| 0.0 : Both teams will be high on spirit after the Christmas eve. One of the most highly anticipated Test matches in cricket history, the Boxing Day is here. What better than an electrifying crowd egging the players on a sunny and bright day! Yes, we are set for an enthralling contest. Though it is a dead rubber, it is much more than that for England. The visitors have been good in patches but it takes high levels of consistency to win you a Test match. It is high time they realize this and play an agg |
| One of the rising stars for the Englishmen, Craig Overton has been ruled out due to a fractured rib and it is Tom Curran who will be making his Test debut. Certainly a huge moment for a 23-year-old talented cricketer. The English skipper, Joe Root needs to inspire his men to bring out the best from them. Though this hasn't been a happy hunting ground for them, the tourists do have the ability to perform in all conditions. |
| Australia, on the other hand, are in the midst of a purple patch. There are times when everything clicks and you step forward with confidence in your demeanor and a spring in your stride. The hosts have been ruthless so far and will be aiming to continue their form. A bit of concern in their camp as Steven Smith has a sore hand as he got hit by a Cameron Bancroft shot in the nets. He has said that he might tweak his technique a bit to address that. |
| The leading wicket-taker in the series, Mitchell Starc misses out due to a bruised heel and that provides Jackson Bird to prove his mettle. With the urn back, the home side will be playing with more freedom. Will the Australian juggernaut continue? Or will England disturb the apple cart and play to their potential? Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of the fourth Test. Stay tuned for the toss which is coming up in a bit... |
| TOSS - Australia win the toss and opt to bat. It seems to be a belter of a wicket and Steven Smith does what any captain would have done. |
| It's time to get underway. The players are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. After the completion, everyone is in readiness. A lot of buzz from the huge crowd at the MCG. 90 odd thousand people in the stands. David Warner and Cameron Bancroft to open the innings for Australia. James Anderson to begin with the brand new cherry. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go. |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson is right on the money! Begins with a good length delivery in the zone of apprehension and gets it to swing away. Bancroft shuffles across and makes an assured leave. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, First runs of the day and the crowd erupts! Back of a length ball outside off, Bancroft has enough room to play with. He rocks back and just pushes it through covers. A chase for the fielder from covers. He does well to save a run for his side. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length on off, Warner is circumspect and defends it towards mid on. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Tentative from Warner! On a length on off, seaming away after pitching. David goes at it with hard hands. Ends up getting it from the outer half of his bat towards point. The fielder dives to his left but the ball goes past him. Another three taken. The southpaw is away. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Slips this one down the leg side, Cameron tries to flick it but misses. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length, Bancroft puts his head down and defends it calmly. A good beginning for Australia, 6 from the over. |
| Stuart Broad to share the new ball from the other end. 95,000 people expected today at the MCG, says an excited Bill Lawry on air. Two slips and a gully in place. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Warner, Starts off with a wide delivery, Warner is not bothered to fiddle with it. |
| A man at deep point in place. Defensive mindset from Joe Root first up. Rather have the man at point with the ball new. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Warner, This one is better. On a length outside off, Warner points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Warner, Good running! Fullish ball outside off, Warner leans into it and eases it to extra cover. Nice early call and he gets the desired single. |
| Three slips for Bancroft. The fielders are quite deep in their positions. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fractionally overpitched on off, driven crisply to Broad who makes a half stop to parry it towards mid off. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, In the channel outside off, Cameron plants his front foot across to let it go. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Broad loses his radar and sprays it down the leg side. Cameron tries to clip it away but misses. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Warner, In search of some seam movement, Anderson doesn't get his mark right. Bowls it down the leg side, around the rib-cage area. Warner hops and tries to tuck it away but fails to make contact. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Warner has been very alert! Taps the back of a length ball to covers and calls his partner through for a swift run. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Some swing on offer but Bancroft is equal to the task. Fullish on middle and leg, the right-hander flicks it in front of square leg for a brace. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to C Bancroft, Nervy! Anderson is a brilliant bowler. If you give him an inch, he will make a yard out of it. Bowls a fuller length ball in the corridor of uncertainty, Bancroft pushes at it tentatively and gets an outside edge towards gully. He played that with soft hands, so it didn't carry to the fielder. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson is probing in that channel outside off. Bancroft knows where his off stumps is and makes a good leave. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Warner, Length delivery on off, Warner hangs back and dabs it to cover-point. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Warner, Ooh... once again nervy from Warner! Good length ball on off, Warner is early into his clip and hence, gets a soft leading edge towards mid off. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Warner, Nicely done. Fractionally overpitched on middle and leg, David flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Warner, FOUR! Sublime! This shot shows that how true the MCG pitch is, says Mark Nicholas on air. Overpitched on off, Warner drives it elegantly past the bowler and through mid off for a majestic boundary. The first one of the day. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Warner, Warner has played it through mid-wicket. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Warner, Full delivery outside off, Warner eases it to wide deepish mid off for an easy single. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length on off, Warner covers the line and blocks it stoutly. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Short of a length ball, played with an angled bat to gully. |
| What a brilliant atmosphere to play cricket in. As a youngster, you always dream of playing at such venues. Certainly one of the best grounds in world cricket. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Anything on the pads and Warner will pick you off. Clips this nicely through mid-wicket as the man in the deep does the mopping up job. Two runs taken. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! This is one of the best shots that you will ever see. Timing and grace written all over that. Genuine half-volley on off, Warner strides forward confidently and shows the full face of the bat. Strokes it and the ball whistles away through mid off and through the fence. The moment it left the bat, it raced off. Textbook stuff. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Good game awareness! On a length around off, David taps it to covers and scurries across to the other end. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Short delivery wide outside off, left alone. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Warner, Good bowling from Broad. Good length ball outside off, angling in. Warner tries to defend it but the ball goes past the outside edge of his bat and over the off stump. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Warner, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Warner, Aggression from Broad! Fullish delivery, swinging in appreciably. Warner tries to drive it down the ground but gets no timing on it. Off the inner half of the bat to Broad who mimes a throw back. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Warner, Similar length ball, played with soft hands to mid-wicket. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Warner, Targets the stumps with another full length ball, Warner covers the line and taps it to mid on. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length ball on off, David hops and stonewalls it. First maiden of the day, a much better over from Broad. |
| The Australian players are wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect for Tim Paine's father-in-law, Thomas Maggs, who passed away on Christmas Eve. May his soul rest in peace! |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, That must shake Bancroft up. Great bowling from Anderson. You need to keep the batsmen on your toes. Shortish delivery on off, seaming in. Bancroft is caught in a tangle. He takes his eyes off the ball as he attempts to fend it off. The ball hits his gloves and lobs besides the pitch on the off side. The batsman doesn't know where the ball is. Needs to be alert or he can be found wanting. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to C Bancroft, Once again jittery! On a length on middle and leg, Cameron pushes at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fullish around off, Bancroft shuffles a bit and defends it confidently. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Well-directed bouncer, Cameron shows good technique and ducks under it. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, In the channel outside off, Bancroft doesn't fiddle with it. Consecutive maidens for England. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Warner, On a length in line of the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Warner, Full delivery wide outside off, Warner remains circumspect in approach and lets it go. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Warner, Length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller in length, David leans ahead and pushes it to straightish mid off. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Warner, A mix-up but safe in the end! Warner strokes this fullish ball to Broad who gets a hand to it and parries it towards wide mid off. The southpaw sets off for a run but slips in the process. The fielder is quick to attack the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Bancroft would have been safe even if that hit. Might have been a better option to go at the striker's end with Warner in a tangle. Earlier in the series, these two were on the receiving end of a run o |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, This is disciplined stuff from Anderson. He is keeping Bancroft guessing by varying his lengths. Goes back to the short of the length ball on off. The right-hander hops and tries to tuck it away but the ball hits the shoulder of his bat and falls in the vacant silly point region. Keep the men close in Joe Root. Bancroft has been tentative today, need to capitalize on that. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fractionally overpitched, driven nicely to covers. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bouncer but it is too high, Bancroft ducks under it with ease. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson goes wide of the crease and angles in a back of a length ball. Cameron defends it with a straight bat. Four maidens in a row, just what the visitors need. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length ball, stonewalled from the back foot towards mid off. |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Warner, Similar length ball, eased off the back foot to covers. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to Warner, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. Finally, a run after 26 balls. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length ball, Cameron shuffles and blocks it to covers. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Bancroft is once again caught in shallow waters. He has been found wanting against the short stuff. Gets into an uncomfortable position to keep it out but gets hit on the gloves again. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Length delivery, Cameron leans forward confidently and strokes it to mid on. England will be aiming to tuck him up with more short stuff. |
| The Englishmen are taking a lot of time to set the field. The man from deep point has been brought in to backward point. Not a bad move, Warner has been caught in that region on a few occasions. |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Fuller in length outside off, Warner doesn't fall for the temptation and lets it go. A short cover is in place for a false stroke. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Dug in short, ducked under comfortably. |
| Some sawdust was sprayed earlier at the bowling crease. Might have been some moisture there. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Warner, An off pace delivery from Anderson. Warner taps it towards mid off. Wants a run initially but shouts 'No' as he sees the field charging in. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to D Warner, FOUR! Shot! Fullish delivery well outside off, Warner gets to the pitch of the ball and creams it through covers to pick up another boundary. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Overpitched this time, pushed nicely to covers. |
| 11.1 : S Broad to C Bancroft, Edged but short of first slip! Length delivery in the zone of apprehension, seaming in. Bancroft stays back and looks to defend it but gets a healthy outside edge. The key was that he played that with soft hands, and hence, the ball falls well short of the fielder. |
| 11.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Length ball on off, Cameron covers the line and defends it stoutly. |
| 11.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Hurled fuller outside off, left alone. |
| 11.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, This is the fourth time Bancroft has been found struggling against the short ball! No short leg or silly point in place still. Difficult to fathom the tactics from Root. Shortish in length and aimed at the body, Cameron tries to fend it off but the ball hits his gloves and falls in the vacant short leg region. As I type that, Broad asks for a close-in fielder from Root. |
| Finally, a close-in fielder has been brought in. A short leg in place. Much more short stuff to follow. |
| 11.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, As expected, a sharp bouncer on off, Bancroft sits under it in a jiffy. |
| 11.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller in length on middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a brace. First runs for Bancroft in 40 minutes. |
| First bowling change of the day. Chris Woakes comes into the attack. |
| 12.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length ball outside off, not much room on offer. Warner goes for a punch but mistimes it to covers. |
| 12.2 : C Woakes to Warner, This time he executes the punch well. Shortish ball outside off, Warner punches it wide of short cover. The man in the deep keeps it down to a couple. |
| 12.3 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. |
| 12.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Wide outside off this time, David lets it go. |
| 12.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Short and wide, punched firmly off the back foot through point. A couple taken. Has been a poor over from Woakes so far. |
| 12.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length ball, answered with a straight bat. |
| 13.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Another bouncer but the line is wayward. Bancroft comes inside the line and lets it go. |
| 13.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller in length around off, Cameron shuffles across and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 13.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length ball around off, Bancroft shuffles across and pushes it past the bowler towards mid off. |
| 13.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Short delivery but down the leg side again. Bancroft sits underneath the bumper. |
| 13.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Probing channel. On a good length outside off, Bancroft knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave. |
| 13.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Hangs back to the good length ball and defends it stoutly. |
| Time for Drinks. An absorbing first hour of play at the MCG. David Warner has been compact while Cameron Bancroft has been found wanting against the short stuff. However, credit to the latter for battling it out. Once again Joe Root has been defensive with his field placements. If you don't play an attacking brand of cricket against the Australians, they will stamp their authority over you. On a flat deck like this one, England need to pick up wickets or else they will have to toil hard. |
| 14.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Woakes is not getting his rhythm here! Too short and sprayed too wide outside off. Literally, a hit-me ball and Warner doesn't miss out. He goes chasing after it and spanks it through covers. There is a man in the deep who keeps the batsmen down to two. |
| 14.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Good ball, this! Woakes hits the deck hard, it's a bumper and Warner is forced to duck under it. |
| 14.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Again it's short outside off, David off the back foot taps it in front of cover-point. Waits for the ball to go past the man there and then calls through for a single. |
| 14.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, A stifled appeal for an LBW! Good delivery! Angles it in from around off, zipping a bit off the surface as Bancroft tries to play it across the line. Gets hit on the pads but a bit too high. An appeal for an LBW has been raised but umpire Dharmasena shakes his head. Height was an issue! |
| 14.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length, just outside off, dealt with a straight willow. |
| 14.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Drops it on a back of a length again, Cameron stays behind the line to force it through the off side but gets an inside edge towards the right of the bowler. |
| Time for spin now. The pacers aren't able to get anything off the surface and so Joe Root decides to go with Moeen Ali. A slip and a short leg in place. Let's see what Ali can do here. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Warner, He starts off from around the wicket and floats it up on the stumps. Warner comes forward and blocks it down. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Warner, A touch flatter and outside off, punched towards short cover off the back foot. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Warner, Loops it up around off, a front foot push towards mid off by Warner for a single. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to Bancroft, Uses his feet straightaway does Bancroft! Sees the flight, wears his dancing shoes on and eases the drive down to mid on for one. |
| 15.5 : M Ali to D Warner, Drags his length short, no turn so far for Moeen. Warner cuts it towards the man at point. Wants the single but won't get it. |
| 15.6 : M Ali to Warner, FOUR! That's off the meat! Moeen Ali has been guilty of dropping it short. Earlier he was lucky to get away with one, this time Warner makes him pay. Rocks back in a flash and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. No need to run for those! |
| 16.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Touch fuller and served around off, pushed straight to short cover. |
| 16.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes realizes he needs to trouble Bancroft and so he bangs in a short one. Cameron is quick to take evasive action as he ducks under it. |
| 16.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bancroft stays behind the line and defends it back to Chris. |
| 16.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Length delivery, angling in, Cameron shuffles across a touch and pushes it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 16.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bonus runs for Bancroft! Ahead of a length outside off, Bancroft punches it towards mid off and takes Root on there. The English skipper attacks the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. The ball deflects off the stumps towards mid-wicket and the man from mid on retrieves it. What should have been two, turns out to be three. Replays show Cameron was easily in, good running. |
| 16.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner stands tall and punches it through covers for a single to bring the 50 up for Australia. A good start, just what the doctor ordered for them. |
| 17.1 : M Ali to Warner, Straighter one around middle and off, defended off the front foot. |
| 17.2 : M Ali to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 17.3 : M Ali to Warner, Tossed up outside off, Warner makes room and with an open face bat, gets it past the man at cover-point to collect a brace. |
| 17.4 : M Ali to Warner, Gets right behind the line to this tossed up ball and defends it right under his eyes. |
| 17.5 : M Ali to D Warner, Takes a little stride forward and drives it towards mid off for a single. |
| 17.6 : M Ali to Bancroft, Flat and short outside off, Bancroft awkwardly punches it back to Moeen Ali. |
| 18.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Slants it away on a back of a length outside off, Warner has a slash but fails to connect. Not a good option when the ball is doing nothing. |
| 18.2 : C Woakes to D Warner, FOUR! Great placement from Davey Warner! There was a short cover and mid off in place but he still manages to pierce the gap. Micheal Clarke tells us how. It's a half volley, served outside off, Warner bends forward and across, the momentum helps him generate the power behind the shot and as a result gets one off the middle of the bat. Anderson at mid off gave up ages before. A boundary results! |
| 18.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner punches it through short cover for a single. |
| 18.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Wayward from Chris Woakes again. On the leg stump, CB clips it fine down the leg side for a single. |
| Two catching cover in place now... |
| 18.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller in length and outside off, Warner gets forward and drives it but can't get it past the two man at cover. |
| 18.6 : C Woakes to D Warner, FOUR! What a way to get to his fifty, his 26th in Tests! He has dealt with the short one with utmost ease and does so again! Short and outside off, Warner stays back and drags it from outside off to hit it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The capacity crowd likes it and lauds the effort of the southpaw. Warner has got a start here, will be itching to get a big one today. |
| A bowling change. Tom Curran, the debutant is the one to have a go now, replacing Moeen Ali. |
| 19.1 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Starts his spell with a fuller ball on off, Cameron lunges forward and drives it back to the bowler who stops it by crouching low in his followthrough. |
| 19.2 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Fuller and a hint of the ball coming back in. Cameron clips it towards square leg where the fielder dives to his right to make a stop. |
| 19.3 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, FOUR! Unlucky, Curran! He bowls it short and just outside the off stump line, giving no room to Bancroft. The batsman still goes at it and ends up getting a fat outside edge. Much to his delight, the ball flies right between second slip and a gully fielder for a boundary towards third man. A streaky one. |
| 19.4 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Defended comfortably off the back foot. |
| 19.5 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Short and outside off, cuts it hard but finds the man at point. |
| 19.6 : Tom Curran to C Bancroft, Fuller and around off, a bit of inward movement as well. Cameron looks to drive but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards mid on. A good first over from the debutant. |
| James Anderson is back on, replacing Woakes. |
| 20.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson starts his next spell with a fuller ball, a bit wide outside off. Warner leans forward and drives it uppishly past Root at silly mid off. Was in the air but goes safely past the man there to mid off. |
| 20.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 20.3 : J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! Classical hit, that! All timing! It's a great feeling when the ball hits the sweet spot and we have already seen a few from Warner's bat today. Fuller ball on off, David takes a stride forward and just presents a straight bat. Root at silly mid off had no chance to cut that off as it just raced away to the long off fence. Warner must be oozing in confidence. |
| 20.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Shorter on off, Warner hangs back in defense. |
| 20.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Fuller on off, driven sweetly but fidns the man at short cover. |
| 20.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Ahhh, he's timing it really, really well. The plan is to make Warner drive it uppishly but he's managing to time it all along the ground. Gets forward and pierces the gap through cover. Won't get a boundary but will pick up three. |
| 21.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, On a length and around middle and off, David defends it back down the track. |
| 21.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 21.3 : Tom Curran to D Warner, Short and on middle and leg, Warner swivels and rolls his wrists to send it towards deep square leg for one. |
| 21.4 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, A good stop from Anderson! He just bowled an over before this and now gives it his all to save a run for his side. Short and outside off, Bancroft gets on top of the bounce and hits it through extra cover. Jimmy from mid off gives a long chase as he slides to keep the ball in play. While doing that, he seemed to have made the contact with the ball and rope at the same time. Umpire S Rave asks some help from the TV umpire. After a few looks, the third umpire goes in |
| 21.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Easily done! Around the hips, tucked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 21.6 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Short of a length delivery on the stumps from Curran, Cameron shows a full face of the bat. |
| 22.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Goes around the wicket does Anderson and hits the length hard. Warner hops in defense. |
| 22.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 22.3 : J Anderson to Warner, David has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 22.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length, just outside off, David Warner hangs back as he defends this one towards the bowler. |
| 22.5 : J Anderson to D Warner, FOUR! There you go! After bowling tight line, Anderson serves a gift to Warner! Bowls it short, offers too much of width and David Warner says, thank you very much! He gets on top of the bounce and flays it past a diving Curran at backward point to find the fence. |
| 22.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Much better! Back of a length delivery on the stumps, defended down. |
| 23.1 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Angles it in from outside off, Cameron Bancroft is solid in defense. |
| 23.2 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Fractionally short and outside off, CB punches it towards cover. |
| 23.3 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Goes fuller and tries to attack the stumps, Cameron unfurls a drive but it's straight to mid off. |
| 23.4 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Was there to be hit but Bancroft misses out. He knows that and is disappointed! Tom Curran drops it short and it's wide outside off. Cameron rocks back to cut it but it goes straight towards the point fielder. |
| 23.5 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, On a length and outside off, once again off the middle of the bat but straight to short cover. |
