turn down the leg side, Root fails to get bat on ball. Warner makes a half stop at leg gully but cannot prevent the bye. |
| 63.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Tossed up ball outside off, left alone by Malan. There are two slip fielders waiting for any outside edge. |
| 63.5 : N Lyon to D Malan, Here comes the edge but it's wide of second slip. Terrific bowling by Lyon. He draws the batsman forward with his line and then induces an outside edge due to the away spin. It sneaks past Bancroft for a couple of runs. |
| 63.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Beaten! Lyon once again gets it to drift into the batsman from around off, Malan commits himself on the front foot but is beaten by a slight away spin. |
| 64.1 : M Starc to Root, Back of a length delivery on off, Root punches it to covers. |
| 64.2 : M Starc to Joe Root, Nicely pulled. Short and on middle, Root eases it through the gap at backward square leg for a single. |
| 64.3 : M Starc to Malan, Starc oversteps and bowls it in the channel outside off. Dawid shoulders arms. |
| M Starc to Malan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 64.4 : M Starc to Malan, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 64.5 : M Starc to Malan, Full and swinging back into the batsman from around off, Malan defends it back with a tentative footwork. |
| 64.6 : M Starc to Malan, Fractionally short in length and in the channel outside off, not much movement, Malan sticks back and leaves it alone. |
| Drinks break. Certainly the best phase for the Aussies today. Courtesy a superlative act in the field by Lyon, they got rid of James Vince. Since then, their bowlers are on the money and they have a nervous looking Dawid Malan to deal with. One can smell a wicket looking at him. England will be hoping that he settles down quickly with the skipper looking fluent at the other end. |
| 65.1 : N Lyon to Root, Floated ball on middle, spinning down sharply, Root tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 65.2 : N Lyon to Root, Fullish and around off, Root tries to fancy this time. Brings out the reverse sweep but fails to middle it. It goes off the bottom half of his blade to covers. |
| 65.3 : N Lyon to Root, Loopy and around leg, spinning down, Joe leaves it. |
| 65.4 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter and around middle, Root gets behind the line and defends it to the leg side. That one probably stayed a bit low. |
| 65.5 : N Lyon to Root, Flighted one on middle and leg, Root gets across the stumps and flicks it uppishly towards short leg. Bancroft is late in reacting and it dies down after hitting him on the pads. |
| 65.6 : N Lyon to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Pat Cummins is back for another burst. A short leg in place as he runs in from around the wicket... |
| 66.1 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Good length ball on off, Malan goes on his back foot and defends it down. |
| 66.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Bowls this one wide outside off, Malan has nothing to do with it. |
| 66.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Targets the off stump with a length ball, Malan gets on the front foot and blocks it away. |
| 66.4 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, Tries to spear in a yorker but ends up slipping a low full toss, Malan is so nervous and uncertain at the moment that he gets a leading edge while attempting to flick it. Rolls to point. |
| 66.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Shout for an lbw! A back of a length ball angling into the batsman, Malan tries to work it across the line but misses. It hits him on the back leg and the bowler appeals. Nothing from the umpire. Height factor. |
| 66.6 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, Once again it's the identical length and Malan tries to hit it through the leg side. Seems to have got some under edge there. It goes behind and Paine fails to collect it. They sneak a single. |
| 67.1 : N Lyon to Malan, Loopy off spinner on off, Malan lunges and defends it to the off side. |
| 67.2 : N Lyon to Malan, A touch on the shorter side, landing around off and spinning away, Malan stays back and sees it through safely into Paine's gloves. |
| 67.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Turn and bounce but too wide outside off to bother the batsman. Is Lyon setting up the batsman for a slider? |
| Two slips in place. Silly point is also quite straight. A point fielder is also installed. Packing the off side, Steven Smith. |
| 67.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Floated off spinner around off, Malan plays the line, tries to defend but it shapes away a hint to beat the outside edge. |
| 67.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Tossed up ball outside off, easily left alone by Dawid. |
| 67.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Flatter and full on middle, defended on the leg side. |
| 68.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length delivery outside off, Root allows it through to the keeper. |
| 68.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Angling into the batsman this time, around off on a length, Root covers the line and defends it to the off side. |
| 68.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Keeps it wide outside off, an easy leave for the English skipper. |
| 68.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good leave. Big movement on this occasion, from a length outside off, Root covers the line and shoulders arms. That wasn't very far away from the off pole. |
| 68.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Root has played that off the front foot and into the ground. Solid. |
| 68.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, A touch short and on off, defended from the crease to the off side. |
| 69.1 : N Lyon to Malan, A loopy full ball on off, Malan gets forward to defend and does so from the outside half of the bat. |
| 69.2 : N Lyon to Malan, FOUR! That's a good shot! Short and outside off, spinning further away, Malan nicely camps back and slaps it through point for a boundary. |
| 69.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Tossed up ball outside off, spinning away, Malan allowed it through. |
| 69.4 : N Lyon to Malan, That's an absolute beauty! Plenty of turn for Lyon and he is testing Malan with his accurate line. Puts this one just around off, Dawid has to play at it but is beaten by the away spin. |
| 69.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Another off spinner in the channel outside off, Malan this time guards his stumps before making the leave. |
| 69.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Flatter around off, skidding back in probably, Malan defends it off his back foot. Another probing over by Nathan! |
| 70.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Offers width outside off, on the shorter side, Root lets it through to the keeper. |
| 70.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Too full and on off, Root does well to keep it out towards gully. |
| 70.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Serves it on a length outside off, shaping back in a bit, Root watches the line closely and then shoulders his arms. |
| Huge shout for an lbw. Umpire Erasmus remains unmoved. Pat Cummins looks at his skipper and convinces him to take the referral. First UDRS of the series... |
| 70.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, OUT! That's plumb! The crowd has gone bonkers, it's a massive breakthrough for the Aussies! Cummins bowls a peach of a delivery. He gets a full length ball to tail back into the English skipper from around off, Root falls over a bit in an attempt to flick it on the leg side and misses. He is rapped on the pads, they appeal but umpire Erasmus remains unmoved. Pat Cummins convinces his skipper to go for the DRS. The replays show that Root is hit in line and Hawk Eye conf |
| Moeen Ali walks in next. |
| 70.5 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Cummins greets the new batsman with a short ball. Moeen tries to get away but is hit on the body. It flies behind to Paine who collects it. For some reason, Steven Smith was also diving to his right and collides with his keeper. No harm done. A nice little hug moment, in fact. |
| 70.6 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Good length ball on off, defended from the back foot to mid on. |
| 71.1 : N Lyon to Malan, Flighted outside off, left alone. |
| 71.2 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 71.3 : N Lyon to Malan, FOUR! Skidding down the leg side, Malan gets a faint tickle behind it as it races away to the fine leg fence. |
| 71.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Spinning away from the batsman, Malan draws forward and plays it down towards second slip. Risky to open the face of the blade with the ball spinning away. |
| 71.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Floated and outside off, Malan allows it through. |
| 71.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Plays for the line around off but is beaten by the away turn. Tidy stuff from Lyon! |
| 72.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Full and on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for three runs. |
| 72.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Back of a length ball on off, Malan goes on his back foot and defends it down to short leg. |
| 72.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, FOUR! Shot! It's wide and fullish outside off, Malan transfers his weight on the front foot and caresses it through covers for a boundary. A confidence boosting shot! |
| 72.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Cummins switches to around the wicket. Serves a skiddy delivery, landing on a good length outside off, zipping through the surface, Malan leaves it alone. |
| 72.5 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, Full and outside off, a confident off drive this time by Malan but he finds Warner. |
| 72.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Short and angling down the leg side, Dawid shapes up for the pull shot but then leaves it alone. |
| 73.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Short and on off, Ali defends it off his back foot to the off side. |
| 73.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flighted and on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 73.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up ball on off, Ali lunges and defends it with soft hands to the off side. |
| 73.4 : N Lyon to Ali, SIX! That has gone all the way! Moeen will play his shots, that's his game. He goes down on one knee to a full ball and slogs it over mid-wicket. Not quite from the middle of the bat but it clears the rope. Always risky to play against the spin but Moeen is lucky this time. |
| 73.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Straighter in line this time, Ali nudges it through mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs. |
| 73.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Quicker and flatter outside off, Ali chooses to leave it. 8 from the over. |
| 74.1 : Pat Cummins to Malan, A real tempter. Full and outside off, on a driving length, Malan shoulders arms. |
| 74.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Angles in a full ball on off, Malan defends it close to his front pad. |
| 74.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, FOUR! Begging to be hit! A juicy half-volley around off, Malan with minimum front foot movement drives it crisply through extra cover for a boundary. He has played a couple of delightful drives in this innings. |
| 74.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, FOUR! Cummins seems to be tiring. He over-corrects his length and line, bowls it full and on middle, Malan leans across a bit and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 74.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Reverts to over the wicket angle and bowls a full ball on off, Malan defends it by getting forward. |
| 74.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Too full and on off, Malan drills it down the ground. It's racing but David Warner coming from mid off puts in a full length dive to his left to stop the speeding ball. |
| 75.1 : N Lyon to Ali, A touch short and on off, Moeen goes back and punches it a bit loosely towards the cover fielder. On a bounce it goes. |
| 75.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up ball outside off, Ali leaves it alone. |
| 75.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 75.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 75.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Floated and on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 75.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Flicks a full ball through square leg and retains strike. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. |
| 76.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length ball on middle, worked to square leg. |
| 76.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 76.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Full and angling away from the batsman, Ali drives it to covers. |
| 76.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Hazlewood once again puts it on a fuller length outside off, Ali this time drives it in the gap at covers for one. |
| 76.5 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Bowls it on a driving length outside off, Malan is not falling for it. Leaves it alone. |
| 76.6 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Hazlewood appeals for an lbw! Not given and after having a chat with his bowler, Steven Smith decides not to review it. A fullish delivery around leg, Malan fails to flick and is hit low on the pads. They appeal but to no avail. Maybe sliding down the leg side. The replays show that it pitched outside leg as well. |
| 77.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower through the air, drifting in and spinning away, Moeen allows it through. |
| 77.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 77.3 : Lyon to Ali, Shout for a catch! Steven Smith gets really excited but Tim Paine is not. A flatter and shorter delivery, staying a bit low, Ali tries to play the square cut but it goes under his bat to the keeper. |
| 77.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up ball on middle, Moeen takes his front leg forward and defends it back. |
| 77.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy and on off, another front foot defense by Ali. |
| 77.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Shortish and outside off, Ali punches it off his back foot to covers. |
| 78.1 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Angling away from the batsman, outside off, Malan tries playing inside the line but misses. |
| 78.2 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Almost sneaked through! Hazlewood dishes out a yorker, right in the blockhole, Malan does really well to dig it out back towards the bowler. |
| 78.3 : J Hazlewood to Malan, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 78.4 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Good length ball around off, angling away, Malan covers the line and shoulders arms. |
| 78.5 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Full and on off, driven off the front foot to the cover fielder. |
| 78.6 : J Hazlewood to Malan, FOUR! That's a top shot! Hazlewood digs in a short ball on middle, Malan rides the bounce and pulls it with all the control to the deep mid-wicket fence. After a nervy beginning, he is settling down now. |
| 79.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower loopy ball on middle, Moeen gets forward and defends it to the leg side. |
| 79.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter and full outside off, Moeen lunges and reaches out for it in defense. |
| 79.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Spinning away from the batsman outside off, Moeen leaves it alone. |
| 79.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Play and a miss! Beautifully bowled. An off spinning delivery drifting into the batsman, it's around off and Moeen is forced to play at it. But it spins away ever so slightly to beat the outside edge. Paine collects it, they all get excited for a moment but quickly realize that there ain't any edge. |
| 79.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Floated and outside off, an easy leave this time for Moeen. |
| 79.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Testing over. |
| Second new ball has been taken immediately by Australia. Mitchell Starc to operate with it first up. Two more overs left in the day's play. Day 1 heading towards a cracking finish. |
| 80.1 : M Starc to Malan, Full and right on the button. Around off and Malan defends it to the off side. |
| 80.2 : M Starc to Malan, Angles in a length ball on off, Malan stays backward and pushes it out with an angled bat to the off side. |
| Huge roar for an lbw! Not given. Mitchell Starc is not too confident and after a bit of deliberation, Steven Smith takes the referral. |
| 80.3 : M Starc to Malan, Not out! Waste of a review. Missing leg. Starc unleashes his trademark delivery, a full sharp one on middle, Malan tries flicking but is beaten for pace. He is hit on the pads, they appeal but umpire Erasmus shakes his head. Starc is not too sure as his skipper looks to him. After some deliberation, they take the review. The replays show that it's missing leg. And....they are going off as the umpires feel the light is not conducive to carry on. |
| Entertaining day of Test cricket. England moved forward cautiously after losing Alastair Cook cheaply and the newbies, Mark Stoneman and James Vince joined forces to see off the first session without any further harm. It rained for most parts in the second session but when the action resumed, Vince, in particular, looked in fluent touch. He along with Stoneman raised a century stand and provided a solid platform to the visiting team. |
| Just at the stroke of tea, Cummins breached Stoneman's defense and brought an end to a frustrating partnership for the Aussies. The hosts enjoyed a good last session where Nathan Lyon inflicted a run out to remove James Vince and then Pat Cummins' inswinger got the better of the English skipper. At this point of time, Australia will be really pleased as things could have gone really bad for them had they not struck twice in the last session. |
| Nathan Lyon was the most difficult bowler to face for the English team. His probing lines along with sharp turn and bounce from the track really gave the batsmen a hard time, especially the left-handers. Pat Cummins, too, found his rhythm after being ordinary in the first session while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood didn't look anywhere close to their best. |
| Heading into this series, England had three weak links in their batting department and they all left their mark. Mark Stoneman and James Vince played really well to prove their mettle while Dawid Malan after a nervy beginning has also shown his class. The morning session tomorrow will be very crucial and both teams will be eager to seize the initiative. Tomorrow there is an early start. Do join us at 0930 local time (2330 GMT previous day) for all the action. Cheers! |
| ...Day 2, Session 1... |
| Warm welcome, folks! After a rather subdued beginning to this Test match where the going was really slow in the first session yesterday, things picked up in the afternoon once the rain stopped. James Vince and Mark Stoneman emerged as the unlikely heroes for England. Their century stand provided England the early momentum as the newbies rewrote a phrase that not only necessity is the mother of invention but pressure is the mother of performance. They not only soaked up all the pressure and stood |
| Australia did not get the best of starts and it was a real toil for them in the first two sessions. Although, they made an excellent comeback in the evening by nipping out James Vince and Joe Root in relatively quick time. Courtesy a strong performance towards the end, mainly due to Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's brilliance, they find their noses just in front and would look to dominate the upcoming session with the second new ball which is only three balls old. The likes of Mitchell Starc and Jo |
| Special felicitation for the chief curator Kevin Mitchell Jr as he is set to retire after this game. He was presented with a memento by the Australian skipper Steven Smith just before the start of the day's play. |
| The men who matter walk out to the middle. Dawid Malan will be on strike and Moeen Ali will be at the non-striker's end. Mitchell Starc to continue his over, he has three balls left and would want to make full use of the second new cherry. The pitch was on the slower side yesterday but it is expected to quicken up today. Let us wait and watch though. Here we go.... |
| 80.4 : M Starc to Malan, Starts off with a length delivery which angles into the batsman. Strac got no swing whatsoever. His foot may have stuck into the pitch as he landed on his jump. He looked around straight away. Malan flicks it towards square leg. |
| 80.5 : M Starc to Malan, FOUR! First runs on day 2 and it is in the form of a boundary. Starc dishes out a full length ball on leg stump. Easy pickings for Malan, he flicks it through mid-wicket. Cummins tries giving a chase but is beaten and the ball races away. It also brings the 200 up for England. |
| 80.6 : M Starc to Malan, Length outside off, Malan lets it be. |
| Josh Hazlewood will bowl from the other end. He has three slips in place and also a gully. |
| 81.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Starts from over the wicket and angles the length ball away from the batsman. Moeen shoulders his arms to it. |
| 81.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length on middle, Moeen drives it beautifully towards the bowler. Hazlewood crouches down and makes a good stop. |
| 81.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Back of a length on off, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 81.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Similar length ball on off, Moeen solidly defends it. |
| 81.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, FOUR! Runs are flowing here in the first two overs for England. Fuller in length by Josh on off. Ali drives it uppishly over mid off. Warner does give it a chase but in vain as the ball reaches the fence. |
| 81.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 82.1 : M Starc to Malan, Fuller in length on off, Malan drives it to mid off. |
| 82.2 : M Starc to D Malan, FOUR! Dealing in boundaries here the away side. Full and outside off, Malan leans into the drive and times it beautifully through covers. Third boundary in three overs for England today. Starc does not look at his best as he just bowling in the mid-130s. |
| 82.3 : M Starc to Malan, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| Shane Warne is making a fair point on air. He is not too happy with the Australian pacers bowling full to Moeen Ali. Warnie reckons that he is a real suspect against short balls and the Aussies should be looking to test him early on. He also emphasizes on the fact that Moeen can prove to be really dangerous if not taken care of early in his innings. The hosts missing a trick here. |
| 82.4 : M Starc to Malan, Shorter in length outside off, Malan opts not to play at it. |
| 82.5 : M Starc to Malan, Just ahead of a length, no swing visible. Malan plants his front foot ahead and defends it towards mid off. |
| 82.6 : M Starc to Malan, Short on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot and onto the ground. |
| A slip has come out and a shortish cover is in place and also the point fielder has gone deeper. Hard to guess what's the plan here is... |
| 83.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good length on middle, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 83.2 : J Hazlewood to M Ali, Length ball on off, angling away form the left-hander. Ali tries to defend but gets a soft outside edge to the man at gully. |
| 83.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Just behind a length on off, Ali camps back and defends it. |
| 83.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ahead of a length around off, Ali pushes it on the up to the man at mid off. |
| 83.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good length outside off, Ali keeps his eyes on the ball and lets it through. |
| 83.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, A better delivery by Josh. He bowls it on a length around off, jags back in a touch. Ali tries to force it through the off side but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 84.1 : M Starc to Ali, A bouncer on middle, Ali ducks under it. That is the first one today. Moeen Ali is known to have problems with the short ones. |
| 84.2 : M Starc to Ali, In the air....but just short! Back of a length outside off by Starc. Ali pushes at it with hard hands and uppishly but just short of Bancroft at covers. He dives to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 84.3 : M Starc to Ali, Good idea but not the perfect execution! Starc goes for the yorker but ends up serving a full toss. Ali flicks it through mid-wicket off the inner half for a couple. |
| 84.4 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller in length outside off, Ali drives it to mid off. Starc is not happy with the landing area here. He is constantly having a look at it. |
| 84.5 : M Starc to Ali, Short again by Starc. Ali tries to pull it through the leg side from outside off but misses. |
| 84.6 : M Starc to Ali, Full and outside off, Ali lets it be. |
| The hammer is out to level the bowler's landing area. Starc was not happy about it and they are now getting it fixed. Australia will hope this solves Starc's problem. |
| 85.1 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Hazlewood comes around the wicket and bowls a full ball outside off. Malan drives it to mid off. |
| 85.2 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Fullish ball outside off, wanting the batsman to drive. Malan resists and once again leaves it. |
| 85.3 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Good length on off, Malan defends it stoutly. |
| 85.4 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Good length on off, angling into the batsman. Malan defends it rather comfortably. |
| 85.5 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Short ball on middle, it surprised Malan as he tried to pull but was late on the shot and he mistimes it towards mid on. |
| 85.6 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Bowls it on a length outside off, Malan point his bat skywards and lets it through. |
| An early bowling change! Pat Cummins who was very impressive yesterday comes into the attack. |
| 86.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Good length on off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 86.2 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Length outside off, Ali is not interested to play at it. |
| 86.3 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Bowls it on a length on the stumps, Ali prods forward and blocks it. |
| 86.4 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali once again leaves it. |
| Kevin Pietersen comes on air and backs Shane Warne's assessment. He also repeats that there are not much shorter stuffs tried by the Aussies and feels they are just waiting for things to happen rather than making it happen. Lacking energy and intent, KP adds further. He talks about two fielding positions in particular - a deep square leg and a deep point. Pietersen is not sure about the plans here from the Australians as they continue to bowl full driving lengths. |
| 86.5 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Fullish ball on off, Ali eases it to the man at mid off. |
| 86.6 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Lands it on a length outside off, Ali opts not to play at it. A maiden by Cummins but not a threatening one. |
| 87.1 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Fullish ball outside off, not making the batsman play often here Australia. Malan watchfully makes a leave. |
| 87.2 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batsman play. |
| 87.3 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Lands it on a length around off, Malan defends it to point. |
| Deep square leg goes out. |
| 87.4 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Lovely bowling but Malan played it well. Hazlewood bowls it on a length around off, gets it to shape away ever so slightly. Malan first thinks about playing at it but then takes his bat away at the very last moment. Good cricket all around. |
| 87.5 : J Hazlewood to Malan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 87.6 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Good length on middle, Malan defends it back to the bowler. |
| 88.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Length ball outside off, comes in with the angle. Ali trusts the line and the bounce and lets it be. |
| 88.2 : Pat Cummins to Ali, A top edge but Marsh can't get to it! Once again the short ball is creating problems for Moeen. Cummins bangs it in on middle, Ali goes for the pull but gets a top edge which goes on the bounce to Shaun Marsh who was at deep square leg. He runs in, late in taking off probably and it falls short. A single taken. |
| 88.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, BOUNCER! The batsman does well to duck under it at the last moment. |
| 88.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Fullish ball outside off, Malan leaves it. |
| 88.5 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, Finds the edge but it lands well short of Smith at second slip. Just ahead of a length around off, Malan is rooted to his crease as he tries to defend. He gets an outside edge which goes to the left of Smith who dives and makes a good stop. |
| 88.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Bangs in a short one with a lot of fizz. Malan does really well to evade it. |
| Spin! Nathan Lyon is into the attack. He was unlucky yesterday as he bowled beautifully without any success. |
| 89.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 89.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flicks it with the angle to short leg. |
| 89.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 89.4 : N Lyon to Ali, JAFFA! Oh Lyon, you have to feel bad for this guy. He has been brilliant with no luck. He tosses it up and gets it to drift into the batsman. It also dips in. It pitches around middle and leg. Ali tries to defend but gets beaten by the sharp away turn. Brilliant! It nearly took the off stump. |
| 89.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 89.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Fires it on the pads, Ali flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. This also brings up the 50-run stand between the two. |
| 90.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Shorter in length, aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Moeen flicks it down towards fine leg for a run. |
| 90.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Back of a length on off, Malan gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it. |
| 90.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 90.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Fuller ball on off, the batsman drives it to covers. |
| 90.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The intent which Starc was missing is shown here by Cummins. He once again bangs in a short one, a well-directed one. Malan does well to evade it. |
| 90.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 91.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Floats it on off, Ali prods forward and blocks it. |
| 91.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower through the air outside off, Ali first thought about sweeping it but then pulls out and lets it be. He had swept Lyon for a maximum yesterday on a similar delivery. |
| 91.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 91.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Gives it air outside off, Ali need not play at it. |
| 91.5 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 91.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Flighted ball on middle, Ali lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 92.1 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Fullish ball outside off, Malan drives it through the off side for a couple. |
| 92.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Good bowling! Length around off, gets some outward movement after pitching. Malan feels for it and gets beaten. |
| 92.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Back of a length on off, Malan defends it towards point. |
| 92.4 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, Fullish ball around off, Malan times his drive beautifully but cannot find the gap as he hits it straight to the man at covers. |
| 92.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Length on off, Malan defends it solidly. |
| 92.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, He comes over the wicket for the last ball and angles it away from the batsman. Malan who has shown great temperament makes a leave. |
| 93.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower through the air outside off, Moeen opts not to play at it. |
| 93.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter ball on off, turns away from the batsman. Ali lets it be. That was a brave leave by Ali as that was quite close to the off stump. |
| 93.3 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! He likes playing this shot! Lyon floats it full on off, Ali goes down on one knee and sweeps it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 93.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Drags his length back outside off, Ali cuts it to point. |
| 93.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Comes from over the wicket and fires it on off, Ali defends it with authority. |
| 93.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Tosses it up on middle, Ali plants his front foot forward and defends it. |
| 94.1 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Length on off, Malan drives it to mid off. |
| 94.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 94.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, A mishap in the field and Starc is the one at the receiving end! Short on middle, maybe Malan was expecting it. He pulls it towards backward square leg. Starc at first fails to pick it up but then runs to his right from fine leg. He slides to stop but Marsh collects it in front of him as he came running to his left from deep square leg. Shaun's spikes must have hit Starc on his knee as he tried to pick the ball up and Mitchell is seen walking off the field to get some |
| 94.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 94.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Fuller in length on off, Malan drives it to mid off. |
| 94.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, FOUR! You don't need to run for those. Full and outside off, Malan drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. |
| 95.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Shorter in length on middle, Ali flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 95.2 : N Lyon to D Malan, Slower through the air on middle, turns away from Malan who gets squared up as he tries to defend it. |
| 95.3 : N Lyon to D Malan, FOUR! Short and wide outside off. Too easy for Malan he cuts it through backward point to fetch himself a boundary. |
| 95.4 : N Lyon to Malan, A good comeback delivery! He tosses it up on off, gets it to turn away. Malan tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 95.5 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 95.6 : N Lyon to Malan, BEATEN! Turn, bounce the only thing missing there was the edge. Floats it on off, turns viciously and also bounces. Malan tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 96.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 96.2 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Works it against the angle through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 96.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Comes around the wicket and angles it into the batsman. Malan defends it off the back foot. |
| 96.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Shorter in length, does not quite bounce a lot. Malan still manages to pull it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 96.5 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Good length on off, straightens after pitching. Ali tries to defend but gets an outside edge which rolls along the ground to gully. |
| 96.6 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Back of a length outside off, Ali plays it wristly towards mid on. |
| 97.1 : N Lyon to Malan, Flatter on off, turning away. Malan defends it nicely. |
| 97.2 : N Lyon to Malan, Quicker outside off, Malan guides it to backward point. |
| 97.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Starc is back on the field. So the injury was not that serious. Australia will breath a sigh of relief. |
| 97.4 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 97.5 : N Lyon to Malan, With a silly point in place now, Lyon tosses it up outside off, Malan lets it be. |
| 97.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Fifty for Malan, his third in Tests and all three have come in his last five innings. He will be eyeing something big now. He was shaky at the start but has fought well out there. Lyon tosses it up down the leg side. Malan sweeps it through short fine leg for an easy single. |
| Drinks! We are midway through the first session and England have done exceedingly well to see off the early phase without any casualty. The Australian bowling lacked intent and energy as the likes of Starc and Hazlewood struggled once again. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon continue to test the batsmen and the home side will be relying on them to get the breakthrough. |
| Mitchell Starc is back on. He has a change of ends. A leg slip in place. |
| 98.1 : M Starc to Malan, Short down the leg side, Malan goes for the pull but misses. |
| 98.2 : M Starc to Malan, Short again, aimed at the rib cage of the batsman but does not bounce a lot. Malan works it towards short leg. |
| 98.3 : M Starc to Malan, Shorter in length again. Malan pulls it to the man at fine leg for a run. Not bouncing much again and it helped the batsman in keeping his shot down. |
| 98.4 : M Starc to Ali, Going for the short ball but the ball is not bouncing high enough which makes it easy for the batsman. Bangs it in on middle, Ali works it through square leg for a run. |
| 98.5 : M Starc to Malan, Shortish ball, Malan hops and tucks it on the leg side. |
| 98.6 : M Starc to Malan, OUCH! Not easy being a short leg fielder! Starc bangs it in again. Malan takes up the challenge of pulling it and he hits it firmly but straight onto the grill of Bancroft and then it deflects onto his shoulder. Lucky he was wearing a helmet there. Malan straightaway apologizes, good gesture by the English batsman. |
| 99.1 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 99.2 : N Lyon to M Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali drives it to covers. |
| 99.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Drags his length back outside off, Ali pushes it to covers. |
| 99.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 99.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Fires it it on leg stump, Ali works it to mid-wicket. |
| 99.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Quicker on off, Ali pushes it to covers. |
| 100.1 : M Starc to D Malan, Short on middle Malan pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 100.2 : M Starc to Ali, Short in length, Ali pulls it towards mid on where Hazlewood makes a diving stop to his right. |
| 100.3 : M Starc to Ali, Shorter in length again, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 100.4 : M Starc to Malan, Goes for some chin music but errs in line and fires it down the leg side. Malan lets it be. |
| 100.5 : M Starc to Malan, FOUR! Too predictable by Starc! Short again, Malan was waiting for it and pulls it through backward square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 100.6 : M Starc to Malan, Shortish ball again, Malan mistimes his pull to square leg. |
| 101.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower through the air on off, turning away. Ali goes for the sweep but is early into the shot. The ball hits the underedge and then rolls off the pads towards the off side. |
| 101.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on off, Ali punches it to the man at covers. |
| 101.3 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 101.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Drags his length back on middle, Ali flicks it through square leg and bags a brace. Good running! |
| 101.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Drifts it down the leg side, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 101.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 102.1 : M Starc to Ali, The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. They pick up a single. |
| 102.2 : M Starc to Malan, OUT! 150th Test wicket for Starc. The short ball ploy has finally worked! Starc is a happy man. He gets his second. Malan had been playing that shot really well but it eventually brought his downfall. Short again by Starc, around off, he gets the desired bounce on this delivery. Malan still goes for the hook but gets a top edge which flies straight down to Shaun Marsh who pouches it at deep square leg. Dawid departs after playing an important innings and the 83-run partn |
| Jonny Bairstow is the next man in. |
| 102.3 : M Starc to Ali, Pulls the short ball to mid on. |
| 102.4 : M Starc to Ali, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 102.5 : M Starc to M Ali, A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 102.6 : M Starc to Bairstow, Welcomes Bairstow with a short ball on middle. Jonny ducks under it. |
| 103.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Fires it down the leg side, Ali tries to flick but misses. |
| 103.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Short outside off, Ali cuts it through covers. The sweeper in the deep runs to his left and bags a brace. |
| Review time! Ali is adjudged LBW and he looks like a goner unless he has hit it. He reviews it. Looking very sure. Let's see... |
| 103.3 : N Lyon to Ali, OUT! Lyon finally gets off the mark. A good decision by the umpire as that had straightened enough. Two wickets in quick succession for Australia and they are back into it. Ali bowls it on middle, the ball straightens a touch. Ali does not cover the line and tries to defend. He misses and the ball hits the pad. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ali, after a chat with Bairstow decides to review. Replays show there was no bat involved and the ball is clippi |
| Chris Woakes replaces Moeen Ali. |
| 103.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Another appeal! Tosses it up on middle, turning back in. Woakes tires to defend but misses and is struck high on the pads. Lyon appeals but the umpire remains put. Too high! |
| 103.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 103.6 : N Lyon to C Woakes, Fuller on middle, Woakes tries to flick it towards mid on. he does so uppishly but short of Lyon, who dives to his right and gets a hand to it. |
| 104.1 : M Starc to Bairstow, Full toss on off, Jonny drives it to covers. |
| 104.2 : M Starc to Bairstow, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 104.3 : M Starc to Bairstow, WIDE! Short ball, it bounces way above the batsman's head and the umpire signals a wide. |
| M Starc to Bairstow, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 104.4 : M Starc to Bairstow, Good length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 104.5 : M Starc to Bairstow, Very full outside off, almost a yorker. Bairstow jams it out to point. |
| 104.6 : M Starc to Bairstow, Short ball on off, Jonny does well to leave it. |
| 105.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, OUT! Woakes goes for a duck! One brings two, two brings three. What a period of play here for Australia. Lyon is weaving his magic here. This was a beautifully delivery by him. He tosses it up outside off, Woakes tries to force it against the spin through the off side. He leaves a gap between bat and pad in doing so. The ball turns in and sneaks through the gap to hit timber. Nathan is delighted, he gets his second and Australia are on top now. |
| 0.0 : Stuart Broad strides out to the middle. |
| 105.2 : N Lyon to Broad, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 105.3 : N Lyon to Broad, The batsman has driven it towards mid off. |
| 105.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter outside off, Broad guides it to point. |
| 105.5 : N Lyon to S Broad, EDGED BUT SHORT! Lyon tosses it up on off, turning away. Broad tries to defend but gets an outside edge which lands short of the diving Warner who is at second slip. |
| 105.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter outside off, Broad pads it away. |
| Pat Cummins is back into the attack now. |
| 106.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Short from around the wicket. Jonny ducks under it. |
| 106.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 106.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length outside off, Jonny punches it through covers for a run. |
| 106.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Bouncer! Broad does well to duck under it. |
| 106.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Short again on middle, Stuart does well to evade it. |
| 106.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Keep your eyes on the ball Broad! That must have hurt the tall, fast bowler. Cummins bangs it short on leg stump. Broad, blindly tries to take evasive action but the ball hits him on his elbow. |
| 107.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, FOUR BYES! No chance for the keeper as there was turn and sharp bounce down the leg side. Lyon fires it on middle, the ball turns sharply and also bounces. Bairstow misses the flick and Paine too fails to collect it. Warner at leg slip dives but in vain and the ball races to the fine leg fence. |
| 107.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 107.3 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Works it with the spin through the leg side for a run. |
| 107.4 : N Lyon to Broad, FOUR! Smart batting! Lyon darts it full on middle, Broad goes down on one knee and uses the pace of Lyon as he paddles it fine through short fine leg for a boundary. |
| 107.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Quicker on middle, Broad defends it off the front foot. |
| 107.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 108.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Good length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 108.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Flicks it with the angle through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and keeps it down to two. |
| 108.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, FOUR! Trademark Bairstow! He is excellent in that area. Short and wide from Cummins. Bairstow stays leg side of the ball and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 108.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Again stays leg side of the ball and guides the short one to gully. |
| 108.5 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Short on middle, Jonny ducks under it. |
| 108.6 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Bouncer again, Jonny tries to pull but is early into the shot and mistimes it towards mid-wicket. |
| 109.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Fires it on middle, Broad taps it towards mid-wicket for a run. Bad cricket by Australia, they are giving easy runs to Broad. Lyon would have wanted to bowl to him. |
| 109.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Shorter in length outside off, Jonny cuts it to point. |
| 109.3 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. The batsmen have run through for a single. Lyon just gave a nudge to Broad as he was running to the striker's end. The question here is was it intentional? Lyon would say no. |
| 109.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter outside off, Broad lets it be. |
| 109.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 109.6 : N Lyon to S Broad, Full outside off, Broad drives it through covers for a brace. |
| 110.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Almost drags it on! Fuller in length by Pat, tailing back in a touch. Bairstow tries to drive but gets an inside edge onto his back pad. |
| 110.2 : Cummins to Bairstow, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Bairstow goes for the flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Surely missing leg. |
| 110.3 : Cummins to J Bairstow, OUT! England are losing their way here. Cummins who has bowled his heart out has got his third. The ever-reliable Jonny is walking back as another one falls to the short ball. Pat bangs it in around off, Jonny stays leg side of the delivery like he has done in this innings and tries to drag his pull. The ball however takes the top edge and loops towards square leg. Paine who has not had a good time with the gloves, runs towards the ball and completes the catch. That |
| Jake Ball walks out to the middle. |
| 110.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 110.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, EXCELLENT STUFF! Back of a length on off, angling away from the batsman. Broad pokes at it to get beaten. |
| 110.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 111.1 : N Lyon to J Ball, FOUR! Handy runs for England here! Flatter on off, goes on with the arm. Ball tries to defend but gets an outside edge, past the diving Smith at slip for a boundary. |
| 111.2 : N Lyon to Ball, Fires it down the leg side and the batsman lets it be. |
| 111.3 : N Lyon to Ball, Shorter on middle, Jake Ball pushes it to covers. Not a good option in playing against the spin. |
| 111.4 : N Lyon to Ball, FOUR! He has shown his intentions here! Tossed up by Lyon. Jake Ball sweeps it hard through square leg for a boundary. Two boundaries in the over. |
| 111.5 : N Lyon to Ball, FOUR! Make that three! Short and outside off, Ball cuts it through backward point to fetch himself his third boundary. Crucial runs for England. |
| 111.6 : N Lyon to Ball, Floats it up on off, Ball tries to go through the off side but gets it off the inner half towards mid on for a run. 13 runs from the over. |
| 112.1 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 112.2 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Short again, a nasty one. Ball anyhow manages to guide it down to third man for a run. |
| 112.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Bangs it in again. Broad evades it. |
| 112.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Back of a length outside off, Broad guides it to point. |
| 112.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Shortish in length outside off, Broad guides it towards point to change strike. |
| 112.6 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Errs in line and bowls it down the leg side, Ball tries to flick but misses. |
| Mitchell Starc is into the attack. This probably will be the last over before lunch, unless he takes a wicket. He has an excellent record against the tail. |
| 113.1 : M Starc to Broad, He comes around the wicket and bangs it in short. Broad hops and tucks it to short leg. |
| 113.2 : M Starc to Broad, Short again, Broad walks across and flicks it around the corner for a run. |
| 113.3 : M Starc to Ball, Short again, setting up Ball for the yorker? Jake evades it. |
| 113.4 : M Starc to Ball, OUT! What a stunner by Warner, that was a brilliant reflex catch. Excellent anticipation by the little pocket dynamite. He was unfit before the game, right? Must be joking. A lot of credit should be given to him on this wicket as it was a nothing ball. Starc goes for the bouncer but bowls it down the leg side. Ball manages to connect with his glance off the hips. He thought he had fetched himself another boundary but Warner had different ideas. He flies to his right and c |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 113.5 : M Starc to Anderson, The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side. |
| 113.6 : M Starc to Anderson, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 114.1 : Pat Cummins to Broad, On the leg side again, Broad flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 114.2 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, A nasty one on middle, Anderson somehow manages to keep the ball down to and to the man at leg gully. |
| 114.3 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, Bangs it in again, Anderson tucks it to short leg. |
| 114.4 : Cummins to J Anderson, EDGY FOUR! Anderson won't mind! He makes room and tries to pull the short ball but gets a top edge over the keeper and into the fence. |
| 114.5 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, Length ball outside off, shaping away from the batsman. Anderson pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 114.6 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, OUCH! A well-directed short ball on leg stump. Anderson tries to take evasive action but is late in doing so. The ball hits him on the body and rolls on the leg side. |
| 115.1 : M Starc to Broad, An excellent short ball on middle, Broad somehow manages to evade it. |
| 115.2 : M Starc to Broad, FOUR! DROPPED! Not an easy catch but it should have been taken! Starc again bowls it short. Broad takes his right leg out of the way and goes for the pull. He gets a top edge towards deep square leg. Marsh in the deep runs behind, gets under the ball and also gets two hands to it but drops it. To add salt to the wound it touches the boundary line as well. Starc is not a happy man as he is marching back to his bowling mark. |
| 115.3 : M Starc to Broad, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 115.4 : M Starc to S Broad, Bangs it in again, Broad pulls it towards mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 115.5 : M Starc to Broad, FOUR! That was hit with conviction! Short by Starc, Broad again takes on the challenge of pulling it and does well through square leg for a boundary. |
| 115.6 : M Starc to Broad, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. |
| 116.1 : J Hazlewood to Anderson, Short again but down the leg side, Anderson tries to flick but gets beaten. |
| 116.2 : J Hazlewood to Anderson, Shorter in length again, Anderson walks across and tucks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 116.3 : J Hazlewood to Broad, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 116.4 : J Hazlewood to Broad, OUT! This time the catch is taken, Handscomb is the man. Hazlewood finally gets a wicket. He bowls a short one. Broad goes for the pull but fails to keep it down towards deep square leg. Handscomb there runs to his left and takes a nice tumbling catch. An entertaining knock by Broad comes to an end. ENGLAND ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 302! |
| 6 for 56...what a collapse for England! They were going nicely in the first 75 minutes of the morning session but then suddenly lost the plot. Once the 83-run stand between Malan and Moeen was broken, it went awry for them. The Australian bowlers after an ordinary initial show, finally struck gold. Their short bowling ploy earned them rich dividends and helped them in triggering a collapse. Also the spin and bounce which Nathan Lyon garnered from this pitch was amazing and his bowling figures do |
| The visiting team will be disappointed after throwing away the opportunity to post a big first innings total. However, the three supposedly weak links in their batting, Stoneman, Vince and Malan, proved their selection right by notching up fifties and playing a handy part in England crossing the 300-run mark. The pitch has quickened up surely but it's still a good one for batting. Although, the spin of Moeen Ali can prove to be lethal on this track. Do join us after the lunch break for Australia |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson who is bowling the first over with a silly mid on, three slips and a gully. He lands it on a length around off, shapes in a touch. Bancroft, on debut, makes a watchful leave. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The out swinger this time, but the line is outside off. Bancroft need not play at it. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, On the stumps, at a length. The batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, First Test runs for Bancroft, that should settle his nerves. Anderson bowls it on a length and gets it to shape away. Bancroft guides it through backward point. The fielder from third slip gives it a chase, dives and pushes the ball back. The batsmen run two. |
| My colleague informs me the exact reason why there is a silly mid on in place. He mentions that Cameron Bancroft has played county cricket in England and loves playing down the ground. The English bowlers will be knowing this fact and as a result they are prepared with their game plan. Good to see that they are paying so much attention even to a debutant. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Back of a length on middle, the batsman pushes it to mid on. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, On the pads, Bancroft flicks it down to fine leg to keep strike in the next over. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. He too has three slips in place and a gully. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Comes steaming in and bowls it right on the money on off. Bancroft defends it with authority off the back foot. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Bancroft flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket who makes a good stop diving to his right. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Lands it on a length on middle, Bancroft defends it stoutly. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Just ahead of a length on off, Bancroft defends it back to the bowler who catches the ball and mimes a throw at the striker's end. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, A peach to finish! He goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Broad gets the ball to move away after pitching it around off. Bancroft tries to defend but gets beaten. A good over by him, a maiden to start up. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Shorter in length on middle, Warner tucks it towards mid-wicket to change strike and get off the mark. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Appeal but not given! Too high! Anderson gets it to shape into the batsman from middle. Bancroft tries to flick but misses and is struck on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire remains put. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Length outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bowled outside off, the batsman need not play at those. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Warner, Broad comes around the wicket to the left-hander and lands it on a length around off, Warner taps it towards mid off for a quick single. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to C Bancroft, Angles it on middle, Bacroft flicks it to the man at mid on. He looks a strong player through the leg side. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, As I say that he bags a two through square leg! Broad once again bowls it on the pads, Bancroft flicks it through square leg for a brace. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, OUT! The commentators on-air just mentioned they should be bowling it outside off to him, Broad exactly does that and he gets the reward. He was getting it into Bancroft and now bowls an awayswinger. A short stay for the debutant and England get an early wicket. Fuller outside off, wanting the batsman to drive. Bancroft obliges and goes for it but gets an edge in doing so. Baristow behind the stumps dives to his right and takes a decent catch. |
| Usman Khawaja walks out at number 3. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Flicks it off his pads through square leg for a run. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Khawaja, BEATEN! Lands it on a length around off, angles it away. Khawaja tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Good length on off, UJ defends it off the back foot. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Bowls it on a length outside off, Khawaja lets it be. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Second time in the over! Lovely stuff from Anderson. He bowls it around off and middle, gets it to shape away. Khawaja lazily pokes at it to get beaten. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Warner, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Warner, Flicks it with the angle through square leg for an easy run. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to U Khawaja, FOUR! STREAKY! Back of a length on off, shapes away after pitching. Khawaja tries to defend but gets an outside edge past the diving Root at third slip for a boundary. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Khawaja, Fuller on middle, the batsman drives it to mid on. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Just ahead of a length on off, UJ defends it solidly. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, Good length outside off, Khawaja lets it be. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Length on middle, Warner plays it towards mid on and sets off for a run. The fielder is quick to the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. No harm done. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to U Khawaja, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Khawaja square drives it to get his first boundary. Not quite from the middle of the bat but still enough to run through the gap at backward point. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Length on middle, Khawaja defends it off the back foot. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Shorter in length, Khawaja goes for the pull but gets an under edge onto his pads. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to D Warner, Shorter in length around off, Warner pulls it towards deep backward square leg and some good running helps him take two. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to D Warner, A stifled appeal by Broad! He bowls it full on middle, Warner tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The players appeal but then pull out of it. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller on middle, Warner plays it back to the bowler who misfields but does not concede a run. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Warner, Pulls his length back on off, Warner pushes it towards mid off for a run. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Angles it on the pads, Khawaja flicks it through square leg for a brace. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, He comes over the wicket and lands it on a length around off. Khawaja defends it off the front foot. |
| Spin introduced early! Moeen Ali is into the attack. He is brought on early as there are two left-handers. |
| 8.1 : M Ali to Warner, Very full outside off, Warner squeezes it to covers |
| 8.2 : M Ali to Warner, FOUR! Ali tosses it up outside off, Warner drives it through covers beautifully. The fielder from mid off gives it a chase but in vain. |
| 8.3 : M Ali to D Warner, A full toss has been driven superbly to the covers but not in the gap this time. |
| 8.4 : M Ali to Warner, BEATEN! Just like Lyon in the first innings, Ali is also getting the spin. He gets the ball to drift into the batsman and then gets it to spin away. Warner lunges forward to block it but gets beaten. |
| 8.5 : M Ali to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, Warner cuts it to point. |
| 8.6 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Chris Woakes is into the attack. |
| 9.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Starts off with a length ball on off, Khawaja defends it. |
| 9.2 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Just ahead of a length on middle, Khawaja defends it towards mid om. |
| 9.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Fullish outside off, Khawaja resists the temptaion as driving it and lets it be. |
| 9.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Shorter in length on middle, Khawaja pulls it nicely towards backward square leg. Ali there slides and makes a good stop as the batsmen run one. |
| 9.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Length ball on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot. |
| 9.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Short and width on offer, Warner cuts it but there is a man in the deep at point so it is only a run. |
| 10.1 : M Ali to D Warner, Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 10.2 : M Ali to Khawaja, BEATEN! Ali bowls it wide outside off, gets it to turn away. Khawaja need not play at those but still tries to defend it and gets beaten. |
| 10.3 : Ali to Khawaja, OUT! Khawaja's trouble against spin continues! The plan to introduce Moeen early has worked! Joe Root is absolutely delighted and why won't he be, they now have Australia in a spot of bother here. Ali bowls the slider on off, that comes in with the arm. Khawaja plays for the turn and is beaten as there isn't any. He gets hit on the front pad. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Khawaja knew he was a dead duck and walks away towards the hut. |
| Steven Smith, the skipper, walks out to the middle. A slip, a leg slip and a silly mid on in place. |
| 10.4 : M Ali to Smith, Works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 10.5 : M Ali to Smith, Fuller on middle, Smith flicks it through square leg to get off the mark. |
| 10.6 : M Ali to Warner, Flatter on middle, Warner punches it to covers. |
| 11.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, FOUR! WOW! What a shot! Fuller on middle, trying to get Smith LBW. He is up for the challenge and drives it througb mid on for a boundary. |
| 11.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.3 : C Woakes to Smith, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 11.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 11.5 : C Woakes to Smith, A brace leave by Smith. Woakes makes good use of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Much closer to the off pole but Smith covers his off stump and leaves it. |
| 11.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it solidly. |
| 12.1 : M Ali to Warner, Floats it up on off, Warner drives it to the man at covers. There are two fielders there. |
| 0.0 : Talk about deep observation. Our friend and colleague points about the involvement of three Pakistani origin cricketers in the last dismissal, Moeen Ali, Usman Khawaja and Aleem Dar. Good to have some subcontinent flavour in Ashes. |
| 12.2 : M Ali to Warner, Fuller in length on off, Warner drives it to covers again. |
| 12.3 : M Ali to Warner, Fires it on middle, Warner drives it down to mid on. |
| 12.4 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 12.5 : M Ali to Warner, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 12.6 : M Ali to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 13.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 13.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Length outside off, Smith needs not play at those. |
| 13.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller in length on middle, Smith drives it towards mid on. The fielder there runs to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 13.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Errs in line and drifts on the pads. Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 13.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Angles it on middle, Smith walks across and flicks it down towards fine leg to change strike. |
| 13.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length on middle, Warner defends it with authority. |
| 14.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on off, Smith prods forward and blocks it. |
| 14.2 : M Ali to Smith, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 14.3 : M Ali to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 14.4 : M Ali to Smith, Quicker on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 14.5 : M Ali to Smith, Tosses it up, Smith lets it turn and closes the face of the bat and tucks it through square leg for a run. |
| 14.6 : M Ali to Warner, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 15.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller in length outside off, Warner drives it towards wide mid off for a run. |
| 15.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Just ahead of a length outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 15.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller outside off, wanting Smith to drive. He resists and lets it through. |
| Chris Woakes is working with a leg gully in place. Steven Smith often shuffles way too across the stumps as his trigger movement. Generally, he is very strong off his hips but Woakes maybe is expecting a miscued shot from him early in his innings. |
| 15.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 15.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Goes wide of the crease and bowls it on a length on off, Smith defends it solidly. |
| 15.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length outside off, Steven opts not to play at it. So, an entire over has gone by without a delivery around leg, near Smith's rib cage. Maybe, Woakes wanted to make the Aussie skipper conscious with that field placement. |
| 16.1 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman has driven it through mid on. |
| 16.2 : M Ali to Warner, Uses his feet and strokes it down towards mid on for a run. |
| 16.3 : M Ali to Smith, Short ball, turning back in. Smith goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket. He, however, does not quite get it off the middle, still enough to earn him three. |
| 16.4 : M Ali to Warner, Tosses it up on off, Warner drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| 16.5 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball to the off side. |
| 16.6 : M Ali to Smith, Tucks it with the spin on the leg side but straight to short leg. |
| Jake Ball is into the attack now. |
| 17.1 : J Ball to Warner, Good length around off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 17.2 : J Ball to D Warner, NO BALL! The first of this innings! Ball oversteps as he lands a full ball on off. Warner drives it straight to mid off. |
| J Ball to Warner, Fullish ball on off, Warner eases it towards wide mid off for a run. |
| 17.3 : J Ball to S Smith, Fullish in length on off, Smith times his drive perfectly to mid off but fails to find the gap. |
| 17.4 : J Ball to Smith, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 17.5 : J Ball to Smith, Goes wide of the crease, angles it into the batsman. Smith trusts the bounce and does not play at it. |
| 17.6 : J Ball to Smith, Just ahead of a length on off, Smith defends it towards mid off for no runs. |
| 18.1 : M Ali to Warner, Flatter on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 18.2 : M Ali to Warner, Works it with the angle to mid-wicket. That was darted into the batsman at 90.2 kph. |
| 18.3 : M Ali to Warner, Very full on middle, Warner clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 18.4 : M Ali to Warner, FOUR! DEFT! Flatter outside off, Warner waits for it to come to him and then opens the face of the bat to guide it through short third man for a boundary. |
| 18.5 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total. |
| 18.6 : M Ali to Smith, Smith makes good use of his feet, he gets to the pitch of the ball and flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder at square leg makes good ground to his left, slides and saves a run for his side. Warner there wanted the fourth run but was sent back by his partner. |
| 19.1 : J Ball to Smith, Good length outside off, Smith opts not to play at it. |
| 19.2 : J Ball to Smith, Short ball on middle, Smith pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a run. |
| 19.3 : J Ball to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner guides it through point and some good running helps them take two. |
| 19.4 : J Ball to Warner, OUT! A soft dismissal! Warner is walking back, what a wicket for England. Ball provides it. He bangs it a touch short on middle, cramping Warner for room. He jumps and tries to pull it but does so uppishly and straight to mid-wicket where Malan takes it on the second attempt. He has gotten out a s lot of times playing this kind of a shot. Ball is absolutely pumped. Australia in big trouble here. They still trail by another 243 runs. |
| Peter Handscomb walks out to the middle. Joe Root is quite vocal in the field and Shane Warne (on air) compares him with a traffic cop. The English skipper has employed three slips, a gully and a point in the catching position for the new batsman. |
| 19.5 : J Ball to P Handscomb, Off the mark with three! Shorter in length outside off, Handscomb punches it through backward point for three. |
| 19.6 : J Ball to Smith, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 20.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 20.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 20.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 20.4 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 20.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Just behind a length on off, Smith defends it showing the full face of the bat. |
| 20.6 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 21.1 : J Ball to Handscomb, Angles it into the batsman. Handscomb pushes it to mid on. |
| 21.2 : J Ball to Handscomb, Back of a length on off, Handscomb pushes it to point. |