| 23.6 : Tom Curran to C Bancroft, Good length delivery, coming back in a shade, Cameron looks to drive but gets it off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! Edged but safely through the gap! Good bowling Jimmy this! Keeps it fuller on off, asking Warner to go after it. David for once doesn't use his feet as he tries to go hard at it. Gets a thick edge which flies safely through the backward point region for a boundary. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Pitches it right up there, Warner gets forward this time and drives it wide of the man at short cover to get off strike. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Goes over the wicket to Cameron and hurls a fuller ball on off, driven off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bangs in a short one on middle and leg, Bancroft takes evasive action as he is quick to duck under it. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Aggression or frustration? Bancroft drives this full ball back to Anderson, who in his followthrough collects the ball and fires it back at the stumps. It hits but luckily, it deflects straight towards the slip fielder. |
| 25.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Shortish and angling away outside off, pushed off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 25.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Pitches it up on the stumps, driven back to Curran. |
| 25.3 : Tom Curran to D Warner, FOUR! Easy peasy for Warner! There is no one patrolling the area behind square on the leg side and Curran is guilty of bowling it short on the hips. Warner, with one leg up in the air, sweep/pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 25.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Length delivery on middle, the batsman shuffles a bit to defend it back down the track. |
| 25.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, FOUR! Clipped away! Tom Curran serves it on the pads, Warner gets across and just tickles it fine down the leg side for the second boundary of the over. Australia just 4 short of the three-figure mark now. |
| 25.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Shortish around middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Short of a length delivery on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, In the channel outside off, pretty harmless, Cameron shoulders his arms. No need to do anything silly as this could be the last over before lunch. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Drops it on a back of a length outside off, Cameron punches it towards short cover. |
| 26.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, That was a brave leave if I can call it one! Anderson keeps it fuller and it threatens to nip back in, Bancroft plants his front foot across before making a leave. This wasn't far from kissing the off pole. Warner immediately walks up to his partner and has a word to share. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bancroft is a bit late to evade this! Anderson bowls it short on middle and leg, Cameron moves inside the line to evade but is late to do so. The ball goes off his left elbow towards the keeper. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller on off, defended with a straight blade. |
| We can get one more over in. Moeen Ali is asked to roll his arm over. |
| 27.1 : M Ali to Warner, Tossed up around middle, worked towards mid on. |
| 27.2 : M Ali to Warner, Flatter on the stumps, defended down easily. |
| 27.3 : Ali to Warner, SIX! Downtown goes Warner! It's 100 up for the hosts as well. The last time an Australian opening pair added 100-plus in an Ashes Boxing Day Test was way back in 2002! Woaah! Moeen Ali tosses it up on the stumps, with nothing off the surface, David decides to go after it. He doesn't care if lunch is approaching as he gets down and swings his bat to make sure the ball hits the sightscreen. First biggie of the match as well. |
| 27.4 : M Ali to Warner, Hangs back and defends it back to Ali. |
| 27.5 : M Ali to Warner, Tossed up outside off, defended off the front foot gently. |
| 27.6 : M Ali to D Warner, Loopy ball outside off, Warner leans forward and pushes it towards mid off. LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| The two Aussie openers, Warner and Bancroft walk back to the dressing room amidst a huge applause from the packed MCG crowd. Steven Smith won an important toss and the pair has done justice to his decision to bat first. On a belter of a wicket, Warner has looked at his utmost best to deal with his critics. He has timed the ball really well and scored 83 of the 102 runs. He has been ominous and by the looks of things, it seems like he is eyeing a big one. England beware. |
| On the contrary, his partner Bancroft, has looked in some trouble. He was tested by some short stuff, found it difficult to time the ball but he will be happy that he still managed to see the session off safely. England, well, there was a time where they bowled disciplined lines and lengths, but wilted soon once Warner started the onslaught. No one has looked threatening enough and if they keep on serving freebies, it wouldn't be wrong to predict that they will be having a long day on the field. |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session! The Aussie openers are set to resume. With Warner out there, you can expect the runs to continue flowing. It shall be Chris Woakes to kickoff proceedings with the cherry. Two slips in place. Let's go... |
| 28.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Begins with a length delivery, in the corridor outside off. Bancroft is happy to leave it alone. |
| 28.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, A bit short and angling in, Cameron gets behind the line to meet it with a straight bat. |
| 28.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Bangs in a short ball on off, CB half-ducks under it. |
| 28.4 : C Woakes to C Bancroft, FOUR! Edgyyyy! Not a bad ball at all but luck is with Bancroft this time! It's fuller and served outside off, asking Cameron to go after it. He obliges with a drive but gets a thick outside edge wide of the man at gully for a boundary towards third man. |
| 28.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length ball on middle, easily defended off the back foot. |
| 28.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes hits the deck hard, gets the bounce off the surface but Cameron is quick to sit under it. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end! |
| 29.1 : S Broad to Warner, FOUR! Beautiful! Warner goes to 87, the devil's number! Broad from around the wicket, goes short but the line is down the leg side. There is a packed off side field given to him and this is not where he should be bowling! Warner hops and helps his pull down to fine leg for a boundary to start the session for himself. |
| 29.2 : S Broad to Warner, Back of a length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 29.3 : S Broad to Warner, On a length and served outside off, Warner hangs back in defense. |
| 29.4 : S Broad to D Warner, Pitches it up on off, Warner goes hard at it, but mistimes it towards short cover. |
| 29.5 : S Broad to Warner, Taps this length delivery towards cover and says WAIT ON, straightaway to his partner. |
| 29.6 : S Broad to Warner, Broad once again bowls it on a back of a length outside off, Warner could only defend it towards the off side. Good comeback from Broad after being hit for a boundary. |
| Woakes loses his run-up. He comes running in and just when he was about to deliver, a bird flies across the pitch which forces him abort. Poor Chris has to go back... |
| 30.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length, bowled just around that off stump channel. CB shows straight bat. |
| 30.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Fuller in length and outside off, driven off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 30.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Pitches it right up there, maybe, because Bancroft edged one in the previous over. But this time from the middle of the bat, Cameron drives it towards mid off which is a tad straight for him. |
| 30.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Chris goes short and bowls it outside off, the batsman remains patient as he allows it to go through to the keeper. |
| 30.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes goes wide of the crease, tries to angle the ball in but it's a bit too straight. Cameron walks across and works it through mid-wicket to get a brace. That should get Cameron going. |
| 30.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length again, defended off the back foot back to the bowler. |
| 31.1 : S Broad to Warner, Tight lines from Broad! Shortish and outside off, David defends it towards the off side. |
| 31.2 : S Broad to Warner, Fuller and angling in on the pads, wristed past the man at mid-wicket for an easy single. |
| 31.3 : S Broad to C Bancroft, Comes over the wicket to the right-hander, pitches it full on off, Cameron leans forward and bunts it back to Broad. |
| 31.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Wasn't that off the middle? Seemed like! Fuller ball on off, Cameron leans ahead and drives it towards Malan at short cover. |
| 31.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good line! But keep it a bit more fuller, Broad! Bancroft doesn't fall and is happy to leave it alone. |
| 31.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Gets forward again does Cameron which is a good thing and eases it towards the man at mid on. |
| 32.1 : C Woakes to D Warner, Woakes comes from around the wicket, bowls short and this one comes back in off the seam. Warner looks to cut but gets an inside edge which evades the stumps. |
| 32.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Another effort ball but how long can Woakes bowl with the same venom! Another shortish one, Warner defends it off the back foot. |
| 32.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller ball outside off, Warner backs away and drives it towards cover. The man at short cover gets a hand to it which slows the ball down. The batsmen take a couple. |
| 32.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Woakes is getting some inward movement here but Warner blocks it down safely. |
| 32.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Yorker, fired outside off, Warner jams it out towards the short cover fielder. |
| 32.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Length delivery outside off, Warner initially decides to go after it but then resists and makes an easy leave. |
| 33.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Back of a length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot towards the cover region. |
| 33.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Angles it in around middle and leg, Bancroft shuffles a touch and clips it towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| There is some issue with the ball. Broad shows it to the umpire. |
| 33.3 : S Broad to Warner, Ahead of a length on off, a solid front foot defense on offer from Warner. |
| 33.4 : S Broad to Warner, FOUR! Superbbbb, says Bill Lawry on air. David Warner has totally nailed it down the ground! Was waiting for the ball to be a half volley and spanks as soon as he gets it there. Broad overcooks it and the southpaw is up for it. Leans into it and eases it off the meat past mid off for a boundary. |
| 33.5 : S Broad to Warner, Outside off, shouldered arms to. |
| 33.6 : S Broad to Warner, Good running! Back of a length, but it's angling down leg. Warner gets across and tucks it towards backward square leg and calls for the second immediately. Gets it in the end. |
| 34.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Length delivery outside off, defended towards cover. |
| 34.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a length and served in the channel outside off, Cameron defends it towards the off side solidly. |
| 34.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, OUT! Trapped in front! Cameron Bancroft is walking off, he knows he is a goner! Rejoice for England! Brilliant delivery from Woakes. Deserved it thoroughly. He comes steaming in and drops it near the good length area. The ball deviates off the pitch, stays a touch low and pings Cameron on the front pad. They all appeal in jubilation and umpire Dharmasena has no qualms in raising his finger. Bancroft starts to walk back and England finally get a breakthrough. Hawk Eye |
| Usman Khawaja strides out next to bat, replacing Bancroft. |
| 34.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, From around the wicket comes Woakes and hurls it on a length on off, defended from within the crease. |
| 34.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, A wide yorker, Khawaj jams it out. |
| 34.6 : C Woakes to U Khawaja, Fuller on off, driven straight to short cover. A successful over from Woakes! |
| 35.1 : S Broad to Warner, Bowls a tempter does Broad. It's full and outside off, Warner doesn't play at it. |
| 35.2 : S Broad to Warner, Sprays it a bit wide outside off, David once again makes a leave. |
| 35.3 : S Broad to Warner, Keeps it fuller outside off, wanting Warner to go after it but the southpaw remains calm. Leaves it alone. |
| 35.4 : S Broad to Warner, Too full and sprayed wide outside off, Warner lets it be. |
| 35.5 : S Broad to Warner, Pitches it right up there, Warner drives it nicely but finds the man at short cover. |
| 35.6 : S Broad to Warner, Broad delivers it almost near the tramline, Warner watches it go through to the keeper. Broad smiles but the crowd Boos him! |
| 36.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, A play and a miss! Good ball from Woakes. On a length outside off, angling in. Khawaja looks to keep it out but the ball goes past his inside edge and through to the keeper. |
| 36.2 : C Woakes to Khawaja, This is poor from Khawaja. He needs to be patient. Shortish delivery outside off, Khawaja goes for a pull but gets beaten. |
| 36.3 : C Woakes to U Khawaja, Fuller in length outside off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 36.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Similar length ball, Usman drives it off the inner half of the bat to mid on. |
| 36.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 36.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Full delivery attacking the stumps, patted to mid on. |
| Anderson is having a chat with the umpire. S Ravi is gesturing to the veteran that he can't bowl right now as he was off the field since Lunch. The on-air commentators inform that he will be allowed to bowl only after another two minutes. So, Broad will continue his spell. |
| 37.1 : S Broad to D Warner, Looks for the slash to get to the three-figure mark but mistimes it completely. Back of a length outside off, a bit of room on offer. Warner looks to cut it but chops it besides the pitch on the off side. Nervy nineties tell you. |
| 37.2 : S Broad to D Warner, Fullish delivery, driven crisply to mid off. |
| 37.3 : S Broad to Warner, Good effort from Broad, keeping Warner under pressure. Similar length ball, Warner drives it nicely towards Broad who gets low in his followthrough and gets a hand to it to parry it past the stumps at the other end. |
| 37.4 : S Broad to Warner, Uppish but safe! Warner must have had his heart in his mouth. Short and width on offer, Warner goes for a full-blooded cut and plays it uppishly towards backward point. The fielder dives full length to his right but the ball goes past him in a flash. Ali in the deep does the mopping up job to keep it down to a couple. Warner moves to 98, the crowd cheers for him loudly. |
| 37.5 : S Broad to Warner, Warner flays this one hard but finds the man at short cover-point. |
| 37.6 : S Broad to Warner, Overpitched outside off, Warner drives it nicely but finds the man at extra cover. |
| 38.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, On a length around off, Khawaja stays back and defends it calmly. |
| 38.2 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Overpitched on middle and leg, nudged nicely through wide mid on for a couple. |
| 38.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Good length ball in the zone of apprehension, Khawaja doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 38.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 38.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Good length ball around off, Usman covers the line and defends it stoutly. |
| 38.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, A bit shorter in length, in line of the stumps. Usman camps back and defends it stoutly. |
| James Anderson who wasn't allowed to bowl is now given the permission. |
| 39.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Punches it through the cover, stays on 99! But gets another milestone. 6000 Test runs for him! Amazing feat! Back of a length outside off, Warner punches by getting on top it through cover. Wants two but Moeen Ali in the deep is quick to the ball. |
| 39.2 : J Anderson to Khawaja, On a length and around middle and off, Khawaja defends. |
| 39.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Fuller and angling in, Usman defends it down. |
| 39.4 : J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 39.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Too straight from Usman, Khawaja turns it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 39.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Fuller on off, Warner drives it towards cover but couldn't get it past the man there. |
| Tom Curran is back on. |
| 40.1 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, In the channel outside off, UK leaves it alone. |
| 40.2 : Tom Curran to U Khawaja, Shortish and angling in. Khawaja pulls it through backward square leg to bring Warner back on strike. |
| 40.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Bowls it slower this time, at 112.6 kph, Warner waits and just pushes it towards short cover. |
| 40.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length around middle and off, Warner tucks it uppishly towards mid on. The crowd is right behind him. |
| Goodness me! Warner has been caught on 99, would you believe? But the umpire has asked him to wait as he wants to check Curran's front foot. This seems to be a life for Warner... |
| 40.5 : Curran to D Warner, In the air... taken! Warner has been dismissed on 99! England have struck gold, Warner is walking back. He is kicking the turf, the crowd can't believe it. But... Scratch all the update! David Warner is called back as Tom Curran has OVERSTEPPED! All the celebrations have been cut short and the MCG crowd is loving it. How often do you get to see this? A batsman getting a reprieve on just one short of a ton. Got to feel for the debutant here but he has only himself to bla |
| Tom Curran to Warner, 1 run. |
| 40.6 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, No run. |
| Drinks time. |
| 41.1 : J Anderson to Warner, No run. |
| 41.2 : J Anderson to D Warner, Fuller outside off, Warner drives it uppishly through covers for a single. |
| 41.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Outside off, UK makes an easy leave. |
| 41.4 : J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 41.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Angles it in from around off, Khawaja knows where his off stump is and then makes a leave. Three leaves in a low. |
| 41.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Shortish outside off, Usman once again offers no shot. |
| 42.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, What a delivery! Absolute peach from Curran! He brings this one in from around off and then straightens a bit to nearly take the outside edge of Warner's bat. |
| 42.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Ahead of a length and around off, defended towards the man at short cover. |
| 42.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 42.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Shortish and outside off, Warner hops back to defend and in doing so, his bottom hand comes off as well. |
| 42.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Leans forward and eases the drive towards short cover. |
| 42.6 : Tom Curran to Warner,Fuller in the zone outside off, David Warner drives it towards the man at extra cover. A maiden fro Tom Curran! |
| 43.1 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Good length delivery, angling in from outside off, Usman Khawaja prods forward and defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 43.2 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Pitches it in that zone outside off, Khawaja has got nothing to do with that one. |
| 43.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Just a lean forward and driven towards the short cover fielder. |
| 43.4 : J Anderson to U Khawaja, Length delivery, coming back in a shade, Khawaja drives it to the man at mid off. |
| 43.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Back of a length delivery on middle, tucked towards the fielder at mid-wicket. |
| 43.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Shortish and served outside off, Khawaja doesn't bother going after it. Back-to-back maidens! |
| 44.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length ball, punched off the back foot to extra cover. |
| 44.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, It's been driven superbly through the covers. One run added to the total. |
| 44.3 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Fuller in length, driven off the front foot to mid on. |
| 44.4 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Fuller in length on middle and leg, Khawaja looks to turn it to the leg side but gets a safe leading edge towards the non-striker. |
| 44.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Short and width on offer, cut away through point for a run. |
| 44.6 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Khawaja puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 45.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length ball outside off, Warner hangs back and taps it with an open bat face to cover-point. |
| 45.2 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length on off, David remains in crease and plays it with soft hands towards mid on. |
| Good point mentioned by the on-air commentators. There is a sweeper cover in place for Warner and the bowlers are bowling according to the field. So, it becomes difficult for Warner to score boundaries. Khawaja hasn't rotated the strike much. He needs to take initiative and keep the scoreboard ticking. |
| 45.3 : J Anderson to D Warner, Overpitched outside off, driven sweetly to the cover region. |
| 45.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Nicely bowled! Slower ball on a full length outside off, Warner shapes for a booming drive but only jams it out in the end towards covers. |
| 45.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner hangs back and stonewalls it. |
| 45.6 : J Anderson to Warner, This is wide outside off and Warner doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 46.1 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, That's a beautiful delivery! Fuller in length outside off, straightens after hitting the deck. Khawaja pokes at it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 46.2 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Back of a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 46.3 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Shortish delivery around off, Usman hangs back and taps it to covers . |
| 46.4 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Length delivery in the zone of apprehension, Khawaja comes forward confidently and blocks it. |
| 46.5 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, In the corridor of uncertainty again, Khawaja lets it go. Intent has been missing from the No. 3. With Australia on the front foot, he needs to play positive cricket. |
| 46.6 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Overpitched outside off, driven sweetly to mid off. |
| 47.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Fullish in length, angling in. Warner hangs back and makes an assured leave. |
| 47.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson drags his length back. Bowls a shortish delivery, Warner goes deep in the crease and defends it solidly. |
| 47.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length around off, David covers the line and eases it to covers. |
| 47.4 : J Anderson to Warner, OUT! The best bowler in the English side strikes! Intelligent bowling from the experienced campaigner and he reaps the dividends. After bowling a couple of back of length delivery, he goes back to a fullish ball. He hurls in the channel outside off, angling in initially. Warner with minimal foot movement pokes at it and gets a faint nick. Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps takes a regulation catch and throws the ball up in the air. Anderson is confident as well and up |
| Steve Smith is the next batsman in. |
| 47.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Hangs back to the good length delivery and blocks it. |
| 47.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length, kept out watchfully. End of a productive over. |
| 48.1 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, No run. |
| 48.2 : Tom Curran to U Khawaja, Full length ball outside off, driven with hard hands to covers. |
| 48.3 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Back of a length around off, played off the back foot to the off side. |
| 48.4 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 48.5 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, In the zone outside off, Usman offers a solid back foot defense. |
| 48.6 : Tom Curran to Khawaja, Pounds the deck hard around off, Khawaja hops and blocks it. He is getting bogged down, needs to find a way to rotate the strike. |
| Leg slip in place now. Interesting tactic from the Englishmen. |
| 49.1 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length and angling in, kept out nicely. |
| 49.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length, Smith shuffles across and clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 49.3 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 49.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length on middle and leg, Smith hops and fends it off to square leg. |
| 49.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Smith dabs it to the point region. |
| 49.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Shorter in length, tucked around the corner for a single. |
| Chris Woakes returns for a burst. He was poor to begin with but was good in his second spell. Can he continue the good work? |
| 50.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller length ball outside off, Smith mistimes his drive to mid off. |
| 50.2 : C Woakes to S Smith, Well played! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Smith leans into it and strokes it through covers. The fielder from the same region chases it and saves a run for his side. |
| 50.3 : C Woakes to U Khawaja, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short ball on middle and leg, you can't bowl there with no fine leg in place. Khawaja stands tall and pulls it through the same region to find the fence. |
| 50.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 50.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Overpitched outside off, Khawaja drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to his right to make a good stop. No easy runs for the southpaw. |
| 50.6 : C Woakes to U Khawaja, Fullish delivery, patted to mid on. |
| Stuart Broad is back on. Australia's run rate has come down considerably after the first session. Tells you that the Englishmen has comeback hard but Khawaja has also been in his shell which has made life difficult for the hosts. |
| 51.1 : S Broad to Smith, 1 run. |
| 51.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 51.3 : S Broad to Khawaja, Good length ball on middle, Khawaja shows full face of the bat. |
| 51.4 : S Broad to Khawaja, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 51.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Takes a stride forward and drives it towards cover. |
| 51.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, No run. |
| Good observation from Ian Chappell on air, as always. Priceless commentary. He looks at the bottom hand grip of Khawaja and reckons it is a pretty strong hold. Normally, he says, when you observe strong bottom-handed players, they keep it very tight when playing square of the wicket but when it comes to playing a cover drive or down the ground, they loosen it a touch. But not Usman. He keeps that grip very tight almost throughout. Now look at the way Steven Smith bats. He too, bats with a very s |
| 52.1 : C Woakes to Smith, No run. |
| 52.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, Smith leans forward and square drives it towards the point fielder. |
| 52.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller and angling in on middle and leg, clipped towards square leg. |
| 52.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller and around off, Steven Smith gets across and works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 52.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Again it's on a fuller length outside off, Steven presses forward and drives it towards short cover. |
| 52.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Shortish on middle, Smith gets across and defends it back down the track. |
| 53.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, Down the leg side, tucked behind square leg for a single. Reckon he won't come back on strike for the rest of this over... |
| 53.2 : S Broad to Smith, Landed outside off, Smith gets across and defends. |
| 53.3 : S Broad to Smith, That is a jaffa. Broad is surprised too. Sums up his bowling in this match so far. He has just been bowling wide, trying to make the batsmen commit a mistake. But here, he makes Smith play at a good delivery and that ball just jags back in, whizzing past the outside edge. Broad gives a stare at Smith and awaits a reaction but Smith is just like a monk who only gives blessings with no trouble in the world. Only the smile was missing there. |
| 53.4 : S Broad to Smith, Landed pretty wide outside off, left alone. |
| 53.5 : S Broad to Smith, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 53.6 : S Broad to Smith, Wide outside off to end the over and session, Smith lets it through. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| A great session for England as they have picked up two wickets and only conceded 43 runs. After struggling to bowl well in the first session, they have bounced back in style. They have bowled tight lines and lengths to stifle the hosts. It was Chris Woakes who broke the flourishing opening stand to send Bancroft back. Usman Khawaja came in but failed to rotate strike. He went in to his shell and as a result, Warner also got bogged down a bit. |
| Drama happened when David Warner was on 99. The debutant, Tom Curran was the culprit as he overstepped and that meant that the opener who got caught at mid on lived on. He did score a ton and was applauded deservedly from the MCG crowd. However, he got dismissed soon after to some smart bowling from Anderson. England need to continue the good work while the hosts will be expecting their skipper, Steven Smith to rise to the occasion again. Join us for the final session in a while. |
| ... Day 1, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session. Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja will continue their innings. Chris Woakes will continue his spell. |
| 54.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Starts off with a good length ball on middle and leg, Khawaja tucks it to fine leg to rotate strike. |
| 54.2 : C Woakes to S Smith, FOUR! Shot! Shortish delivery on middle and leg, Smith gets on top of the bounce and pulls it with aplomb through backward square leg to find the fence. |
| Another brilliant observation. This time from Ian Healy. He notices that Khawaja played a full-blooded pull shot somewhere in the second session which went only for a single. Similar ball, similar length. What does Smith get? A boundary. No change in field from that ball to this. So how does Smith get a boundary? Because he knows where the fielders are placed. So the key to playing your pull shots is - not every time power is needed. Khawaja instantaneously goes for power on the pull, but does n |
| 54.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller in length, Smith covers the line to block it. |
| 54.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Shorter in length around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| Mitchell Starc on-air reckons that the pitch slowed in the second session as opposed to the morning session when the ball was coming on to the bat. Feels that is why the batsmen slowed down. |
| 54.5 : C Woakes to Smith, That was tentative! On a length outside off, straightens after hitting the deck. Smith goes at it half-heartedly and gets beaten all ends up. |
| 54.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Shuffles across to the good length delivery and pushes it to mid on. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 55.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, Straying on the pads, clipped in front of square leg for a brace. He needs to keep on rotating strike. |
| 55.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, Back of a length around off, Khawaja hops back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 55.3 : S Broad to U Khawaja, FOUR! Elegant! This will give Khawaja confidence. Half volley outside off, the batsman leans ahead and creams it through extra cover for a glorious boundary. |
| 55.4 : S Broad to U Khawaja, Once again nails the drive to the cover region but picks up the man this time. |
| 55.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Shortens his length, Usman hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 55.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, On a drivable length outside off, Khawaja doesn't fall for the bait and defends it off the front foot. |
| 56.1 : C Woakes to Smith, A good shot for no runs! Shortish delivery and room on offer, Smith punches it beautifully but finds the man at point. |
| 56.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Similar length ball around off, Smith shuffles across in his customary manner and defends it solidly. |
| 56.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Continues to probe in that off stump channel. Smith is equal to the task as he shuffles across and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 56.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Steven hangs back and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 56.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, In the air... but safe! In the channel around off, straightens after pitching. Smith gets squared up and gets an outside edge but the ball falls well short of the gully fielder. Playing that with soft hands saved him. |
| 56.6 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Timing and placement, brilliantly played! Short of a length outside off, Smith waits for it and places it deftly past point for a boundary. |
| 57.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, OUT! Soft dismissal! Khawaja never looked at ease throughout his knock and has finally perished. Broad steams in from around the wicket and bowls it on a good length in the zone of apprehension. The ball is holding its line as Khawaja pokes at it tamely. Ends up getting a feather and Bairstow accepts it gleefully. Bowling in the corridor has worked wonders for the visitors. Is this the opening England needed? |
| 0.0 : Shaun Marsh strides out to bat. |
| England on the charge. They reckon that they have trapped Shaun Marsh in front of the stumps and go for the review. Big moment in the game. Height might be a factor. |
| 57.2 : Broad to Marsh, Not Out! Shaun Marsh survives a tough call but England do not lose a review. Length delivery around off, jagging back appreciably. Marsh is caught in the crease as he attempts to keep it out but misses to get pinged on the pads. England roar in appeal but the umpire S Ravi stays unmoved. Broad walks to his skipper and convinces him to go for the review. The body language from the visitors is really confident. Time for the replays. The impact is in line but it is just clippi |
| 57.3 : Broad to Marsh, It is all happening at the MCG. The ball is reversing for Broad and Marsh doesn't have any clue about it. Broad bowls a full delivery on middle and leg, Marsh loses his balance as he tries to flick it away and gets hit on the pads. England go up in unison but umpire S Ravi once again stays unmoved. The on-air commentators reckon that it is going down the leg side. Broad looks at his skipper but this time he doesn't go for the review. Sensible call as Hawk Eye shows that the |
| 57.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller in length, kept out watchfully. |
| 57.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Short of a length outside off, left alone. |
| 57.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Full length ball, tailing in substantially. Marsh does well to jam it to mid-wicket. What an over from Broad, a wicket-maiden. |
| 58.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Full delivery, swerving in, blocked solidly. |
| 58.2 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Brilliantly played! Fullish delivery, Smith shuffles a touch and clips it in the gap between the two short mid-wicket fielders and picks up another boundary. Smith becomes the leading run-scorer in Tests in 2017. The best Test batsman in the world keeps on getting better and better. |
| 58.3 : C Woakes to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 58.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length this time, blocked nicely. |
| 58.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, On a drivable length outside off, Smith leans into it and drives it nicely through covers. Three runs taken. |
| 58.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes goes around the wicket to Marsh and angles it in. Marsh covers the line to keep it out. |
| 59.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 59.2 : S Broad to Smith, He is so easy on the eye with his drives. Gets a pitched up delivery in his arc and creams it through covers. Another three taken. |
| 59.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Poor stuff from Marsh! He is looking fidgety. On a drivable length outside off, Shaun goes for an expansive drive with no feet movement and gets an inside edge past the leg stump. A run taken. |
| 59.4 : S Broad to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 59.5 : S Broad to Smith, Eases the full ball through covers for a single. |
| 59.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Another false shot. Full ball outside off, swinging in. Marsh goes for a drive without any foot movement and gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| Moeen Ali returns for a bowl. |
| 60.1 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Sublime! Tossed up outside off, Smith strides forward confidently and strokes it through extra cover. The fielder in the deep covers a lot of ground to his right, slides but fails to keep the ball in play. The skipper is going from strength-to-strength. |
| 60.2 : M Ali to Smith, Length delivery outside off, kept out nicely. |
| 60.3 : M Ali to Smith, Outside off, Smith shuffles a long way across and dead-bats it. |
| 60.4 : M Ali to Smith, Shortish ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Man at deep cover coming up. A slip and a short leg also in place for Marsh. The umpire is having a chat with Moeen Ali. He conveys to him that the ball tracking is not working at the moment. |
| 60.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 60.6 : M Ali to Marsh, A bit flatter outside off, defended from within the crease. |
| Tom Curran is back for a burst. He has been good so far. Not sure this is the right decision though. Stuart Broad was getting good reverse swing and Joe Root should have stuck with him for a while. |
| 61.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Back of a length delivery, swinging in. Smith hangs back and taps it to mid on for a run. There is movement in the air for Curran as well. |
| 61.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Curran goes wide of the crease and brings it in, Marsh taps it with an open bat face to point. |
| 61.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Overpitched outside off, driven crisply but straight to extra cover. |
| 61.4 : Tom Curran to S Marsh, Curran is bending his back. Steams in and angles in a good length ball. Marsh is late to bring his bat down and gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 61.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, On a length, extra bounce on offer. Marsh rises up and plays it to gully for a single. |
| 61.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, Slower delivery from Curran. Smith reads it well and tucks it around the corner for a run. |
| 62.1 : M Ali to Smith, Spinning in slowly from outside off, blocked nicely off the back foot. |
| 62.2 : M Ali to S Smith, Short and room on offer, flayed away through point for a brace. |
| 62.3 : M Ali to S Smith, Smith is nimble on his feet as he clips it to mid on and calls his partner through for a swift single. |
| 62.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Marsh also uses his feet and drives it to mid on but no single on offer this time. |
| 62.5 : M Ali to S Marsh, FOUR! Nicely done! A fraction short this time, spinning away. Marsh rocks back and cuts it past the point fielder for a boundary. He found the gap to perfection. This stroke will calm his nerves. |
| 62.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 63.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Full length delivery, Smith shuffles and jams it to extra cover. |
| 63.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Steven pats it to the off side. |
| Michael Clarke on air praises Steven Smith. He explains that no team hasn't been able to found out a certain plan against him. He is good with his drives. Whenever the bowler feels that he has a chance by curving the ball in on the stumps, he is ready to pounce on them. Though he moves around a lot in his crease, his head position is always balanced and his good hand-eye co-ordination works in his favour. An absolute treat to watch! |
| 63.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 63.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Plays this fullish ball to covers and tells his partner to wait on. |
| 63.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Where did that come from? Curran opts for a leg-cutter and bowls it on a length in the corridor outside off. Smith gets foxed but does well in the end to drops his wrists and play it along the ground towards the slip region. |
| 63.6 : Tom Curran to S Smith, Ooh.. substantial movement again! Curves back in sharply from a length outside off, Smith covers the line, tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 64.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish on middle and leg, turned around the corner for a single. |
| 64.2 : M Ali to S Smith, Leans forward and strokes it through covers for a single. |
| 64.3 : M Ali to S Marsh, FOUR! Marsh is growing in confidence. Gets a full ball on middle and clips it beautifully through mid on for a boundary. |
| 64.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 64.5 : M Ali to Smith, Drifting in towards Smith who eases it to mid on to get off strike. |
| 64.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Leans ahead and defends this one with his bat close to the pad. |
| Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh are showing urgency in the middle. They are being helped by the fact that Joe Root is sticking with Moeen Ali. No real turn on offer and the duo is picking him off with ease. Will be a good ploy to bring pacers from both ends with the ball reversing. |
| 65.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Good fielding! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Smith strokes it nicely but Malan dives to his right to make a nice stop. |
| 65.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fuller in length, blocked nicely. |
| 65.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Shuffles across to the full length ball on middle and leg and works it through square leg for a run. |
| 65.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, On a length around off, angling in. Marsh has it covered as he keeps it out with a straight bat. |
| 65.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 65.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, He hasn't been able to execute his drives properly today. Fullish ball outside off, Marsh goes at it with hard hands but gets an inside edge to mid on. |
| Dawid Malan to roll his arm over now. He bowled better than Moeen Ali in Perth. Not sure this is the correct decision though. These two are good players of spin and this might allow them to run away with the show. |
| 66.1 : D Malan to Smith, Short on middle and leg, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| 66.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Hangs back to the flatter delivery and dead-bats it. |
| 66.3 : D Malan to Marsh, Marsh drives the fullish delivery nicely but fails to pierce the gap as the man at extra cover stops it. |
| 66.4 : D Malan to S Marsh, Shoddy stuff from James Vince! Tossed up around off, Marsh drives it towards deepish mid off and takes on Vince. The fielder is lazy to get across to his left and makes a mess of it. Concedes a couple. |
| 66.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Wrong one from Malan. It is full on middle, Marsh reads it well and clips it towards wide mid on for a single. 200 up for Australia. The MCG crowd appreciates that. |
| 66.6 : D Malan to Smith, Full again, whipped to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 67.1 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Good length ball, shaping in from outside off. Marsh shuffles a touch and defends it solidly. |
| 67.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, A chirpy appeal for an LBW is turned down. Full length ball, going down leg. Marsh tries to clip it away but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg as the umpire turns the appeal down. A leg bye taken. |
| 67.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 67.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, This fullish ball is clipped to the leg side for a single. |
| 67.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| Shane Warne on air gives us a good insight about Tom Curran. He explains that he bowls his cutters with no change in his action. That is why those change of paces are so effective. It has got him wickets in the shorter format of the game, will be interesting to see if it works here... |
| 67.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Full ball outside off, jammed out to covers. |
| 68.1 : D Malan to Smith, Full on middle, played off the inner half of the bat to mid on. |
| 68.2 : D Malan to Smith, Wider outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 68.3 : D Malan to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 68.4 : D Malan to Smith, Drifting in on middle, tucked around the corner for a single. |
| 68.5 : D Malan to Marsh, A bit short on middle, blocked off the back foot. |
| 68.6 : D Malan to Marsh, Floated outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 69.1 : Tom Curran to S Smith, FOUR! Great stroke! Shortish delivery outside off and a bit of room on offer. Smith rises with the bounce and steers it through the point region to pick up another boundary. |
| 69.2 : Tom Curran to S Smith, Short delivery on middle and leg, Smith helps his pull down to fine leg for a single. On a couple of occasions in Perth, Smith got hit on the back of the hand while attempting a pull shot. This time he had it covered. |
| 69.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, In the corridor outside off, left alone. |
| 69.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Curran goes for a slower ball again but sprays it down the leg side. Marsh misses his glance. |
| 69.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 69.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, An off pace yorker on middle, Marsh is equal to the task as he jams it out. Another good over from Curran. |
| 70.1 : D Malan to Smith, Tossed up delivery, Smith lunges forward in defense. |
| 70.2 : D Malan to S Smith, Fullish delivery, played with soft hands to mid off. |
| 70.3 : D Malan to Smith, A fraction short this time, tucked through square leg for a run. |
| 70.4 : D Malan to Marsh, On a flatter trajectory around off, dealt with nicely off the back foot. |
| 70.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Floated outside off, Shaun chips down the track and strokes it to mid off. |
| 70.6 : D Malan to Marsh, Quicker one this time, skidding through. Marsh makes good use of the depth of the crease to stonewall it. |
| Time for Drinks. England kicked off the final session nicely as Broad got the ball to reverse. He caught Khawaja napping and almost dismissed Marsh in the first delivery. However, Steven Smith played freely from the word go and pulled back the initiative. He hasn't been dismissed at the MCG yet and has an average well over 100. Ominous sings for the visitors. Marsh has also grown in confidence and is playing sensibly. The Englishmen need a breakthrough, especially of the Australian skipper. |
| 71.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Starts off with a length delivery, a bit wide outside off from over the wicket, Smith stabs it towards cover. |
| 71.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length and outside off, Steven leans forward and just checks his drive as the ball rolls towards point. |
| 71.3 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length and outside off, Smith makes an easy leave. This one stayed a touch low as well. |
| 71.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Hurls in a length and this one nips back in a touch, Steven Smith walks across the stumps and makes another assured leave. |
| 71.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Walks across even before the bowler comes and then drives it towards mid on. |
| 71.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Pitches it up outside off, Smith leans into it and drives it towards extra cover for a single. This also brings up the 50-run stand. Once again when England were threatening to chip away at the wickets, a good partnership from the hosts have denied them. |
| 72.1 : D Malan to Smith, Flattish around leg, Smith goes back to clip it away but gets hit on the pads. |
| 72.2 : D Malan to Smith, Tossed up outside off, pushed off the front foot towards point. |
| 72.3 : D Malan to Smith, Floated delivery on off, Smith takes a stride forward and eases it through extra cover to collect a couple. Moves to 49 with that! |
| 72.4 : D Malan to S Smith, Gets down the track and whips it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 72.5 : D Malan to Smith, Quicker through the air on middle, Smith hangs back to punch it towards mid-wicket. |
| 72.6 : D Malan to Smith, Slows it through the air, but it's on the shorter side, Steven clips it towards backward square leg. |
| 73.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Back of a length delivery, angling away, Marsh punches it off the back foot towards cover. |
| 73.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, Good length delivery on the stumps, Shaun prods ahead and with his bat close to the pad, he works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 73.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller in length and curling back in a touch, defended off the front foot with a solid straight bat. |
| 73.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Nice inswingers and outswingers from Anderson at the moment. This time he gets it to move away, Marsh leans across and drives it but finds the man at short cover. |
| 73.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Now brings one back into the southpaw, Marsh waits for it before bunting it to mid on. |
| 73.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Goes wide of the crease and angles it away a touch, SM defends it with safely towards point. |
| 74.1 : D Malan to Smith, Loopy ball around middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 74.2 : D Malan to Smith, Flighted delivery around middle and off, the Aussie skipper, with a stride forward and defends it back to Malan. |
| 74.3 : D Malan to Smith, Flatter delivery on middle, clipped towards backward square leg. Wants the single but won't get it. Stays on 49! |
| 74.4 : D Malan to Smith, Slower one, but it's too full on the stumps. SS jams it out towards mid on. |
| 74.5 : D Malan to Smith, A low full toss around middle, Smith whips this one but Curran at square leg makes a diving stop. |
| 74.6 : D Malan to Smith, Flatter one around middle and leg, Smith goes back and clips it but is unable to beat the man at square leg. A maiden from Malan, tidy stuff from the leggie. He hasn't allowed the pair to score freely, something that Ali was lacking considerably. |
| 75.1 : J Anderson to S Marsh, Fuller ball on off, Shaun Marsh leans forward only to find Root at short cover. |
| 75.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, Beaten! This is superb from Jimmy Anderson! First he angles it in from around off, makes the batsman draw forward and then gets it to straighten away to leave him stranded. Just whizzes past the outside edge! |
| 75.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller and outside off, driven through cover-point for a single. |
| 75.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Shortish and outside off, Steven goes back and defends it towards the point fielder. |
| 75.5 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 75.6 : J Anderson to Smith, This one curls back in from a good length, Smith shuffles across the sticks and defends it off the inner half towards mid on. Just 17 runs coming in the last 10 overs for Australia. Good thing from England is that, they haven't allowed the hosts to score freely. |
| 76.1 : D Malan to Marsh, Drifting in from around middle and leg, a bit short which allows Marsh to flick it away towards deep mid-wicket. There is a bit of hesitation between the two but they complete the second run easily in the end. |
| 76.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Off the splice! Bowls the googly, it bounces a touch more as Marsh looks to defend it off the front foot. Is undone by it as the ball hits the splice of the bat and dies down in the vacant short leg region. |
| 76.3 : D Malan to Marsh, Leans across and with the turn, whips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 76.4 : D Malan to Marsh, The batsman charges down the wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 76.5 : D Malan to S Smith, Flatter around middle and leg, clipped off the back foot towards square leg. |
| 76.6 : D Malan to Smith, There it is! Steven Smith and his good run of form continues. Leans forward to this flighted delivery and drives it through extra cover to come back for the second. 22nd Test fifty for the Aussie skipper! There is no stopping him. Remember, he had a sore bottom hand but still once again has delivered for his side. Another big one on the cards? Well, looks like. |
| Chris Woakes is brought back into the attack. |
| 77.1 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length delivery, angling in, defended towards the point fielder. |
| 77.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Just short of the man at mid-wicket! A bit short around middle and off, Marsh swivels to pull but doesn't bother to keep it down. Almost spoons a catch to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 77.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Stands back and punches it towards cover. |
| 77.4 : Woakes to Marsh, Short and angling in on middle, Shaun Marsh once again goes for the pull but this one doesn't rise much and as a result he gets hit on the box. An appeal has been made which is turned down immediately by the umpire. |
| 77.5 : C Woakes to S Marsh, Fuller outside off, driven towards the cover-point fielder. |
| 77.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 78.1 : D Malan to Smith, Flatter one around leg, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 78.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 78.3 : D Malan to Marsh, FOUR! That's a rare mistake from Malan! He drops it short on middle, Marsh has ample of time to rock back and pull it. He does so in front of square on the leg side. There were two men in the deep but he bisected the gap to perfection. |
| 78.4 : D Malan to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 78.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Skips down the track and whips it towards mid on. The man there fumbles which allows them to take the single. |
| 78.6 : D Malan to Smith, Smith drives it wide of the man at mid on to keep strike. |
| 79.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length delivery, angling in, Smith gets across and defends it down watchfully. |
| 79.2 : C Woakes to Smith, This one stays low! It's on a length around middle and off, Steven crouches low and somehow manages to keep it out. |
| 79.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller and angling in on middle, Smith gets across to bunt it towards mid on. |
| 79.4 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller again on the stumps, Smith walks across to play the on drive but gets it off the toe end towards mid on. |