| 21.3 : J Ball to Handscomb, A yorker on middle, excellent bowling. Handscomb does well to dig it out. Good cricket all around. |
| 21.4 : J Ball to Handscomb, Fuller in length on middle. Peter drives it to mid on. |
| 21.5 : J Ball to Handscomb, Short outside off, Handscomb goes for the cut but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to the keeper. |
| 21.6 : J Ball to Handscomb, Good length on middle, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| A leg slip in place for Steven Smith. |
| 22.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it to mid off. |
| 22.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 22.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Angles it into the pads, Smith flicks it to square leg. |
| 22.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Drifts it on the pads, Smith goes for the flick but fails to connect. The ball hits the pads and goes to leg slip. |
| 22.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Ahead of a length on middle, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 22.6 : J Anderson to Smith, This time he gets the flick away. Fuller on the pads, Smith flicks it through backward square leg for a brace. The fielder misfields but does not concede any extra run. |
| 23.1 : J Ball to Handscomb, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 23.2 : J Ball to Handscomb, FOUR! Ball lands it on a length outside off, Handscomb tries to defend but it goes off the edge and along the ground past the diving gully fielder for a boundary. |
| 23.3 : J Ball to Handscomb, Fuller in length on middle, Peter defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.4 : J Ball to Handscomb, Four running runs there, how often do you see that now-a-days! Short and wide outside off by Ball. Seeing the width on offer, Handscomb's eyes lit up. He cuts it through point. Vince gives it a chase and slides and pulls it back in before the ball crosses the rope but the batsmen run four. |
| 23.5 : J Ball to Handscomb, Shorter in length outside off, the batsman punches it through cover-point for three. |
| 23.6 : J Ball to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. TEA ON DAY 2! |
| Brilliant bowling by England and they head into the break with good control on this Test match. The captaincy by Joe Root has been top notch as he had plans against every batsmen. Stuart Broad started it up front by bagging the debutant, Cameron Bancroft early. He was soon followed by Khawaja who once again fell prey to a spinner, a big in his armour. Jake Ball got the big wicket of Warner and the away side will now try and trigger a collapse after the break. |
| Australia, on the other hand, have found it very difficult to form a partnership. The Warner-Smith stand did look like it would steady the ship before the former departed. Now they still trail by 226 runs and with the captain and Handscomb in the middle, the home side will be hoping for a big partnership. Join us after the break for the final session. |
| Day 2, third session... |
| Back for the last session. The Englishmen are taking the field. Steven Smith and Peter Handscomb have a big task in front of them. The 37 overs left in the day's play could very well give us the indication which way this Test match is heading. James Anderson runs in with two slips and a gully. |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Handscomb, Starts the spell with a length ball angling into the batsman, Handscomb stays back footed while working it on the leg side. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to Handscomb, Good length delivery landing outside off, shaping back in a bit, Handscomb decides to block it from the crease rather than getting forward. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Handscomb, Good lines from Jimmy. He is targeting the off stump line. Serves a back of a length ball on this occasion and Handscomb defends it solidly off his back foot. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to Handscomb, Keeping his line on and around off, on a length, Peter once again gets behind the line in defense. Not getting forward enough. |
| Shout for an lbw! The umpire shows no interest and Joe Root takes the referral after having a chat with his keeper and bowler. That looks quite adjacent to the stumps. Let's see what the replays say... |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to Handscomb, OUT! That's hitting the leg stump. As I was talking on the previous deliveries that Handscomb is quite hesitant in getting on the front foot. It has eventually cost him his dearly. Anderson is too good a bowler to not realize that the batsman is hesitant to commit himself forward. He lets out a fuller length ball around off, cutting back in, Handscomb has his entire weight on the back foot as he attempts to flick it on the leg side. He falls over a bit and misses t |
| Shaun Marsh is the new batsman. Plenty of talks regarding his selection and now he has a point to prove. Glenn Maxwell who came in as his cover has already stroked a century for Victoria in Sheffield Shield and is breathing down his neck. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Beaten first up! Nervous beginning for Shaun. He gets a length ball in the zone outside off, angling away, Marsh with a sorry footwork pushes at it and misses. |
| Moeen Ali is inserted into the attack. Smart ploy with Shaun Marsh in the middle. |
| 25.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter and on middle, punched off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 25.2 : M Ali to S Smith, Gets on the front foot and pushes it back. |
| 25.3 : M Ali to Smith, Drifting into the batsman outside off, not enough spin, Smith is caught pushing and missing inside the line. |
| 25.4 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 25.5 : M Ali to Smith, Gets it away with the spin but finds the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 25.6 : M Ali to Smith, Spinning back in from around off, Smith remains inside the crease and defends it to the leg side. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Marsh pushes it with an angled bat to the off side. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to S Marsh, FOUR! Crunched! This shot will give him a lot of confidence. Anderson pitches it full and outside off, Shaun Marsh leans into the drive and crisply strokes it through covers for a glorious boundary. |
| 26.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Hurls in a length ball outside off, Marsh allows it through. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to S Marsh, Gets forward to a full ball and pushes it towards mid off. |
| Short extra cover in place. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Beauty of a delivery. Anderson angles it across, lands it on off and gets it to nip away. Marsh is squared up a bit as it whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 27.1 : M Ali to Smith, Turning back into the batsman from outside off, a touch on the shorter side, Smith stays back to work it in the gap behind square leg for a single. |
| 27.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted full ball on off, Marsh takes his front leg forward and defends it back. |
| 27.3 : M Ali to Marsh, This one is fired into the batsman at 90.1 kph. An arm ball skidding back in, Marsh blocks it watchfully. |
| 27.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Floated full on off, Shaun defends it back after taking a good positive forward stride. |
| 27.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 27.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Slow spin away from the batsman, Marsh presses forward to defend but it catches the outside edge and goes past the slip fielder. Two runs taken. Good that SM played that with soft hands. |
| 28.1 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 28.2 : J Anderson to Smith, A touch short around off, rising more than the batsman anticipated. Smith dealt well with it as he tapped it down on the leg side. |
| 28.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Gets across the stumps and helps it towards the leg side, not in the gap. |
| 28.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 28.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish and on leg, helped to square leg. |
| 28.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Once again it's full around leg and Smith finds the square leg fielder with his flick shot. |
| 29.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted and full on off, Marsh draws forward and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 29.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up ball on off, Marsh lunges and blocks it safely to the off side. |
| 29.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Out comes the arm ball, around middle and skidding down, Marsh gets forward and works it away with the inner half of the bat to square leg. |
| 29.5 : M Ali to Marsh, A touch flatter and shorter on off, Marsh pushes himself on the back foot in defense. |
| 29.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Fuller and on middle, driven down towards mid on. A quick maiden by Moeen. |
| 30.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Length ball on middle and leg, Smith shuffles and tickles it to square leg. |
| 30.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Beaten! Anderson changes his line and bowls it outside off, Smith pushes inside the line and misses. |
| 30.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Bouncer around off, Smith drops his wrists and allows it through to the keeper. |
| 30.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Straighter in line, Smith tucks it through backward square leg for a single. Moves to 21 and Michael 'Pup' Clarke screams in joy as he informs us that Steven Smith averages 95 once he goes past 20. Hmm... Should England be worried then? |
| 30.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, A length ball on off, Marsh defends it back off his front foot. |
| 30.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Full and around leg. Marsh remains back and defends it quietly on the leg side. |
| Stuart Broad replaces Moeen in the attack. Only one slip and a gully in place for Steven Smith. |
| 31.1 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, Smith punches it off his back foot towards cover-point and looks for a run. But Marsh sees a diving stop made by Stoneman and sends his skipper back. |
| 31.2 : S Broad to Smith, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 31.3 : S Broad to Smith, Drops it on a length and outside off, holding its line, Smith shoulders arms. |
| 31.4 : S Broad to Smith, A wobbly seam delivery, landing on a length outside off and curling away. Smith has nothing to do with it. |
| 31.5 : S Broad to Smith, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 31.6 : S Broad to Smith, Turns it off his pads to mid-wicket for a single. |
| Change of ends for Moeen Ali. |
| 32.1 : M Ali to S Smith, Walks forward to a full ball and eases it down to long on for a single. |
| 32.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Lunges to a full ball and pushes it in front of silly point. |
| 32.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Goes slower through the air and bowls it full around off, Marsh drives it on the up and gets deflected off the silly point fielder's body. The short cover fielder, Cook moves across to his right to catch the ball and a stifled appeal is made by the keeper. Nothing from the umpire. The replays show it was a bump ball and hit the turf before getting deflected. |
| 32.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Presses forward to a full ball and defends it to the off side. |
| 32.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Marsh has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 32.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up ball on middle, easily defended on the off side by Marsh. He has not looked too bothered against Moeen. |
| 33.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Smith leaves it alone with utmost ease. |
| 33.2 : S Broad to Smith, A bouncer this time, around off, Smith sways away from the line of fire. |
| 33.3 : S Broad to Smith, This one is angled into the batsman, Smith has to play at it and he does so by moving across the sticks. A dead straight bat offered in defense. |
| 33.4 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off, holding its line, allowed through by the Aussie skipper. |
| 33.5 : S Broad to Smith, Wasteful bouncer, not troubling the batsman as it's outside off. Smith makes an easy leave again. |
| 33.6 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length delivery just outside off, Smith shuffles across the stumps to cover the line and dead bats it near the surface. |
| 34.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it with the spin to point. |
| 34.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Uses his feet to get to the pitch of the delivery but drives it straight to short cover. |
| 34.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Once again a little movement down the track by Marsh as he flicks it towards mid-wicket. Good intent by Shaun. |
| 34.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Flatter arm ball on off, Marsh moves back and keeps it out from the back foot. |
| 34.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up ball on middle, Marsh lunges and blocks it to mid-wicket. |
| 34.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted and on off, Marsh jumps out of the crease and drives it firmly through the line. The silly point fielder leaps to evade it but it goes off his body to point. 19 dot balls now for Shaun Marsh. He has to be patient. |
| 35.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Smith allows it through to the keeper. |
| 35.2 : S Broad to Smith, On a length and around off, Smith rather than going for the ball, waits for it to come. Stays back and dead bats it to the off side. |
| 35.3 : S Broad to S Smith, FOUR! A boundary after 54 balls and it's a quality shot from the bat of a quality batsman. There is a reason he is the best in the world at the moment. Broad bowls it full and angles it into the batsman, Smith gets across a bit, covers the line and movement before unfurling a sumptuous on drive for a boundary. |
| 35.4 : S Broad to Smith, Shortish and on off, defended off the back foot by Smith. |
| 35.5 : S Broad to Smith, Lands it on a length outside off, Smith shoulders arms. |
| 35.6 : S Broad to Smith, Short in length and outside off, Smith gets down and allows it through to the keeper. |
| 36.1 : M Ali to S Marsh, Flatter and shorter outside off, Marsh cuts it straight to point. |
| 36.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Floated full ball on off, defended back to the bowler off the front foot. |
| 36.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Quicker one on off, Marsh pushes it on the off side with an angled bat. |
| 36.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Leans forward to a full ball and drives it towards cover-drive. |
| 36.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Nearly knocks his skipper off! Flighted ball on middle, Marsh walks down the track and hits it straight back. Smith takes evasive action to duck under it. It goes straight to mid on and Marsh has to backtrack inside the crease. |
| 36.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Finally Marsh scores some runs after 24 dot balls. Short in length and outside off, Marsh cuts it past backward point and takes three runs. |
| Shout for an lbw! Not given. Stuart Broad wants it reviewed (like he always wants) and Joe Root obliges. The batsman has not offered any shot there but has that swung in enough to hit the stumps? Let's wait and watch... |
| 37.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Not out! England lose a review. Broad runs in from around the wicket and dishes out a good length ball outside off. Marsh takes a stride forward and then decides not to offer any shot. To his surprise, the ball nip back into him off the seam to hit him on the back leg. Broad appeals but the umpire disagrees. Now, he walks up to his skipper and somehow convinces him to take the DRS. Joe Root falls for it. He signals for the DRS only to find out that the ball has not moved |
| 37.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 37.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling into the batsman around off, Marsh gets forward and defends it to the leg side. |
| 37.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Slips one down the leg side, Marsh moves across the stumps and then fails to connect with the flick shot. |
| 37.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Serves it full and outside off, Marsh drives it off his front foot to mid off. |
| 37.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping back in, Marsh covers the line and shoulders arms. Testing over! |
| 38.1 : M Ali to Smith, Edged but didn't carry! Tossed up ball outside off, Smith leans forward to defend it but gets a soft outside edge. Doesn't carry to Root at first slip. |
| 38.2 : M Ali to Smith, Spinning back into the batsman from outside off, Smith works it wide of mid on for a run. |
| 38.3 : M Ali to S Marsh, Another edge which has not carried in this over. Flighted ball on middle, Marsh prods forward to defend and does so with gentle hands. Gets it away off the outside edge and it sneaks through between two slip fielders for a couple of runs. |
| 38.4 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 38.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted ball on off, defended off the back foot. |
| Chris Woakes replaces Broad in the attack. A leg gully in place like it was when he was bowling earlier to the Aussie skipper. |
| 38.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Full and flighted on middle, helped on the leg side but straight to mid-wicket. |
| 39.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Darts in a full ball on middle, Smith gets across and pushes it down to mid on. |
| 39.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Pitches it full and outside off, Smith drives it towards mid off this time. |
| 39.3 : C Woakes to S Smith, LUCKY FOUR! Heart in mouth stuff for the Australian skipper. Woakes tests him with a short ball outside off, Smith decides to pull it but is not in full control of the shot. It goes aerially but drops right in between the two fielders in the deep before crossing the rope. 100 up for Australia! |
| 39.4 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Wrong line this time by Chris. He serves it full and on middle and leg, Smith tickles it off his pads and fetches a boundary at fine leg. |
| 39.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Shortish and on off, punched off the back foot to extra cover for one. |
| 39.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Angling away from the batsman, Marsh inside edges his attempted cover drive through his legs to square leg. 9 from the over! |
| 40.1 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up ball on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 40.2 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.3 : M Ali to Smith, Shortish and on off, punched towards mid on for a run. |
| 40.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Marsh walks down the track and then tries to defend it with his bat and pad together. Bairstow appeals vociferously, thinking it's pad first but the umpire shakes his head, reckoning it's bat. No review taken by England. |
| 40.5 : M Ali to S Marsh, Works it away towards wide mid on and takes a single. |
| 40.6 : M Ali to Smith, On the shorter side is Moeen, around off and Smith eases it from the back foot through mid-wicket for one. |
| 41.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Short and on middle, Smith shuffles and works it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 41.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 41.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 41.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Cracking shot! Width on offer outside off, that too plenty, Marsh exercises his arms and spanks it past the diving point fielder for a boundary. |
| 41.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Good length delivery angling away from the batsman, Marsh shoulders arms. |
| 41.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Another watchful leave outside the off stump to end the over. |
| 42.1 : M Ali to Smith, Too full in length on off, Smith defends it back to the bowler. |
| 42.2 : M Ali to Smith, Jumps out of the crease to a full ball and pushes it to the right of the silly mid on fielder. |
| 42.3 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted off spinner landing outside off, Smith leans forward and defends it near his front pad. |
| 42.4 : M Ali to Smith, Pulls his length back a shade and serves it around off, Smith immediately moves back and defends it solidly. |
| 42.5 : M Ali to Smith, Smith has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 42.6 : M Ali to Smith, Nice loop on this delivery as it lands full outside off, Smith takes his front leg outside the line of the stumps and defends it close to his front pad. |
| Drinks break. After losing Peter Handscomb immediately after the tea break, the current pair has steadied the ship a bit with a partnership which has consumed 109 balls. |
| 43.1 : C Woakes to Marsh, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 43.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length on off, Marsh defends it onto the ground off the back foot. |
| 43.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Bowls it on a length closer to the off pole. Marsh trusts the line and the bounce before letting it through to the keeper. |
| 43.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Again bowls it well outside off the batsman need not play at it. |
| 43.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Good length closer to the off stump this time, Marsh has to play at it. He camps back and defends it. |
| 43.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Angles it on the pads, Marsh flicks it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 44.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on off, goes on with the arm. Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 44.2 : M Ali to Smith, Slower through the air outside off, Smith first looks to cover drive it but then seeing the ball turn sharply he adjusts and guides it to the slip fielder. |
| 44.3 : M Ali to S Smith, Floats it full outside off, Smith tries to drive but gets it off the outside edge through short third man for a couple. |
| 44.4 : M Ali to Smith, Works it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 44.5 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! A gift to Smith, a full toss but still has to be put away. Moeen dishes a full toss outside off, Smith times it through covers and the ball races away. |
| 44.6 : M Ali to Smith, Drags his length back on middle, turning back in. Smith waits for the ball to do its bit and then flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 45.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Arrows in a fuller length ball on middle, Smith leans forward and across before flicking it straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 45.2 : C Woakes to Smith, A good looking pull shot this time by Smith. He rides the bounce nicely and just rolls his wrists over it. Doesn't try to hit it hard but it still speeds down to deep square leg. There is a fielder in the deep and hence only a single. |
| 45.3 : C Woakes to S Marsh, FOUR! Fine shot! Woakes hurls across a short delivery around off, from round the wicket, Marsh this time stands tall to get on top of the delivery and pulls it in front of square leg for a boundary. |
| 45.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Short in length on middle, Marsh works it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run. 50-run stand comes up, these two are doing it very well. |
| 45.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 45.6 : C Woakes to Smith, A little short in length and on middle, Smith uses his wrists nicely to work it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 46.1 : M Ali to Smith, Fifty for Steven Smith, his 22nd in Test cricket. Well appreciated by the crowd, they know the importance of this innings. Tossed up ball outside off, Smith gets on the front foot and opens the face of the bat to help it towards backward point. They cross for a single. The Aussie skipper is once again doing what he does best! Australia need a big one from him. |
| 46.2 : M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! A loopy full ball around middle, Marsh skips down the track to take it on the full and clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Runs are coming at a good rate for the Aussies. |
| 46.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 46.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Steps down the track to a full ball and defends it back. |
| 46.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up on off, defended with the spin to the off side. |
| 46.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted full outside off, driven off the front foot to mid off. |
| Jake Ball is back for another spell. |
| 47.1 : J Ball to Smith, Too full and too wide outside off, Smith has nothing to do with it. |
| 47.2 : J Ball to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, Smith goes on the back foot and punches it through extra cover. Broad moves across to his left from mid off, slides and stops the ball. No run taken. Good piece of fielding. |
| 47.3 : J Ball to Smith, Jumping onto the batsman from a shortish length outside off, Smith immediately takes his bottom hand off the handle as he tries to defend it. |
| 47.4 : J Ball to Smith, Good length delivery landing outside off and straightening off the pitch, Smith defends it off his back foot. |
| 47.5 : J Ball to Smith, Short but too wide to trouble the batsman. Smith remains unperturbed. |
| 47.6 : J Ball to Smith, Once again it's on the shorter side outside off, Smith goes on his toes and steers it through point for a couple of runs. |
| 48.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Fuller and outside off, driven off the front foot to covers. |
| 48.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Once again Marsh drives it off his front foot but finds the fielder. |
| 48.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Walks down the track to a full ball and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 48.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Flighted and outside off, further spinning away, Marsh allows it through. |
| 48.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 48.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Throws it up in the air, some extra flight at 85.2 kph, spinning away, Marsh guards his stumps before letting it through. |
| 49.1 : J Ball to Smith, Digs in a short delivery outside off, Smith stands tall and smashes it through the gap between short cover-point and backward point for three runs. |
| 49.2 : J Ball to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 49.3 : J Ball to Marsh, Good length delivery on off, Marsh rocks back and pushes at it with an angled bat. Finds point. |
| 49.4 : J Ball to Marsh, On a length and outside off, angling in, Marsh takes a small stride forward as he plays it down towards backward point. |
| 49.5 : J Ball to Marsh, Pulls his length back a bit and lands it around off, it shapes away a shade after hitting the deck and Marsh defends it from the back foot. |
| 49.6 : J Ball to Marsh, Spears in a full ball on middle, Marsh leans forward and works it through square leg for a run. |
| 50.1 : M Ali to S Marsh, FOUR! Beautiful shot! A floated full ball outside off, Marsh walks out of the crease, a bit late so that the bowler doesn't sense it and then crunches his drive through covers for a boundary. He is growing in confidence and is looking a lot settled at the crease now. |
| 50.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up ball on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 50.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 50.4 : M Ali to S Marsh, Ali drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off, Marsh cuts it firmly square of the wicket and Mason Crane (sub) dives full length to his left to stop a certain boundary. |
| 50.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Presses forward to a full ball and defends it safely. |
| 50.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Marsh has played that off the front foot and into the ground. Moeen completes his 19th over, he has worked relentlessly from one end. |
| 51.1 : J Ball to Smith, Short in length and outside off, left alone by Smith. |
| 0.0 : Strangely the floodlights have been turned on. Although the sun is out. |
| 51.2 : J Ball to Smith, Good length ball angling into the batsman, Smith shuffles across and defends it towards mid on. |
| 51.3 : J Ball to Smith, A good looking straight drive by Smith but Ball sticks his right hand out in his followthrough and makes the stop. |
| 51.4 : J Ball to Smith, Fuller in length and outside off, Smith strokes it off his front foot to wide mid off where Broad makes a fine diving stop. Saves three for his side. |
| 51.5 : J Ball to S Marsh, Bowls it full and on middle, it's pushed down towards mid on. |
| 51.6 : J Ball to Marsh, FOUR! Terrific shot! Ball runs in from around the wicket and angles in a full ball on off. Marsh takes a confident stride forward and drives it down the ground. Broad dives from mid on but fails to cut it off. It races past him and reaches the fence in no time. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 52.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Ouch, that would have hurt! Anderson slants in a good length delivery on off, angling in, Smith fails to cover the line as he attempts to defend. He takes a blow on the box and is down on his haunches in some pain. Can't do much there, just catch some breath and hope for the pain to reduce. |
| 52.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Serves it on a length outside off, Smith defends it firmly off his back foot. |
| 52.3 : J Anderson to Smith, This one cuts back into the batsman from around off, Smith defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 52.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| A slip, leg gully, short cover and short mid-wicket in place. Joe Root has set an interesting field. This is an indication that the pitch is on the slower side. |
| 52.5 : J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! Back of a length delivery on off, Smith picks the length quickly, transfers his weight on the back foot and packs a punch through covers. Stoneman gives the chase but the ball wins the race. |
| 52.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Around off, on a length, some extra bounce as Smith leaps to defend it down. |
| 53.1 : J Ball to Marsh, Ball continues to bowl round the wicket to Marsh. Serves it outside off and it's left alone. |
| 53.2 : J Ball to Marsh, Another delivery in the channel outside off, Marsh allows it through. |
| 53.3 : J Ball to Marsh, Width on offer outside off, short in length, Marsh camps back and cuts it through point. The fielder gives the chase and the batsmen run three. |
| 53.4 : J Ball to Smith, Full and angling into the batsman, Smith presses forward and plays it from the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket. In the gap and they cross for a single. |
| 53.5 : J Ball to Marsh, A length delivery outside off, Marsh plays a delightful cover drive but fails to pierce the gap. |
| 53.6 : J Ball to Marsh, A good bouncer, around off, Marsh gets across the stumps a bit and then sways away from the line. |
| Joe Root has a chat with his premium fast bowler. Only one slip and a gully along with a short mid-wicket in place. |
| 54.1 : J Anderson to Smith, A bit short and outside off, Smith hits it through the line from the back foot but finds the cover-point fielder. |
| 54.2 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 54.3 : J Anderson to S Smith, That long extension of Smith's arms as he drives a full ball down the ground. The timing is excellent but he finds the mid on fielder. |
| 54.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery outside off, Smith goes on his back foot and punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 54.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish and on middle, clipped off the pads to square leg. |
| Joe Root brings himself into the attack. A slip and short cover in place. 7 overs left in the day's play. |
| 54.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Beaten! First real threatening delivery. Landing on a length outside off, moving away a shade off the seam, Smith feels for it and is beaten. |
| 55.1 : Joe Root to Marsh, Flighted and on off, driven off the front foot to covers. |
| 55.2 : Joe Root to Marsh, Shortish and on off, Marsh goes on the back foot and plays it down to covers. |
| 55.3 : Joe Root to Marsh, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 55.4 : Joe Root to Marsh, Tossed up ball outside off, left alone. |
| 55.5 : Joe Root to Marsh, Slower through the air, flighted and outside off, Marsh lunges to defend but it sneaks past the outside edge of his bat. |
| 55.6 : Joe Root to Marsh, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 56.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Short in length and on off, Marsh defends it off his back foot. |
| 56.2 : J Anderson to S Marsh, Full and on off, straightening a bit, Marsh pushes at it with an angled bat and gets it away off the outside edge. Although, it rolls away safely to gully. |
| 56.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 56.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Very full and on middle, an off pace delivery at 116.2 kph, Marsh leans forward and digs it out back to the bowler from the toe end of the bat. |
| 56.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fullish again, outside off, Marsh plays a square drive and Stoneman dives to his left to stop the ball. A single taken. |
| 56.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Shortish and on middle, worked on the leg side towards mid-wicket. |
| 57.1 : Joe Root to Marsh, Full flighted delivery on off, Marsh blocks it off his front foot. |
| 57.2 : Joe Root to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 57.3 : Joe Root to S Marsh, EDGY FOUR! A flatter and shorter delivery on off, spinning away a bit, Marsh rocks back and flashes his blade sharply through the line. It takes the top half of the bat and screams over Anderson at first slip for a boundary. |
| 57.4 : Joe Root to Marsh, Floated ball on off, Marsh defends it off his front foot. |
| 57.5 : Joe Root to Marsh, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. No run. |
| 57.6 : Joe Root to Marsh, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 58.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Short in length and outside off, Smith shoulders arms. |
| 58.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Full and outside off, Smith drives it off his front foot to covers. The fielder dives to his right to make a good stop. |
| 58.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 58.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 58.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fullish and outside off, Marsh drives it to covers and calls for one. |
| 58.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Some movement back into the batsman, Smith stays back and defends it towards the leg side. |
| Stuart Broad is back for his final burst of the day. |
| 59.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Full and angling into the batsman, Marsh defends it to the on side. |
| 59.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Once again Broad keeps a length ball around off, Marsh gets behind the line and blocks it back safely. |
| 59.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Lands it on a length again, some extra bounce there, Marsh defends it from the upper half of his bat. |
| 59.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 59.5 : S Broad to S Marsh, Pitches it full and outside off, Marsh drives it to mid off. |
| 59.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Marsh allows it through to end the over. |
| 60.1 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 60.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Length ball angling into the batsman, Smith gets across the stumps and defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 60.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Keeps his line around off and Smith defends it with an angled bat to cover-point. |
| 60.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Hint of some inward movement on this occasion, around off, Smith defends it close to his front pad. |
| 60.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Goes full this time, Anderson. Around middle, Smith keeps it out safely. |
| 60.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery on off, staying a bit low, Smith crouches a bit and defends it to covers. |
| 61.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad steams in from round the wicket and angles in a full ball on off, Marsh dead bats it back towards the bowler. |
| 61.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling into the batsman, full and around middle and leg, Marsh covers the line and blocks it back. |
| A short extra cover in place to add to short mid off, short mid-wicket and silly mid on. Waiting for a loose drive from Marsh. |
| 61.3 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 61.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Digs in a bouncer this time, Marsh ducks. |
| Short mid-wicket moves to square leg. |
| 61.5 : Broad to Marsh, Excellent from Broad. Spears in an inswinging fullish delivery, around off, Marsh digs it out safely. |
| 61.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Not the best of balls to end proceedings. Broad slips a good length delivery down the leg side, Marsh tries to flick but misses. That will be it, stumps on day 2! |
| Outstanding work from the pair of Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh! The hosts were struggling after yet another flop show by their top order but the current partnership has revived their innings. Skipper Smith is playing yet another inspirational knock and has got very good support from Shaun Marsh. Together they are amidst an 89-run stand and the Kangaroos will hope that these two continue in a similar fashion tomorrow. |
| The Englishmen responded superbly after experiencing a collapse (6 for 56) in the morning session. Their bowling led by James Anderson and Stuart Broad was right on the money. They bowled tight lines to set things up and the fragile Aussie top order succumbed under pressure. Moeen Ali also utilized the conditions to his advantage and kept the Australian batsmen guessing. Joe Root looked in control as captain as he had plans for every batsmen, however, towards the latter stage of the day, his bow |
| The pitch has not offered a lot to the pacers and it's still a good one for batting which was evident from the strokes played by Shaun Marsh and Steven Smith in the last session. The only real threat on this track appears to be Moeen Ali who received ample turn and bounce from the pitch. Also, the English seamers will be hoping for some reverse swing to happen to help their cause. Australia are still 137 runs behind and cannot afford to relax. This Test match continues to hang in balance and it' |
| ...Day 3, Session 1... |
| Hello, folks! Third day of a Test match is often considered to be the moving day and we are here to bring you all the action. So far, it's been a fascinating start to the Ashes 2017. Day 2 witnessed a collapse for England where they lost six wickets for just 56 runs but the action didn't stop there. The visiting team recovered quickly to snap the first four Aussie wickets for 76 runs but like their batting, they failed to capitalize. When it appeared that the English bowlers will roll over the K |
| The game is still wide open. Australia ended the second day on a high but they aren't out of troubled waters yet. They still trail by more than hundred runs and will have to bat sensibly in the first session today. Don't forget, they have only Tim Paine to come as the last recognized batsman who will be under tremendous pressure as he is making a comeback after years. England will be knowing that one wicket and they will be into a fragile Aussie zone. It promises to be another cracking day which |
| The men concerned are out in the middle. It is a bit cloudy, but not that threatening at the moment. Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh will continue their innings. Australia would hope for them to continue from where they left off and build on their partnership. Early wickets is the need of the hour for England and James Anderson, their most experienced bowler, will start of the proceedings for them. He has two slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 62.1 : J Anderson to Smith, He starts off with a loosener. Shortish outside off, Smith off the back foot punches it through the covers for a couple. Australia are underway. |
| 62.2 : J Anderson to Smith, A similar length delivery to the last one but closer to the off pole. Smith punches it to the man at covers. |
| 62.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Better from Anderson. He bowls it fuller in length around off. Smith watchfully makes a leave. |
| Only a single slip in place now. He goes to mid-wicket. |
| 62.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Bowls it from wide of the crease and angles it on middle. Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 62.5 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 62.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it towards mid on for no runs. Two from the first over. |
| Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. He too has only one slip in place. |
| 63.1 : S Broad to Marsh, He comes from around the wicket to the left-hander. Angles it on the pads. Marsh tries to flick but fails to do so and the ball hits him on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side, he thinks about a run but is sent back by his partner. |
| 63.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Errs in line and sprays it down the leg side. Marsh misses the flick and it goes through to the keeper. |
| 63.3 : S Broad to Marsh, On the money from Board! He bowls it on the stumps, on a length. Marsh, with authority defends it towards mid on. |
| 63.4 : S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! Marsh is away now! Short and outside off, Marsh cashes in on the width offered and guides it past point for a boundary. |
| Broad is stopped as he was running in. Interestingly it was Steven Smith who stopped him as the backward point fielder was moving back. Wonderful awareness from the Australian skipper. |
| 63.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Length on middle, Marsh defends it. |
| 63.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length outside off, Marsh need not play at it. Just a boundary from the over by Broad. |
| 64.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Smith punches it through covers for an easy run. A confident start by Australia today. They are looking to score. |
| 64.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, A silly mid on in place for Marsh as Anderson bowls it fuller on off. Marsh defends it back to the bowler. |
| There is not a lot of swing or sideways movement quite evidently. Hitting through the line seems pretty easy at the moment for the batsmen and the English pacers have their task cut out. |
| 64.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Good length on off, Marsh defends it off the front foot. |
| Shaun Marsh is on 48. His family is in the stands waiting for his milestone. The comeback man will be eager to get to his 8th Test fifty. Australia will be hoping not too eager. |
| 64.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Angles it on the pads, Marsh tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 64.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fullish ball on off, Shaun eases it down to mid off. |
| 64.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, 50 for Marsh! An important knock not only for him but also for Australia. His 8th Test fifty and his first Ashes half ton. He acknowledges the applause from the crowd. Anderson bowls it fuller in length outside off, Marsh square drives it through the off side. The fielder gives it a chase from point and saves a run for his side with a slide. |
| 65.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length, Marsh defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 65.3 : S Broad to Marsh, On a good length around off. Marsh confidently defends it to mid off. |
| 65.4 : S Broad to S Marsh, A cutter by Broad around off. Marsh is early into the drive as he gets an inside edge onto his pads. Good variation from the tall, fast bowler. That was more like a fast leg spinner, reckons Mark Taylor on air. |
| 65.5 : S Broad to S Marsh, Fullish on middle, Marsh pushes it to mid on. |
| 65.6 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. A maiden from Broad. |
| 66.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length outside off, Smith leaves it. |
| 66.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish on middle, Smith drives it towards the bowler who crouches low and deflects it onto the stumps but Marsh has not left his crease. |
| 66.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Angles it into the batsman, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 66.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 66.5 : J Anderson to Smith, BEATEN! A loose shot by Smith, he is annoyed with himself. Lapse of concentration maybe? Anderson bowls it shorter in length outside off, Smith goes after it and tries to cut but gets beaten. That was really close to the edge. |
| 66.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Just ahead of a length on off, Steven defends it off the front foot. |
| 67.1 : S Broad to Marsh, A change in angle by Broad he comes over the wicket to Marsh and dishes out a length ball on middle. Marsh plants his front foot forward and defends it to mid off. |
| 67.2 : S Broad to Marsh, OUT! Broad strikes! The change in angle and the variation has done the trick for England. He once again bowls the fast leg spinner outside off. Marsh fails to pick it and is early into the shot. He drives it uppishly to Anderson who takes a very easy catch at mid off. Very smart from Broad and great tactics from England. An ideal start for them as they have broken the 99-run stand. Marsh walks back immediately after reaching his half ton. A good knock by him but surely he |
| Tim Paine walks out to the middle. He joins his skipper. Interestingly, these two made their debut together against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010. |
| 67.3 : S Broad to Paine, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 67.4 : S Broad to Tim Paine, Good length on off, shapes away a touch after pitching. Paine tries to defend but gets an outside edge to gully. |
| 67.5 : S Broad to Paine, Length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 67.6 : S Broad to Paine, Angles it on the pads, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 68.1 : J Anderson to Smith, BOUNCER! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 68.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Another shorter one on middle. Smith evades it. |
| 68.3 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 68.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length on middle, Smith drives it to mid on. |
| 68.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Shorter in length on middle, Smith swivels inside his crease and pulls it through backward square leg for a run. First runs after 22 balls for The Aussies. |
| A silly mid off is in place for Tim Paine. |
| 68.6 : J Anderson to Paine, Just ahead of a length outside off, Paine lets it through to the keeper. |
| Michael Slater on the last wicket - Shaun Marsh committed himself early into the drive and as a result his bat came down early to meet the ball. Had he gone hard at it, he probably would have got it over mid off. Great deceptive bowling by Broad. Interestingly, he has been removed from the attack. In comes, Chris Woakes. |
| 69.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Angles it on middle, Smith walks across and flicks it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 69.2 : C Woakes to Paine, Bowls it on the pads, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 69.3 : C Woakes to Paine, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 69.4 : C Woakes to Tim Paine, Length on off, Paine lunges forward in defense. |
| 69.5 : C Woakes to Paine, Good length on middle, Paine defends it off the front foot. |
| 69.6 : C Woakes to Paine, Back of a length on off, Paine rocks onto the back foot and defends it back towards the bowler. A run from Woakes first over today. |
| Double Change! Jake Ball is into the attack now. |
| 70.1 : J Ball to S Smith, WIDE! A bouncer which bounces way above the batsman's head and the umpire signals a wide. |
| J Ball to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 70.2 : J Ball to Smith, In the air... but safe! They are sticking with bowling short to the Aussie skipper and it almost paid off. Ball bangs it in, a well-directed bumper around off. Bounces a touch extra and also skids off the surface. Smith tries to fend at it but due to the extra lift the ball hits the top of the bat's shoulder and lobs towards gully. The fielder there runs in but it falls safely in front of him. That could have easily gone into his hands. Smith will breathe a sigh of relief. |
| 70.3 : J Ball to Smith, Fuller in length on off, Smith pushes it towards mid off for a quick single. |
| 70.4 : J Ball to Paine, FOUR! Off the mark in style! That should settle his nerves. Ball bowls a shorter in length ball outside off. Paine cuts it through backward point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 70.5 : J Ball to Paine, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 70.6 : J Ball to Paine, Fullish ball on middle, Paine drives it to mid on. |
| Just in - In a Sheffield Shield game against New South Wales, Glenn Maxwell has moved to 250 off 284 balls which includes 32 fours and 4 sixes. He is looking in extraordinary form and making his case strong for selection in the national team. On the lighter side, Australia are yet to reach 250! |
| 71.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Short ball again as there are three men out if he miscues his shot. Smith still goes for the pull but keeps it along the ground to the man at deep square leg for a run. |
| 71.2 : C Woakes to Tim Paine, Shortish ball, not very short though. Paine picks the length early and pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 71.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Bangs it in on middle, Smith ducks under it. |
| 71.4 : C Woakes to Smith, England have come up with a new tactic as the pitch might have quickened up a touch. They again bowl it short at Smith who again ducks under it. Time for a yorker now? |
| 71.5 : C Woakes to Smith, No, no yorker. He once again bowls it a touch shorter on leg stump. Smith tucks it to the man at square leg. |
| 71.6 : C Woakes to S Smith, Finishes the over off with another short one on middle. Smith was waiting for it, as he pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 72.1 : J Ball to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 72.2 : J Ball to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot and onto the ground. |
| 72.3 : J Ball to Smith, Short ball outside off, Smith tries to play the upper cut but gets beaten. Risky from the skipper as they also have a third man in place. |
| 72.4 : J Ball to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 72.5 : J Ball to Smith, Short again outside off, Smith evades it. |
| 72.6 : J Ball to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it to the man at covers. A maiden by Ball. |
| 73.1 : C Woakes to Paine, Fuller in length around off, Paine drives it to the man at covers. |
| 73.2 : C Woakes to Paine, A different tactic to Paine, they are bowling at a more conventional length to him. On a good length outside off, Paine needs not play at it. |
| 73.3 : C Woakes to Paine, Short this time, a surprise ball. Paine is up for the challenge as he pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 73.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Short to Smith but outside off, easily left. |
| 73.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Bouncer again! Smith comfortably ducks under it. |
| 73.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Short on the body of the batsman. Smith moves away from the line and lets it through to the keeper. Just one from the over, another tight one from England. The runs have dried up here. |
| 74.1 : J Ball to Paine, Good length on off, Paine defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 0.0 : Deep square leg comes into a mid-wicket position now. |
| 74.2 : J Ball to Paine, Drifts it on the pads, Paine misses the flick to get hit on the pads. There is a muted appeal but the umpire remains put. |
| 74.3 : J Ball to Pain, Length outside off, Paine lets it be. |
| 74.4 : J Ball to Paine, Bowls it on a length outside off, Paine comes forward and defends it to covers. |
| 74.5 : J Ball to Paine, Fuller on off, tailing back in. Paine gets it off the inner half as he tries to defend it. It rolls towards mid-wicket and they cross. |
| 74.6 : J Ball to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| Spin for the first time today! Moeen Ali is into the attack. |
| 75.1 : M Ali to Paine, Fuller ball on off, Paine drives it to the man at covers. |
| 75.2 : M Ali to Tim Paine, FOUR! Sevres a full toss, a poor ball outside off. Paine times his drive past the man at covers and into the fence. |
| 75.3 : M Ali to Paine, Flatter on off, no turn on offer. Paine defends it solidly. |
| 75.4 : M Ali to Paine, Fires it on off, Paine lunges forward and defends it. |
| 75.5 : M Ali to Paine, Slower through the air on off, Paine pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 75.6 : M Ali to Paine, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Drinks! 27 runs in the first hour for the loss of one wicket. Going has been really tough for the Aussies as England have bowled tidy lines to dry up the runs. Joe Root's funky field setting for Steven Smith along with Shaun Marsh's fifty and then his wicket were the chief highlights from the last 60 minutes. |
| Smith pulls out as Ball reaches his delivery stride. There might be some disturbance behind the bowler's arm. |
| 76.1 : J Ball to Smith, WIDE! Short and down the leg side, Smith lets it go and it is called a wide. Ball is a bit surprised though. |
| J Ball to Smith, Short down the leg side again, Smith lets it go. Too predictable now from England. They have kept Smith quiet but he has not looked like getting out. |
| 76.2 : J Ball to Smith, Shorter in length on the body, Smith flicks it towards Root at leg gully who makes a good diving stop. |
| 76.3 : J Ball to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 76.4 : J Ball to Smith, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 76.5 : J Ball to Smith, Short again on off, gets big on the batsman. Smith does well to defend it onto the ground. |
| 76.6 : J Ball to Smith, FOUR! As soon as Root moves himself from leg gully to silly point, Smith fetches himself a boundary in that area. Ball errs in line and angles it down the leg side. Root flicks it to fine leg for a boundary. |
| Mark Nicholas on air mentions that Moeen Ali is bowling a little too fuller than Nathan Lyon did. Not giving it enough revs as well. Possibly, there ain't much from the pitch. Michael Clarke feels it's more to do with his action. |
| 77.1 : M Ali to Paine, Floats it up on off, Paine drives it back to the bowler. |
| 77.2 : M Ali to Paine, Flatter on off, Paine defends it off the front foot. |
| 77.3 : M Ali to Paine, Tosses it up on off, Paine lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 77.4 : M Ali to Paine, Drags his length back on off, Tim camps back in defense. |
| 77.5 : M Ali to Paine, Quicker on off, Paine prods forward and blocks it. |
| 77.6 : M Ali to Paine, Gives it air on off, Paine defends it off his front foot. |
| Joe Root brings himself on. Don't underestimate his off spinners. A slip, leg slip and short leg in place. |
| 78.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Floats it on middle, Smith flicks it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 78.2 : Joe Root to Smith, On a similar line and length. This time Smith flicks it in the gap through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 78.3 : Joe Root to Paine, Flatter down the leg side, Paine pads it away. |
| 78.4 : Joe Root to Paine, Flatter on leg stump, turning away. Paine lets it be. |
| 78.5 : Joe Root to Paine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 78.6 : Joe Root to Paine, Fuller on middle, Root drives it back to the bowler. |
| 79.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on off, Smith remains on the back foot and defends it. |
| 79.2 : M Ali to Smith, Fires it on off, Smith defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.3 : M Ali to Smith, Slower through the air on off, Smith reaches out to the ball and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 79.4 : M Ali to Smith, Darts it on leg stump, Smith flicks it to short fine leg. |
| 79.5 : M Ali to Smith, Drags his length back on middle, Smith whips it through the gap between backward square leg and square leg for a couple. 200 is up for Australia. They now trail by another 102 runs. |
| 79.6 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter on middle, Smith plays a similar shot but this time finds the man at backward square leg. |
| The second new ball is now available and they have taken it immediately. James Anderson will bowl with it. |
| 80.1 : J Anderson to Paine, Just ahead of a length outside off, shaping away. Paine watchfully makes a leave. |
| 80.2 : J Anderson to Paine, He got some swing in the previous ball and goes for the magic ball from leg stump but this time there is no swing. Paine flicks it through backward square leg for a couple. The deficit is now 100. |
| 80.3 : J Anderson to Paine, Good length on off, Paine defends it off the back foot. |
| 80.4 : J Anderson to Paine, OUT! The second new ball works wonders for England! Anderson gets his second. He lands it just behind of a length around off and gets it to shape away off the seam. Paine tries to defend inside the line but gets an outside edge due to the away movement. Bairstow behind the stumps sticks his hand out to the right and hangs onto the catch. A nice one. Anderson is all pumped up and Australia slide further now. Paine walks back after a short innings on return. England will |
| Mitchell Starc walks out to the middle. |
| 80.5 : J Anderson to Starc, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 80.6 : J Anderson to M Starc, Good length on off, angles away. Starc opens the face of the bat and guides it to gully. |
| Stuart Broad is back into the attack. |
| 81.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller on length outside off, Smith drives it towards point where the fielder makes a nice diving stop but can't stop the single. |
| 81.2 : S Broad to Starc, SIX! WOW! What a shot! The first maximum for Australia. Fuller in length by Broad on off, Starc lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie. Stuart can't believe it as he has a smile on his face. |
| 81.3 : S Broad to Starc, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| Pat Cummins strides out to the centre. He is no mug with the bat. |
| 81.4 : Broad to Starc, OUT! Another one bites the dust! Broad gets his revenge. He lands it on a length around middle, gets it to shape away a little. Starc tries to play it on the leg side and was early to close the face of the bat. The ball lobs back to the right of Broad who in his followthrough dives and takes a very good catch. He also gives Starc a send-off. So, the maximum is all Starc could manage and Smith is losing out his Partners here. |
| 81.5 : S Broad to Cummins, BEATEN! Length outside off, straightens a touch. Cummins tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 81.6 : S Broad to Cummins, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 82.1 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 82.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Well bowled! Length on off, skids off the surface also bounces a touch extra. Hits Smith high on the bat as he tries to defend it. |
| 82.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 82.4 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 82.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Plays it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 82.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Length ball, Smith defends it. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Fuller in length on middle, Cummins drives it to mid on. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to Cummins, Length on middle, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Back of a length on off, Pat camps back and defends it. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Good length on middle, Cummins watchfully blocks it. |
| 83.5 : S Broad to Cummins, Again on a length on middle, Cummins defends it solidly. |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Back of a length on off, Cummins guides it to the man at point. |
| 84.1 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length in the channel around off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 84.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 84.3 : J Anderson to Smith, HUGE APPEAL! The surprise inswinger by Anderson this time. Smith fails to pick the movement. He tries to leave but the ball hits him high on the thigh pad. The English players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The extra bounce saved Smith there. |
| 84.4 : J Anderson to Smith, CLOSE! Again a very good leave! This time too he bowls the inswinger from outside off, Smith by covering the line of off stump lets it go. |
| 84.5 : J Anderson to Smith, LEG BYE! Another delivery which swings into Smith but this time on the leg stump. Smith fails to flick and is struck on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but the umpire turns it down. The ball rolls towards the leg side and the batsmen in the meantime take a leg bye. |
| 84.6 : J Anderson to Cummins, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 85.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length on middle, comes into the batsman with the angle. Smith tucks it towards mid-wicket for an easy run. |
| 85.2 : S Broad to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 85.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Fuller ball on off, Cummins drives it towards covers where Malan dives to his left and saves a run for his team. |
| 85.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Again Malan does a good job! A cutter on off by Broad, similar to the delivery which dismissed Shaun Marsh. The ball does not stick on the surface as it is quite hard. Cummins drives it towards covers where the fielder dives and stops at least a couple. |
| 85.5 : S Broad to Cummins, Flicks it with the angle through the leg side for a run. |
| 85.6 : S Broad to Smith, Shorter in length on off, Smith guides it to pint. |
| Jake Ball comes back into the attack. It is a surprise as Anderson was bowling beautifully. He only bowled three overs in the spell. |
| 86.1 : J Ball to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 86.2 : J Ball to Cummins, Fuller in length on off, tailing back in. Cummins drives it back to the bowler. |
| 86.3 : J Ball to Cummins, Fuller in length outside off, Pat drives it to mid off. |
| Issue with the ball? The umpires are having a check through the ball gauge after the English players complain. Everything is fine for now and they continue with the same one. |
| 86.4 : J Ball to Cummins, Lovely bowling! He bends his back on that one and bowls it just behind the length on off. It bounces extra off the surface as Cummins tries to fend at it but is beaten. |
| 86.5 : J Ball to Pat Cummins, Fuller in length on off, Cummins times his drive to perfection back towards the bowler. Ball does very well to get down and get a hand to it. He saves three for his side as it deflects towards mid on and they pinch a run. |
| 86.6 : J Ball to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 87.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Shorter in length outside off, Cummins does not play at it. |
| 87.2 : S Broad to Cummins, Short again outside off, Cummins again need not play at it. |
| 87.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Gets it to shape away. Cummins pushes at it with an angled bat to point. Maybe, it came off the outer half of his bat. |
| 87.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 87.5 : S Broad to Cummins, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 87.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Full length delivery outside off, Cummins lets it be. LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| This session - 26 overs, 48 runs and 3 wickets. Excellent bowling from the English side. They have been disciplined and have reaped rewards. Broad provided them with the early breakthrough as he got the important wicket of Marsh with some clever bowling to break the 99-run stand. Paine could not make an impact with the bat as he fell prey to Anderson as soon as the second new ball was taken. Starc failed to contribute with the bat and became the third victim of the morning session. England will |
| Australia found run scoring very difficult. The ploy of bowling short to Smith with an interesting field helped them in keeping him quiet, although they failed to uproot the Australian skipper from the crease. He is fighting a lone battle out there and would need support from the lower order if they have to wipe out the 89-run deficit. A word of praise for Joe Root, who once again was excellent with his field placement and showed great proactiveness. It promises to be a riveting session after th |
| ...Day 3, Session 2... |
| We are back after the break! The umpires and the players make their way out to the middle. Steven Smith will face the first ball of this session. Pat Cummins is at the non-striker's end. Jake Ball will continue his spell. He has two slips and a gully in place. |
| 88.1 : J Ball to Smith, Starts off with a fuller length ball on middle, Smith pushes it to mid on. |
| 88.2 : J Ball to S Smith, Excellent fielding effort by Broad to save three runs for his side! Fuller in length by Ball outside off, Smith times his drive to the left of mid off. Broad takes a step or two and then puts in a dive to stop the ball. The batsmen take a single. That effort just shows how up they are for this session. |
| 88.3 : J Ball to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 88.4 : J Ball to Cummins, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 88.5 : J Ball to Cummins, Super delivery! He bowls the inswinger outside off, shapes in quite late. Cummins tries to drive it through the off side, leaves a gap between bat and pad in doing so. The ball sneaks through and goes agonizingly close to the off pole. |
| 88.6 : J Ball to Cummins, FOUR! Fuller in length on middle, Cummins on-drives it, past the diving fielder at mid on for a boundary. Five from the first over after the break. |
| Chris Woakes will bowl from the other end. |
| 89.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith taps it towards cover for a run. |
| 0.0 : There is a silly mid off, a short mid-wicket, two slips and a gully for Cummins. Plan to bowl some slower ones? |
| 89.2 : C Woakes to Pat Cummins, Good length on off, straightens after pitching. Cummins tries to defend but gets an outside edge to point. |
| 89.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, A brave leave! Woakes this time gets some inward movement from outside off. Cummins trusts the line and the bounce and lets it be. That really came back in a long way. The English bowlers are getting the ball to swing late here. |
| 89.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 89.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Back of a length on off, Cummins defends it off the back foot. |
| 89.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, Length outside off, Cummins opts not to play at it. |
| 90.1 : J Ball to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 90.2 : J Ball to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 90.3 : J Ball to Smith, Length again around off, Smith stays on the back foot and defends it onto the ground. |
| 90.4 : J Ball to Smith, Wider outside off this time. Smith who has shown great temperament opts not to play at it. |
| 90.5 : J Ball to Smith, Goes wide off the crease and angles it in on middle. Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 90.6 : J Ball to Smith, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 91.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Shorter in length outside off, Cummins watchfully lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 91.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Back of a length on off, Cummins defends it off the back foot. |
| 91.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, PEACH! This is the length he should be bowling. A perfect outswinger around off. Cummins feels for it only to get beaten. |
| 91.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, Shorter in length outside off, Cummins evades it. |
| 91.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Fuller outside off, wanting Cummins to drive. He resists and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 91.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, Again Cummins showing that he can leave the ball really well! Woakes hurls it on a length around off, Woakes keeps his eye on it and shoulders arms. |
| 92.1 : J Ball to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it towards point and sets of for a run. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. |
| 92.2 : J Ball to Cummins, Another ball outside off, another leave by Cummins. |
| 92.3 : J Ball to Cummins, Bouncer this time! Cummins watches it early and ducks under it. |
| 92.4 : J Ball to Cummins, FIVE RUNS! A mix up to begin with but he ends up with a lucky overthrow. A slower ball outside off by Ball, Cummins defends it towards point. Smith wants a single but Cummins is hesitant to begin with. He then starts running. Vince there is quick to the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end only for the ball to hit the bat of Cummins and roll towards the long on fence. Poor Vince! |
| 92.5 : J Ball to Smith, FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller in length on middle, Smith drives it through mid on and the ball races to the fence. 9 runs from the last two balls. |
| 92.6 : J Ball to Smith, Length outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 93.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 93.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it towards point. |
| 93.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, Bouncer outside off, Cummins opts not to fiddle with it. |
| 93.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 93.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Full ball outside off, Cummins drives it to the man at covers. |
| 93.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Moeen Ali is back into the attack, replacing Jake Ball. He is bowling from the end which the commentators feel is best for spin bowling. |
| 94.1 : M Ali to Smith, Tosses it up on middle, Smith drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 94.2 : M Ali to Cummins, Drags it down on off, Cummins punches it down to mid on for a run. Poor by England, they should not be giving Pat such easy runs. |
| 94.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floats it up outside off, Smith drives it to covers. |
| 94.4 : M Ali to Smith, Full on middle Smith drives it back to the bowler. |
| 94.5 : M Ali to S Smith, Flatter outside off, Smith chops it towards covers for a run. The trail is now down to 70. Also, Smith moves into the 90s. |
| 94.6 : M Ali to Cummins, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 95.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Shorter in length outside off, Smith punches it through cover-point for a run. |
| 95.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Hesitation but safe! Back of a length on off, Cummins defends it towards cover-point and sets off for a run. Smith, at the right time sends him back and Pat makes his crease. |
| 95.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, FOUR! That was beautifully played! Fuller in length outside off, Cummins drives it through. The fielder from point puts in a valiant effort but all in vain. Even a dive in the end does not save the boundary. |
| 95.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length around off, Cummins, trusting the bounce lets it be. He has been leaving the ball really well throughout his innings. |
| 95.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 95.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, Cummins defends it to silly mid off. |
| 96.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on off, goes on with angle from around the wicket. Smith covers the line and defends it. |
| 96.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tosses it up on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 96.3 : M Ali to Smith, Drags his length back on middle, Smith rocks back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 96.4 : M Ali to Cummins, Comes over the wicket and fires it on off, gets it to turn into the batsman. Cummins rocks back and defends it. |
| 96.5 : M Ali to Pat Cummins, Floats it on off, Pat drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 96.6 : M Ali to Smith, Works it with the spin to square leg. |