| 79.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Drifts on the pads, Smith tucks it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 79.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Comes from around the wicket, keeps it full on off, Marsh prods forward in defense. |
| The second new ball is available but it has not been taken. There is a change in bowling. Curran comes back for a bowl. |
| 80.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Too straight from Curran to start the spell! Smith walks across and clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 80.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Short of a length delivery outside off, Shaun Marsh taps it towards the cover-point fielder. |
| 80.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Shortish again and served outside off, Shaun opens the face of the bat and times it towards backward point where Woakes dives to makes a half stop. The batsmen take a single. |
| 80.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Comes over the wicket for Smith and bowls the leg cutter. Gets it to bounce a bit more but it's on the shorter length which gives the Aussie skipper enough time to rock back and keep it out. |
| 80.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Stays perfectly behind the line to stab it out. |
| 80.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, Hurls it wider outside off, the Aussie skipper has got nothing to do with that one. |
| 81.1 : C Woakes to Marsh, Full and attacking the stumps. Woakes angles it in but Marsh is quick to get across and work it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. |
| 81.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length outside off, punched towards short cover off the back foot. |
| 81.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length, angling in from outside off. Shaun Marsh stays put as he tries to cut but it's too close to get going. Ends up chopping it towards gully. |
| 81.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Fuller on middle, wirsted towards mid on. |
| 81.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Delightful from Marshy! A bit too full outside off, right in the slot for the southpaw. Shaun leans into it and caresses it through cover. Into the gap and away she whistles to the ropes. |
| 81.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Another boundary ball and Marsh misses out. He knows he has missed out on that one! Woakes serves it short and wide outside off, Marsh cuts it nicely off the back foot but finds Ali at backward point. |
| 82.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, On a length and angling in on middle and leg, glanced down towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 82.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Shortish and outside off, tapped towards the left of the point fielder for a brisk single. |
| 82.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Once again the slower one from Curran! Almost in every over he seems to be bowling one. The back of the hand delivery, again the length it short which gives Smith all the time in the world to go back and defend it down. |
| 82.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 82.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Another slower delivery, it's a bit too wayward from Curran. Down the leg side as Smith waits for the ball to come and then tickles it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 82.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Serves it on a length, the fifth stump line, easy leave for SM. |
| 83.1 : C Woakes to Smith, In the corridor outside off, Smith covers his stumps to allow it through. |
| 83.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length ball, shaping in. Smith walks across his sticks and nudges it towards mid-wicket. |
| 83.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Shortish delivery, Smith helps it around the corner for a run. |
| 83.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Attacks the stumps with a full length ball, Marsh comes forward and defends it with his bat close to the pad. |
| 83.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Almost a replica of the previous delivery as Marsh lunges ahead in defense. |
| 83.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Aggression from Woakes! Bowls an overpitched delivery and Marsh drives it hard back to him. He collects it and mimes a throw to the keeper's end. |
| 84.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Another off pace delivery from Curran around off. Smith reads it well and dead-bats it. |
| 84.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Good length delivery, angling in on middle, a bit of shuffle from Smith as he defends it towards mid on. |
| 84.3 : Tom Curran to S Smith, FOUR! Not intentional but gets the desired result! Curran bowls it full and wide outside off, too much of width and Steven Smith decides to go after it. He looks to guide it down but gets it off the outer half wide of the gully fielder for a boundary towards third man. No one in the deep, so it's easy pickings for him. |
| 84.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Back of a length outside off, patted towards point for one. |
| 84.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fuller on the stumps, it's the slower one. Marsh looks to drive but squirts it off the inner half through backward square leg for a single. |
| 84.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fuller on off, a nice front foot defense on offer from SS. |
| With 16 minutes to go and 5 overs remaining in the day, when will England take the second new ball? Anyway, it is Stuart Broad who is brought into the attack. |
| 85.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad from around the wicket, drops it short on off. Marsh looks to cut it but it's too close to do so. Chops it on the bounce towards gully. |
| 85.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller and veering on the pads, Marsh moves inside the line to help it on its way but misses. Bairstow does well to dive to his right to collect it. |
| 85.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length on the fifth stump line, Marsh blocks it towards cover. |
| 85.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| A delay here as England have decided to take the second new ball. Will the new cherry help them take a wicket? |
| 85.5 : S Broad to Marsh, On a length and just around off, Marsh gets squared up a touch as he pushes it towards cover. |
| 85.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Almost! Short and outside off, Marsh sans any feet movement tries to go after it and gets beaten all ends up. |
| James Anderson to share the new ball with Broad. |
| 86.1 : J Anderson to Smith, A peace to begin with! When the ball is doing something, Jimmy Anderson is the best option to go to. He steams in from over the wicket and angles it in from around off. Smith comes forward to play inside the line but this one shapes away a bit and nearly kisses the outside edge of his bat. Hands on head for Anderson. |
| 86.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length around off, Smith comes forward and blocks it out towards cover. |
| 86.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller and angling in on the pads, too easy for Smith as he flicks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 86.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, A bit short and around off, Marsh stands tall and defends it down. |
| 86.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Pitches it up on middle and leg, clipped straight to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 86.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Beautiful bowling from Anderson! This one shapes away a touch, but the line is around off which forces Shaun to play at it. Just about whizzes past the outside edge. Excellent from Jimmy. |
| 87.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller and angling in on middle and leg, Smith shuffles a bit and pushes it wide of mid on for a quick single. |
| 87.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Good shape on this one but it's too wide outside off to make the batsman play at it. |
| 87.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Angles it on a fuller length on the pads, Marsh flicks it neatly but finds mid-wicket. |
| 87.4 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 87.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad angles it in from outside off, it's on a back of a length. Marsh defends it back down the track. |
| 87.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller outside off, Shaun Marsh is solid in his front foot defense. |
| Jimmy Anderson to bowl the final over of the day! Can he pick up a wicket? |
| 88.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Drops it on a length and this one bounces a bit more as Smith defends it towards cover off the back foot. |
| 88.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Hurls it in the corridor of uncertainty, Steven makes a watchful leave. |
| 88.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Anderson bowls it a tad short outside off, Smith with a bit of shuffle, defends it down on the track. |
| 88.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Smith gets across and drives it straight to mid on. |
| 88.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Ahead of a length and served outside off, nicely defended off the back foot. |
| 88.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length and angling in from around off, Steven Smith gets behind the line and offers a straight bat to see off the day. STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| Excellent session for Australia and they end the day on a high. Having won the toss and opting to bat on a flat deck, David Warner was up and running from the word go. He along with Cameron Bancroft scored 102 runs in the first session to make the most of the conditions on offer. The southpaw scored a breezy century, although he got a life when he was on 99. However, both of them departed in quick succession and it seemed like England have got the opening they needed. |
| It was Woakes who provided his side the first breakthrough. The visitors were right on the money in the middle session as they scalped two wickets and dried up the runs completely, giving away just 43 in that period. Come the final session, all eyes were on the English bowlers who had their tails up but, as has been the case in the series, Steven Smith arrived to the occasion to bail his side out of the stutter, scoring a fluent half century. Shaun Marsh, who could have gotten out on his very fi |
| Just before the close of play, Root opted to take the second new ball and Anderson and Broad bowled exceedingly well sans any success. We saw that once the ball became softer, run-scoring became difficult but when it was hard and new, it was coming on the bat nicely. So, the new cherry is just 20 balls old and it would be interesting to see if England can come out tomorrow morning and make it count, should they fail, the hosts will just run away with the game. They would be looking to bat once a |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for the second day of the MCG Test. Australia are in a fairly good position after Steven Smith opted to bat. Warner got them off to a flier and then with a bit of trouble in the middle, their skipper steadied the ship, just what he is good at. Shaun Marsh has given him good company until now and the duo's unbeaten stand is worth 84. Should they continue to dig in there, it wouldn't be wrong to predict, they will be well on course to post a big first innings total. |
| England need to take wickets and that too quickly this morning to get back into the game. Not that they are out of it, but if they don't come up with plans, they might very well be. Their spearheads, Anderson and Broad will be looking to make the most of the new cherry. If they manage to remove the Aussie skipper early, things could turn in their favour. Stay with us to see how the day pans out... |
| It's time to get rolling. The players and umpires have made their way out to the middle. The crowd is brimming in anticipation as the two overnight batsmen, Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh walk out. Bill Lawry in the commentary box, what better than hearing him out. Stuart Broad will be the one to steam in first up. Two slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 89.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Right on the money is Broad! Starts from round the wicket and angles it pretty full on middle. Shaun Marsh is quick to get his bat down and keep it out back towards the left of the bowler. |
| 89.2 : S Broad to Marsh, A huge shout for an LBW! Maybe, a bit too high. Broad angles it in from around off, it zips a bit as Marsh misses his attempted flick shot. The ball hits his pads and goes towards the off side. Broad appeals for an LBW but nothing from the umpire. |
| 89.3 : S Broad to Marsh, A bit too straight from Stuart. Easily clipped through backward square leg for a single. First run of the day. |
| 89.4 : S Broad to Smith, Good shot! See the confidence. Pitches it up on off, Smith leans forward and square drives it neatly but it goes straight towards backward point. |
| 89.5 : S Broad to Smith, Good line! A bit fuller and just outside off, Smith makes an easy leave. |
| 89.6 : S Broad to Smith, Sprayed wider outside off, Steven Smith makes a watchful leave. |
| James Anderson to have a go from the other end. |
| 90.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Good length delivery, on middle and off, Marsh presses forward and defends it towards cover. |
| 90.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, Shortish length delivery, angling away outside off, Marsh with an open face bat pushes it towards backward point. |
| 90.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket by coming across. |
| 90.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Slants it away on a fuller length, Shaun with a front foot push towards backward point. |
| 90.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Keeps it on a fuller length on the stumps, Marsh looks to drive it away on the off side but the bat turns in his hands and as a result, he gets it off the inner half towards mid on. |
| 90.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Back of a length delivery around middle and leg, tucked towards mid-wicket comfortably. A maiden to start with for Anderson. |
| 91.1 : S Broad to Smith, Nice soft hands! Smith gets across to this back of a length delivery and tucks it through backward square leg to bag a couple. |
| 91.2 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery on off, Smith moves across and defends it down. |
| 91.3 : S Broad to Smith, Pitches it up on off, Smith presses ahead and drives it beautifully but finds Malan stationed at short cover. |
| 91.4 : S Broad to Smith, Short and angling down leg, Smith moves inside the line to let Bairstow do some work. |
| 91.5 : S Broad to S Smith, Bangs in a short one but it doesn't rise much, Steven Smith swivels and rolls his wrists to get it towards Moeen Ali at fine leg for a single. All along the ground. |
| 91.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length delivery on off, clipped towards mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 92.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Anderson drops it on a back of a length outside off, Smith punches it off the back foot towards cover. |
| 92.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Good line and length from Jimmy! Keeps it a touch fuller on off, Smith takes a stride forward and blocks it towards cover again. |
| 92.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Some good intensity there! Hits the deck hard, gets the extra bounce and Smith turns his head out of the way to leave it alone. |
| 92.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Back to fuller length, pushed off the middle of the bat towards the off side. |
| 92.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Marginally short, in the channel on off, punched towards mid off. |
| 92.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Giving nothing away! Bowling according to the field given. Fuller ball on off, Smith leans forward to push it straight to mid off. |
| 93.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad goes over the wicket to Marsh now! He hurls it on a length around middle and off, defended from within the crease towards mid on. |
| 93.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Good timing! Slightly fuller and angling away outside off, Marsh leans ahead and sweetly times it through cover. Was in the air for a while but in the gap as well. Two taken and it's 250 up for Australia. |
| 93.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length on middle and off, defended towards cover off the back foot. |
| 93.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling away from the southpaw, Marsh pats it with soft hands towards cover. Looks to cross but Smith isn't too keen on it. |
| Shaun Marsh and Steven Smith are happy to play the dot balls. They are in no hurry to score this morning. Doing a sensible job of seeing off the new ball, getting the hang of the pace on the pitch... |
| 93.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Shorter in length and outside off, Marsh dabs it towards backward point. |
| 93.6 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| A silly mid off for Smith and a catching cover as well. Expect Anderson to pitch it right up there. |
| 94.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length ball outside off, holding its line, Smith is happy to make a leave. |
| 94.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Off the inner half! Fuller in length, right up there and Smith is into the drive. He looks to go with the shot but gets a thick inside edge towards mid on. The Aussie skipper is clearly annoyed with himself. He wanted to win the battle here. |
| 94.3 : J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! There he goes! Delightful from Smith! Anderson bowls it around off, Smith takes it from there as he gets across a touch and then his wrists takes over. Beats the dive of the fielder at square leg and picks up his first boundary of the day. |
| 94.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller on off, blocked solidly. |
| 94.5 : J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! Superb batting! Second boundary of the over! He goes past 500 runs in the Ashes this year. Anderson drops it short on middle, not much venom behind it. Smith pulls it neatly and the man at long leg could do nothing about it. Steven is on the move. |
| 94.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in the zone outside off, driven sweetly again but finds the man at cover. |
| 95.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller on the stumps, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 95.2 : S Broad to Marsh, This is unnecessary from Broad, really. He bowls a fuller ball on middle and off, Marsh bunts it back towards him. He crouches low in his followthrough and reverse flicks it at the striker's end. The ball deflects off the stumps and goes towards the right of the keeper. Smith is aware and he steals a brisk single. Bairstow had a shy at the bowler's end but he misses the target. |
| 95.3 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller in the channel outside off, left alone easily. |
| 95.4 : S Broad to Smith, Shortish in length and outside off, pushed off the back foot towards backward point. |
| 95.5 : S Broad to Smith, Very full on off, Smith takes a stride forward and blocks it out. |
| 95.6 : S Broad to Smith, Angles it in on a good length, Smith defends down gently. |
| First change of the day then. Debutant Tom Curran is brought into the attack. |
| 96.1 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Starts off with a back of a length delivery on middle, Marsh turns it towards Moeen Ali at mid-wicket and scampers through for a quick single. A handshake from the two batsmen as it brings up the 100-run stand between the two. |
| 96.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, OUT! Drags it on! Tom Curran gets the big fish, folks! And his landing is fine this time. Maiden wicket for him and he is up and running! What a moment for him. England have got the breakthrough and the bowling change has done the trick. He bowls it short and a bit wide outside off, Smith tries to force it through the off side but the ball bounces a bit more which takes the inside edge and cannons on the stumps. Steven Smith is finally dismissed at the MCG for the firs |
| Mitchell Marsh is the next man in. He was absolutely on song in the last game. He's coming off a huge ton in Perth and would be interesting to see how he goes about now. |
| 96.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Good length delivery, nipping back in a bit, defended by coming forward. |
| 96.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, FOUR! What a shot! That's some way to show the opposition that you are in form! Short and outside off, Marsh packs a punch. Gets it squarer and the man at backward poitn had no chance to stop that one. |
| 96.5 : Tom Curran to M Marsh, Punches it towards backward point where the fielder makes a good stop. A run taken. |
| 96.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. Successful over from Curran! |
| Moeen Ali is brought into the attack now. |
| 97.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Flatter and around off, defended off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 97.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Quicker through the air and around off, defended again. |
| 97.3 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 97.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Loopy delivery outside off, Mitchell Marsh leans forward and with an open face bat he drives it wide of the cover fielder to collect a couple. |
| 97.5 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 97.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Drops it short on middle, defended off the back foot. |
| 98.1 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fuller and on the pads, clipped towards backward square leg for a double. |
| 98.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Curran once again serves on the pads, luckily it's clipped straight towards mid-wicket. |
| 98.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fuller on the stumps, defended off the front foot. |
| 98.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Another delivery on the pads, whipped down to long leg where Woakes does the mop up job. Two picked up again. |
| 98.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, FOUR! Curran is not getting it right to the left-hander! Sprays it on the pads yet again, Shaun Marsh gets inside the line and clips it neatly down to fine leg to pick up a boundary. |
| 98.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fuller and on off this time, defended off the full face of the bat. |
| 99.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Tosses it up outside off, MM lunges forward and kills it down. |
| 99.2 : M Ali to M Marsh, Good shot from Mitchell! He has come out with good positive intent! Sees the flight, takes a stride ahead and drills it towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs. |
| 99.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Goes flatter now, Marsh hangs back in defense. |
| 99.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Short and around off, Marsh punches it towards backward point. |
| 99.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Sliding in from around off, blocked solidly off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 99.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Goes back and clips it past the man at silly mid on. |
| Chris Woakes is brought into the attack for the first time today. Interesting, Curran is taken off. He got a wicket of Smith. Is it because he gave away 8 in the last over is the reason behind this? Either way, here comes Chris. A wide slip and a gully in place... |
| 100.1 : C Woakes to Marsh, Begins his spell with a shortish delivery outside off, Marsh stands tall and dabs it with an angled bat towards the gully fielder. |
| 100.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Shortish and angling in, Marsh turns it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 100.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Good length delivery, wide outside off, left alone easily. |
| 100.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Slightly shorter again, Mitchell Marsh blocks it off the back foot. |
| 100.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, OUT! Another one chops it back on! Is this the signs of the pitch being a two-paced? Anyway, the bowling change has done the trick for Root again. He removes Curran and brought Woakes and sees the back of the centurion from the last game. Superb from England! Chris Woakes from over the wicket, hurls it a bit wider outside off. Mitchell Marsh, just like his skipper, tries to go at it with hard hands. An inside edge has be induced as the ball bounces and then hits the top |
| Tim Paine walks out to the middle next. |
| 100.6 : C Woakes to Paine, Back of a length delivery outside off, Paine shoulders his arms to that one. Another successful over for England. |
| 101.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Floats it up around middle and off, Marsh defends it off the front foot. |
| 101.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Slower through the air, SM leans forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| 101.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Marsh steps out of the crease but ends up yorking himself. Still manages to jam it out towards mid on. |
| 101.4 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 101.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Drifting in from around off, Marsh steps out and pushes it towards cover. |
| 101.6 : M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Good placement! Ali sees Marsh stepping out, so he shortens his length. What does Marsh do? He still walks out and with pure placement he guides it through point to end the over with a boundary. Moves to 49 with that. |
| 102.1 : C Woakes to Paine, Shortish and outside off, Paine makes an easy leave. |
| 102.2 : C Woakes to Paine, Inside edge again! Fuller and around off, Paine looks to drive but the ball squirts off the inner half behind square on the leg side. Good running between the wickets allows them to come back for the second. |
| Michael Clarke on air has got something to say regarding the pitch. He says, usually the pitch here tends to become slower as the game progresses. So, the best time to bat here is when the ball is new and it's kicking off the surface. When the ball becomes softer, the batsmen find it difficult to middle it. |
| 102.3 : C Woakes to Paine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 102.4 : C Woakes to Paine, Probing line from Woakes, in the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 102.5 : C Woakes to Paine, Leans ahead and pushes it to mid off. |
| 102.6 : C Woakes to Paine, Stays back and pushes it past Woakes as the ball rolls towards mid on. |
| Time for Drinks. Good first hour for England. They have scalped two wickets, one being the big one of Steven Smith who was looking set. However, they will be aware of the fact that the Australian lower middle order have come to the rescue whenever the hosts have been in trouble. Shaun Marsh is out and is one short of a half century. Can he continue to bat on or will the visitors continue to chip away at the wickets? |
| 103.1 : M Ali to S Marsh, Fuller in length, wristed towards wide mid on. |
| 103.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up outside off, eased to covers off the front foot. |
| 103.3 : M Ali to Marsh, 9th Test fifty for Shaun Marsh! He is having a great Ashes, well played lad! Stays leg side of the ball and strokes it to covers for a swift single. Raises his bat towards the MCG crowd and sinks in all the applause. He needs to take more responsibility now after the fall of two quick wickets. |
| 103.4 : M Ali to Paine, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 103.5 : M Ali to Paine, Tossed up ball, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 103.6 : M Ali to Paine, Floated outside off, Paine creams it to sweeper cover. Finds the gap and hares back for the second. |
| 104.1 : C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Brilliantly executed! Short of a length ball outside off, Marsh waits for it and steers it past the gully region to find the fence. Not an easy shot to play on a track which has become a bit two-paced. |
| 104.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 104.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, clipped nicely to fine leg for a run. |
| 104.4 : C Woakes to Paine, Fullish delivery, Paine defends it with a straight bat. |