| Change of field by Root again! He now has three man inside the circle on the leg side and a deep square leg in place. Time for some chin music coming up? |
| 97.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Oh, yes! Short ball on middle, Cummins ducks under it. |
| 97.2 : Woakes to Cummins, Goes for the yorker on middle, Cummins does well to dig it out. |
| 97.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, Back of a length on middle, Cummins defends it off the back foot. |
| 97.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, A very good short one on middle, Cummins, at the very last moment evades it. |
| 97.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Fuller in length on middle, Cummins flicks it to mid on. |
| 97.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, Shortish, aimed at the ribs of the batsman. Cummins does really well to defend it and keep it down. |
| 98.1 : M Ali to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith plants his front foot forward and flicks it with the spin past the diving silly mid on fielder for a run down to long on. |
| 98.2 : M Ali to Cummins, Tosses it up on off, goes on with the arm. Cummins prods forward and blocks it. |
| 98.3 : M Ali to Cummins, Flatter on off, Pat defends it off the back foot. |
| 98.4 : M Ali to Cummins, Shorter in length on off, Cummins pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 98.5 : M Ali to Cummins, Cummins is oozing in confidence now! He taps the ball outside off towards point for a run. |
| 98.6 : M Ali to Smith, Fires it on off, Smith backs away and punches it to the only man on the off side. He was annoyed with himself as the could not beat that man. |
| 99.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Off cutter on the shorter side. Cummins guides it to gully. |
| 99.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Short on the body of the batsman. Cummins nudges it to the man at leg gully. |
| Mark Stoneman has moved to a deepish backward short leg. |
| 99.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 99.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, Once again with the angle, Cummins works it to mid-wicket. |
| 99.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, He looks comfortable even with the short balls! Woakes bangs it in on middle, Cummins easily ducks under it. |
| 99.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, FOUR! Lovely! He himself being a fast bowler would surely be expecting a full ball. He gets exactly that and to his benefit on the leg stump. Cummins just has to get bat on ball and he does so. He flicks it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 100.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on middle, Smith works it to mid-wicket. |
| 100.2 : M Ali to S Smith, Flicks it down to long on for a run. The deficit is now down to 56. |
| 100.3 : M Ali to Cummins, SIX! BANG! He is now seeing the ball really well. We do know he can go big and he nailed that beautifully. Moeen tosses it up on off, Cummins leas forward and lofts it over wide long on for a maximum. They now trail by 50 only. |
| 100.4 : M Ali to Cummins, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 100.5 : M Ali to Cummins, Flatter outside off, turns back in. Cummins covers the off pole and lets it be. |
| 100.6 : M Ali to Cummins, Fuller on off, Cummins drives it to covers. |
| Stuart Broad is back into the attack. Can he get the breakthrough? |
| 101.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full and wide outside off, Smith shuffles across and lets it be. |
| 101.2 : S Broad to Smith, Fullish outside off, wanting Smith to drive. He resists the temptation and does not fiddle with it. |
| 101.3 : S Broad to Smith, From around the wicket, Broad fires it outside off. Smith leaves it again. |
| 101.4 : S Broad to Smith, Change in angle again by Broad! He lands it on a length around off from over the wicket, Smith plays to the point region. |
| 101.5 : S Broad to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 101.6 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith drives it to covers. A maiden but not a threatening one. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 102.1 : J Anderson to Cummins, Angles it on the pads, Cummins works it to square leg. |
| 102.2 : J Anderson to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the back foot. |
| 102.3 : J Anderson to Cummins, Was there an edge? Short and outside off, Anderson provided some width there. Cummins goes after it as he tries to cut it but gets beaten. The English players start appealing but then pull out of it. Maybe, there was no edge. |
| 102.4 : J Anderson to Cummins, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 102.5 : J Anderson to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it. |
| 102.6 : J Anderson to Cummins, Length on middle, Pat defends it solidly. Back-to-back maidens for England after their premium fast bowlers return. |
| Drinks! A very good passage of play for Australia. Smith is happy to play second fiddle to Cummins since the start of this session as he is doing all the run scoring. The pitch has also eased out a little. England will now be getting a bit frustrated and are in desperate need of a wicket here. |
| 103.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller outside off, Smith opts not to play at it. |
| 103.2 : S Broad to Smith, Wide outside off, a new play to smith maybe? The Australian skipper, opts not to fiddle with it. |
| 103.3 : S Broad to Smith, Fullish ball on the stumps, Smith drives it down to mid on. |
| 103.4 : S Broad to Smith, Almost! The strategy of bowling outside off almost worked! Short and wide outside off, by Broad. Smith goes for the cut but gets beaten. There was a muted appeal from the players but nothing from the umpire. |
| 103.5 : S Broad to Smith, Angles it on middle, Smith walks across and flicks it through mid-wicket to move onto 96. This is also the first runs after the Cummins six. Smith is now only a boundary away from his ton. |
| 103.6 : S Broad to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 104.1 : J Anderson to Cummins, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 104.2 : J Anderson to Pat Cummins, Fuller in length outside off, a slower one by Anderson. Cummins times it through cover-point for a couple. |
| 104.3 : J Anderson to Cummins, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 104.4 : J Anderson to Cummins, JAFFA! He goes wide of the crease and angles it into off, gets it to straighten after pitching. All Cummins could do was try and play at it and hope it does not take the edge and that is exactly what happened. |
| 104.5 : J Anderson to Cummins, Full on the pads, Cummins flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 104.6 : J Anderson to Cummins, Wide outside off, Pat leaves it. |
| 105.1 : S Broad to S Smith, LUCKY CUMMINS! Fullish on off, Smith drives it down to mid on and sets off for a run. Pat reacts late to the call and sets off. The fielder is quick to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Good for Pat he missed as the bat of Cummins got stuck and dropped from his hands outside the crease. It would have been a very unfortunate way for him to get out. |
| 105.2 : S Broad to Cummins, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 105.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Short again on middle. Cummins does well to evade it. |
| 105.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Shorter in length, Cummins ducks under it. |
| 105.5 : S Broad to Cummins, Bangs it in, Pat works it to mid-wicket. |
| 105.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Shortish ball outside off, Pat is not interested in playing at it. |
| 106.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length on off, Steven defends it solidly. A long time since Smith is in the 90s! |
| 106.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Just behind a length outside off, Smith pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 106.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length closer to the off pole but not close enough to make Smith play at it. |
| 106.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Length ball on off, Smith defends it towards mid on. |
| 106.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Tight bowling from Anderson, not giving anything away. He bangs it on a length on off, Smith defends it stoutly. |
| 106.6 : J Anderson to Smith, A maiden by Anderson! Smith stays on 97. Back of a length on off, Steven defends it to mid on. |
| 107.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Shorter in length on middle, Cummins tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 107.2 : S Broad to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 107.3 : S Broad to Smith, Length on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 107.4 : S Broad to Smith, Finally! Hundred for Steven Smith. What a player, what a player! His 21st Test hundred. His slowest 100-plus score but it would be a very satisfying one for him. He has taken his time and gone about in a very patient manner throughout his innings. A run machine you can say and also leading from the front. Broad dishes out a full ball outside off, Smith drives it through covers for a boundary. Look at what it means to him, he takes his helmet off as soon as he hit it and |
| 107.5 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith tries to drive but gets an outside edge through backward point for a couple. |
| 107.6 : S Broad to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 108.1 : J Anderson to Cummins, FOUR! Cummins now gets into the act. He sees a an over-pitched ball outside off. Cummins leans into it and square drives it to fetch himself a boundary. This is now his highest Test score and what a time to get it. |
| 108.2 : J Anderson to Cummins, Good length outside off, Cummins lets it be. |
| 108.3 : J Anderson to Cummins, Just ahead of a length outside off, the inswinger by Anderson. Cummins opts not to play at it. |
| 108.4 : J Anderson to Cummins, Wide outside off, Cummins leaves it. |
| 108.5 : J Anderson to Cummins, Full outside off, there for the drive. Cummins does so but straight to the point fielder. |
| 108.6 : J Anderson to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins guides it to point for a run. |
| Chris Woakes is back into the attack. A wicket is needed here for England. He is not been at his best uptil now. |
| 109.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Fuller in length on off, Cummins tries to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 109.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length around off, Cummins lets it be. |
| 109.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, Full ball on off, Cummins mistimes his drive to mid on. |
| 109.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, FOUR! Elegant! This man is enjoying batting out there. Full ball outside off by Woakes. Cummins leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 109.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 109.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 110.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 110.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 110.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish ball on middle, Smith tries to drive but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 110.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 110.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Just behind a length around off. Smith covers the line and defends it. |
| 110.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Similar length but wider outside off, Smith shoulders his arms to it. |
| 111.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Shorter in length but outside off, Cummins watchfully lets it through to the keeper. |
| 111.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length on off, comes in with the angle. Cummins gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket as he tries to defend it for a run. |
| 111.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Shortish in length outside off, Smith shuffles across and lets it be. He felt he could have had a crack at that after he left it. |
| 111.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot. |
| 111.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Just ahead of a length outside off, Smith keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it. |
| 111.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Cuts the short ball to point. |
| 112.1 : J Anderson to Pat Cummins, Slower short ball outside off, Cummins cuts it to the man at backward point. |
| 112.2 : J Anderson to Cummins, Good length on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 112.3 : J Anderson to Cummins, Length but outside off, Cummins need not play at it. |
| 112.4 : J Anderson to Cummins, BEATEN! Good length on off, shapes away after pitching. Cummins tries to defend but is beaten by the away swing. There was an appeal but a stifled one. Root also had a chat with the bowler and the keeper whether it should be reviewed but then they opt against it. Replays later on show there was no edge on Ultra Edge. |
| 112.5 : J Anderson to Cummins, Errs in line and drifts on the pads, Cummins flicks it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 112.6 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 113.1 : C Woakes to Cummins, Good length outside off, Cummins defends it solidly. |
| 113.2 : C Woakes to Cummins, Full ball outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Cummins does go after it but with minimal foot movement. He gets beaten. There have been a few play and misses in the last overs or so. He needs to concentrate. |
| 113.3 : C Woakes to Cummins, Length ball on off, Cummins defends it off the back foot. |
| 113.4 : C Woakes to Cummins, Fuller in length on off, Cummins drives it back to the bowler. |
| Mid-wicket goes to deep square leg. |
| 113.5 : C Woakes to Cummins, Bowls it on a length on the stumps, the batsman defends it easily. |
| 113.6 : C Woakes to Cummins, OUT! Woakes gets the breakthrough! A much-needed one for England. Just as I mentioned before he has been loose on the drive for the last couple of overs, it has cost him his wicket. He was beaten a couple of times earlier and this time he edges it. Fuller in length outside off by Woakes. Cummins goes for the expansive drive but gets an outside edge in doing so. Cook at first slip takes a nice, low catch going down to his right. A gritty and a very useful knock by Cumm |
| Josh Hazlewood strides out to the middle. |
| 114.1 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 114.2 : J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! Smith continues his merry way! Short outside off, Smith rocks back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 114.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length on off, Smith defends it from within the crease. |
| 114.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller on the pads, Smith flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 114.5 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Good length on off, shaping away. Hazlewood tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 114.6 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Full on the pads, Josh flicks it nicely towards deep square leg for a couple. The deficit is now down to 20, Australia getting close. |
| 115.1 : C Woakes to Smith, A well-directed short ball on middle. Smith ducks under it at the very last moment. |
| 115.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 115.3 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Shorter in length on off, Smith went for the upper cut but did not get it off the middle. He would have wanted to go a lot straighter but it goes over gully for a boundary. |
| 115.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Change in intent from Smith with only two wickets in hand. Woakes again bangs it in short. Smith is early into the position and he pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 115.5 : C Woakes to Hazlewood, Back of a length on off, Josh defends it off the back foot. |
| 115.6 : C Woakes to Hazlewood, The batsman defends it from within the crease. TEA ON DAY 3! |
| Brilliant, brilliant batting by Cummins and Smith have ensured this session belongs to Australia. They now only trail by another 15, whereas, at a stage they never looked like they would come this close. They started playing some aggressive strokes after the lunch break with the skipper getting to his ton and Cummins being the perfect foil for him. These two managed to stitch a 66-run stand before the latter departed. Australia would look to score a little quickly and try to get into the lead af |
| The away side, on the other hand, flattened out after the lunch session. They looked short of ideas and started to leak runs. Woakes, who has been poor throughout, was the one who got them the breakthrough. England would now look to come out and wrap this up as quickly as possible and take some sort of a lead heading into the third innings. Stay tuned for the final session of the day. |
| ...Day 3, Session 3... |
| We are back for the final session. Steven Smith and Josh Hazlewood will continue their innings. We have 36 overs left for the day. Moeen Ali will start the proceedings for England. He has a slip and a short leg in place. Will Smith go after him? |
| 116.1 : M Ali to Smith, Ali tosses it up on middle, Smith flicks it down to long on with the spin for a run. |
| 116.2 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Very full on leg stump. Josh does well to dig it out. |
| 116.3 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Flatter on middle, Hazlewood shows good technique to lunge forward and block it. |
| 116.4 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 116.5 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Fuller on off, Hazlewood drives it off the middle but straight to the man at cover. |
| 116.6 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Tosses it up on middle, Josh defends it off the front foot. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. he already has three wickets to his name. Can he add more? |
| 117.1 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length on off, extracts some ectra bounce off the surface. Smith does well to defend it off the back foot. |
| 117.2 : S Broad to Smith, Good length on middle, Smith defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 117.3 : S Broad to Smith, Length ball on off, Steven defends it right onto the ground. |
| 117.4 : S Broad to Smith, Short and outside off, not that much room on offer. Steven Smith stays leg side of the delivery and cuts it through backward point for a brace. |
| 117.5 : S Broad to Smith, Ahead of a length outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 117.6 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length on middle, Smith punches it to the man at covers. |
| The groundsman is out there flattening out the footmarks with the hammer. |
| 118.1 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Tosses it up on middle, Hazlewood defends it off the front foot. |
| 118.2 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Very full again on middle, Josh jams it back to the bowler. |
| 118.3 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Slower through the air on middle, Hazlewood is solid in defense. He is playing really well here. |
| 118.4 : M Ali to Hazlewood, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 118.5 : M Ali to Hazlewood, He drags his length back on middle, Josh punches it back to the bowler. |
| 118.6 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Full toss on middle, Hazlewood drives it to the man at mid on. |
| 119.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller in length on middle, Smith drives it down to long on. |
| 119.2 : S Broad to Smith, Errs in line and angles it on the pads, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket to change strike. |
| A short leg in place for Josh Hazlewood. |
| 119.3 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Angles it onto the body of the batsman. He flicks it to short leg. |
| 119.4 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Fuller in length on middle, Hazlewood drives it to mid on. |
| 119.5 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Handy runs here! Short ball outside off, Hazlewood cuts it through point. The fielder gives it a chase and saves a run for his side. The deficit is only 8 now. |
| 119.6 : S Broad to Smith, Picthes it on a length around off, Smith defends it towards covers. |
| 120.1 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Short ball on off, Hazlewood punches it but straight onto the man at silly point. The ball hits him on the pads and deflects it towards covers. |
| 120.2 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Works it with the angle towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 120.3 : M Ali to S Smith, Shorter in length outside off, Smith cuts it through point for a single. |
| 120.4 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 120.5 : M Ali to J Hazlewood, Tosses it up on off, gets it to turn away, Hazlewood tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards point. |
| 120.6 : M Ali to Hazlewood, BEATEN! Gives it more air but a touch short around off, the ball turns away from the batsman. Hazlewood tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 121.1 : S Broad to Smith, Punches the ball on off to mid off. |
| 121.2 : S Broad to Smith, Short on middle, skids off the surface. Smith ducks under it. |
| 121.3 : S Broad to S Smith, A good shot but for nothing! Full on off, Smith drives it to covers. |
| 121.4 : S Broad to Smith, Angles it on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 121.5 : S Broad to S Smith, Fullish ball on off, Smith once again drives it but straight to the man at covers. |
| 121.6 : S Broad to Smith, Sprays on the pads, too easy for Smith who flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 122.1 : M Ali to Smith, OUCH! This one would have hurt but he has surely saved runs for his team. Short by Ali, a long hop on middle. Smith rocks back and pulls it hard but it hits Stoneman on the shin at short leg. |
| 122.2 : M Ali to Smith, Drags his length back, Smith cuts it towards point for a run. |
| 122.3 : M Ali to Hazlewood, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 122.4 : Ali to J Hazlewood, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Moeen gets his second. He bowls it full on middle, gets it to drift into the batsman and also the ball straightens a touch. Hazlewood goes for the flick but misses and the ball sneaks through bat and pad to disturb the stumps. Smith at the other end looks at the heavens in frustration. Australia still trail by 4 and have only one wicket in hand. Exciting stuff! |
| Nathan Lyon is the last man in. |
| 122.5 : M Ali to Lyon, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 122.6 : M Ali to Lyon, Flatter on off, Lyon defends it solidly. |
| 123.1 : S Broad to Smith, Drifts it down the leg side. Smith misses the flick. |
| 123.2 : S Broad to Smith, Good length on off, Smith pushes it down to mid off. |
| 123.3 : S Broad to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it down to fine leg for a run. Lyon now has three balls to survive in this over. |
| 123.4 : S Broad to Lyon, Good length outside off, Lyon shoulders arms to it. |
| 123.5 : S Broad to N Lyon, Fuller in length on off, Lyon eases it down to mid off. |
| 123.6 : S Broad to Lyon, Length around middle, Lyon blocks it out. |
| Jake Ball is back into the attack. No slips in place for Smith only a gully. |
| 124.1 : J Ball to Smith, KP on-air mentions with the field he has he just cannot pitch it up and Ball does not. He bangs it short down the leg side. Smith evades it. |
| 124.2 : J Ball to Smith, Shorter in length again, Smith makes room and tries to play a forehand smash down the ground but misses. Steven wanted it to be called a wide but nothing from the umpire. |
| 124.3 : J Ball to Smith, FOUR! AUSTRALIA LEAD BY 1 RUN! Brilliant by Smith! Ball bangs it in short on leg stump. Smith shuffles inside and flicks it over the leg gully fielder for a boundary. |
| 124.4 : J Ball to S Smith, Pulls the bouncer down to fine leg for a run. |
| Now more catchers in place for Lyon. Two slips, a gully and a short leg come in. |
| 124.5 : J Ball to Lyon, Shortish ball outside off, Lyon lets it be. |
| 124.6 : J Ball to Lyon, Smith does not run, rightly so! Lyon flicks the short ball down to fine leg only to be refused for a run by his skipper at the other end. |
| Chris Woakes is now into the attack. Can he wrap up the innings? |
| 125.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller in length on middle, Smith times it beautifully to mid on. |
| 125.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Driven through the covers by the batsman. |
| 125.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish outside off, Smith square drives it. Stoneman in the deep makes a tumbling stop but can't stop two. He is still wearing his shin guards even though he is fielding in the deep. |
| 125.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Shorter in length outside off, Smith cuts it to point. |
| 125.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Bouncer on middle, Steven goes for the upper cut but does not connect. |
| 125.6 : C Woakes to Smith, A poor ball by Woakes but a useful one in the end. He drifts it down the leg side. Smith lets it through to the keeper. Lyon will be on strike for the next over. |
| 126.1 : J Ball to Lyon, Good length on off, Lyon defends it off the front foot. |
| 126.2 : J Ball to Lyon, Lyon says he can play shots too! He flicks it with the angle through mid-wicket and the batsmen run three. Also Steven Smith is back on strike. |
| 126.3 : J Ball to Smith, Drifts it on the pads, Smith flicks it down to fine leg and takes a run. He is showing trust in Lyon. |
| 126.4 : J Ball to Lyon, Too easy for Lyon! Ball again bowls it on the leg stump. Nathan flicks it to fine leg to hand over the strike to his skipper. |
| 126.5 : J Ball to Smith, Length on middle, Smith pushes it towards mid on. |
| 126.6 : J Ball to Smith, FOUR! WOW! Quality batting! Full ball on middle, by Ball. Smith drives it straight down the ground to collect a boundary. Smith also has some words to say to Jake Ball after that shot. The lead is now in double digits. |
| 127.1 : C Woakes to Lyon, Shorter in length on middle, Lyon defends it solidly. |
| 127.2 : C Woakes to Lyon, Good length on off, Lyon plays it to covers. |
| 127.3 : C Woakes to N Lyon, FOUR! Lyon is contributing some very important runs! Short by Woakes on the body. Lyon swivels inside the crease and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 127.4 : C Woakes to Lyon, Fuller on middle, Lyon drive it down to mid on. |
| 127.5 : C Woakes to Lyon, Angles it on middle, Lyon pushes it to mid on. |
| 127.6 : C Woakes to Lyon, A low full toss, almost a yorker on off. Lyon digs it out to covers. |
| An interesting move, Joe Root, gets himself into the attack. |
| 128.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Flicks it with the spin to deep square leg for a run. |
| 128.2 : Joe Root to Lyon, Flatter on off, Lyon defends it off the front foot. |
| 128.3 : Joe Root to Lyon, Fuller on middle, Lyon drives it down towards deepish mid on for a run. |
| 128.4 : Joe Root to Smith, The batsman has nudged the ball, straight to short fine leg. |
| 128.5 : Joe Root to Smith, Works it on the leg side, wide of short fine leg for a single. The lead is now 20. |
| 128.6 : Joe Root to Lyon, Tosses it up outside off, Lyon prods forward to block it. |
| 129.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Bowls it on a length outside off, Smith tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 129.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Shorter in length outside off, Smith cuts it to point. |
| 129.3 : C Woakes to S Smith, An off cutter which comes back in sharply. Smith first thinks of cutting it but then adjusts and tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad. |
| 129.4 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Short and on off, Smith stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 129.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Very full outside off, Smith drives it to covers for a run. |
| 129.6 : C Woakes to Lyon, Good length outside off, Lyon lets it be. |
| 130.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Tucks it around the corner for a run. |
| 130.2 : Joe Root to Lyon, Gives it air on leg stump, Lyon flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 130.3 : Joe Root to Lyon, OUT! That is it, Lyon is the last man to go! Root gets the final wicket. He bowls it flatter down the leg side. Lyon flicks it straight to the man at leg gully where Cook takes a sharp low catch. Smith straight away start walking towards the dressing room as he sees Cook complete the catch. Root turns back and appeals and the umpire raises his finger. AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 328! |
| Terrific batting performance by Australia given they were once struggling to get anywhere near the English total. But their skipper, Steven Smith stood tall amidst the storm and stroked a valiant century to help the Australians gain a 26-run lead. His 66-run stand along with Pat Cummins for the 8th wicket deflated the spirits of the opposition bowlers. |
| Yesterday, the Aussie innings got off to an awful start when they lost their first four wickets for only 76 runs. Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh's 99-run stand brought them back on track but once again they lost the plot after the fall of Marsh's wicket this morning. The English bowling fared decently but mainly when the ball was new. They struggled to maintain the same intensity throughout. Stuart Broad finished with a 3-for while Moeen Ali and James Anderson bagged two wickets apiece. Jake Ball |
| There is still no demon in the surface. It has quickened up a bit but is still nice for stroke making. England are not behind by a big margin and will be backing themselves to bat better and set a challenging target for Australia. Stay tuned for their second innings... |
| 0.1 : M Starc to Cook, Action straightaway! Not the best of balls but, he sprays it down the leg side. Cook tries to flick but misses and the ball goes off something to the keeper who takes it and appeals. The umpire shakes his head. Replays later on show it had flicked the pad. Cook will be disappointed to not pit that away. |
| 0.2 : M Starc to Cook, Length outside off, Cook lets it be. |
| 0.3 : M Starc to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.4 : M Starc to Cook, Length ball on off, no swing available for Starc. Cook defends it solidly. |
| 0.5 : M Starc to Cook, Fuller in length on off, Cook mistimes his drive to mid on. |
| 0.6 : M Starc to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook defends it to point. A maiden to start off by Starc. |
| Josh Hazlewood will bowl from the other end. He did not have a good outing with the ball in the first innings but he has a chance to make amends. |
| 1.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, FOUR! A boundary to get off the mark for Stoneman! Short and wide outside off by Hazlewood. Stoneman cuts it uppishly but wide of the point fielder. |
| 1.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 1.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at at. |
| 1.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, A better line and length! He lands it on off, getting it to angle away. Mark defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Bowls it on a length outside off, Stoneman opts not to fiddle with it. This also zips off the surface and also gets good carry as it reaches Tim Paine. |
| 1.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Just ahead of a length on off, the batsman defends it. |
| 2.1 : M Starc to Cook, Flicks it with the angle to square leg. |
| 2.2 : M Starc to Cook, Shorter in length but on the leg stump. Cook flicks it through square leg for a brace to get off the mark. |
| 2.3 : M Starc to A Cook, EDGY FOUR! Cook won't mind though! Starc lands it on a length around off. Cook tries to defend but gets an outside edge through gully for a boundary. |
| 2.4 : M Starc to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook taps it towards covers for a run. |
| 2.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Nice bounce and pace there by Starc! 146 kph by Starc. He bangs it short and wide outside off, Stoneman tries to cut but gets beaten by the lift the ball got off the surface. |
| 2.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 3.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| 3.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook need not play at it. |
| 3.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, OUT! Hazlewood strikes and the Gabba erupts! Another failure for Cook courtesy a very good catch by Starc at fine leg. Hazlewood bangs it short on leg stump. Cook tries to pull but the ball gets big on him. He gets a top edge and it flies towards Starc. He runs across to his left and bends low to take a brilliant catch. An early wicket for Australia, just what they needed. Also Hazlewood gets a wicket, this should get him going now. It does mean a lot to him which shows |
| James Vince walks out to the middle. He impressed one and all in the first innings. England would hope he repeats the same. |
| 3.4 : J Hazlewood to Vince, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 3.5 : J Hazlewood to Vince, He bends his back on that one and bowls it short on leg stump. Vince ducks under it. |
| 3.6 : J Hazlewood to Vince, On the pads, Vince flicks it through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 4.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, FOUR! Too easy for Stoneman! Starc dishes out a full ball on leg stump, Stoneman flicks it through square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 4.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 4.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Absolute gem of a delivery! He goes wide of the crease and lands it on off, gets it to shape away after pitching. Stoneman tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 4.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 4.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on middle, Stoneman defends it off the back foot. |
| 4.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Loose very loose from Stoneman. Starc serves a full ball outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Stoneman obliges and goes for it but away from his body. He gets beaten. |
| 5.1 : J Hazlewood to Vince, Good bowling, he is now oozing with confidence here Hazlewood. He lands it on a length around off, gets it to move away. Vince first thinks of playing at it but then lets it go. |
| 5.2 : J Hazlewood to J Vince, Edged but short! Josh bowls it on a length around off, shapes away off the seam. Vince tries to defend but gets an outside edge which falls just short of third slip. |
| 5.3 : J Hazlewood to Vince, OUT! Second one down and Josh Hazlewood is breathing fire here! Look what one wicket does, he has an extra yard of pace on him and also is getting the ball to move. Brilliant delivery by him. He lands it on a length, an in between length not sure whether to play forward or back, around middle and off and also gets it to straighten. Vince, the ball before got an edge which fell short but this time he tries to defend but gets squared up. The ball takes the edge and goes |
| Joe Root comes out to the middle. He will have to replicate what Smith did for Australia. |
| 5.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 5.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 5.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Similar length on off, Root defends it solidly. |
| 6.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Flicks the ball on the pads down to fine leg for a run. |
| 6.2 : M Starc to Root, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 6.3 : M Starc to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it with authority off the back foot. |
| 6.4 : Starc to Root, Right on the helmet! Australia have their tails up here! He bowls it short, the ball skids off the surface. Root is late to react and tries to fend by taking his eyes off the ball. The ball hits him straight onto the helmet. Good gesture by the Australians as they walk up to the English skipper to ask him whether he is fine. |
| The physio is out now to check whether Root is fine. He is having a sip of water and now it looks like he wants a change of helmet. He looks to be fine though, good news for the English fans. |
| 6.5 : M Starc to Root, Bouncer again and Root this time ducks under it. |
| 6.6 : M Starc to Root, Good length outside off, Root lets it be. |
| 7.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Back of a length outside off, Stoneman plays inside the line and lets it through. |
| 7.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Fuller in length this time on off, Stoneman defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 7.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Short ball outside off, does not bounce enough. Stoneman evades it. |
| 7.5 : J Hazlewood to M Stoneman, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for England! Fuller ball outside off by Hazlewood from around the wicket. Stoneman drives it through covers an the ball races to the fence. |
| 7.6 : J Hazlewood to M Stoneman, Fullish ball on off, Mark drives it to mid on. |
| 8.1 : M Starc to Root, Short and outside off, Root resists the temptation to cut and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 8.2 : M Starc to Root, Short ball down the leg side, Root ducks under it. |
| 8.3 : M Starc to Root, Good length on off, angling away. Root defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 8.4 : M Starc to Root, Fuller this time outside off, Root opts not to play at it. |
| 8.5 : M Starc to Root, Short aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Root pulls it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 8.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Angles it on the pads, Stoneman works it down to fine leg to keep strike. |
| 9.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Bangs it in on off. Stoneman defends it off the back foot. |
| 9.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Bowls it on the pads, Stoneman flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 9.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Good length on off, nipping back in. Root covers the swing and defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 9.4 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Fuller in length on off, Root times his drive well but it goes straight to point. |
| 9.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Full ball on off, Root drives it to mid off. |
| 9.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, On a length around off, Root defends it off the back foot to mid off. |
| Pat Cummins comes into the attack. He was extremely impressive in the first innings. |
| 10.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Starts off with a beauty! He lands it on a length around off, gets it to shape away after pitching. Stoneman tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 10.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Fuller in length outside off, Stoneman opts not to play at it. |
| 10.3 : Pat Cummins to M Stoneman, Full ball on off, Stoneman eases it to mid off. |
| 10.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| A short leg in place now. |
| 10.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Bangs it short on middle, Stoneman tucks it to short leg who was just brought in. |
| 10.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Good length outside off, Mark lets it be. A maiden by Cummins to start off with. |
| Root is seen taking a medicine. Maybe for the blow he took on the head. He might be feeling a little dizzy after that. |
| Spin! Nathan Lyon is into the attack. A short leg, a leg slip and a slip in place. |
| 11.1 : N Lyon to Root, Drags his length back on middle, Root pushes it down to mid off. |
| 11.2 : N Lyon to Root, SCORES LEVEL! Short ball down the leg side by Lyon. Root pulls it down towards fine leg for a run. |
| 11.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter but on the shorter side by Lyon on middle. Stoneman flicks it to short leg. |
| 11.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air on off, turns away after pitching. Stoneman tries to defend but is beaten by the away turn. |
| 11.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 11.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, He has not got it right in this over. He bowl it short again on middle, Stoneman camps back and times his flick through mid-wicket. Due to the big outfield here, Hazlewood has enough time to come running to his right form backward square leg and save a run for his side. England lead by 3 now. |
| 12.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Short but down the leg side, Stoneman lets it through to the keeper. |
| 12.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, That is up in the air...but safe! Cummins is bowling really quick here. He bangs it short on leg stump, the ball comes quicker off the pitch. Stoneman tries to defend but the ball hits him on the glove and lobs way ahead of Khawaja who was comes running in from gully. |
| 12.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 12.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Stoneman is getting stoned here! Cummins again bangs it short on leg stump, Stoneman takes his eyes off the ball as he tries to fend at it. He takes one hand off the handle but the ball hits him on the glove which is holding the handle and rolls to leg gully. He is having a tough time here Stoneman. This is brilliant pace bowling. |
| 12.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. |
| 12.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman tries to defend but gets a soft outside edge to the man at slip. |
| 13.1 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter on middle, Root flicks it through the leg side for a run. |
| 13.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 13.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, BEATEN! Floats it up on off, turning away. Stoneman lunges forward in defense but only to get beaten by the away turn. |
| 13.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Darts it on off, Stoneman punches it to the man at covers. |
| 13.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, CLOSE! Quicker this time by Lyon outside off, he wants it to go on with the arm and it does so. Stoneman opts not to play a shot at it and the ball goes really close to the pads. Smart bowling! |
| 13.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 14.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 14.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper. |
| 14.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Length ball on off, Root defends it towards covers for a run. |
| 14.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman camps back in defense. |
| 14.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 14.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Just behind the length on off, Stoneman rocks back and defends it. |
| 15.1 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter outside off, turning back in. Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 15.2 : N Lyon to Root, He is pushing it through but shorter in length outside off. Root pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 15.3 : N Lyon to Root, Tosses it up on middle, Root lunges forward in defense. |
| 15.4 : N Lyon to Root, Flicks it with the spin towards square leg for a run. |
| 15.5 : N Lyon to M Stoneman, Brilliantly bowled, he finds the edge but to no avail! He gives it air on middle, gets it to turn away. Stoneman tries to defend with firm hands and gets an outside edge rolling towards short third man for a run. |
| 15.6 : N Lyon to Root, Poor ball to end the day, just like Broad ended yesterday. Spinning down the leg side, Root lets it go through to the keeper. STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| It was an exhibition of hostile bowling from the Aussie speedsters and that has put the hosts right on top heading into day 4! England lead by just 7 runs and are already two down. The Australian pacers bowled with good pace and maintained an excellent line to trouble the English top order. Josh Hazlewood bounced back from an ordinary bowling performance in the first innings and claimed both the wickets to fall. He was well supported by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins from the other end, who were |
| Earlier in the day, England had the home side on the mat after bowling superbly in the first session. Australia were tottering on 209 for 7 but a valiant ton by skipper Steven Smith and his momentum changing 66-run partnership with Pat Cummins helped them gain a 26-run lead. They now have the game in their control and would want to continue the good work tomorrow, whereas the tourists would hope for Joe Root and the rest to battle it out and take them to a respectable total. We can expect anothe |
| ...Day 4, Session 1... |
| Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. We witnessed the Steven Smith show yesterday where he scored an epic 141 not out to give Australia a slight lead. All this happened after the home side was reeling at one stage and that makes this century from their skipper very special and vital in the context of the game. After that, the Aussie speedsters got into the act last evening and it was a torrid time for the Englishmen. They are effectively 7/2 at this stage, under tremendous pressure but are still not o |
| Joe Root has a big job in front of him. England will be hoping that he brings out his best game today and leads from the front. He still has a plenty of support left and constructing partnerships is the need of the hour. How will they fare against the hostile pace battery of Australia? Stay with us to find out... |
| We are all set to get underway. Joe Root, the English skipper, and Mark Stoneman will continue their innings. A partnership is what is needed for England. They lead only by 7 at the moment. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood will start the proceedings. He has three slips and a gully in place. He already has two important scalps to his name. Can he provide an early breakthrough today? Here we go... |
| 16.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, He starts off with a length delivery in the zone outside off, a perfect Test match line. Stoneman watchfully allows it through to the keeper. |
| 16.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Stoneman is away for today! Back of a length on middle by Hazlewood, Stoneman taps it towards mid on for a quick run. |
| 16.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Root gets his first runs of the day as well! Pitched up ball on off by Josh, Root presses forward a bit, opens the face of the bat a little and guides it past the diving gully fielder. Good running by the batsmen to collect two. |
| 16.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Risky by Root, had he missed that he was plumb! His head is falling a little. Hazlewood bowls it a touch fuller on middle, Root plants his front foot across and tries to flick. He gets an inside edge through square leg for a single. |
| 16.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 16.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. Four runs from the first over. |
| Mitchell Starc to bowl from the other end. He will be bowling from the Stanley Street End. |
| 17.1 : M Starc to Root, Starts off with a yorker outside off, Root digs it out to covers. |
| 17.2 : M Starc to Root, A yorker again but outside off, Root once again digs it out to point. |
| 17.3 : M Starc to Root, FOUR! Elegant! Full and wide outside off, a juicy half-volley. Root leans into it and drives it through covers to give England their first boundary of the day. |
| 17.4 : M Starc to Root, Fuller in length on off, Root drives it back to the bowler. |
| 17.5 : M Starc to Root, Back of a length on middle, Root camps back and defends it onto the ground. |
| There are two men out for the hook shot. Joe Root doesn't duck too much, feels Mark Taylor on air. He is surprised that Mitchell Starc has not tested him so far with a short ball. |
| 17.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Here comes the short ball, but does not get up that much. Root as mentioned does not duck and goes for the pull. He does it well down towards fine leg for a run. Starc need to get the ball to bounce a lot higher than the last one. That was a comfortable height for Root. |
| 18.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Good length on off, Root defends it solidly. |
| 18.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 18.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Just ahead of a length on off, Root defends it off the front foot quite easily. |
| 18.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Back of a length on off, Root guides it to gully. |
| Another observation by Mark Taylor. On the fourth ball of the 17th over, Joe Root flicked one off the inner half. Taylor brought out the clip of his first innings' dismissal and points out his mistake. He reckons that Root's head is falling over rather being nice and straight with eyes parallel with the ground. Shane Warne adds to it and feels that Joe is a bit hesitant getting forward after copping a blow on the helmet yesterday evening. Fine details from the on air commentators. |
| 18.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, FOUR! Runs are flowing today morning! Hazlewood bangs it short outside off, Root hops and guides it through backward point to fetch himself another boundary. |
| 18.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller on the pads, too easy for Root. He clips it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 19.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Angles it on the pads, Stoneman works it on the leg side for a run. |
| 19.2 : M Starc to Root, Length on middle, Root taps it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 19.3 : M Starc to Stoneman, Shorter outside off, no bounce off the wicket. Stoneman easily sways away from the delivery. |
| 19.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, A better attempt of a short ball. He does get it to bounce a touch more but the line is down the leg side. Stoneman need not play at those. |
| 19.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, Conventional length outside off, Stoneman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 19.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Wide outside off, at 143 kph. Stoneman is not interested at playing at those. |
| 20.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller in length outside off, Root lets it be. |
| 20.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Better by Hazlewood, he is now starting to find his length. He lands it around off. Root covers his off stump and lets it through. |
| 20.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fullish on middle, Root eases it down to mid on. |
| 20.4 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Finds the edge but goes along the ground to gully! Good probing length from Josh. He bowls it around middle, straightens a touch, a similar delivery to what he bowled to Vince but that had a little more pace. Root gets squared up as he tries to defend it and gets a soft outside edge to gully. |
| 20.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Similar length outside off, Root cuts it towards Marsh at point who makes a good stop. Joe seems to be getting confident after each delivery he is facing. |
| 20.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. A maiden by Hazlewood. |
| 21.1 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman defends it solidly. |
| 21.2 : M Starc to Stoneman, Just ahead of a length on the stumps, Stoneman pushes it towards wide mid on for a run. |
| 21.3 : M Starc to Root, Shorter in length outside off, Root punches it through point for a run. He is a busy player once he gets going. He will keep ticking the scoreboard. |
| 21.4 : M Starc to Stoneman, Errs in line, shorter in length. He is trying to get it at the body of Stoneman but has not found his rhythm yet. He bowls it down the leg side. Stoneman leaves it. |
| 21.5 : M Starc to Stoneman, This time it is outside off, on the shorter side. Easy for Mark as he lets it through. |
| 21.6 : M Starc to Stoneman, Back of a length on off, Stoneman hops and defends it onto the ground. |
| Pat Cummins is into the attack. He bowled a fiery spell yesterday. Australia will be expecting the same from him. |
| 22.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fullish ball on off, Root mistimes his drive towards mid off. |
| 22.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root defends it towards gully. He goes down and has a chat with his partner after playing the ball. They have come out really focused here. |
| 22.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length on off, angling into the batsman. Root defends it onto the ground. |
| 22.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root off the back foot, punches it through covers for a run. |
| A short leg in place also a leg gully in place. He did trouble Stoneman with some short stuff yesterday. Will we see the same? |
| 22.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Shorter in length outside off, Stoneman lets it be. |
| 22.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Yes we do! He bangs it in short on the body of Stoneman tucks it around the corner for a run. |
| Spin early! Nathan Lyon is into the attack now from the Stanley Street End, the same end from where there's a crack starting to open up outside the right-hander's off stump. He has a slip and a short leg in place. He is bowling to a left-hander at the moment and he loves that too. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter on off, Stoneman lunges forward in defense. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Quicker on off, Stoneman lets it turn away and then leaves it. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air on middle, turning away. Mark defends it solidly. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Bowls it quicker on middle, gets it to bounce a touch more. Stoneman defends it off the back foot. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Fires it on middle, Stoneman defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Drags his length back outside off, Stoneman cuts it to point. |
| 24.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length on off, Root defends it to mid off. |
| 24.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it towards mid on this time. |
| 24.3 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Fuller in length on off, Root who is oozing with confidence today, plants his front foot ahead and drives it to the man at covers. |
| 24.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fuller on the pads, Root flicks it towards wide mid on. Root called for two but had to settle for one. |
| 24.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, FOUR! Just behind a length outside off, Stoneman punches it through backward point and gets a boundary. It goes uppishly from the right of gully but safe in the end. |
| 24.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 25.1 : N Lyon to Root, Pitches it on leg stump, turning away. Root lets it be. |
| 25.2 : N Lyon to Root, Tucks it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 25.3 : N Lyon to Root, Gives it air this time on middle, Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 25.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter on off, Stoneman defends it stoutly. |
| 25.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 25.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Tries to bowl it quicker but on the shorter side. Mark camps back and defends it. |
| 26.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Just behind a length on off, Root defends it onto the ground. |
| 26.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Excellent bouncer! They have a field set for it. Cummins comes steaming in and bangs it short just outside off. Root tries to drag his pull but gets beaten in the process. A risky shot attempted by the skipper. |
| 26.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Length outside off, Root defends it towards the off side for no runs. |
| 26.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Flicks it with the angle through square leg to change strike. |
| 26.5 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Bouncer! Stoneman moves out of the way and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 26.6 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, That must have hurt! Stoneman since yesterday has dealt some blows! Cummins bangs in a short one, aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Stoneman tries to leave it but gets hit on the back of the arm, just above the elbow to be precise. |
| 27.1 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter on middle, turning back in. Root camps back and plays it towards cover for a run. |
| 27.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 27.3 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Tosses it up on off, Stoneman drives it to covers. |
| 27.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, OUT! A big breakthrough for Australia this morning and Lyon is the man who provides it. He likes bowling to the left-handers and has delivered the goods. Stoneman, who looked rock solid out there, is walking back. Nathan tosses it up and lands on off, gets it to turn away with extra bounce. Stoneman plants his front foot ahead and tries to defend but it curves away to take the outside edge towards Smith at first slip. The Aussie skipper is very alert as always and goes |
| Dawid Malan strides out to the centre. |
| 27.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Drags his length back outside off, Malan cuts it to point. |
| 27.6 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 28.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Bouncer! Root ducks under it. |
| 28.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root punches it to the man at point. |
| 28.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 28.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 28.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Edged...but short! Good length on off, might have hit a crack. The ball straightens and takes the edge which falls short of Smith as he tries to defend. |
| 28.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Bouncer down the leg side, Root as mentioned earlier does not like to duck and goes for the pull but gets beaten. |
| 29.1 : N Lyon to Malan, Flatter outside off, gets it to turn away further. Malan lets it be. |
| 29.2 : N Lyon to Malan, Fuller on off, Malan defends it towards covers. |
| 29.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Makes good use of his feet and comes down the track. He drives it towards mid off and sets off for a run. The fielder there scores a direct hit at the striker's end but Root has made his crease. |
| 29.4 : N Lyon to Root, Root also dances down the track. Lyon pulls his length back a little. Joe adjusts and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 29.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Fires it in but on the shorter side. Malan camps back and defends it. |
| 29.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. Time for drinks! |
| 30.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Angles in a good length ball on off, Root remains back and pushes it out with an angled bat to gully. |
| 30.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root lets it be. |
| 30.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Angles it on the pads, Root flicks it but not off the middle towards square leg for a run. |
| 30.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Length ball outside off, Malan watchfully makes a leave. |
| 30.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Short ball by Cummins, Malan who also loves pulling the ball does so nicely towards backward square leg for a run. He has to be careful though as he fell prey to the short ball ploy in the first innings. |
| 30.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length on off, Root tries to defend but gets it off the inner half towards the leg side for a run. |
| 31.1 : N Lyon to Root, Works it around the corner with the spin for a run. |
| 31.2 : N Lyon to Malan, BEATEN! He has to get it a little fuller though! Flatter on middle, turns away from the batsman. Malan rocks back to defend but is beaten by the turn. |
| 31.3 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 31.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Shorter in length outside off, Malan cuts it towards Khawaja at point, who dives to his left and makes a decent stop. Although, he cannot stop the single. |
| 31.5 : N Lyon to Root, Shorter in length on middle, Root allows the ball to do its bit and then pulls it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 31.6 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. He has two men in the gully region and two slips also. |
| 32.1 : M Starc to Root, Shorter in length outside off, Root mistimes his cut to point. |
| 32.2 : M Starc to Root, Good length outside off, Root lets it be. |
| 32.3 : M Starc to Root, On the shorter side outside off, Root cuts it to the man at gully. |
| 32.4 : M Starc to Root, Angles it on the pads, Root flicks it down to fine leg for a run. The lead is now 45. |
| 32.5 : M Starc to Malan, Starc switches to around the wicket! A similar angle in which he got Malan out in the first innings. He bangs it short but only bounces till waist height. Malan nudges it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 32.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Short ball on middle, Root pulls it towards fine leg. There is protection in the deep and the batsmen only get a single. |
| 33.1 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter on middle, turning into the batsman. Root flicks it down towards fine leg for a run. He is not getting it right to Root, he is bowling a better line to the left-hander. |
| 33.2 : N Lyon to Malan, Shorter outside off, Malan punches it to covers. |
| 33.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Slower through the air, Malan lets it be. |
| 33.4 : N Lyon to D Malan, OUT! Another one bites the dust! It is the Lyon-Smith combination yet again! Brilliant from the off spinner, as mentioned he is the real dangerman and is living up to that tag. He once again gets the better of a left-hander. Tosses it up on middle and gets it to turn away. The ball also bounces a tad extra as Malan draws forward in defense. He seems to have the line covered but the away spin gathers the outside edge. Smith takes a relatively easier catch this time. He |
| Moeen Ali walks out to the middle. |
| 33.5 : N Lyon to Ali, BEATEN! Welcome Moeen! He again tosses it up on off, the ball turns away. Ali tries to defend but get beaten. |
| 33.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has been beaten by the turn and flight on that one. |
| 34.1 : M Starc to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 34.2 : M Starc to Root, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 34.3 : M Starc to M Ali, JUST SHORT! Excellent effort by Smith! Short by Starc on middle, does not rise as much as expected. Ali tries to sway away but the ball hits the glove and lobs towards the slip cordon. Smith at second slip, knowing the ball won't carry puts in a full length dive but the ball lands just short of him. |
| 34.4 : M Starc to Ali, On the pads, Ali flicks it towards square leg for a run. The lead is now 50. |
| 34.5 : M Starc to Root, Short ball around off, Root first thought about pulling it but then pulled out. He was half committed on the shot and hence the ball hits him on the bat and falls just short of Starc. |
| 34.6 : M Starc to Root, FOUR! He has managed to get that really fine! Starc once again persists with the short ball on leg stump. Root pulls it very fine down the leg side,past the diving Paine for a boundary. |
| 35.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 35.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Shorter in length outside off, Ali punches it through the off side for three. |
| 35.3 : N Lyon to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 35.4 : N Lyon to Root, Works it to mid-wicket with the turn. |
| 35.5 : N Lyon to Root, Tosses it up on middle, Root lets it turn and then plays it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.6 : N Lyon to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 36.1 : M Starc to Ali, Shorter in length on middle, Ali ducks under it. |
| 36.2 : M Starc to Ali, Shortish ball down the leg side. Ali watchfully lets it through. |
| 36.3 : M Starc to Ali, A quick bouncer, a well-directed one this time. Ali, at the very last moment ducks under it. |
| 36.4 : M Starc to Ali, Short again by Starc but this was nicely played by Moeen. He sways out of the way of the delivery, dropping his gloves. |
| 36.5 : M Starc to Ali, Bangs it in again on leg stump. Ali ducks under it. Time for a yorker from Starc now? |
| 36.6 : M Starc to Ali, Oh, no! He persists with short one and Moeen tucks it around the corner for a run. |
| 37.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Too full on the pads, Ali flicks it towards wide mid on for a run. |
| 37.2 : N Lyon to Root, Sweeps it with the spin towards fine leg for a run. Joe Root is looking to be proactive against Lyon which is a good ploy by the English skipper. |
| 37.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Tosses it up on off, Moeen covers the line and defends it. |
| 37.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 37.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Floats it up on off, Ali defends it solidly. |
| 37.6 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, too easy for Ali. He slaps it through covers for a boundary. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. |
| 38.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, He starts off with a length ball outside off, Root opts not to play at it. |
| 38.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, FOUR! Poor ball and dispatched! There were two fielders at backward point but Root still finds the gap. Short and wide outside off from Josh. Root cuts it through that region for a boundary. |
| 38.3 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Fuller in length on middle, Root drives it down to mid on. |
| 38.4 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Fuller in length on off, Root eases it to covers. |
| 38.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, FOUR! Second boundary from the over! Josh bowls it fuller in length on off, tailing back in. Root times his drive through mid off. Warner there, gives it a chase, and dives but all in vain. |
| 38.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Length on off, Root defends it off the front foot. 8 runs from the over and the lead is now 72. |
| 39.1 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! 100 up for England! Runs started to come here for England! Ali errs in line and fires it down the leg side. Ali flicks it fine towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 39.2 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 39.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Sweeps it against the spin through square leg for a run. |
| 39.4 : N Lyon to Root, NO BALL! Comes down the track and flicks it down to long on for a run. There were three men behind square on the leg side and hence a no ball was called. |
| N Lyon to Ali, Flatter outside off, Ali lets it be. |
| 39.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Flicks it against the spin towards square leg for a run. |
| The hammer is out to level out the bowling area! Nathan Lyon himself was a curator before and he would know what exactly is going on, quips Kevin Pietersen on air. |
| 39.6 : N Lyon to Root, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 40.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 40.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, FOUR! Lovely shot! Full ball on off, Ali drives it brilliantly through mid off for a boundary. |
| 40.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fifty for Root! His 33rd Test fifty! He is leading from the front here. He has to do what Smith did yesterday and bat for a long, long time. Josh bowls it on the pads, Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. The crowd realizing that he has reached his fifty shouts ROOOOT. He raises his bat to acknowledge the applause. |
| 40.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, OUT! There goes the run-machine and England are five down now. What a wicket for Australia. Mark Taylor sometime ago did mention that Root is falling over and that has brought his down fall. He once again falls prey to an inswinger but this time it it Hazlewood who gets him. He bowls a full length ball on off, gets it to tail back in. Root shuffles across a bit too much as he tries to drive, He misses and the ball hits him on the front pad. The Australians appeal and t |
| Jonny Bairstow comes out to bat. |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up ball outside off, spinning away, Moeen allows it through. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Full flighted ball on off, Ali lunges and defends it back. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter and on middle, Moeen goes on the back foot and punches it to the off side. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! Moeen is very severe on anything short. Lyon drops one in the middle of the pitch, Ali goes deep inside the crease and blasts his pull shot through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Moeen has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy and around off, spinning away, Moeen initially looks to push at it but then withdraws his bat. |
| 42.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Good length ball on off, Bairstow remains on the back foot in defense. |
| 42.2 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Turns it in front of mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single. |
| 42.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Tight leave! Hazlewood angles across a length ball around off, moving away a shade, Moeen covers the line and makes brave leave. |
| 42.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Pitches it full and on off, Moeen doesn't try to hit it hard and drives it down the ground past the bowler. The mid off fielder runs after it and slides to pull it back. A single taken. |
| 42.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Width on offer outside off, Bairstow tries to run it down to third man but finds gully. |
| 42.6 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Bouncer, around off, Jonny sways away from the line at the last moment. LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| Australia are right on top heading into the break! They have half the side back in the hut and the lead is still below hundred for England. Earlier in the morning, the away side came out with a positive intent and started to score freely. Runs were coming thick and fast for them until the introduction of Nathan Lyon which changed the course of the game. He weaved his magic and managed to pick two quick wickets and now with Root departing to Hazlewood the tourists are staring down the barrel. |
| The home side will hope for the same to continue after the break. They have their tails up and would look to wrap up the innings as quickly as possible. The visitors on the other hand have to show great fight and resilience and form partnerships if they are to come up with a competitive total. A lot of action still remains in the game. Do join us for the second session in a while. |
| ...Day 4, Session 2... |
| We are back for the second session. Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow will continue their innings. Nathan Lyon will continue his spell. |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Wide outside off, Ali lets it be. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Ali, BEATEN! Tosses it up on off, turns away sharply! Ali tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! Top shot! Good intent from Moeen, he should not let Lyon dictate terms here. He sees flight on the delivery and comes down the track to loft it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Drags his length back outside off, Ali cuts it to covers. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! Nails the sweep to perfection this time! Fuller in length from Lyon, Mooen goes down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. The lead has now crossed 100. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| Pat Cummins will bowl from the other end. |
| 44.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 44.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Flicks it with the angle to the man at square leg. |
| 44.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Bowls it on the pads, Bairstow tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. There is a muted appeal from the Australians but nothing from the umpire. |
| 44.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, FOUR! Third boundary after the lunch break! Short ball outside off by Cummins. Bairstow cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 44.5 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Shorter in length on middle, Jonny watches it early and ducks under it. |