| 104.5 : C Woakes to Paine, FOUR! Poor fielding and the visitors pay the price for it. On a hot day with the temperatures soaring around 35 degrees, you need to support your bowlers. Overpitched around off, Paine leans into it and drives it towards wide mid off. The fielder moves to his left, puts in a lazy dive and makes a mess of it. Ends up conceding a boundary. |
| 104.6 : C Woakes to Paine, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 105.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Slower in pace, patted towards short cover. |
| 105.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Brilliant fielding! This is the kind of commitment you need from your players. Short and spinning away, Marsh nail the cut but the fielder at backward point dives to his left to save certain runs. Keeps it down to a single. |
| 105.3 : M Ali to Paine, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 105.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Uses his feet to this one and drives it hard to Ali who makes a good stop. |
| 105.5 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 105.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| Tom Curran returns for a burst. |
| 106.1 : Tom Curran to Paine, Length delivery just outside off, Paine lets it go. |
| 106.2 : Tom Curran to Paine, Once again the two-paced nature of the track is evident! Shortish delivery outside off and room on offer, Paine goes for a cut but gets a bottom edge down on the track. |
| 106.3 : Tom Curran to Paine, Back of a length outside off, left alone. |
| Root has been proactive with his captaincy today. His bowling changes have brought productive results and his intensity has been also up. This is the way to lead by example. |
| 106.4 : Tom Curran to Paine, Slower ball which has been read well by Paine as he blocks it confidently. |
| 106.5 : Tom Curran to Paine, Walks a couple of steps down the track and eases it to mid off for a single. |
| 106.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, The intention was good but the execution was not good. Goes for a slower yorker but ends up slipping it down the leg side. Marsh fails to pick it and is beaten on the flick. Good over from Curran. |
| 107.1 : M Ali to Tim Paine, FOUR! Amazing shot! Flighted ball outside off, Paine reaches the pitch of the ball and drives it elegantly through covers. The substitute, Crane at sweeper cover goes to his right, slides but fails to keep the ball in play. |
| 107.2 : M Ali to Paine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 107.3 : M Ali to Paine, Floated outside off, eased down the track. |
| 107.4 : M Ali to Paine, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 107.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Slower in pace, kept out watchfully. |
| 107.6 : M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Shot! Fullish ball on middle, Marsh clears his front leg and strokes it towards mid on. Timing is spot on and away she whistles to the fence. |
| Ian Chappell on air praises Tim Paine. It is not easy to adjust after losing a close member of the family. He lost his father-in-law on the Christmas Eve but still came back to play. He has come out with positive intent and is looking very confident. Sometimes tough times make you more determined to perform well. |
| 108.1 : Tom Curran to Paine, Nicely done. Strides forward confidently to the tossed up ball and drives it wide of cover-point for a run. |
| 108.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fullish delivery, clipped to mid on for a run. |
| 108.3 : Tom Curran to Tim Paine, FOUR! Shot of the day! Paine is flowing freely. Tossed up outside off, Paine drives it beautifully in the gap between mid off and extra cover to pick up another boundary. Textbook stuff from the wicket-keeper batsman. |
| 108.4 : Tom Curran to Paine, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 108.5 : Tom Curran to Paine, Fullish delivery, angling in, Paine is assured in his leave. |
| 108.6 : Tom Curran to Tim Paine, Length ball outside off, Paine pushes at it but mistimes it to the cover region. Perhaps the first false shot from him. |
| Stuart Broad comes back for a bowl. |
| 109.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Length ball angling down leg, Marsh falls over a bit in a bid to flick it and wears it on his pads. Broad is excited for a while but realizes that it is going down leg. |
| 109.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Full delivery on leg stump, blocked towards mid-wicket. |
| 109.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Similar delivery, patted to mid on this time. |
| 109.4 : S Broad to S Marsh, A bit uppish but safe! Fullish delivery, Marsh clips it nicely and it falls well short of the fielder at mid on. |
| 109.5 : S Broad to Marsh, On a length outside off, slanting away, played with an open bat face towards cover-point. |
| Broad's followthrough shows that he is extremely confident that he has trapped Marsh in front of the stumps. He eggs his skipper to take the review and he agrees. Is there an inside edge? |
| 109.6 : S Broad to Marsh, OUT! No inside edge, what a judicious use of the review from England! He is over the moon and so are his teammates. He steams in from over the wicket and bowls a length ball on middle and leg. Gets it to seam away after pitching. Marsh puts in a nice stride forward to counter it but misses the line of the ball to get pinged on the front pad. Broad roars in an appeal along with his teammates but umpire S Ravi remains unmoved. He is on the run and tells Joe Root to challe |
| Pat Cummins strides out to bat. |
| Anderson is back on. Good move from Joe Root to bring his strike bowler on. |
| 110.1 : J Anderson to Paine, FOUR. |
| 110.2 : J Anderson to Paine, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 110.3 : J Anderson to Paine, Back of a length outside off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 110.4 : J Anderson to Paine, Shaping in appreciably from a good length, Paine covers the line to block it nicely. |
| 110.5 : J Anderson to Paine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 110.6 : J Anderson to Paine, A mistimed shot! Short ball outside off, Paine goes for the pull but doesn't get it off the meat. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket. |
| 111.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Keeps it on a fuller length, probing line, Cummins makes a watchful leave. |
| 111.2 : S Broad to Cummins, On a length and holding its line a touch, Cummins plays inside the line and gets beaten. |
| 111.3 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, Pitches it up around off, almost a yorker, Pat lunges forward and digs it out towards cover. |
| 111.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Lovely bowling! Broad arrows it in from around off, Cummins looks to defend but the ball straightens to beat him all ends up. Stuart his bowling much better today, hitting the right lengths. |
| 111.5 : S Broad to Cummins, Back of a length outside off, dabbed on the bounce towards gully. |
| 111.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Tight stuff! Full and attacking the stumps, blocked back down the track by Cummins. |
| 112.1 : J Anderson to Paine, On a length outside off, Paine lets it go. |
| 112.2 : J Anderson to Paine, OUT! England are back in the contest exclaims an excited Bill Lawry on air! Chopped on. This is the third time this has happened this morning. 520th Test wicket for Jimmy. With that, he goes past the legendary Courtney Walsh and becomes the second leading wicket-taker in terms of a pace bowler. This is the beauty of bowling closer to the stumps, you are always in with a chance when a batsman makes a mistake. Shortish delivery around off, Paine stands tall and goes for |
| Jackson Bird comes out to bat. |
| 112.3 : J Anderson to Bird, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 112.4 : J Anderson to Bird, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 112.5 : J Anderson to J Bird, FOUR! Completely beats Bairstow for pace and an opportunity goes down! Full delivery outside off, a lot of nibble in the air. Bird goes for a drive with minimal foot movement and gets a thick outside edge. Jonny dives to his right but the ball goes past him in a flash and also beats Cook at first slip. A boundary results. |
| 112.6 : J Anderson to Bird, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 113.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Back of a length outside off, left alone. |
| 113.2 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, Overpitched outside off, driven wide of cover for a brace. |
| 113.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Beautifully bowled! On a length outside off, coming in initially with the angle and moving away after hitting the deck. Cummins feels for it and is beaten all ends up. |
| 113.4 : S Broad to Cummins, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 113.5 : S Broad to Bird, Beaten for pace! Lovely bowling from Broad. Coming in substantially, Bird looks to block it but gets foxed. |
| 113.6 : Broad to Bird, OUT! Plumb! Broad is breathing fire, picks up his third wicket. Good length ball around off, angling in appreciably and stays a bit low. Bird is caught in the crease as he tries to keep it out but misses to get pinged on the pads. The Englishmen appeal in unison and up goes the umpire's finger. Bird has a chat with his partner and challenges the decision. There is no inside edge as shown by the Snicko. The Hawk Eye rolls in. The impact is umpire's call and it is going on t |
| Bird looks dead to the naked eye but still he opts for the review against an LBW decision. |
| Josh Hazlewood walks out to the middle. |
| 114.1 : J Anderson to Cummins, Back of a length outside off, played with soft hands to covers. |
| 114.2 : J Anderson to Cummins, On a length, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 114.3 : J Anderson to Cummins, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 114.4 : J Anderson to Cummins, Full ball outside off, left alone. |
| 114.5 : J Anderson to Cummins, Appreciable movement again. On a length outside off, seaming in. Cummins does well to get his bat down in time and keeps it out. |
| 114.6 : J Anderson to Cummins, Full ball outside off, driven wide of cover-point for a run. THAT SHALL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| England have dominated the morning session! Yes, you heard it right. Picking up 5 wickets and not giving away too much is a commendable effort. They came out with intent this morning and fired on all cylinders. Credit must go to Joe Root who was spot on with his bowling changes and kept on attacking the batsmen. |
| Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh started the day off well but failed to continue the good work. The visitors needed to get rid of the Australian skipper early and that is what they did, courtesy Tom Curran who bagged his maiden Test wicket. The Marsh brothers also departed in quick succession handing the Englishmen an opening. |
| Stuart Broad was at his belligerent best and he was ably supported by James Anderson. They kept on hitting consistent lines and lengths and reaped the dividends to bring their side back into the game. With the track getting more two-paced as was amplified by the fact that there were three chop on dismissals in the morning, run-scoring won't be an easy affair. Australia will be expecting their tail to add as much as possible while the tourists will strive to clean it up in a jiffy. Join us for th |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session. Temperatures in the mid 30s, won't be an easy task for the bowlers. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to continue their innings. Will they throw their bat around and reach the 350-run mark? Or will England run through them in a flash? Stuart Broad to continue his spell. Here we go... |
| 115.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Pitched up delivery on off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 0.0 : Cummins is walking back but he has been told to stop by the umpires. They are checking whether the catch by Cook at first slip is clean or not. Seems gone to the naked eye. The soft signal is out. |
| 115.2 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, OUT! Yes, it is indeed a clean take from Alastair Cook. 4-fer for Stuart Broad and this is his 397th Test wicket, three short of a commendable landmark. He hurls this one on a drivable length outside off, Cummins goes for a booming drive but gets a fat outside edge. The English ex-skipper at first slip crouches and seems to have taken it just above the ground. However, the umpires decide to have a check regarding the clarity of the catch. The replays roll in and t |
| Nathan Lyon is the last man in. He gets a rousing applause from the MCG crowd. |
| 115.3 : S Broad to N Lyon, Edged but safe! Angling in sharply from outside off, Lyon plays for the incoming angle and gets a thick outside edge that flies towards the fielder at gully but falls well short of the fielder. |
| 115.4 : S Broad to Lyon, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 115.5 : S Broad to Lyon, Full length ball, patted to mid off. |
| 115.6 : S Broad to Lyon, Leg cutter from Broad. Lyon tries to counter it but gets foxed. |
| James Anderson to bowl from the other end. |
| 116.1 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Well-directed bouncer on off, Hazlewood ducks under it in a jiffy. |
| 116.2 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Angling away on a length from Josh. He keeps his bat inside the line and lets it go. |
| 116.3 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Back of a length ball on off, Hazlewood camps back and pushes it to mid off. |
| 116.4 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Tentative from Josh. Leans ahead to counter the slower ball but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 116.5 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Pitched right up there on middle, Josh with minimal foot movement plays it down the track. |
| 116.6 : J Anderson to Hazlewood, Hazlewood is off the mark and the packed crowd cheers for him. Tucks the length ball to mid-wicket for a brisk single and will retain strike. |
| 117.1 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Fuller in length outside off, Josh is tentative again as he pushes it off the outer half of his bat to cover-point. |
| 117.2 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Fractionally overpitched around off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 117.3 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Another play and a miss! On a drivable length outside off, Josh falls for the bait and gets beaten all ends up. |
| 117.4 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Good length ball on leg stump, the southpaw tries to play it across but is struck on the thigh pad. |
| 117.5 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Another unconvincing stroke. Fullish ball, angling away, Hazlewood goes for a booming drive but skews it off the outer half towards backward point. The fielder dives full length to his right to make a good stop. |
| 117.6 : S Broad to Hazlewood, Fractionally overpitched, driven hard but finds the man at covers. |
| 118.1 : J Anderson to Lyon, Lyon gets nicely behind the line of the length delivery and defends it towards covers. |
| 118.2 : J Anderson to Lyon, Ooh... the substantial inward movement almost caught Lyon napping. The shiny side is on the inside and the ball reverses in. Nathan plants his front foot across and keeps it out tentatively out to mid-wicket. |
| 118.3 : J Anderson to Lyon, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 118.4 : J Anderson to Lyon, Length ball around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 118.5 : J Anderson to Lyon, Reverses in prodigiously but goes down the leg side, Lyon misses his glance. |
| Lyon seems to be a goner but he has opted for the review as this is the last wicket partnership. |
| 118.6 : J Anderson to Lyon, OUT! Umpire's call and England have done extremely well to restrict Australia under 350. Once again the shiny side of the ball is on the inside. Gets prodigious reverse swing on that as Lyon loses his balance in an attempt to flick it away. Misses it completely to get hit on the pads. The hosts roar in appeal and the umpire obliges. Lyon opts for the DRS. There is no bat involved. It's in line and would have clipped the leg stump. That is it! AUSTRALIA ARE BOWLED OUT |
| England have only taken 20 minutes after Lunch, 24 balls to be precise to bowl the hosts out. An inspirational bowling performance for them means that Australia have packed up for their lowest first innings total at the MCG since 2011. The stars for the visitors were their frontline bowlers, Broad and Anderson. They shared 7 wickets between them and broke the backbone of the home side. |
| Earlier, Australia got off to a good start courtesy their openers, especially David Warner who struck a magnificent ton and entertained the MCG crowd. The skipper Steven Smith came in and was at his usual best. It seemed that the tourists will once again get pummeled into submission by the heroics of the Australian skipper but that wasn't to be. Marsh also scored a fine fifty but failed to carry on. |
| 0.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Starts off with a wide and full ball outside off, allows Cook a sighter and he has no trouble to leave it alone. |
| 0.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Whoaa.. some prodigious swing on offer. Full ball on off, moving away. Cook with zero footwork tries to flick it across but gets a safe leading edge towards covers. |
| 0.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, England are away! Tentative once again. On a fuller length on off, Cook shuffles a touch and tucks it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 0.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Shaping away from around off, Stoneman plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 0.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, That's a brute of a delivery. On a good length on off, moving away sharply. Stoneman pokes at it and is beaten all ends up. He was dismissed to a similar ball in the second innings in Perth. Needs to be careful. |
| 0.6 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good length ball outside off, left alone. A testing first over from Hazlewood. |
| Jackson Bird to bowl from the other end. He has been terrific in domestic cricket. Can he continue the good work at the highest level? |
| 1.1 : J Bird to Cook, Oohs and Aahs from the Australians. On a length on middle and leg, Cook shuffles and tries to work it across but gets hit high on the pads. No real appeal from the hosts. |
| 1.2 : J Bird to Cook, Full ball this time, angling away. Cook makes an assured leave. |
| 1.3 : J Bird to Cook, Almost chops it on! The uncertain bounce on the MCG track getting the better of Cook. Shortish on off, stays a bit low. Cook tries to pull but gets in an uncomfortable position. Ends up getting an inside edge that rolls besides the stumps on the leg side. |
| 1.4 : J Bird to Cook, Fullish on off, Cook comes forward and offers a compact defense. |
| 1.5 : J Bird to Cook, Brilliant fielding! Fullish ball on middle, Cook drives it towards mid on where the fielder moves to his right and dives full length to save a boundary. |
| 1.6 : J Bird to Cook, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 2.1 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Beaten for pace! Good length ball on leg stump, Stoneman tries to tuck it away but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 2.2 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Clips the fullish ball nicely through mid-wicket to collect a brace. |
| 2.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Hazlewood is charging in. Attacks the stumps with a full delivery, Stoneman is late in bringing his bat down and somehow keeps it out. |
| A man has been placed at deepish square leg for a mistimed hook shot. Meanwhile, Stoneman pulls out really late on that delivery. There was a butterfly which distracted him. He apologizes to Hazlewood. |
| 2.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Well played! Half volley outside off, Stoneman leans into it and strokes it through covers. Gets three runs to his name. |
| 2.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, FOUR! Well played! Length delivery in line of the stumps, Cook shuffles a bit and clips it nicely through backward square leg to find the fence. His first of the innings. |
| A catching short mid-wicket in place. |
| 2.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good length ball outside off, holding its line. Cook points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 3.1 : J Bird to Stoneman, FOUR! A cracker of a stroke! Stoneman is looking very confident in the middle. Leans ahead to a full delivery and drives it elegantly through covers to pick up a boundary. |
| 3.2 : J Bird to Stoneman, Slips this one down the leg side, Stoneman misses his glance. Well, Bird overstepped here so will have to deliver again. |
| J Bird to Stoneman, Another one down the leg side, Stoneman is once again late and misses out. |
| 3.3 : J Bird to Stoneman, Sharp short ball on middle and leg, Stoneman sits under it in a flash. |
| 3.4 : J Bird to Stoneman, Full length ball, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 3.5 : J Bird to Stoneman, Back of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot to covers. |
| 3.6 : J Bird to M Stoneman, Pitched up around off, Mark comes forward and strokes it to the cover region. |
| 4.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good reflexes from Hazlewood! Full ball on middle, Cook drives it hard towards the bowler who makes a fine stop in his followthrough. |
| 4.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length, angling in. Cook hangs back and blocks it solidly. |
| 4.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, In the air... but safe! Short ball on off, Cook attempts the big pull but miscues it towards square leg. The fielder backtracks but the falls down safely. A run taken. |
| 4.4 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 4.5 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Good shot for no runs! Overpitched outside off, Stoneman leans ahead and square drives it to the fielder at point. |
| 4.6 : J Hazlewood to M Stoneman, Shortish ball on middle, Mark pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 5.1 : J Bird to Stoneman, Full length ball, swinging in. Stoneman puts his head down and pushes it nicely to mid on. |
| 5.2 : J Bird to Stoneman, Fullish delivery, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 5.3 : J Bird to Stoneman, Back of a length ball, played off the back foot to mid off. |
| 5.4 : J Bird to Stoneman, Shortish delivery on leg stump, Stoneman goes for a pull but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| Ian Healy makes a good point on air. He wants Hazlewood to bowl from over the wicket to Stoneman. In the previous Test in Perth, his feet were going nowhere and he was dismissed him from the same angle A ball which slants across a left-hander is difficult to deal with. The round the wicket ploy is a bit defensive. |
| 5.5 : J Bird to Stoneman, Length delivery on middle and leg, swinging down. Stoneman tries to play it across but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 5.6 : J Bird to Stoneman, Full length ball, eased to mid on. |
| 6.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Cook leans ahead and defends it solidly. |
| 6.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, A bit of hesitancy but well run in the end. Full and outside off, Cook plays it with soft hands to covers. Is a bit nervous to whether go for the single or not. Goes for it eventually and completes it. |
| 6.3 : J Hazlewood to Stoneman, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 6.4 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, Pitched right up there, eased off the front foot to mid off. |
| 6.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Take a bow, Lyon! Short and room on offer, Cook cuts it towards point where Lyon dives to his right like a goalkeeper to save a certain boundary. |
| 6.6 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, FOUR! Brilliant! Short delivery, sits up nicely for Cook. He nails the pull and dismisses the ball from its presence. The ball rockets through square leg to reach the fence. |
| Time for spin. Nathan Lyon to roll his arm over now. A slip and a short leg in place. |
| 7.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Turns it through mid-wicket for an easy run. |
| 7.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting in towards Cook who keeps it out towards short mid-wicket. |
| 7.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Full ball on middle, worked past the short leg fielder for a single. |
| 7.4 : N Lyon to Stoneman, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 7.5 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Well bowled! Tossed up around off, Stoneman is late to react as he prods forward to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards short leg. |
| 7.6 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Full delivery, driven crisply to mid off for a brisk single. |
| Pat Cummins to bowl now. |
| 8.1 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Starts off with a length delivery outside off, Stoneman stays back and defends it down safely. |
| 8.2 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Attacks the stumps does Cummins, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 8.3 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Slightly wider outside off, Mark leans forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| 8.4 : Pat Cummins to Stoneman, Hits the length and it's served around off, Stoneman squirts it off the outer half behind point for a single. Squared up Stoneman a touch there. |
| 8.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 8.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Angles it in from around off, Alastair blocks it back down on the pitch. |
| 9.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Slower through the air and dropped short outside off, punched off the back foot through cover for a single. |
| 9.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Loopy delivery around middle and leg, the batsman presses forward in defense. |
| 9.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting in from around middle, worked with soft hands towards mid-wicket. |
| 9.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 9.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Floats it up on the stumps, Cook wrists it towards mid on for a single. |
| 9.6 : N Lyon to M Stoneman, Flatter and shorter outside off, Stoneman goes back and cuts it hard but couldn't get it past backward point. |
| 10.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good shot! A nice stride forward from Cook, something he has been lacking in this series. He is moving around in the crease quite well. But what an effort from Warner too to chase this down. Cummins pitches it up very full, Alastair leans forward and drives it straight down the ground. Seemed like a boundary but Warner from mid off gives a long chase and does well to pull the back in play to save a couple. |
| 10.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Tossed up outside off, defended into the ground. |
| Pat Cummins is not looking hundred percent. He bowls a lot quicker, at around 140-plus clicks but today he is bowling in the mid 130s and that is something which is going against him... |
| 10.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, FOUR! Superb from Cook! Splits the gap to perfection! Cummins overpitches it again, Cook leans forward and smashes it off the meat. Brilliant timing as the ball pierces the gap through cover to the fence. |
| 10.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 10.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Stands tall to this back of a length delivery and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 10.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Angling in from outside off, blocked off the front foot by Cook. |
| 11.1 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Floated delivery outside off, Stoneman leans forward and dabs it towards point. |
| 11.2 : N Lyon to Stoneman, Flatter on the stumps, Stoneman blocks it out. |
| 11.3 : Lyon to Stoneman, OUT! What-a-catch! Nathan Lyon, you beauty! This is a stunning return catch and Shane Warner on air goes - NICE GARRY! He draws first blood and has the crowd right behind him. Nicely floats it up around off, gives it a lot of revs. Stoneman advances down the track to go after it but ends up getting a leading edge to the right of Lyon. Seemed like the ball would go past him, but... No. Lyon shows outstanding reflexes as he leaps just a bit and stretches out his right hand |
| James Vince is the next man in. |