| 44.6 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Errs in line and angles it on the pads, Jonny flicks it down towards fine leg. Hazlewood there runs to his right and saves a couple for his side. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Tosses it up on off, Ali lunges forward in defense. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on off, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 45.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Why is there no short leg? Maybe because Moeen is playing attacking cricket. Well if there was one, Ali could have been a goner. Smith has missed a trick here. Quicker on middle, goes on with the arm. Ali tries to defend but it takes the inside edge, hits the pads and goes uppishly through the vacant short leg area towards square leg. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 46.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 46.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Fuller ball on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 46.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, BOUNCER! Bairstow ducks under it. |
| 46.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, Bairstow pushes it down to mid off. |
| 46.5 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Length on off, pushed to covers. |
| 46.6 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Good length on off, Jonny defends it off the back foot. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali covers the line and defends it. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Shorter in length on off, Ali punches it to covers. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Works it against the spin towards wide mid on for a run. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flatter on off, Bairstow lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, FOUR! Too easy as there is no one in the cover region! Lyon bowls it way outside off, Bairstow strokes it through covers. Cummins gives it a chase but is not able to stop it. He nearly hurt his knees there on the slide, needs to be careful. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Tosses it up on off, Jonny prods forward in defense. |
| 48.1 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Full toss on off, Ali pushes it to covers. |
| 48.2 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Flicks it off his pads to the man at deep square leg for a run. |
| 48.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 48.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Strokes it through the off side for a run. |
| 48.5 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Slower ball on off, Ali reads it well and defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.6 : Pat Cummins to M Ali, Short on the body of the batsman. Ali pulls it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 49.1 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 49.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Shorter in length on off, Ali punches it to covers. |
| 49.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali gets well back in his crease and flicks it towards wide mid on for a run. |
| 49.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 49.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, SIX! First six of this innings! We know Bairstow is a dangerous stroke maker and he just shows why. Lyon floats it up on middle, Jonny makes good use of his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum. The lead is now above 120. |
| 49.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flicks it with the spin through the leg side for a run. |
| 50.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Shorter in length on middle, Jonny ducks under it. |
| 50.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 50.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Both of them are busy players and runs will keep ticking if they are at the crease. Once again, Bairstow flicks it with the angle through square leg for a run to bring up the 150. |
| 50.4 : Pat Cummins to Ali, On the pads, Ali flicks it down to deep square leg to change strike. Poor by Cummins, all his fielders were on the off side and he drifted it on the pads. |
| 50.5 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, Jonny pushes it to mid off. |
| 50.6 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Good length on off, Jonny guides it to gully. |
| 51.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Tosses it up outside off, spins away further. Moeen lets it be. |
| 51.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali works it to mid-wicket. |
| 51.3 : N Lyon to Ali, BEAUTY! Lyon tosses it up on middle, the ball turns away sharply. Ali lunges forward and tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 51.4 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 51.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Bairstow flicks it with the spin through square leg for a run. |
| 51.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. Interesting he did not start after the break as he had taken Root's wicket just before it. |
| 52.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Fuller in length on off, Jonny drives it to covers. |
| 52.2 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Fuller on off, tailing back in. A similar ball to the delivery which dismissed Joe Root. Bairstow played it much better as he drove it down towards mid off. |
| 52.3 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, Jonny plays it to point. |
| 52.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Good length on off, swinging back in. The batsman drives it back at the bowler only to hit the stumps at the non-striker's end. |
| 52.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Bowls the ball outside off, he was bringing it in all this time and then throws this one outside off. Bairstow goes for a loose shot away from his body but gets beaten. Hazlewood also has a word with him. Excellent over! |
| 52.6 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Cuts the short ball towards deep point and bags a brace. |
| Michael Clarke opines on air that Josh Hazlewood was either too full or too short in the first innings. But he has been a lot better in the second innings, more accurate, pace has been good and he's getting the ball to move in and out. Ian Healy, however, feels that Josh is still searching for consistency and continues to look into the areas where he wants to land the ball. |
| 53.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter on off, turning away. Moeen prods forward and defends it. |
| 0.0 : Stumping appeal! They have gone upstairs. A brilliant delivery by Lyon to beat Moeen. Paine is quick to take the bails off and is pretty confident in his appeal. Does Moeen has his feet behind the line? |
| 53.2 : N Lyon to Ali, OUT! No he has not! Lovely camera work there! That was very marginal. A huge breakthrough for Australia, just as a partnership was forming, Lyon gets the wicket. He now has all three left-handers in this innings. Lyon tosses it up on off and gets it to turn away sharply. Moeen Ali plants his front foot forward in defense but gets beaten. Paine collects the ball and whips the bails off and appeals, he was quite confident. Moeen also shaked his head as he felt he was in. They |
| Chris Woakes walks out to the middle. |
| 53.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 53.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Comes down the track and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 53.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman has been beaten by the off spin. |
| 53.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 54.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 54.2 : J Hazlewood to J Bairstow, Fuller in length on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 54.3 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, BOUNCER! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 54.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 54.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 54.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Length outside off, Woakes lets it through to the keeper. |
| 55.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Gets back and punches it wide of mid off for a single. |
| 55.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, DROPPED! A tough chance! Woakes flicks it with the spin, and he does it firmly towards short leg who cannot hang on to the catch. The ball rolls towards square leg for a run. These catches stick. |
| 55.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Woakes has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 55.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 55.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Jumps out of the crease, gets beaten in flight but luckily his pads come in the way. |
| 55.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Jonny has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 56.1 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Good length on off, straightens after pitching. Woakes plays inside the line only to get beaten. |
| 56.2 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, He comes running in by hiding the ball in his hands. He might not want to show which side is the shinny side. It was on the right side as it could be seen as the ball was delivered. He errs in line though and angles it down the leg side. The batsman goes for the flick but misses. |
| 56.3 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 56.4 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 56.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 56.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Shorter in length on off, gets big on the batsman. Woakes tries to defend but the ball hits him on the glove and goes on the bounce to the slip fielder. |
| 57.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Tries to flick it with the spin. Bairstow misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 57.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flicks it with the spin this time to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 57.3 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Driven towards the mid off region for no runs. |
| 57.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 57.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Was that pad or bat first? Warne feels it is pad and he is disappointed with the fact that Australia did not review. They do have two reviews up their sleeves. Lyon bowls it flatter on off, gets it to turn back in. Bairstow tries to defend with his bat close to the pad. It question here is what did it hit first. The Australians appeal and the umpire stays put. Replays later on show that it was pad first. It would have been very close had Smith reviewed. He should have t |
| 57.6 : Lyon to Bairstow, Flatter on middle, turning back in. Bairstow tries to flick but misses and the ball strikes him on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head again. This was surely missing leg. An action-packed over comes to an end. |
| Drinks! |
| 58.1 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Good length on off, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 58.2 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 58.3 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Shorter in length on off, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 58.4 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 58.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, FOUR! Excellent shot by Woakes! Hazlewood bowls it fuller on middle, gets it to reverse into the batsmen. Chris walks across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. England now lead by 136. |
| 58.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Good length on off, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flatter on middle, turns into the batsman. Bairstow tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is an appeal from the bowler but then he pulls out of it. |
| 59.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Tosses it up on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.3 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 59.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Quicker on middle, Woakes camps back and defends it. |
| 59.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 59.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Pushes it off the back foot through covers for no runs. |
| 60.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Shorter in length outside off, Jonny cuts it to point. |
| 60.2 : J Hazlewood to J Bairstow, On the pads, Bairstow gets an inside edge as he tries to flick. The ball rolls towards the leg side for a run. |
| 60.3 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Back of a length on off, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 60.4 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| A leg slip in place now. |
| 60.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Just short of a length on off, Woakes pushes it to covers. |
| 60.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Close to the edge! Short and outside off, stays a touch low. Woakes tries to pull but is beaten by the low bounce. |
| 61.1 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Drives the full ball to mid off. |
| 61.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Shorter in length outside off, Jonny cuts it towards point for a run. The runs have dried up here. They have only scored 10 runs after Moeen Ali's wicket. |
| 61.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Almost a chance! Flatter on middle, Woakes tries to work it on the leg side. He does so uppishly but straight to Bancroft who at short leg does not sway away from the ball. Keeps his eyes on the ball but still fails to catch. Anyway, good work from the debutant. |
| 61.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single. |
| 61.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flicks it with the spin through square leg for a run. |
| 61.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Floats it on middle, Jonny works it around the corner for a run. |
| Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. |
| 62.1 : M Starc to Woakes, Length ball outside off, Woakes lets it be. |
| 62.2 : M Starc to Woakes, Good length on off, Chris defends it off the front foot. |
| 62.3 : M Starc to Woakes, NO BALL! Wide outside off, too wide actually. He has also overstepped. Woakes opts not to play at it. |
| M Starc to Woakes, Shorter in length outside off, Woakes does not play at it. |
| 62.4 : M Starc to Woakes, Bowls it on a length outside off, the batsman opts not to play at it. |
| 62.5 : M Starc to Woakes, Fires it down the leg side, Woakes misses the flick and it goes through to the keeper. |
| 62.6 : M Starc to C Woakes, Fullish ball on off, Woakes drives it to the man at mid off. |
| Steven Smith now comes into the attack. We saw Joe Root taking a wicket yesterday. Can he do the same? |
| 63.1 : S Smith to Bairstow, Short ball outside off, Bairstow cuts it through point for a run. |
| 63.2 : S Smith to Woakes, Better by Smith! He tosses it up on off, gets it to drift into the batsman. Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 63.3 : S Smith to Woakes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 63.4 : S Smith to Woakes, Flatter on middle, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 63.5 : S Smith to Woakes, Gives it air on off, Woakes drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 63.6 : S Smith to Bairstow, Eases it down through mid off to retain strike. |
| 64.1 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Full ball on off, Bairstow drives it to covers. |
| 64.2 : M Starc to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, Jonny pushed it through cover-point. Some good running helped them take two. |
| 64.3 : M Starc to Bairstow, Shorter in length outside off, Bairstow lets it be. |
| 64.4 : M Starc to Bairstow, Shorter in length this time, a well-directed one. Bairstow ducks under it. |
| 64.5 : M Starc to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, Jonny defends it off the back foot. |
| 64.6 : M Starc to Bairstow, Risky! Bangs it in short on middle, Bairstow at the very last moment tries to play an upper cut but gets beaten. A risky shot by him. Also Starc has some words to tell him, though he does not respond. |
| 65.1 : S Smith to Woakes, Floats it on middle, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.2 : S Smith to Woakes, Drives the full ball to covers. |
| 65.3 : S Smith to Woakes, Shorter in length on off, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 65.4 : S Smith to Woakes, Tosses it up on off, Woakes presses forward and drives it to covers. |
| 65.5 : S Smith to Woakes, Errs in line and bowls it on the pads, Woakes flicks it down towards fine leg for a couple. The lead is now 150, England would somehow look to add another 50. |
| 65.6 : S Smith to C Woakes, A long hop on middle, the batsman pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 66.1 : M Starc to Woakes, He comes around the wicket and angles it in on off, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 66.2 : M Starc to Woakes, Back of a length on off, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 66.3 : M Starc to C Woakes, FOUR! A poor ball, should have been put away and it has been. Starc is just not at his best. He again bowls it short and wide outside off. Woakes cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 66.4 : M Starc to Woakes, Bangs it in short outside off, Woakes pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 66.5 : M Starc to Bairstow, A quick short ball at 145 kph. Bairstow is late in his pull and the ball comes and hits the bat rather than the other way around. |
| 66.6 : M Starc to Bairstow, Shortish again, Jonny sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 67.1 : S Smith to Woakes, Tosses it up on off, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 67.2 : S Smith to Woakes, Very full outside off, the batsman drives it through covers for a run. |
| 67.3 : S Smith to Bairstow, Floats it on middle, Jonny gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 67.4 : S Smith to Woakes, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 67.5 : S Smith to Woakes, Flighted ball on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 67.6 : S Smith to Woakes, Quicker on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 68.1 : M Starc to Bairstow, Just short of a length on off, Bairstow flicks it towards mid on for a run. |
| 68.2 : M Starc to Woakes, OUT! The change of angle does the trick for Australia. It is a brute of a delivery to start with from around the wicket and you just can't keep the captain of the Australian team out of the game. Starc gets his first. He has not had the best of times with the ball but he has struck now. A good move by Smith as he just came into the second slip position prior to this ball. Starc bangs it short, as he has been doing. This one climbs onto the batsman. That is what the ball |
| Stuart Broad is the next man in. They say that fast bowlers have elephant's memory. Starc must be remembering the send-off he got by Broad after getting out. Time for revenge? |
| 68.3 : M Starc to Broad, Starc spears a fast delivery, 144.2 kph, full and on middle. It tails back in a bit and Broad somehow keeps it out towards backward square leg. Smiles as he crosses for a run. |
| 68.4 : M Starc to Bairstow, 3 runs. |
| 68.5 : M Starc to Broad, The batsman has stood up on his toes to play that one. One run added to the total. |
| 68.6 : M Starc to Bairstow, Punches the short ball through the off side for another three. |
| Nathan Lyon is back into the attack. |
| 69.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flatter on off, Bairstow defends it off the back foot. |
| 69.2 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, The short of a length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 69.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Fires it down the leg side, Broad goes for the flick but misses. Paine takes it one-handed and appeals but he is the only one appealing. |
| 69.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Drives it with the spin to the man at covers. |
| 69.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Tosses it up on off, Broad drives it to covers. |
| 69.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 70.1 : M Starc to Bairstow, OUT! Bairstow what have you done? That was very soft. He has fallen straight into the trap. Two wickets in two overs for Starc. England are losing their way completely. Starc bangs it in again, Bairstow goes for the upper cut, he might have wanted to get it a little squarer but hit it straight down the throat of Handscomb at third man. Just beofre the tea break, Jonny has to walk back. The lead is now 168, England will need a lot more and they only have two wickets lef |
| 0.0 : Jake Ball walks out to the middle. |
| 70.2 : M Starc to Ball, A nasty one! Shorter in length, Ball takes his eyes off the ball and tries to fend. The ball takes the edge and goes towards third man for a run. |
| 70.3 : M Starc to Broad, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 70.4 : M Starc to Broad, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| Review time! Starc is not confident but Paine surely is. He feels that Broad has edged it and they have gone upstairs against Broad who has played back to a very full ball. |
| 70.5 : M Starc to Broad, OUT! Successful review by the Australians! Tim Paine you beauty, he was spot on with his appeal. Smart bowling by Starc and he has got his revenge. He was bowling it short and now suddenly dishes out a full ball which angles across the batsman. Broad was not expecting this and he tries to defend the ball from within his crease. The ball goes off something to the keeper who appeals. He is the only one appealing there as Starc is not interested. He convinces his captain to |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 70.6 : M Starc to Anderson, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| Pat Cummins is into the attack. |
| 71.1 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 71.2 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Another bouncer, Cummins is at the batsman here. Ball ducks underneath it. |
| 71.3 : Pat Cummins to Ball, Once again Pat tests the number 11 with a bumper. Ball is evading it safely. |
| 71.4 : Pat Cummins to J Ball, OUT! That is it! Australia have blown the tail away here. A barrage of short balls have done the job. Cummins comes steaming in and bangs it short, a well-directed one. Ball has taken his eyes off the ball as he tries to fend at it. It takes the edge of the bat, flies over the slip cordon. Handscomb moves across to his left from fly slip and completes another catch. Brilliant end to the session for the home side and ENGLAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 195! |
| That's all from England, they lose their last four wickets for only 10 runs and have set a target of 170 runs in front of the Aussies. We sensed a momentum shift after the tea break when the pair of Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow started to counterattack. Soon, Steven Smith was put on the defensive which was evident from his field placement. But a rather debatable decision against Moeen Ali opened the floodgates. The English lower order just failed to withstand the short ball tactics from the Auss |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Starts off with a back of a length delivery outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Back of a length around off, shapes away a touch. Bancroft tries to defend it but it goes off the edge, along the ground to gully. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, BEAUTY! He certainly does not look like he is suffering from a niggle. Lovely seam position from Anderson. He lands it on a length around off, gets it to move away. Bancroft tries to defend it but gets beaten. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Wide outside off, the batsman need not play at it. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Lovely finish to the over! He once again bowls it on a length around off, gets outward movement after pitching. Bancroft first thinks about playing at it but then plays inside the line and takes his bat away. A maiden to start by Anderson. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other. Early wickets is what England need. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Warner, Australia have now cut down the target by a run! Broad bowls it on a length around off, swinging away. Warner defends it towards mid off for a quick single. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller in length on off, Bancroft drives it towards covers. Moeen Ali there dives and makes a half stop but can't stop a run. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Warner, Another single, good running from the two! Length again by Broad. Warner plays it towards covers to change strike. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length outside off, angling into the batsman. Bancroft covers the off pole and makes a good leave. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, FOUR! Not convincing but Bancroft won't mind! Broad angles it on middle, Bancroft tries to defend but gets an inside edge which goes very fine down the leg side. Ball in the deep covers good ground to his right, put in a dive but all in vain. First boundary for Australia. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 7 runs from the over. |
| The point is going out on the boundary. They are trying to stop Warner from scoring boundaries to get him frustrated. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner defends it to point. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Flicks it against the angle through square leg for a run. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length on middle, Bancroft defends it towards mid on. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, WOW! What a jaffa! How do you play that? Anderson comes steaming in and angles it into the batsman. He gets it to shape away late. Bancroft tries to defend but gets beaten. There is a muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Warner, Length on off, Warner defends it towards point. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller in length this time, on middle. Warner defends it towards mid off for no runs. |
| Michael Clarke detects a technical deficiency in Cameron Bancroft's batting. He says that the debutant's back leg is pointing towards mid off when he gets forward and more often than not you will be squared up while attempting a shot. Fair point, Pup! |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Warner, BEATEN! How many times have we seen this uptill now? Brilliant by Broad not an easy skill. From around the wicket, he angles it into the batsman and then gets it to shape away after pitching. Warner tries to defend but is beaten by the away swing. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Warner, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| Michael Clarke now talks about David Warner's technique after he plays and misses the third delivery. He opines that his shoulders are not pushing forward enough and as a result it's a nothing shot, neither a drive nor the push. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Warner, Good tight bowling from England. They have given Warner nothing. Back of a length again on middle, tucking him up for room. Warner can only defend it besides the pitch. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller in length on middle, changes his length. Warner drives it back to the bowler. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to C Bancroft, Length on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Angles it on middle, Bancroft tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, coming into the batsman who pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, FOUR! Through the gap and it has raced away! Fuller in length outside off, Bancroft unlike the first innings, he does not push at it but lets the ball come to him. He opens the face of the bat but the ball goes off the edge through backward point for a boundary. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length on off, the batsman drives it back to the bowler. Anderson collects it and has a shy at the striker's end which hits Bancroft on his body. Aggression from James there, Bancroft does not like it as he gives him the stare. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Warner, Good length on off, shapes back in. Warner tries to defend but misses and is hit high on the thigh pad. Broad thinks about an appeal but then pulls out. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller on off, Bancroft drives it to point. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length on off, the batsman defends it towards gully. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Bowls it on a length on off, defended it off front foot. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller in length outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Bancroft resists and lets it be. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Full and outside off, Warner drives it through covers. There is protection in the deep so they get only a single. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The inswinger this time! He bowls it on middle and gets it to shape into the batsman. Bancroft tries to flick but misses and is hit high on the thigh pad. |
| 6.4 : Anderson to Bancroft, HUGE APPEAL! The umpire shakes his head. Height was an issue. Another ball which comes into the batsman from a length. Bancroft goes back to defend but misses and the ball hits him on the thigh pad. The English players appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Root wanted to review but Bairstow was not interested. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman plays the Square-Cut. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner guides it to point. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Warner, Flicks it with the angle through square leg for a run. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length outside off, Bancroft plays inside the line and lets it through. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Shorter in length on off, Bancroft defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Full ball outside off, Warner strikes the cover drive nicely but straight into the hands of the fielder. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Warner, An off cutter this time on off, Warner adjusts well and defends it towards point. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Good fielding! Fullish ball on off, Warner drives it towards covers where the fielder makes a good half stop diving to his left. Though he can't stop a single. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length on off, defended towards mid off. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Angles it on the pads, Bancroft flicks it to mid on. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good cricket all around there! A good delivery by Anderson. he goes for an inswinging yorker on off. Bancroft does well to play it towards mid off and set off for a run. Broad stationed there is quick to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. No harm done. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller ball outside off, the batsman opts not to fiddle with it. |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft defends it towards mid off for a brisk run. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to Warner, A similar shot to the one he got out to the first innings! Shorter in length on off, Warner goes for the half-hearted pull and he hits it to mid on. HE has to be careful with that shot as he has got out a lot of times playing it. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Warner, Bouncer! Warner ducks under it. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to Warner, Slower ball on the pads, Warner misses the flick to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side for a leg bye. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft pushes it towards mid off for another quick single. They have really ran well between the wickets. Australia now need another 150 runs. |
| Moeen Ali is into the attack. Spin will be the key for England. Lyon did an excellent job for Australia, can Moeen do something similar? |
| 10.1 : M Ali to Bancroft, Comes down the track and flicks it down to long on for a run. |
| 10.2 : M Ali to Warner, Very full on middle, Warner drives it back to the bowler. |
| 10.3 : M Ali to Warner, Fires it on the pads, Warner flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 10.4 : M Ali to Bancroft, Drags his length back on off, Bacroft pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 10.5 : M Ali to Bancroft, Pushes it with the spin towards mid on for a run. |
| 10.6 : M Ali to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Double change! Chris Woakes is into the attack now. |
| 11.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length outside off, the batsman opts not to play at it. |
| 11.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 11.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Shorter in length outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 11.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Was there an edge? The way England stated the appeal they did feel so but the opt not to review. Woakes lands it on a length around off, the ball shapes away after pitching. Bancroft tries to defend but gets beaten. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat. The English players appeal but the umpire stays put. Root has a chat with his teammates but then decides against the review. Replays later on show that it was the bat hitting the pad and not the ball. |
| 11.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Punched off the backfoot by the batsman. |
| 11.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Shortish length on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 12.1 : M Ali to Warner, Slider around middle, skidding down, Warner tries working it on the leg side but misses. A muted appeal only from the keeper, nothing doing. |
| 12.2 : M Ali to Warner, Flighted and full on off, Warner presses forward and defends it back. |
| 12.3 : M Ali to Warner, A quicker full ball on middle, David eases it down to mid on and sprints across to the other end. |
| 12.4 : M Ali to Bancroft, Slower through the air, it's full and drifting in on off, Cameron draws forward and pushes it to mid on. |
| 12.5 : M Ali to Bancroft, Turning back into the batsman from outside off, Bancroft uses his feet to get down the track and defends it close to his front pad. The keeper lets out an appeal again thinking it's pad first but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 12.6 : M Ali to Bancroft, SIX! Up and over! Once again swift footwork by Cameron Bancroft. He wears his skates and shimmies down to the pitch of the delivery in a flash. Goes with the spin and launches it over the bowler's head for a maximum. Not often you see an opening batsmen that quick with his footwork. Of course, it's a trait mostly acquired by the batsmen from subcontinent. |
| 13.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner hops and defends it onto the ground. |
| 13.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Short ball on middle, Warner plays a pull shot through square leg and bags a brace. |
| 13.3 : C Woakes to Warner, FOUR! Brilliant by Warner! He is so good, he will find ways to score boundaries. Woakes bowls it on off, Warner opens the face of the bat and guide it through the gap between slips and gully for a boundary. |
| 13.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Shortish outside off, Warner guides it through point for a run. |
| 13.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length on off, Bancroft defends it to covers. |
| 13.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 14.1 : M Ali to D Warner, Full on leg stump. Warner mistimes it to mid on. |
| 14.2 : M Ali to Warner, Fuller in length on middle, Warner drives it back to the bowler. |
| 14.3 : M Ali to Warner, Flatter outside off, Warner lets it be. |
| 14.4 : M Ali to Warner, FOUR! Australia are on the charge here! He comes down the track and drags it from outside off, does not time it that well but has enough to clear the mid on fielder for a boundary. 129 needed now. |
| 14.5 : M Ali to Warner, Fires it full outside off, Warner goes after it only to get beaten. |
| 14.6 : M Ali to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, Warner cuts it through point for a run. |
| 15.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Full on the pads, Warner whips it through mid-wicket but only for a single. |
| 15.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, BOUNCER! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 15.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Angles it on the pads, Bancroft flicks it towards wide mid on. Some exceptional running from the batsmen give them two. There was a direct hit but Warner is too quick. |
| 15.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 15.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Short on middle, Bancroft easily sways away from the ball. |
| 15.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper. |
| 16.1 : M Ali to Warner, Provides width outside off, Warner slaps it through point for a couple. |
| 16.2 : M Ali to Warner, Tosses it up on middle, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 16.3 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 16.4 : M Ali to Warner, Full on the leg stump, Warner flicks it to the man at square leg. |
| 16.5 : M Ali to Warner, Tosses it up outside off, Warner drives it through covers for two. |
| 16.6 : M Ali to Warner, FOUR! Have a piece of that! Full toss, a low one on middle. Warner goes down on one knee and slogs it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 50 up for Australia, they are going along their merry way. |
| Drinks! Australia are dominating the run chase here. They only need another 117 and they still have ten wickets in hands. England are in a desperate need of a wicket here or things will soon go out of their hands, if it hasn't already. |
| 17.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Shortish ball on off, Bancroft ducks under it. |
| 17.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Short again outside off, the batsman easily evades it. |
| 17.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, FOUR! Wonderful! Full on middle, Bancroft drives it through mid on for a boundary. Oozing with confidence is now the youngster. |
| 17.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bangs it in short on middle, the batsman tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 17.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller ball on off, Warner drives it to mid off. |
| 17.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Short and wide outside off, Warner cuts it through point for a run. |
| Jake Ball is into the attack now. |
| 18.1 : J Ball to Warner, Full outside off, Warner, with no foot movement drives it to covers. |
| 18.2 : J Ball to Warner, Short and wide outside off, Warner cuts it to the man in the deep on the off side for a run. 110 needed now. |
| 18.3 : J Ball to Bancroft, Sprays it down the leg side. Bancroft does not need to play at it. |
| 18.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, On a length around off, gets it to bounce a touch more. Bancroft leaves it. |
| 18.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, Length outside off, Bancroft shoulders his arms to it. |
| 18.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, Good bowling here by Ball! He is getting the ball to bounce and also bowling at a decent pace. He again bowls it on a length outside off, Bancroft watchfully makes a leave. |
| 19.1 : C Woakes to D Warner, Good length on middle, comes in sharply. Warner gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 19.2 : C Woakes to Warner, He wants to finish it today! He had a big swing at it. Full in the arc of Warner, he tries to go big over mid off but does not connect. |
| 19.3 : C Woakes to Warner, FOUR! This time he connects well! Short by Woakes, Warner stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The difference between this shot and the shot he played to get out in the first innings was he did not jump and hence was able to get on top of it. |
| 19.4 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman has played the square drive. |
| 19.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 19.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Shorter in length on off, Warner defends it towards mid on. |
| 20.1 : J Ball to Bancroft, Angles it on middle, Bancroft flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 20.2 : J Ball to Bancroft, Full ball on middle, the batsman drives it towards the bowler who crouches down and makes a good stop. |
| 20.3 : J Ball to Bancroft, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 20.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Good length outside off, Bancroft leaves it. |
| 20.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 20.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 21.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner guides it to point. |
| 21.2 : C Woakes to Warner, FOUR! Too easy for Warner! Short around off, he pulls it through mid on where the fielder dives, gets a hand to it but cannot stop it. |
| 21.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Miscommunication in the field there! Shorter in length outside off, Warner guides it towards point. The two fielders there were not sure who is going after the ball, it sneaks through the gap and the batsmen take a couple. 100 needed now. Woakes it not happy with the effort. |
| 21.5 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 21.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 22.1 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 22.2 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Comes down the track and flicks it to the man at short leg. |
| 22.3 : Joe Root to Bancroft, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 22.4 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Flatter down the leg side, Bancroft flicks it fine down the leg side. Ball gives it a chase and pulls it back in, a good effort. Three taken by the batsmen. They now need only 97, down to two digits. |
| 22.5 : Joe Root to Warner, Drags his length back on off, Warner pushes it to covers. |
| 22.6 : Joe Root to Warner, Tosses it up on middle, comes in with the arm. Warner lunges forward and tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 23.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Dishes out a full ball on off, Bancroft drives it back to the bowler. |
| 23.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Short ball on middle, the batsman ducks under it. |
| 23.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On the pads, too easy for a player who loves playing it through the leg side. Bancroft flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 23.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft defends it off the back foot. |
| 23.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Very elegant by Bancroft, unfair he did not get a boundary on that. Full outside off, Bancroft presses forward and drives it through covers for a triple. |
| 23.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length on middle, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.1 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 24.2 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Fires it down the leg side. Bancroft pads it away. |
| 24.3 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Once again, Bancroft is nimble on his feet and he flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 24.4 : Joe Root to Bancroft, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 24.5 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Full on middle, the batsman drives it back to the bowler. |
| 24.6 : Joe Root to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Jake Ball is back into the attack. |
| 25.1 : J Ball to Warner, Good length on off, from around the wicket. Warner defends it off the back foot. |
| 25.2 : J Ball to Warner, Length on middle, Warner defends it solidly. |
| 25.3 : J Ball to Warner, Back of a length on middle, Warner camps back and defends it. |
| 25.4 : J Ball to Warner, Flicks it with the angle to deep square leg for a run. |
| 25.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, FOUR! Fuller in length on middle, Bancroft tries to play it with a straight bat but gets an inside edge through fine leg for a boundary. |
| 25.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 26.1 : Joe Root to Warner, Full and wide outside off, Warner goes for the sweep but misses. |
| 0.0 : The commentators on-air mention how many times has Warner gotten out to the short one. Here, as well as in England. Kevin Pietersen mentions he thought Warner would have been dismissed more times caught or LBW and other such dismissals. Though, he has played it well in this innings as Michael Clarke on air earlier mentioned that he is not jumping while playing the shot. |
| 26.2 : Joe Root to Warner, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 26.3 : Joe Root to Warner, FOUR! Deft! Short and wide outside off, Warner guides it through short third man for a boundary. |
| 26.4 : Joe Root to Warner, Tosses it up on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.5 : Joe Root to Warner, Thick inside edge by the batsman, ball goes down to Fine Leg. |
| 26.6 : Joe Root to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.1 : J Ball to Bancroft, Angles it down the leg side, Bancroft flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 27.2 : J Ball to Warner, FOUR! Fifty for Warner and it has been a very entertaining one by him. His 25th in Tests. Ball dishes out a short ball outside off, Warner cuts it through backward point for a boundary. He acknowledges the applause by the crowd and he would now look to be there till the end. |
| 27.3 : J Ball to Warner, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 27.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 27.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, Drifts it on the pads, Bancroft flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 27.6 : J Ball to Warner, FOUR! This is very easy! Ball bowls a bouncer down the leg side. Warner helps it on its way through fine leg for a boundary. 72 needed now. |
| 28.1 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Fires it down the leg side, Bancroft pads it away. |
| 28.2 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Flatter on leg stump, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.3 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 28.4 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Errs in line and bowls it down the leg side. The batsman need not play at it. |
| 28.5 : Joe Root to Bancroft, 100-run stand between the two. Bancroft flicks it with the spin through mid-wicket for a brace. 70 needed now, can we have a finish today? |
| 28.6 : Joe Root to Bancroft, The batsman has played it fine down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 29.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 0.0 : Nathan Lyon has his pads on. Maybe he will be coming in next if Australia lose a wicket. SO they are surely not in a hurry to finish it tonight. |
| 29.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length on off, Bancroft defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 29.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.5 : J Anderson to C Bancroft, Length ball on off, shapes away after pitching. Bancroft tries to defend but gets an outside edge which goes along the ground to gully. |
| 29.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller on middle, Bancroft drives it to mid on. A maiden by Anderson. |
| The two premium bowlers are back for England. Stuart Broad comes back into the attack. |
| 30.1 : S Broad to Warner, He comes around the wicket to the left-hander and bowls a leg cutter on middle. Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.2 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length on off, David defends it onto the ground. |
| 30.3 : S Broad to Warner, Tight stuff from Broad, not giving a lot of room to Warner. He lands it on a length around off, Warner defends it towards point for a run. |
| 30.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Over the wicket to the right-hander! Bowls it back of a length on off, Bancroft pushes it to mid off. |
| 30.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 30.6 : S Broad to C Bancroft, Edged and Bancroft gets two! Broad lands it on a length around off, gets it to straighten. Bancroft tries to defend but gets an outside edge past the diving Cook at first slip. Vince gives it a chase and shows good skills with his feet and stops it inside the ropes. The batsmen take two and Bancroft goes onto 46. He is just four away from his maiden Test fifty. |
| 31.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Flicks it with the angle down to fine leg for a run. |
| 31.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bouncer outside off, Bancroft leaves it. |
| 31.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length outside off, the batsman lets it through. |
| 31.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Shorter in length outside off, Bancroft evades it. |
| 31.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, FOUR! Fifty in style for the debutant! He got out early in the first innings but has made amends with a half century. Hasn't he played well here? Anderson drifts it down the leg side, Bancroft tickles it towards fine leg for a boundary. He has a big smile on his face as he raises his bat to the crowd. This should give him a lot of confidence. |
| 31.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 32.1 : S Broad to Warner, Good length on middle, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.2 : S Broad to Warner, Full on the pads, Warner misses the flick to get hit on the pads. There is an ambitious appeal from Broad but that was missing leg by a long way. The batsmen take a leg bye in the meantime. |
| 32.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 32.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Full and wide outside off, Bancroft leaves it. |
| 32.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length on off, stays a touch low. Bancroft tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 32.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 33.1 : J Anderson to Warner, NO BALL! What was that by Anderson? That must have slipped out of his hands. No, wait he tried bowling a slower one which went completely wrong. It was more like a loopy ball outside off, way outside off. The umpire signals a no ball for height maybe. |
| J Anderson to Warner, Flicks it with the angle through square leg for a run. |
| 33.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 33.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Flicks it off his pads through square leg to change strike. |
| 33.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, Warner guides it to gully. |
| 33.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, Warner plays it through covers for a run. So, Bancroft will face the last ball of the day. |
| 33.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, He negotiates it well. Anderson bowls a decent delivery on the stumps. Bancroft defends it solidly. STUMPS ON DAY 4! |
| A miracle is what England need to win this Test from here. Australia need another 56 runs and they still have all ten wickets in the bag. Chasing a total of 170, Australia were cautious facing the new ball against Stuart Broad and James Anderson. But, once both the batsmen got their eye in, they then continued playing their shots and both notched up their half tons each. The English bowling was flat, no bowler looked like taking a wicket and also their body language looked down. |
| Earlier in the day - England started off the morning session well with Joe Root reaching another half century but an excellent spell by Lyon ensured Australia went into lunch on top. An entertaining partnership between Bairstow and Ali revived English hopes but a flurry of wickets towards the end of the second session saw them being bundled out for a below-par total. |
| The question here is now, how long will it take Australia tomorrow to score the remainder of the runs and take a 1-0 lead in the series? Or will we see some sort of fight from England by which they can enhance their morale heading into the second Test? Join us for the 5th and the final day tomorrow at 1000 local and (0000 GMT) Till then, good bye and take care! |
| ...Day 5, Session 1... |
| 56 runs is what Australia need and 10 wickets is what England need. To be honest, an away side victory looks improbable to say the least, after an unbeaten 114-run stand between the Aussie openers, while chasing 170. With both the batsmen set, it is just a matter of time before the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series. England, on the other hand, will try and create some sort of a panic in the Australian dressing room. They will want to come out with a positive intent and make it difficult for th |
| We are all set to get underway for the first session. There was some forecast for rain but at the moment it's nice and sunny. Joe Root and his men along with the umpires walk out to the middle. David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will want to pick up from where they left off yesterday. We can see they are wearing a black arm band in the memory of Phillip Hughes. Stuart Broad will bowl the first over of the day. He has two slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 34.1 : S Broad to Warner, Starts off with a full length ball outside off, Warner needs no sighters as he goes at it straightaway but drives it to the fielder at covers. |
| 34.2 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner confidently punches it to covers. |
| 34.3 : S Broad to Warner, Lovely punch there by Warner! He is away for today! Just ahead of a length around off by Broad. Warner plants his front foot forward and punches it past the diving cover fielder and completes three. Good running, you could see he wanted three right from the outset. He now goes onto 63 and immediately looking up into the skies in the memory of his mate, Phill Hughes. |
| 34.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 34.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 34.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Just behind a length on off, the batsman pushes it to covers. 3 from the first over, 53 needed now. |
| James Anderson will bowl from the other end. |
| Kevin Pietersen is still trying to give some hope to England. He reminds everyone about the Trent Bridge Test in 2015 where Australia lost 10 wickets for only 56 runs. Stuart Broad claimed an 8-for and something similar will be needed. |
| 35.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Flicks it with the angle through square leg for a run. This was also on the shorter side but Warner has played that with a straight bat and hence has more control over the shot. |
| 35.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 35.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length on off, Bancroft eases it down to mid off. |
| 35.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bowls it on a length outside off, Bancroft is in no hurry here as he again makes a good leave. |
| 35.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Wide outside off, the batsman is not interested in playing at those. |
| 35.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Length ball outside off, Bancroft shoulders his arms. |
| 36.1 : S Broad to Warner, He comes around the wicket and spears in a full ball which tails back in a touch. Warner mistimes his drive to mid on. You can see how pumped up he is, Warner that is. He is looking for a run as soon as the ball hits his bat. |
| 36.2 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller ball on middle, Warner drives it towards the bowler. Broad tries to be cheeky there as he tries and deflects the ball onto the stumps to see how alert Bancroft is. Although he misses, Bancroft would have still been in as he had the bat in his correct hand. Good technique by the youngster! |
| 36.3 : S Broad to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, Warner pushes it through cover-point for a run. |
| 36.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Lands it on a length outside off, Bancroft lets it be. |
| 36.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Bowls it on a length on the stumps, Bancroft flicks it to mid-wicket. He is still to score a run today. |
| 36.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Peach! Was that off the crack now? Broad goes wide of the crease and angles it in on off, on a length. The ball straightens after pitching. Bancroft presses forward to defend but is beaten by the away swing. |
| 37.1 : J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! First of the day! He does have a field for the short stuff but too easy at Anderson's pace. He bangs it short down the leg side. Warner helps it on its way through fine leg for a boundary. The target is below 50 now. |
| 37.2 : J Anderson to Warner, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 37.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Short again on Warner's body. He jumps and flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 37.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Short again, skids off the surface a little. Also, a well-directed one. Bancroft ducks under it. |
| 37.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length on off, Bancroft defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, WOW! Beautifully bowled! The inswinger this time. Fuller in length outside off, comes in off the seam. Bancroft tries to drive, leaving a gap between bad and pad. The ball sneaks through and goes to the keeper. Can't get going here, the debutant. |
| 38.1 : S Broad to Warner, Full ball outside off, Warner digs it out towards sweeper cover for a run. |
| 38.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length around off, shapes away a touch. Bancroft plays inside the line and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 38.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Angles it on the pads, the batsman flicks it to mid on. |
| 38.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller in length on middle, Bancroft flicks it to mid on. |
| 38.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, He finally gets his first run of the morning! Full ball by Broad on off. Bancroft leans into it and drives it towards wide mid off and sets off for a run. The fielder there picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. |
| 38.6 : S Broad to Warner, Sprays it down the leg side, Warner misses the flick. |
| 39.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Shorter in length outside off, Bancroft gets on top of the bounce and punches it through cover-point to bag a brace. |
| 39.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, He has scored quite a lot of runs from that part of the bat as his bat comes from around third slip, slightly closed faced! Fuller in length on middle, Bancroft tries to drive but gets an inside edge through fine leg for a couple. 40 needed now. |
| 39.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| Mark Taylor and Kevin Pietersen on-air talking about Cameron Bancroft's technique as he gets beaten a lot. They opine that his feet are not pointing square enough and he needs to be more side on. Something similar to what Pup (Clarke) pointed out last evening. Definitely a technical deficiency and he will have to work on it. It won't be easy in Adelaide under lights against the pink ball. |
| 39.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 39.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 39.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Just ahead of a length, swinging in. Bancroft defends it towards covers for no runs. |
| Chris Woakes is into the attack. He has not been at his best in this Test. Can he gain some confidence heading into the next game with a wicket or two? |
| 40.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Was there a noise? Short by Woakes down the leg side, Warner goes for the pull but misses and it goes to the keeper. There is a muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. Snicko shows that there was no spike as the ball passes the bat. |
| 40.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Bouncer! Warner pulls it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 40.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 40.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Well left! That was close to the off pole! Woakes angles it in around off, gets it to shape in. Bancroft knows where his off stump is and makes a leave. |
| 40.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, the batsman defends it. |
| 40.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Works it to mid-wicket with the angle. |
| Jake Ball is brought on for a bowl. He has no slips in place, a short mid-wicket and two men out for the hook. |
| 41.1 : J Ball to Warner, WIDE! He comes around the wicket and bangs it in. The ball bounces above the batsmen's head and the umpire signals a wide. |
| J Ball to Warner, Shorter in length outside off, stays a touch low. Warner goes for the pull but is beaten. |
| 41.2 : J Ball to D Warner, Bangs it in again! Warner is in control of the pull shot as he hits it towards deep square leg for a run. He is playing more of a pull shot in this innings than that bunt which is a nothing shot and hence has more control. |
| 41.3 : J Ball to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft defends it off the back foot. |
| 41.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Angles it on the pads, the batsman flicks it to square leg. |
| 41.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, Sprays it down the leg side, Bancroft misses the flick to get hit on the thigh pad. There is an ambitious appeal from the English players but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 41.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, Good length outside off, the batsman makes a leave. |
| 42.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Short on middle, Warner with a lot of ease pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 42.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Warner defends it off the back foot. |
| 42.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 42.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Length outside off, Bancroft plays inside the line and lets it be. |
| 42.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On the stumps, defended it to mid on. |
| 42.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length on off, Bancroft pushes it to mid off. |
| 43.1 : J Ball to Warner, Flicks it with the angle down to fine leg for a run. |
| 43.2 : J Ball to Bancroft, Back of a length on off, Bancroft stands tall and defends it towards covers. |
| 43.3 : J Ball to Bancroft, Good length on off, defended to mid off. |
| 43.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Fuller in length on off, Bancroft drives it to mid off. |
| 43.5 : J Ball to C Bancroft, Fullish ball on off, the batsman eases it to mid off. |
| 43.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, FOUR! Beautiful! This time he finds the gap. Twice in the over he hit it straight to the fielder. Fuller in length, not as full as the last two but outside off. Bancroft presses forward and drives it through extra covers to fetch himself a boundary. 31 needed. |
| 44.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Full on off, Warner drives it towards wide mid off for a run. |
| 44.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Angles in a full ball on off, Cameron gets on the front foot and pushes it in the direction of mid off. |
| 44.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Lands it on a length around off, Bancroft shifts his weight on the back leg and defends it on the off side. |
| 44.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bouncer this time, to push the batsman further on the back foot, an easy duck for Cameron Bancroft. |
| 44.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes follows it up with a full swinging delivery around off, Bancroft presses forward and drives it to the cover fielder. |
| 44.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a length and around off, Bancroft taps it down towards extra cover. |
| 45.1 : J Ball to Warner, BOUNCER! The batsman ducks under it. |
| 45.2 : J Ball to Warner, Again he plays it in complete control! Ball bangs it in on middle, Warner swivels and pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 45.3 : J Ball to C Bancroft, Good length on off, shapes in after pitching. Bancroft tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Not for the first time we have seen that! |
| 45.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Lands it on a length around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 45.5 : J Ball to C Bancroft, EDGY FOUR! It was a chance though but a tough one. He has edged a few through the slip cordon in this innings and there goes another one. Back of a length outside off by Ball. Bancroft goes at it with hard hands as he tries to force it through the off side. He gets an outside edge past the diving Cook at first slip who probably gets a hand to it diving low to his right but can't hang on. Bancroft fetches himself a boundary. |
| 45.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| Joe Root is into the attack. Australia need another 25 runs. There is some issue with the bowling fingers of Moeen Ali and that's why he has not bowled. |
| 46.1 : Joe Root to Warner, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 46.2 : Joe Root to Warner, Cuts it through the off side for a run. |
| 46.3 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Flicks it to mid-wicket with the spin. |
| 46.4 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Comes down the track to a ball which is pitched long way outside the leg stump. He gets to the ball and flicks it through square leg for three. |
| 46.5 : Joe Root to Warner, Flatter on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 46.6 : Joe Root to Warner, 150-run stand between the two openers! They have made it look so easy. Shorter outside off, Warner cuts it through cover-point to retain strike. 20 runs away Australia. |
| 47.1 : J Ball to Warner, FOUR! Just over backward square leg! Short ball on the body of Warner. He takes the challenge of pulling it and does it just over the man there and for a boundary. |
| 47.2 : J Ball to D Warner, He is in a hurry here! Shorter in length outside off, Warner makes room and cuts it over point for a couple. Cook does the mopping up job coming in from third man, yes third man. Not often you see him in the deep. |
| 47.3 : J Ball to Warner, Bangs it in again, Warner helps it to fine leg for a run. Warner needs 14 for a ton and Australia need another 13 runs for victory. |
| 47.4 : J Ball to Bancroft, Full ball on off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 47.5 : J Ball to Bancroft, Excellent running! Flicks it with the angle towards fine leg and he's off in a flash. Completes the first and then sprints back for the second. |
| 47.6 : J Ball to Bancroft, Good length on off, defended to mid off. |
| 48.1 : Joe Root to D Warner, Pushes it through on off, Warner guides it to backward point. |
| 48.2 : Joe Root to D Warner, Full toss outside off, Warner drives it firmly to the man at covers. |
| 48.3 : Joe Root to Warner, Tosses it up on off, David defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.4 : Joe Root to Warner, Quicker through the air on middle, Warner plants his front foot forward and defends it. |
| 48.5 : Joe Root to Warner, Drags his length back, Warner cuts it through point for a run. |
| 48.6 : Joe Root to Bancroft, Whoa! An interesting delivery to surprise the batsman! He bangs it in short, an attempted bouncer by Root outside off. Bancroft cuts it towards point where the fielder fumbles and concedes a run. The required runs into the single digits now. |
| Drinks! |
| Chris Woakes is back into the attack now. |
| 49.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, FOUR! Errs in line and pays the price! Full toss on leg stump, Bancroft flicks it very fine for a boundary. 5 runs away. |
| 49.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Full on middle, Bancroft times his shot well to mid on. That was very pleasing to the eyes. |
| 49.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Fullish on off, driven to mid off. |
| 49.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, FOUR! SCORES LEVEL! Very uncharacteristic by Woakes. He serves another full toss outside off, too easy for a player who is playing in the high 70s. He drives it through mid off to fetch himself a boundary. |
| 49.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 49.6 : C Woakes to C Bancroft, FOUR! That is it! Bancroft completes it in style. Excellent by the youngster, remains unbeaten in the run chase on his Test debut and also hits the winning runs for his team, a big confidence booster for him. Coming to the ball now - It's full on off, Bancroft drives it uppishly, past the silly mid off fielder who leaps and tries to get two hands at it but is late to react. The ball goes through mid off for a boundary. Warner walks up to the youngster and gives him |
| Massive victory for Australia to kickstart their Ashes campaign in style. Chasing a target of 170, their openers didn't put a single foot wrong and overhauled the target without breaking a sweat. A really morale-boosting win for them. |
| On the first morning of this Test, we mentioned that this venue is often referred to as the Gabbatoir, a slaughterhouse where Australia have been ruthless. The story didn't change this time around too as they once again crushed England to extend their dominance over them at this venue. |
| The scorecard not always tells the real story though. The victory margin might just reflect that Australia dominated England throughout but that was not the case. There were key junctures in this match and both sides had their fair share of moments. |
| Be it England's collapse - 56/6 in the first innings, Australia getting reduced to 76/4 in their reply, Steven Smith's epic unbeaten century, his 99-run stand with Shaun Marsh, followed by a momentum shifting partnership of 66 runs with Pat Cummins which deflated the English team. Not to forget the hostile pace bowling by Australia in the last hour on day 3. Till yesterday, even though England were effectively 7/2 in the morning, they weren't entirely out of contest. However, losing three wicket |
| Just when it appeared that England are done and dusted, the pair of Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow combined forces and counterattacked. Given the conditions, any target over 200 would have been a challenging one and the visiting team certainly looked poised to achieve that. But then came a debatable stumping decision against Moeen Ali and the English innings soon folded, losing last four wickets for only 10 runs, thereby setting a target of 170 which was eventually scaled down with utmost ease. |
| Cameron Bancroft says that it was fun to share a good partnership with David Warner. On getting his Baggy Green, Bancroft replies that it's one of the most treasurable things he possesses. When asked about the pitch, Cameron answers that it was difficult to score and patience was the key to succeed. |
| David Warner says that it's fantastic to go out there and get a good partnership and go over the line without losing a wicket. Adds that this is what they work hard for. On his new opening partner, Warner replies that Cameron Bancroft is calm and composed and allows him to play his game. Further adds that England tried to play on his ego by setting a leg side field this morning and he was just trying to get off strike. Praises his skipper for a fantastic knock and also lauds Nathan Lyon for his |
| Pat Cummins, who played his first Test in Australia, is also interviewed. Says that he is very happy with the win. Admits that the first two days were tough but it's a really good result. Reminds everyone about Australia's impressive record here. Reckons they can bowl a lot better and become more clinical. On the day/night Test, Pat replies that most of the games finish on 3rd or 4th day, a few Shield games ended in 2-3 days, so from a bowler's point of view it's good to get some rest. Praises h |
| England skipper, Joe Root says, they were excellent for the first three days. Admits they let go of opportunities when they had Australia down. Feels it is frustrating but it is important not to repeat them. Praises James Vince and Mark Stoneman for their performance in the first innings. Reckons the injuries to their players will be fine as their team has great character. He is confident about them bouncing back. (On the story over Jonny Bairstow) It has been made a big issue and they just have |
| Australia skipper and the Man of the Match, Steven Smith, says they had to show good character after losing the toss. Reckons the wicket was quite slow. Appreciates Nathan Lyon for his bowling and feels he is getting better. Admits it was tough after they were 4-70 and then getting into the lead. Praises the two openers for their innings in the second innings. Mentions this is one of his most vital hundreds. Adds he wanted to keep his record at the Gabba in tact. Admits they do have plans for th |
| So, that it is it from the coverage of this game. Australia have emerged victorious and their good times at the Gabba continues. Although the victory was not as easy as it looks on the scorecard. The home side were not at their best with the bat and the ball but still came out on top which is a good sign for them. England on the other hand, will now have to regroup quickly and come out fighting in the next game. Will we see the away side bounce back? Or will Australia continue their winning run |
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