| 11.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Tossed up on off, bunted back to Lyon. |
| 11.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 11.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Darts it on the stumps, James Vince meets it with a straight bat. Excellent over from Nathan Lyon. |
| 12.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish in length and outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 12.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Fuller ball, angling in, Cook defends it off the front foot towards cover. |
| 12.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Stays back to this back of a length delivery and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 12.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Slower ball from Cummins, at 118.8 kph. Cook checks his drive as he gets it wide of the man at cover. A single taken. |
| 12.5 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Good length delivery, angling in from around off, Vince opens the face of the bat and dabs it towards point. |
| 12.6 : Pat Cummins to Vince, Bowls it on a back of a length on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket. |
| 13.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floated delivery around middle and off, stays back in defense does Cook. |
| 0.0 : Pat Cummins is gone off the field. He was seen limping and Australia would hope that it is nothing serious. |
| 13.2 : N Lyon to Cook, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 13.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Flatter and skidding off the deck, Cook waits back and cuts it really late towards point for a single. |
| 13.4 : N Lyon to Vince, FOUR! Glorious from Vince! He is off the mark as well! He is a good driver of the ball and it's a treat to watch him play. Lyon tosses it up wider outside off, Vince leans into it and laces it through extra cover for a boundary. No need to run for those! |
| 13.5 : N Lyon to Vince, Flatter on leg, tapped off the back foot towards the leg side. |
| 13.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Flighted delivery outside off, Vince reaches out to that one and pushes it towards point. |
| As Cummins is not on the field, Jackson Bird is called back into the attack. |
| 14.1 : J Bird to A Cook, Fuller and angling in from around the wicket, Cook gets forward and across to clip it towards mid on. |
| 14.2 : J Bird to Cook, Bancroft, you have saved a certain boundary! Amazing fielding from the Aussie opener! Fuller ball on the pads, Cook leans forward and times his flick shot. It was destined to go for a boundary but Cameron at mid-wicket puts in a dive to his left to stop it. |
| 14.3 : J Bird to Cook, FOUR! Ahhhh, gets one now! This is even better! The previous one off the pads but this a classical punch down the ground! It's a length delivery on middle and off, Alastair stays back and unfurls a lovely punch past the bowler. Warner at mid off had no chance to cut that off. Another milestone for Cook - He becomes the first Englishman to score 15K international runs, veteran for a reason! |
| 14.4 : J Bird to Cook, Back of length outside off, placed behind point for a single. |
| 14.5 : J Bird to Vince, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad. |
| 14.6 : J Bird to Vince, Back of a length outside off, defended off the back foot comfortably. |
| 15.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Loopy ball outside off, Cook strides forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| 15.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Nudges it past mid-wicket to get to the other end. |
| 15.3 : N Lyon to Vince, James has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Smith pushes the man now at the boundary. Warner on air is excited for this battle. Will Lyon continue to toss the ball outside off? Will Vince continue to take him on? Let's wait and watch... |
| 15.4 : N Lyon to Vince, In the air... safe! Lyon sees Vince dancing down the track so he drags his length back and slows it through the air. Vince who is already down the track goes with the turn but mistimes it high in the air. Luckily for him, it clears the man at mid on. For a couple. |
| 15.5 : N Lyon to J Vince, On middle and off, bunted towards mid on. |
| 15.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Loopy delivery outside off, blocked into the ground. |
| 16.1 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller and around off, Cook leans and drives it straight to the cover fielder. |
| 16.2 : J Bird to Cook, Drops it on a back of a length on middle and off, Cook hangs back in defense. |
| 16.3 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller and angling in on the stumps, AC crouches a bit and strokes it down the ground only for the man from mid on to cut it off. |
| 16.4 : J Bird to Cook, FOUR! Cracks it away! Short and outside off, a bit of width on offer. Enough for Cook to make the most of it as he rocks back and slaps it wide of the man at gully to pick up a boundary towards third man. Is has got a good start there. Needs to make a big one. |
| 16.5 : J Bird to Cook, Shorter in length and outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 16.6 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller again on off, Alastair drives it nicely back to the bowler who gets a hand to it. |
| Good signs for Australia as Pat Cummins is back on the field. However, he is walking across gingerly. He has been terrific in the series so far and the hosts will want him to get up and running. |
| 17.1 : N Lyon to Vince, Drops it short outside off,, turning in a bit, clipped with the turn towards square leg. |
| 17.2 : N Lyon to Vince, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 17.3 : N Lyon to J Vince, FOUR! Vince and his drives! Have mentioned it before as well. Simply textbook stuff! Lyon tosses it up outside off, asking Vince to go after it. He obliges and times his drive elegantly through extra cover. The man there did dive but the ball beats him to reach the fence. |
| 17.4 : N Lyon to Vince, Tad shorter and turning back in from the rough, James tucks it towards short leg. |
| 17.5 : N Lyon to Vince, This one turns back in sharply, Vince sits back to cut and nearly chops it on besides the pitch. |
| 17.6 : N Lyon to Vince, Loops it up outside off, a front foot push back to Lyon. |
| 18.1 : J Bird to Cook, Outside off, Cook doesn't go after it. |
| 18.2 : J Bird to Cook, Excellent work in the deep by Lyon! Back of a length delivery, angling away outside off. Cook rocks back and with amazing timing he punches it past cover. It seemed like it would run away but Lyon from deep point covers good ground to save a run for his side. The fielding from the hosts has been spot on till now. |
| 18.3 : J Bird to Vince, An appeal for an LBW! Angles it in from around middle, Vince shuffles across to flick but misses to get pinged on the pads. A stifled appeal by Bird but nothing from the umpire. Going down leg! |
| 18.4 : J Bird to Vince, Back of a length delivery on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket. The umpire stretches his right hand to call it a no ball as Jackson oversteps. |
| J Bird to Vince, And again he oversteps! He has a look near the landing area before walking back. On a back of a length on middle, punched off the back foot towards the leg side by Vince. |
| J Bird to Vince, Fuller in length, gets it to curl back in from around off. James comes forward to defend but gets a thick inside edge on the pads as the ball rolls back to the bowler. |
| 18.5 : J Bird to Vince, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 18.6 : Bird to Vince, A huge, huge appeal for a caught behind! Not given by the umpire. Steven Smith looks interested and walks down to his bowler. Confers with them and then decides not to challenge it. Bird sprays it around leg, Vince moves inside the line to clip it away as the ball goes off something towards Pain who dives full length to his left to take it. The Aussies appeal but the umpire stays put. Replays show it came off the hips. Good call from S Ravi. |
| 19.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floats it up around middle and off, Cook comes forward to defend but is surprised with the extra bounce. The ball hits the splice of the bat and dies down almost instantly. |
| 19.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker one around middle and leg, worked through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 19.3 : N Lyon to Cook, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 19.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Drops it short outside off, Cook punches it towards cover where Shaun Marsh makes a good stop. |
| 19.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Flighted delivery around off, Cook dead bats it. |
| 19.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Get the fielders close-in, Smith! Lyon is getting the extra bounce. Twice in the over this has happened. Cook lunges to defend but due to the extra bounce, the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs but dies down again. |
| 20.1 : J Bird to Vince, Good length delivery, pushed off the outer half of the bat to the gully region. |
| 20.2 : J Bird to Vince, Nicely bowled! On a length around off, swinging in. Vince covers the line and does well to block it. |
| 20.3 : J Bird to Vince, Back of a length ball on leg stumps, tucked around the corner for a single. |
| 20.4 : J Bird to Cook, Another terrific piece of fielding! Back of a length outside off, Cook steers it towards gully where Khawaja dives to his right to stop a certain boundary. |
| 20.5 : J Bird to Cook, A bit of width on offer, steered past point for a run. |
| 20.6 : J Bird to Vince, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 21.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Coming in with the arm, Cook goes for a firm drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat down the track. |
| 21.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Fraction short this time, pushed off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 21.3 : N Lyon to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 21.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 21.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Clipped with the angle to short leg. |
| 21.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Short delivery, cut away with the spin to point. |
| Last over before tea... |
| 22.1 : J Bird to Vince, Good length delivery, just outside off, Vince stays back and defends it down. |
| 22.2 : J Bird to Vince, On a length and served on off, a solid defense again on offer by James. |
| 22.3 : J Bird to Vince, FOUR! In the air... safe again! It's on a length and once again in the corridor outside off, Vince needs to just keep it out as this is the last over before tea. But for some reason he thinks this as an opportunity to score. Goes fishing after it with a drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies past the man at backward point for a boundary. Cook immediately comes up to him to have a word. |
| 22.4 : J Bird to Vince, Stands tall and punches it towards mid off. |
| 22.5 : J Bird to Vince, Bird keeps it in the same channel, wanting Vince to go again but this time Vince resists. Leaves it alone. |
| 22.6 : J Bird to Vince, Back of a length, in the channel again, James Vince hangs back and looks to dab it away. Once again gets it off the edge past Shaun Marsh at backward point who gives it a chase and does well to save a couple for his side. TEA ON DAY 2! |
| Another session pocketed by England! This is good cricket from them, probably their best in the series. Firstly, they wasted no time in cleaning up the tail after lunch which saw them bowling the Aussies out for 327. All eyes were on their batsmen who have been out of shape so far but this time they came out with intent. Alastair Cook is the one leading the way and his side will be happy that he has got a good start. Can he make it count? Remains to be seen. |
| Stoneman was the only wicket to fall but since his departure, Vince has chipped in and has looked solid too. Australia, on the other hand, have their task cut out. Their prime bowler, Pat Cummins seems to be struggling with an upset stomach and Jackson Bird towards the end looked in some discomfort too. Nathan Lyon has been superb. He is getting the extra bounce and has also got a wicket to his name. The hosts would want their pacers to get back into their rhythm quickly or else they might find |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the evening session. 35 overs are still left in the day. Alastair Cook and James Vince to continue their innings. Good news for Australia. Pat Cummins has returned for a bowl. Here we go... |
| 23.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length ball on off, Cook hangs back and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 23.2 : Pat Cummins to A Cook, FOUR! Hit with authority! Cook is flowing at the moment. Short ball on off, the southpaw stands tall and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket for a boundary. This is now the highest score for Cook in the series. |
| 23.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Fullish delivery, blocked to covers. |
| 23.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, In the zone of apprehension, Cook doesn't fiddle with it. |
| Pat Cummins is struggling. He is taking a lot of time to go back to his mark. |
| 23.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Short of a length ball outside off, punched off the back foot to point. |
| 23.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, FOUR! All about timing and grace! Back of a length outside off, Cook hangs back and punches it through covers to find the fence. |
| Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end. Some movement behind the bowler's arm and hence, Vince backs off. |
| 24.1 : Hazlewood to Vince, OUT! Got him! Hazlewood is absolutely pumped up. Just the start the hosts wanted after the break. He steams in and bowls a fullish ball around off, reversing in appreciably. Vince is caught in a tangle as he tries to drive it down the ground but seems to have missed it to get pinged on the pads. The Aussies appeal in unison and the umpire raises the dreaded finger. James walks across to his partner but doesn't challenge the decision. There were two noises on that says |
| 0.0 : Joe Root is in next. |
| 24.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fullish delivery, kept out watchfully. |
| 24.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Back of a length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 24.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 24.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Short of a length outside off, patted to covers. |
| 24.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Goes full outside off this time, Root makes an assured leave. A productive over for Hazlewood. |
| 25.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish in length and angling in from around off, Cook looks to come forward and push it away but the bat turns in his hands as the ball rolls towards mid on off the inner half. |
| 25.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length delivery on off, worked wide of mid on for an easy single. |
| 25.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fuller in length and angling in from over the wicket, Joe Root is rock solid in defense. |
| 25.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Root prods forward and drives it back to Cummins who sticks his left hand out in his followthrough to parry it towards mid off. |
| 25.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Leading edgeeee! Cummins keeps it full on middle and leg, it moves away a bit. Root looks to clip it away on the leg side but gets a soft leading edge as the ball rolls towards mid off. |
| 25.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length on off, now this one didn't rise much. Kept out comfortably towards mid off. |
| 26.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Back of a length delivery, angling across Cook who punches it off the back foot towards cover. |
| 26.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Slightly short and outside off, not much room on offer. Alastair still goes after it but ends up chopping ti towards Lyon at point for a single. |
| 26.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Keeps it in the channel on off, nipping back in a touch, Root is behind the line to keep it out. |
| 26.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, On a length and outside off, testing line from Hazlewood. Joe doesn't play at it. |
| 26.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 26.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Josh is persisting with the line outside the off stump, Root is in no hurry to go after it. He calmly defends it down. |
| 27.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length delivery on middle and off, driven back down the ground towards mid on. |
| 27.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Ahead of a length, angling in, AC hops back and tucks it towards mid-wicket where Shaun Marsh dives to his right to collect it on the bounce. |
| 27.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Can't get it past him again! Stays back and works it towards Marsh at mid-wicket for nothing. This is good from Australia. After Vince's wicket, they have dried up the runs. |
| 27.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Finds the gap this time does Cook! Cummins brings one back from around off, clipped past mid-wicket to collect a brace. Moves to 49 with that! |
| 27.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Was he early into the drive? Seemed like! Fuller ball, angling in, Cook looks to clip it away but it seems like he was early into the shot. The ball goes uppishly towards mid on. |
| 27.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Stays back to a harmless ball outside off and stabs it towards cover. |
| 28.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, That crowd goes Rooooooot! Any guesses why? Because the English skipper gets off the mark with a font foot drive through covers. A couple taken. |
| 28.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Pitches it up, right up there does Hazlewood. Joe plants his front foot across and keeps the bat face open to hit it straight towards Lyon at point. |
| 28.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, This one nips back in from a fuller length outside off, Root hangs back and keeps it out. |
| 28.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Length delivery outside off, JR goes back and defends. |
| 28.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Good bowling from Hazlewood! Perfect line. He keeps it fuller, tries to angle it in. Root crouches to keep it at bay. |
| 28.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Was he expecting this? Josh drops it short but without much venom behind it. Root is onto it in a flash as he swivels inside the crease and pulls it in front of square on the leg side. Calls for two and gets it easily. |
| 29.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Cook leans forward and is compact in defense. Rock solid is what you call it. |
| 0.0 : Catching mid-wicket in place... |
| 29.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Cummins hurls it on a length outside off, AC defends it down gently. |
| 29.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Fuller in length and angling in from around off, Cook blocks it out towards cover. |
| 29.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Another solid defense! Fuller in length on off, Alastair once again comes forward and defends. |
| 29.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, FOUR! There it is! 56th Test fifty for the English ex skipper! How badly he needed this? A fifty after 11 innings, this will calm him down. Well played, Cooky! Now convert this into a big one. Cummins after keeping it outside off, cleverly attacks the stumps. Fires it full on middle and leg but Cook is up for it. He leans across and whips it through mid-wicket. No one in the deep and he picks up a boundary. The Barmy Army loves it as well. |
| 29.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Pushes it off the front foot towards cover. |
| 30.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Angling in from around middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 30.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller outside off, Root drives it neatly but couldn't get it past the man at point. |
| 30.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 30.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, FOUR! Using the pace of the bowler! Root is just good at doing it. Hazlewood bowls this a bit short at 139.7 clicks, Root stays back and opens the face of the bat at the very last moment. Seemed like it went off the edge but he intended to play there. Goes right between the slip cordon and the man at gully for a boundary. |
| 30.5 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Fullish on off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 30.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller and nipping back in a shad. |
| Okay, then some respite for Cummins. Mitchell Marsh is brought into the attack now. |
| 31.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Marsh begins his spell with a fuller ball, angling in from around the wicket, Cook walks across and drives it towards mid on. |
| 31.2 : M Marsh to Cook, Too straight from Marsh. Around middle and leg, clipped behind square on the leg side for a brace. |
| 31.3 : M Marsh to Cook, FOUR! Beautiful! Looks so beautiful when the ball hits the sweet spot! Marsh overcooks this one but Cook doesn't miss out. Takes a stride forward and bunts it back down the track past mid off for a rocketing boundary. He held the pose as well. |
| 31.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length outside off, defended towards cover. |
| 31.5 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length ball on off, patted towards cover. |
| 31.6 : M Marsh to Cook, On a length and just around the off stump channel, Cook presses forward and defends it towards the cover fielder. |
| Double change being made as Jackson Bird comes on to bowl now. |
| 32.1 : J Bird to Root, Crashes the stumps but at the other end! Bird begins this spell with a slightly fuller delivery, Root leans across and drives it back down the ground. Bird in his followthrough tries to stop it with his right leg but fails to do so. The ball disturbs the stumps at his end. Jackson is lucky to get away with that one. |
| 32.2 : J Bird to Root, Fuller again on off, Joe drives it sweetly but finds mid off. |
| 32.3 : J Bird to Joe Root, On middle and leg, worked towards mid on. |
| 32.4 : J Bird to Root, Pitches it up again outside off, Root drives it back down the ground and again Bird tries to stop it with his leg. Deflects it towards mid off. |
| 32.5 : J Bird to Root, A brisk single! Fractionally short and served outside off, Root taps it in front of point and calls for a quick single. Cook is a bit late to respond but eventually makes it at the danger end. |
| 32.6 : J Bird to Cook, Angling in on middle and leg, worked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 33.1 : M Marsh to Cook, A huge shout for an LBW! Marsh drops it on a length around off and gets it to curl back in appreciably and that too with extra bounce. Cook misses his tuck and wears it on the pads. Mitchell turns back and starts to appeal but umpire S Ravi stays put. Steven Smith from slip suggests height could be an issue. Bang on, skip! Hawk Eye shows it to be missing the stumps. |
| 33.2 : M Marsh to Cook, FOUR! Slashed! Short and wide outside off, Alastair Cook stays back and flays it powerfully to beat the man at gully. A boundary results. |
| 33.3 : M Marsh to Cook, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 33.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Fuller on off, driven towards cover for a couple of runs. |
| The keeper is up to the stumps... Interesting ploy! |
| 33.5 : M Marsh to Cook, Edged and dropped!!! Steven Smith is the man who has dropped Cook! Wasn't an easy take by with the standards that he has set for himself, I reckon that should have been taken. Now, before this delivery Tim Paine came up to the stumps and I am not sure if this has resulted into this. Fuller length delivery outside off, Cook goes hard at it. Gets a thick edge which flies towards Smith at first slip. The Aussie skipper is quick to react but the ball comes really low almost ne |
| 33.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 34.1 : J Bird to Root, Fuller ball and angling in, driven back towards Bird. |
| 34.2 : J Bird to Root, FOUR! Deft! Short and outside off, Root once again sits back, uses the pace of the bowler and delicately gets it between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary. |
| 34.3 : J Bird to Root, Fuller and tailing back in from around off, Joe Root gets across and flicks it through mid-wicket. Won't get a boundary but will get three. |
| 34.4 : J Bird to Cook, Comes forward and drives it towards mid off. |
| 34.5 : J Bird to Cook, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 34.6 : J Bird to Cook, Another huge cry for an LBW! Maybe, slipping down leg! Fuller and tailing back in, Cook falls over on his attempted flick shot but misses to get rapped on the pads. They appeal but the umpire turns it down. Yes, it's going down leg! |
| 35.1 : M Marsh to Root, Good length delivery on middle and leg, tucked off the hips towards mid-wicket. |
| 35.2 : M Marsh to Root, Sprays it on the pads, Root knows that he has missed out on that one. Clips it only to find the man at square leg. |
| 35.3 : M Marsh to Root, Again it's sprayed on the pads, this time Root flicks it behind square on the leg side for a couple. |
| 35.4 : M Marsh to Root, Marsh is spraying a bit too much on the pads in search of an LBW! Joe glances it down towards deep backward square. Cameron Bancroft in the deep puts in a good dive to keep them down to one. |
| 35.5 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length delivery on middle, wristed towards short mid-wicket. |
| 35.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Ample of width outside off, Alastair looks to cut, he does but finds the man at backward point. |
| 36.1 : J Bird to Root, On a length and outside off, Joe Root, with a straight bat hits it towards mid off. |
| 36.2 : J Bird to Root, Gets behind the line and offers a full face of the bat. |
| 36.3 : J Bird to Root, Pitches it up on off, Root drives it towards the cover region. |
| 36.4 : J Bird to Root, Good length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot as the ball rolls towards mid on. |
| 36.5 : J Bird to Root, Drops it on a length outside off, patted towards point. |
| Pat Cummins is once again off the field. He is seen sitting near the boundary line under an umbrella... |
| 36.6 : J Bird to Root, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 37.1 : M Marsh to Root, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot towards cover. |
| 37.2 : M Marsh to Root, Back of a length on middle and leg, tucked with the angle towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 37.3 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length on middle and off, worked with soft hands towards the on side. |
| 37.4 : M Marsh to A Cook, Almost a wicket for Marsh! He gets one to nip back in, Cook is a tad late to bring his bat down but manages to get an inside edge on the pads. |
| Shane Warne tells us his way of watching cricket. He starts by saying that, he just loved the way the English pacers attacked the stumps, rather than playing the waiting game of bowling it outside off and sit back for a wicket to fall. Anderson and Broad bowled as much as they could on the stumps and reaped the dividends for the same. Wants to see more of the same from the Aussie quicks... |
| 37.5 : M Marsh to Cook, Shortish in length and outside off, punched past cover for a single. |
| 37.6 : M Marsh to Root, Four Byes! Tough for Paine as he was up to the stumps! Marsh sprays it down the leg side, Root tries to help it on its way but fails to do so. The keeper behind the stumps could do nothing about it as the ball races down the fine leg fence for a boundary. The stand moves to 47 with that. |
| Drinks are on the field. |
| 38.1 : J Bird to Cook, Angling in on a length from around off, tucked off the hips to square leg. |
| 38.2 : J Bird to Cook, Back of a length delivery, Cook hangs back and defends it solidly. |
| 38.3 : J Bird to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 38.4 : J Bird to Cook, Full ball outside off, driven off the front foot towards covers. |
| 38.5 : J Bird to Cook, Back of a length ball, shaping in. Cook plays it with an open bat face to point. |
| Ian Chappell analyzes the dropped chance of Alastair Cook. He reckons that the keeper standing up to the stumps made it difficult for Smith to spot the ball and hence, he was late to react. If the keeper was standing in his usual position, it would have an easier opportunity. |
| 38.6 : J Bird to Cook, Full length ball on middle, driven past the diving short mid-wicket fielder towards mid on. A brisk run taken. |
| Nathan Lyon is back on. Can he get a breakthrough? |
| 39.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floated outside off, Cook lunges forward in defense. |
| 39.2 : N Lyon to Cook, FOUR! Shot! Short and spinning away, Cook rocks back and slaps it through covers to find the fence. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. Sensible cricket from them. |
| 39.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Sharp work from Mitchell Marsh! Full delivery, Cook drives it towards short cover where Marsh dives and throws it in one motion back to the keeper. Cook does well to get back in. |
| 39.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Short delivery, punched hard but fails to pierce the gap at point. |
| 39.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Going down the leg side, Cook misses his flick. Good take by Paine as he whips the bails off but Alastair is in the crease. |
| 39.6 : N Lyon to A Cook, A bit risky! Sliding in with the arm, Cook goes for the cut, almost takes it from the off stump and chops it to point. |
| Another double change. Josh Hazlewood returns for a bowl. |
| 40.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fullish delivery on off, Root defends it stoutly. |
| 40.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Similar length ball, Joe shuffles and dead bats it. |
| 40.3 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Overpitched outside off, Root drives it crisply to mid off with a high elbow. That was good to watch. |
| 40.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, The batsman has driven it through mid on. |
| 40.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, Outside off, pushed off the front foot to cover. |
| 40.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Good fielding! Short and room on offer, stays a bit low. Root goes for a cut but gets a bottom edge. Smith at first slip dives to his left to stop it on the bounce. Saves a certain boundary. Hazlewood gives the English skipper a stare. |
| There is a bit of wear and tear on the ball. Umpire Dharmasena trims the leather off which was coming out. We are good to go again. |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Nervy moment! Sliding in with the arm, Cook closes the face of his bat early and hence, gets a leading edge to covers. If he missed that, he would have been a candidate for an LBW. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Slow through the air, Cook eases it to mid on. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker delivery around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Straying on the pads, clipped through backward square leg for a single. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to Root, Good game awareness from Root! Drives it to mid on and calls for the run straightaway. Takes on Hazlewood and reaches the danger end safely. |
| 42.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, FOUR! Streaky runs! Back of a length ball outside off, stays a bit low. Root goes for a punch but gets an outside edge. The ball lands well short of the diving Smith and first slip and beats him to race to the fence. No matter where you are standing, the edges don't seem to carry at the MCG. |
| 42.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Very full well outside off, left alone. |
| 42.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Poor delivery. Short and down the leg side, pulled to fine leg for a run. |
| 42.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Hazlewood comes from round the wicket to Cook and bowls a back of a length ball, defended solidly from within the crease. |
| 42.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Ooh.. Almost took the edge! Lovely bowling from Hazlewood. He hurls it in the channel outside off on a length and gets it to seam away ever so slightly. Cook fishes at it with minimal footwork and is foxed completely. The ex-skipper has had his issues outside the off stump. Hazlewood needs to keep targeting those areas. |
| 42.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Full length ball on off, Alastair lunges forward in defense. |
| A leg slip, slip and short leg in place... |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to Root, Tosses this one nicely around off, Root leans forward and defends it confidently. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Root, Flat and quick on off, patted back to the bowler. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Root, Floated in line of the stumps, clipped to mid on. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to Root, Well bowled! On a flatter trajectory, Root reads it late but does well to block it. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to Root, Nicely done. Opens the bat face to the fullish delivery and taps it to cover-point for an easy run. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Sharp reflexes! Tucks this one towards short leg where Bancroft makes a good stop. |
| 44.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller in length outside off, Root comes ahead and plays it with soft hands to point. |
| 44.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Ooh... the ball reversing for Hazlewood! A tricky period for the Englishmen. Coming in substantially on a fuller length, Root brings his bat down in time and manages to tuck it through square leg for a couple. |
| 44.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fuller in length, jammed out to covers. |
| 44.4 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Once again prodigious reverse swing on offer. Joe does well to keep it out to wide mid on. A single miss and he will be a sitting duck to that. |
| 44.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, A chirpy appeal from Hazlewood has been turned down! Short delivery, swinging down the leg side. Root attempts a pull but misses it as the ball flies towards Paine. He dives to his left to take it nicely. Josh goes up in an appeal but the keeper stays put. The Snicko shows that there was clear daylight between bat and ball. |
| 44.6 : J Hazlewood to Root, Fullish delivery, driven sweetly to mid off. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Short delivery, Cook punches it straight to the fielder at point. He missed out there, a boundary was there for the taking. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Floated outside off, a confident forward push to mid off. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Sliding in with the arm, played defensively to short leg. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Loopy ball well outside off, Cook lunges forward in defense. |
| 45.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Full ball on middle, Alastair clips it to deepish mid on for a quick single. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Root, Makes good use of the depth of the crease and works it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 46.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Hazlewood steams in and angles in a full length ball. Root shows good footwork and keeps it out to mid on. |
| 46.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, On a back of a length outside off, Joe sits deep in the crease and steers it to point. |
| 46.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, Hazlewood goes full again and hurls it outside off. Root leans ahead and pats it to covers. |
| 46.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Root drives the fullish delivery towards short extra cover where the fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it. Warner from mid off attacks the ball, scores a direct hit at the striker's end but Cook is easily in. |
| 46.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and a lot of room on offer, Cook pounces on it and slaps it behind point for a rocketing boundary. |
| 46.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length around off, Cook hangs back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Root, Quick on leg stump, worked off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Root, Spinning down the leg side, Root misses his flick. Paine collects it really well. He has been pretty sharp. |
| A very attacking field is being employed. A slip, short leg, gully, short cover and short mid-wicket in place. A real test of the temperament of the batsmen. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Root, Tossed up outside off, Root eases it to covers. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Joe Root, Nice loop and drift on that one, around off, patted to covers. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Root, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Root, Shouts of catch it but safe in the end. Hangs back and clips it uppishly past short leg for a brace. 150 up for England. |
| Pat Cummins returns for a bowl. He has been bogged down with an upset stomach. Can he find his rhythm and provide the much-needed breakthrough? |
| 48.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length ball on off, stays a bit low. Cook does well to adjust in his crease and tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 48.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length well outside off, Alastair chops it to the fielder at point. |
| 48.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Easy pickings. Too straight from Cummins and it's on a length. Cook helps it through mid-wicket. It is going downhill and another couple results. |
| 48.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Full length ball outside off, Cook leans into it and strokes it through covers. Won't get a boundary but gets three to his name. This is also Cook's best score at the MCG. |
| 48.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 48.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, On a length outside off, Root drives it nicely to covers but Shaun Marsh dives to make a good stop. |
| A bit of halt. The physio comes running in and attends to Joe Root. The skipper seems to have an issue with his right shoulder but is fine to continue. Final thirty minutes of the day coming up. |
| 49.1 : N Lyon to A Cook, Another good piece of fielding from Australia. Short ball, Cook cuts it with the spin towards backward point where Warner is quick to react and stops it well. |
| 49.2 : N Lyon to Cook, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 49.3 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter ball, going away with the arm. Punched off the back foot to mid off. |
| 49.4 : N Lyon to Root, Slower through the air on middle, Root waits for it and dead-bats it. |
| 49.5 : N Lyon to Root, FOUR! Lucky Root! That could have easily gone back to disturb the stumps. Slow through the air and on a fullish length on off, Root kneels and goes for a full-fledged sweep but seems to have got a bottom edge. The ball beats the keeper and the leg slip and rolls to the fence behind. The replays show that the bottom edge led the ball between Root's legs and just missed the stumps. How fortunate! |
| 49.6 : N Lyon to Root, Shuffles a bit and turns it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 50.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length ball around off, angling in. Root gets on top of the bounce and defends it nicely. |
| 50.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Similar length ball outside off, forced off the back foot to the point region. |
| 50.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Very full delivery outside off, carved away with an open bat face to the same region. |
| 50.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, FOUR! Root takes full toll off the loose delivery. Short delivery, the intention is correct but the execution isn't. The line is on leg stump. Root swivels across and pulls it down through the vacant fine leg region to find the fence. Cummins has been struggling and here is another example of that. |
| 50.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 50.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Length ball, jagging in sharply. Root gets low and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 51.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floated delivery around off, blocked watchfully. |
| 51.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Nicely bowled! Coming in with the arm and skids off the pitch. Cook is cramped for room as he keeps it out to the off side. |
| 51.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Fullish delivery on off, driven to deepish mid off. |
| 51.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Edged but short! On yet another occasion, a ball falls short of the slip fielder. Tossed up on off, turning away sharply. Cook fishes at it tentatively and gets an outside edge. Smith is alert to it, dives to his left but the ball lands in front and goes past him. A run taken. |
| 51.5 : N Lyon to Root, Well played! Hangs deep in the crease and tucks it past the diving mid-wicket fielder. Lot of open spaces and the batsmen return for a brace. |
| 51.6 : N Lyon to Root, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 52.1 : Cummins to Cook, Beautifully bowled! Yorker around off, Cook does well to jam it out. |
| 52.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Cummins shortens the length and bowls it around off. Cook remains composed in his defense. |
| 52.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 52.4 : Pat Cummins to A Cook, FOUR! Cook continues to play freely. Moves into the nineties. Fullish delivery around off, Cook just pushes it past the bowler and through mid off. Warner from the same region hare after it, puts in a desperate dive near the ropes but fails to keep the ball in play. |
| Cook is looking really settled today. He is getting into good positions today and that has helped his cause. Shows how important head position and footwork is in Test cricket. |
| 52.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Full toss on middle, clipped to mid-wicket. Cook will be disappointed with that. |
| 52.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length ball around off, turned to square leg. |
| 53.1 : N Lyon to Root, Floated on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 53.2 : N Lyon to Root, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Half-tracker on leg stump, Root rocks back and half pulls it behind square on the leg side to pick up another boundary. Moves to 49 with that. |
| 53.3 : N Lyon to Root, Floated outside off, played with soft hands to point. They search for a single but it is not there on offer. |
| 53.4 : N Lyon to Root, Slow through the air on middle, answered with a straight bat. |
| 53.5 : N Lyon to Root, Quicker through the air and skids on, Root tries to punch it but gets a bottom edge towards slip. |
| 53.6 : N Lyon to Root, Tossed up ball, clipped to mid on. |
| 54.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook taps it through covers for an easy single. That brings the 100-run stand up between the duo. These two have been solid as a rock. The point is can they continue to dominate? |
| 54.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fullish delivery around off, Root accounts for the swing and defends it solidly. |
| 54.3 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Textbook stuff from Root! Similar length ball, Root leans ahead and with a high elbow eases it to mid off. |
| 54.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 54.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Overpitched outside off, driven sweetly but finds the man at mid off. |
| 54.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, On a length, angling in sharply. Tucked off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 55.1 : N Lyon to Cook, A bit risky! Cook once again exposes his stumps to an incoming delivery and chops it from the off stump towards backward point. |
| 55.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Quick and flat on off, punched to covers. |
| 55.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Tossed up wider outside off, eased off the front foot to the same region. |
| 55.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Fullish ball on middle, Cook leans ahead and taps it to mid on for a single. |
| 55.5 : N Lyon to Root, On middle and leg, patted back to bowler. |
| 55.6 : N Lyon to Root, Drifting across Root who remains composed in his defense. |
| Steven Smith brings himself into the attack. 2 overs to go in the day and hence the move as time is running out. |
| 56.1 : S Smith to Cook, FOUR! Freebie for Cook and he relishes on it! He won't mind Smith bowling this over. Gets easy for him to milk runs and he is inching closer to his ton. Juicy full toss on middle and leg, Cook clips it through wide mid on to pick up a boundary. |
| 56.2 : S Smith to Cook, Tossed up on middle, clipped with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 56.3 : S Smith to Cook, Cook moves to 99, look at the urgency in his running. Plays this one with soft hands through square leg. By the time the fielder reaches the ball and throws it back, Cook hares back for the second. |
| 56.4 : S Smith to Cook, FOUR! Take a bow, Alastair Cook! A great display of temperament and composure. Reaches his 32nd Test hundred in deserving style and is absolutely elated! He needed this, England needed this and finally it has come. He last scored an Ashes ton way back in 2011. That's 35 innings ago, woah! Coming back to the ball, it is a half-tracker on leg stump. Cook rocks back and pulls it through backward square leg to reach to the milestone in style. Lifts his bat towards the dressin |
| 56.5 : S Smith to Cook, Full ball outside off, played with an open bat face to point. |
| 56.6 : S Smith to A Cook, Short ball on leg stump, pulled to fine leg for a single. 11 from the over, not what Australia would have hoped for. That shall be STUMPS on day 2, England trail by 135 runs! |
| Alastair Cook and Joe Root head back to the dressing room with big smiles on their faces. England have completely controlled the proceedings on Day 2 and only trail by 135 runs now with eight wickets in hand. After facing a lot of criticism for failing with the bat, Cook has answered his critics with a majestic knock. The southpaw was positive from the word go, played some eye-catching strokes and has scored a much-needed ton. He was given a life when he was dropped on 66 by Smith and has made t |
| Earlier, England bowled brilliantly and triggered a collapse after dismissing Smith, thereby picking up 7 wickets for only 67 runs. They were high on intensity today which was largely missing on this tour. The results are there to see. |
| When the visitors came out to bat, they responded well. Though Stoneman departed early and Vince failed to capitalize on a start (strangely not taking a review), Cook and Root batted sensibly and kept the scoreboard ticking. The Australian bowlers were a bit off colour apart from Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. The quickie got good reverse swing while the spinner extracted good purchase on some occasions and ended up picking a wicket apiece. |
| The fact that Pat Cummins struggled due to an upset stomach made life difficult for the hosts as he has been their key bowler so far. Right then, the away side are placed nicely at the moment and can't afford the match to slip away. We know that if you give the Australians an inch, they will make a yard for themselves. Will the Englishmen continue to dictate terms? Or will the home side fight back just like England did in the morning session today? Join us tomorrow for Day 3 at 1030 local (2330 |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of Day 3 of the MCG Test. It is said that when you have nothing to lose, you express yourself and play with a lot of freedom. That is what we got to see from England yesterday. The Ashes is much more than just playing for pride. Riding on Cook's sublime ton and Root's solidity, the visitors will be striving to push Australia further on the back foot. It is important for them that the duo continue to flourish. |
| Australia, on the other hand, failed to find answers on a flat track. We saw how the hosts struggled due to Pat Cummins not being his hundred percent. They need him to be up and running today. The injury to Mitchell Starc has also weakened their bowling attack. It was the sheer pace that troubled the Englishmen earlier. |
| We know that the home side is a tough unit and an epitome of competitiveness. A few quick wickets in the morning and you never know, they might just pull back the initiative. The promising sign for them is that a few cracks are opening up and Lyon got appreciable bounce and turn at times. Will the Aussies turn things around? Or will the tourists remain on top? A bit of weather concern as a shower or two is predicted in the afternoon but let's hope they stay away... |
| We are ready to get rolling. The players and the umpires make their way to the middle. The conditions are overcast. The ball will move around in the first hour and the hosts need to capitalize on that. Alastair Cook and Joe Root to continue their innings. It will be Jackson Bird to start off the proceedings with the ball. A slip, a silly mid off and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 57.1 : J Bird to Cook, Starts off with a length ball in the off stump corridor, seaming away after pitching. Cook points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 57.2 : J Bird to Cook, England get going! Back of a length ball, slanting across, Cook punches it towards point. Bancroft moves to his left, dives and makes a half stop but fails to stop the single. |
| 57.3 : J Bird to Root, Fullish ball, angling in, Root puts his head down and defends it calmly. The Englishmen in the crowd cheer for their side. |
| 57.4 : J Bird to Root, Shaping in appreciably on a fuller length from around off, Joe comes forward to account for the swing and defends it down the track. |
| 57.5 : J Bird to Root, Good length ball around off, punched off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 57.6 : J Bird to Root, 35th Test fifty for Joe Root! Shortish delivery and room on offer, Root cuts it towards gully who dives to his left and makes a partial stop. A run is taken. Root raises his bat and is cheered loudly by the crowd. It has been a captain's knock from him so far. The important thing for him is to convert it into a big one. |
| Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end. |
| 58.1 : J Hazlewood to Root, Makes use of the depth of the crease and turns the length delivery through mid-wicket to rotate strike. |
| 58.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Hazlewood comes from around the wicket to Cook and bowls a good length ball on off. The southpaw stands tall and defends it stoutly. |
| 58.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good pace from Hazlewood. On a similar length at 140.1 clicks, Cook hangs back and plays it with an angled bat to point. |
| 58.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Length delivery on the fourth stump channel, Alastair stays within the crease and blocks it. |
| 58.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Once again lands it in the zone of apprehension, good probing channel from Hazlewood. Cook plants his front foot across and makes an assured leave. |
| 58.6 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, Edged but safe! A bit fuller this time, angling in appreciably. Cook pokes at it and gets an outside edge that falls short of the gully fielder. Actually there are two fielders standing close to each other in the gully region. Good start from Hazlewood. |
| 59.1 : J Bird to Root, Full length ball around off, Root with a high elbow defends it solidly. |
| 59.2 : J Bird to Root, Good length ball well outside off, Joe hangs back and places it towards Lyon at backward point who is quick to stop it. |
| 59.3 : J Bird to Root, Gets a fullish delivery to tail in substantially around off, Root comes forward and keeps it out. Bird is trying to get Root playing across the line and bring the LBW into play. |
| 59.4 : J Bird to Root, Shortish ball outside off, pushed off the back foot to backward point. |
| 59.5 : J Bird to Root, A bit risky but safe in the end. Root clips the fuller length ball through backward square leg. Takes on the long leg fielder and calls for two. The throw is a bit wayward which allows Joe to get back home safely. |
| 59.6 : J Bird to Root, In the zone outside off, left alone. Another probing over. |
| 60.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Well bowled! Angling in on a fullish length, Cook tries to work it through mid-wicket but gets a soft leading edge towards mid on. |
| 60.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Right on the money again. Full delivery attacking the stumps, Cook lunges forward in defense. |
| 60.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, A surprise delivery, a great one to bowl early in the morning. Terrific yorker on off, Cook is alert to it and jams it out nicely. |
| 60.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Shaping inward from outside off, Alastair camps back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 60.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length in line of the stumps, probing lines again. Defended tentatively off the back foot to mid on. |
| 60.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Another streaky shot! On a drivable length outside off, a bit of nibble in the air. Cook pushes at it with hard hands and the ball flies off the outer half past backward point. Lyon hunts it down and saves a run for his side. 200 up for England. They trail by 127 now. |
| 61.1 : J Bird to Cook, Full ball on middle, eased off the front foot to mid on. |
| 0.0 : Hazlewood and Bird have been right on the money. They have bowled full, attacked the stumps and have induced false strokes. The field placing from Steven Smith has also been spot on. He is attacking and has made life difficult for the batsmen. The hosts have done their homework. |
| 61.2 : J Bird to Cook, On a length, slanting across, defended off the back foot to covers. |
| 61.3 : J Bird to Cook, Full delivery, leaving the southpaw, he lets it go. |
| 61.4 : J Bird to Cook, Full length ball aimed at the base of the stumps, a bit of shuffle from Cook as he taps it to mid on. |
| 61.5 : J Bird to Cook, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| Nathan Lyon is warming up. |
| 61.6 : J Bird to Cook, Bird shortens his length and bowls it around off, Cook shuffles a bit and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 62.1 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, The edges keep coming! Full length ball around off, shaping away a touch. Root feels for it and gets a thick outside edge which falls well short of Khawaja at gully. Hazlewood is bowling really well. |
| 62.2 : J Hazlewood to Root, Back of a length ball outside off, pushed off the back foot to Khawaja again. |
| 62.3 : J Hazlewood to Root, A shout for a caught behind not given! Bill Lawry on air got excited and said got him, gone! Good length delivery angling down the leg side, Root looks to tuck it away but seems to have missed it. The ball goes off something and settles into the mitts of Tim Paine. The Australians appeal loudly but the umpire stays put. Smith walks across to Paine and asks about it. Hazlewood also has a loot at his skipper. They don't go for the review. Rightly so, as the Snicko doesn' |
| 62.4 : J Hazlewood to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 62.5 : J Hazlewood to Root, This is beautiful bowling from Hazlewood. He is mixing up things and keeping Root on his toes. Goes wider of the crease and angles in a back of a length ball at 140.7 clicks. Root aims to steer it to third man but gets beaten. Hazlewood gives a long stare to the English skipper and sledges him. This is exciting stuff! |
| 62.6 : J Hazlewood to Joe Root, Back of a length outside off, patted to covers. |
| 63.1 : J Bird to A Cook, Overpitched around off, Cook drives it past silly mid off. |
| 63.2 : J Bird to Cook, On a length and in line of the stumps, Cook hangs back and eases it to mid off. |
| 63.3 : J Bird to A Cook, Full delivery outside off, driven confidently off the front foot to the same region. |
| 63.4 : J Bird to A Cook, Fullish delivery, shaping away this time. Alastair presses forward and taps it to mid off. |
| 63.5 : J Bird to Cook, Full delivery attacking the stumps, Cook eases it past Bird and towards mid on. |
| 63.6 : J Bird to Cook, Close shave! Full delivery on middle, swinging in. Cook is a bit late in bringing his bat down and aims to clip it square off the wicket on the leg side but gets it off the inner half to fine leg. He lost his shape while playing that and gets lucky. A single taken. |
| 64.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Pitched right up there around off, eased off the front foot to wide mid off. |
| 64.2 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, Ooh.. just wide of the outstretched hands of Shaun Marsh. Another full delivery in the probing off stump channel. Cook goes for a drive but the bat turns in his hands. Ends up mistiming it towards short cover where Marsh dives to his right but the ball goes past him in a flash. A couple taken. |
| 64.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Length ball outside off, Alastair comes forward confidently and blocks it solidly. |
| 64.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Driven towards the mid on region. |
| 64.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 64.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length around off, Cook defends it stoutly. |
| 65.1 : J Bird to Root, Brilliant work! Back of a length outside off, Root places it towards Lyon at point who moves to his right and makes a good stop. Remember him effecting a brilliant run out from the same region in Brisbane. Vince was the man. |
| 65.2 : J Bird to Root, On a length outside off, Root comes forward a touch and creams it through covers. Picks up three runs for doing so. |
| Mark Taylor makes a good point on air. He says that when the ball is reversing, you need to shorten your foot movement a touch. Just lean ahead a touch and play your shots to account for the swing. When your foot movements are larger, there are chances of edges getting induced. |
| 65.3 : J Bird to Cook, FOUR! Shot! Cook is really strong whenever there is width on offer. Short delivery, Cook cuts it past the right side of backward point for a rocketing boundary. Not good from Bird, he needs to find his mark back. |
| 65.4 : J Bird to Cook, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 65.5 : J Bird to Cook, On a good length on off, driven sweetly to mid off. |
| 65.6 : J Bird to Cook, Very full outside off, Cook carves it through covers for a brace. 9 from the over, a good one for England. |
| First change of the morning. Pat Cummins is brought into the attack. He has bowled 11 overs and wasn't at his best due to stomach upset yesterday. Hope he is fine today. Can he provide a breakthrough? |
| 66.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Short of a length outside off, steered to backward point. |
| 66.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fullish delivery on off, shaping away a touch. Root comes forward and eases it to covers. |
| 66.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 66.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, On a length outside off, angling in, Cook lets it go. |
| 66.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Full delivery outside off, shaping in. Cook goes for a drive tentatively but gets it off the outer half past backward point. A run taken. |
| Steven Smith is off the field at the moment and is sitting near the boundary ropes. The news coming in is that even he is suffering from a stomach bug. Peter Handscomb is the substitute in his place. |
| 66.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Hangs back to the back of the length ball and blocks it solidly. |
| Nathan Lyon comes into the attack. A slip and short leg in place. Meanwhile, Smith also returns to the field. |
| 67.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Fullish on middle, Cook prods forward in defense. |
| 67.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Slow through the air on off, clipped with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 67.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting in towards Alastair who blocks it on the track. |
| 67.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Loopy ball around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 67.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Ooh.. bring in a silly point in place as well Smith. Tossed up on off, Cook prods forward to defend but the ball hits the splice of his bat and falls down in the vacant silly point region. |
| 67.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker and flatter outside off, answered expertly from the back foot. |
| 68.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fuller in length around off, Root shuffles a bit and defends it with authority. |
| 68.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, FOUR! Uses the pace of the ball to perfection! Back of a length and a bit of width on offer, Root waits for it and taps it deftly past the gully region for a boundary. |
| 68.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Length ball around off, Root plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 68.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Similar length ball around off, Root comes forward and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 68.5 : Cummins to Joe Root, OUT! Cummins draws first blood this morning! Big, big breakthrough. The hard work put in by Hazlewood and Bird has been a major reason for the English skipper's downfall. Well-directed short ball around off, Root is not in a good position but still goes for the pull shot. Is beaten for pace and as a result, he ends up top edging it towards deepish mid-wicket. Lyon who is stationed quite up from the ropes stays cool as a cucumber and pouches it safely. There was a set p |
| David Malan comes out to bat. He is the leading run-scorer for England in the Ashes so far and will be eager to play another substantial knock. |
| 68.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 69.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floats it up outside off, Cook comes forward to defend but gets it off the inner half towards the leg side. |
| 69.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Drops it short and outside off, flatter through the air, cut hard towards backward point where the fielder makes a diving stop to his right. A single taken. |
| 69.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Slower one, landed full outside off, Dawid prods forward in defense. |
| 69.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Stays a bit low, angling in from off, Malan goes back and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 69.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Malan uses his feet, seemed to be done in the flight but somehow manages to push it towards cover. |
| 69.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Touch short and slower through the air, punched off the back foot. |
| 70.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Short of a length around off, Cook hangs back and defends it towards covers. |
| 70.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Similar length ball, shaping in appreciably. Cook steers it past point to rotate strike. |
| 70.3 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, FOUR! Is that a dropped chance? Low full toss around off, Malan is rooted inside the crease as he attempts to keep it out but gets an outside edge that flies past the gap between Paine and Smith and races to the fence behind. Well, the replays show that the ball hit the turf before flying behind. So, it was not a chance. |
| 70.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Short of a length outside off, holding its line. Malan doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 70.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, A sharp bouncer on middle and leg at 141.3 clicks, Malan sits under it in a jiffy. Cummins is working some serious pace here. His fast-arm action allows him to generate so much. |
| 70.6 : Pat Cummins to Malan, On a length around off, shaping in. Malan covers the line and defends it solidly. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 71.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floats it up outside off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 71.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting in on the pads, Cook clips it through the gap at square leg for a single. |
| 71.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Quicker through the air, angling in from around off, Malan does well to bring his bat down and defend. |
| 71.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Flighted ball outside off, Dawid prods forward in defense. |
| 71.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Darted around the pads, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 71.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Cook takes a stride forward and defends it right in front of the silly point fielder. |
| 72.1 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Cummins from around the wicket, arrows in a length delivery on off, Malan with soft hands taps it towards point. |
| 72.2 : Pat Cummins to Malan, A loud shout for an LBW! But the angle seems to take it down leg! Cummins brings it back in from around off, Malan shuffles and hops a bit to tuck it away but misses to wear it near the thigh pad. An appeal from the Aussies but nothing from the umpire. |
| 72.3 : Pat Cummins to Malan, Good length delivery outside off, DW makes an easy leave. |
| 72.4 : Pat Cummins to Malan, A bit too straight and swinging back in on middle and leg, at 140.2 kph. Malan misses his flick and Paine behind the stumps makes a diving stop to his right. |
| 72.5 : Pat Cummins to Malan, FOUR! In the air... but safely through the gap! Fuller and a bit of away swing this time, Malan crouches low and looks to square drive this. It's uppish but wide of Lyon at backward point for a boundary. A streaky one. |
| 72.6 : Pat Cummins to D Malan, FOUR! More runs! Cummins seems to be frustrated now! Hurls it on a length, just outside off, Malan hangs back and looks to dab it away. Gets it off the outer half past Khawaja at gully for back-to-back boundaries. England trail by 93 runs. |
| 73.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Slider from Lyon, a bit short outside off, Cook punches it towards Warner at point and calls for a brisk single. |
| 73.2 : N Lyon to Malan, Floats it up outside off, Dawid dances down the track and pushes it back to Lyon who is quick to collect and fire it back at the striker's end. Malan was in though. |
| 73.3 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 73.4 : N Lyon to Malan, A bit wider outside off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 73.5 : N Lyon to Malan, Leans forward and across and buries it into the ground. |
| 73.6 : N Lyon to Malan, Drifting in on middle and leg, Malan uses his feet and works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| Mitchell Marsh is brought into the attack now, replacing Cummins. Maybe, he wants to get through the next 6 overs quickly and then ask Cummins to have a go with the new cherry first. |
| 74.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Marsh begins his spell with a gentle loosener, Cook moves across and tucks it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 74.2 : M Marsh to Malan, Angling in from a good length, defended back down. |
| 74.3 : M Marsh to Malan, This one nips back in a bit, Malan knows where his off stump is and makes a leave. |
| 74.4 : M Marsh to D Malan, Fuller and angling in on middle, worked towards mid on. |
| 74.5 : M Marsh to Malan, Keeps it full again, outside off, Dawid presses forward and defends it with a straight bat towards cover. |
| 74.6 : M Marsh to Malan, Back of a length outside off, defended off the back foot gently. |
| 75.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Lyon goes over the wicket and drifts this one across Cook who comes forward and kills it down. |
| 75.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker one around middle and leg, Cook goes back and tucks it past short leg. |
| 75.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Flatter one outside off, Alastair camps back and punches it through point for a couple. |
| 75.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Inside edge! Bancroft at short leg did try his best to get to it! Around middle and leg, Cook lunges forward to defend but gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball lobs towards short leg. It was a bit straight, had it lobbed a bit squarer, Cook could have been in trouble. |
| 75.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Darted on middle and leg, wristed past Cameron at short leg for one. |
| 75.6 : N Lyon to Malan, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 76.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Angling in from around off, Cook turns it towards mid-wicket. |
| 76.2 : M Marsh to Cook, FOUR! Flawless from Cook! Marsh goes full, it's on middle and off. Cook leans forward and presents a full face of the bat. Connects the middle of the bat and mid on was a mere spectator. |
| 76.3 : M Marsh to A Cook, Bowls it short on the body, Cook swivels as he rolls his wrists through backward square leg for a single. |
| 76.4 : M Marsh to Malan, Length delivery on middle and off, defended by covering the line. |
| 76.5 : M Marsh to Malan, In the channel outside off, Malan shoulders his arms. |
| 76.6 : M Marsh to Malan, Pretty harmless again from Marsh, Dawid doesn't bother going after it. |
| 77.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Floats it up around middle and leg, Cook presses forward and defends it back to Nathan. |
| 77.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Once again floats it up on middle, defended into the ground. |
| 77.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker one around middle and leg, Cook looks to clip but gets it off the inner half past short leg. |
| 77.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Around middle and leg, Alastair looks to defend but once again gets it off the inner half and it lands just short of Cameron Bancroft at FSL. |
| 77.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Leading edge! Lyon's ploy to come over the wicket seems to be working for him. He keeps it full around middle and leg, Cook closes the face of the bat early and ends up getting a leading edge which rolls safely towards cover. |
| 77.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Down the leg side, Cook misses his flick and Paine behind the stumps is quick to take the bails off. No appeal from him as Cook was inside the crease. |
| 78.1 : M Marsh to Malan, Fuller in length and outside off, Malan goes after it but mistimes it towards short cover. |
| 78.2 : M Marsh to Malan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 78.3 : M Marsh to Malan, Good length but the line is wide outside off, Dawid shoulders his arms. |
| 78.4 : M Marsh to Malan, Fuller in length and angling in, Malan prods ahead and wrists it towards mid on. |
| 78.5 : M Marsh to Malan, Good take from Paine! He has been really good behind the sticks! Short and down the leg side, Malan ducks under it. The ball was traveling before Paine puts in a full length dive to his right to cut that one off. |
| 78.6 : M Marsh to Malan, Short and outside off, a bit of movement away, Malan initially looks to go after it but then bails out at the last moment. Marsh shares a smile with Dawid. |
| 79.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting across Cook, on the shorter side, punched off the back foot towards point for a single. |
| 79.2 : N Lyon to Malan, Flighted ball around middle and leg, Malan comes down the track and bunts it back to Lyon. |
| 79.3 : N Lyon to Malan, Gives it nice loop, delivers it on middle and leg, it's defended into the ground. |
| 79.4 : N Lyon to Malan, Gets across and works it between short leg and leg slip for one. |
| 79.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Goes around the wicket to Cook now and lands it full on middle, easily defended off the front foot. |
| 79.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Drops it short and outside off, Cook goes back and looks to cut it away. Gets it towards Warner at backward point who half stops it. |
| The second new ball is available now and Steven Smith wastes no time in taking it. And Josh Hazlewood will be the one to taste it first. Can he strike? |
| 80.1 : J Hazlewood to Malan, Good length delivery, in the channel outside off, Malan shoulders his arms. |
| 80.2 : Hazlewood to Malan, OUT! Trapped in front! The new cherry works almost instantly for Australia and Josh Hazlewood is absolutely delighted. He comes from around the wicket and drops it on a fuller length around off, it nips back in appreciably. Malan stays rooted inside the crease to defend but the inward movement gets the better of him. He gets pinged on the pads and a loud appeal follows to which umpire S Ravi raises his finger. Malan walks across to Cook, thinks about the review but then |
| Jonny Bairstow is the next batsman in. |
| 80.3 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, On a length and a bit wide outside off, Jonny shoulders his arms to let it be. |
| 80.4 : J Hazlewood to J Bairstow, Fuller in length and just outside off, Jonny leans forward and drives it through cover. Warner from mid off hares after it to save a run for his side. |
| 80.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, In the channel outside off, AC makes a watchful leave. |
| 80.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Another shout for an LBW! Fuller and swinging back in on middle and leg, Cook falls over in his attempted flick shot and gets hit on the pads. The appeal dies down as it was clearly going down leg. |
| Double change as Jackson Bird comes on to bowl. |
| 81.1 : J Bird to Bairstow, Comes forward to this full ball and defends it down gently. |
| 81.2 : J Bird to Bairstow, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 81.3 : J Bird to Bairstow, Pitches it up on off, Bairstow presses forward and defends it towards cover. |
| 81.4 : J Bird to Bairstow, Angles it in from around middle and off, Jonny stays back to defend it towards the bowler. |
| 81.5 : J Bird to Bairstow, A watchful leave from JB. Bird keeps it full outside off, nothing doing from Jonny. |
| 81.6 : J Bird to Bairstow, FOUR! Delightful stuff! Bird goes full, searching for some swing but dishes it pretty full outside off. Bairstow leans forward and times his drive well to beat Warner at mid off and picks up a boundary. |
| 82.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Full length ball, swinging in substantially. Cook smothers it down towards mid on. |
| 82.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Pitched up outside off, Alastair presses forward and strokes it to mid off. |
| 82.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Short delivery, sits up nicely for the southpaw. He pulls it through backward square leg to rotate strike. |
| 82.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, That flew off the bat! Fullish ball, shaping in. Bairstow leans ahead and just pushes it with great timing to mid on. |
| 82.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Well played. Fraction straight from Hazlewood, there is very little margin for error when you are bowling to Bairstow. He stays well-balanced and clips it through mid-wicket to pick up three runs to his name. |
| 82.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good length delivery, leaving the southpaw. He points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 83.1 : J Bird to Bairstow, Too straight from Jackson Bird, fuller and on the pads, Jonny Bairstow works it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 83.2 : J Bird to Bairstow, On a back of a length outside off, Bairstow looks to hit it through the line but gets an inside edge on the pads. We saw this happening a lot of times when Australia were batting. Should be careful, Jonny. |
| 83.3 : J Bird to Bairstow, What is Bairstow trying to do here? It was on a length and stayed a bit low as well, Bairstow tries to pull but is undone by the low bounce. This wasn't a ball to play the pull shot. |
| 83.4 : J Bird to Bairstow, FOUR! Through the slip cordon! This must be frustrating for the Aussies! Bird nicely bowls it full, lures Bairstow into a drive who obliges. The ball moves away a bit, takes a fat edge and flies right between second slip and gully for a streaky boundary. |
| 83.5 : J Bird to Bairstow, Angling in from outside off, a push back to the bowler off the front foot. |
| 83.6 : J Bird to Bairstow, Good length on middle, tucked towards the leg side. |
| Last over coming up before lunch. Can Australia pick up another one? |
| 84.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good length delivery, in the corridor outside off, Alastair is rock solid in defense. |
| 84.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good leave! Hazlewood hurls it on a length outside off, it comes back in with the angle as Cook makes an assured leave. |
| 84.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Shortish on middle and leg, AC swivels to pull it along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 84.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Fuller in length and coming back in from over the wicket, Bairstow plants his front foot across and then lifts his bat to make a leave. That nearly kissed the off pole. |
| 84.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Shortish and outside off, JB hangs back to punch it towards cover. |
| 84.6 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Good ball to end the session! Josh goes wide of the crease and angles it in from around off, Jonny Bairstow once again lets it through. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 3! England trail by 63 runs! |
| A pretty eventful session comes to an end! Australia will be a bit more happy as they were able to break the overnight stand between Root and Cook. Their bowlers were right on the money throughout and didn't offer much freebies. They frustrated the batsmen to quite an extent by keeping a lid on the scoring rate which eventually brought them success. Pat Cummins, who was unwell yesterday, removed the dangerous Root just when he was eyeing a big one. |
| Josh Hazlewood then came back breathing fire with the second new ball to trap Malan in front who for some reason didn't take the review. For the visitors, Alastair Cook is still out there batting on 134 and has Bairstow for company. Their hopes shall be pinned on the senior man to keep digging in and take them into the lead. Will that happen? Or will the hosts' bowlers come out afresh and run through the lower middle order? Should be another action-packed session. Join us back shortly to see wha |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the post-lunch session. There is a cloud cover now. Alastair Cook and Jonny Bairstow will resume their innings. Jackson Bird to continue his spell. Two slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 85.1 : J Bird to Cook, Bird starts the session from around the wicket and bowls a back of a length delivery on off, Cook stays solid behind the line to keep it out. |
| 85.2 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller and angling in from outside off, another tight defense from Alastair. |
| 85.3 : J Bird to Cook, On a length and coming back in a touch, Cook is squared up a bit as he defends this one with an angled bat towards point. |
| 85.4 : J Bird to A Cook, Goes fuller, it's just outside off, the southpaw leans to drive it through but mistimes it towards short cover. |
| 85.5 : J Bird to Cook, Good length ball outside off, defended firmly towards mid off. |
| 85.6 : J Bird to Cook, FOUR! Lovely straight drive from Cook! Bird in his quest to bring it back in, overpitches it by a margin. Cook doesn't miss out as he leans forward and caresses it down the ground past Bairstow for a boundary down the ground. Effortless from Alastair! |
| Josh Hazlewood to continue from the other end. Same field for him as well. |
| 86.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Good aggressive running! Hazlewood angles it on the pads, Bairstow clips it neatly behind square on the leg side and calls for two. The fielder in the deep has a lot of ground to cover which allows the pair to complete the second. |
| 86.2 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Fuller in length and outside off, the English keeper strides ahead in defense. |
| 86.3 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Pitches it right up there outside off, Bairstow drives it towards short cover. |
| 86.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Slightly fuller, good line from Josh and another front foot defense on offer. |
| 86.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Tries to go short but the line isn't right. It's down the leg side which allows the batsman to evade it easily. |
| 86.6 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Right behind the line to this full length delivery is Jonny. Keeps it out towards cover. |
| 87.1 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller and veering in on middle and leg, AC drives it towards mid on where Warner moves swiftly to his left to stop it. |
| 87.2 : J Bird to Cook, Length ball on middle, turned behind square on the leg side for an easy single. |
| 87.3 : J Bird to Bairstow, Fuller on the stumps, Jonny goes for the drive but gets it off the toe end as the ball rolls towards mid on. |
| 87.4 : J Bird to Bairstow, Bangs in a short one, some extra bounce for Jackson but Bairstow is quick to sit under it. |
| 87.5 : J Bird to Bairstow, FOUR! Wayward from Bird! Too straight from him, it's a cross seam delivery down the leg side. All Jonny had to do was to get some bat on it, he does so and Paine behind the stumps, despite a full stretch dive to his left couldn't cut it off. Races away to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 87.6 : J Bird to Bairstow, Slants it in on middle and leg again, Jonny tries to repeat the previous shot but gets it off the inner half this time as the ball rolls towards square leg. They steal a single. |
| 88.1 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Flashy from Jonny! Hazlewood goes wide of the crease and bowls it on a length on off. It's too close to the off pole to cut and Bairstow still decides to hit one. Gets beaten all ends up. |
| 88.2 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Keeps it nice and full on the stumps, wristed towards mid on. |
| 88.3 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Angles it in on middle, Jonny hops back to tuck it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 88.4 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, On a length and outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 88.5 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Perfect length from Josh! He keeps it on the stumps, a bit fuller, Jonny stays rooted inside the crease to keep it out on the leg side. |
| 88.6 : J Hazlewood to Bairstow, Bangs in a short ball, just like he did in the previous over. Yet again the line is down the leg side. Easily left alone by JB. |
| Nathan Lyon is brought into the attack now. A slip and bat-pad in place. Let's see what can he do with the cherry being a new one. |
| 89.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Comes around the wicket and floats it up wider outside off, Alastair with an angled bat pushes it towards backward point. |
| 89.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Lyon drops it short and outside off, Cook rocks back in a flash and punches it through the gap at cover. Picks up three runs for doing so. The trail comes under 50 now. |
| 89.3 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Flatter one on the stumps, the batsman hangs back in defense. |
| 89.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 89.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Pitches it around middle, turning back in, Bairstow clips it with the turn past short leg. |
| 89.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, OUT! Nathan Lyon at it again! Good bowling, good catch from Paine as well! Australia strike early in the session, just what they wanted. The bowling change does the trick again. Lyon pushes it quicker through the air, bowls it short and it turns back in with extra bounce. Bairstow goes back to cut but the length isn't a good one to play that kind of a shot. Gets a faint tickle and Tim Paine behind the stumps gathers it. Not an easy take, that. Half the English side back |
| Moeen Ali is the new man in. |
| 90.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a shorter length and angling in, Cook turns it through square elg for a single. |
| 90.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 90.3 : Hazlewood to Ali, A well-directed bouncer which must have shaken Ali up! Hazlewood hits the deck hard, gets extra bounce as Ali looks to sway away from the line. It goes off something past the right of the keeper to the fence. Was it off the gloves? Nope, replays confirm it went off the helmet and so leg byes signalled by the umpire. |
| With a lot of buzz going around as to why didn't Dawid Malan take the review, here is one more example which could have gone in his favour. Just now they have shown another replay in which not only an inside edge is spotted but also the impact is outside the line. Well, well, got to say, it was a lucky breakthrough for the Aussies... |
| 90.4 : J Hazlewood to M Ali, Takes on the short ball this time! Good reply from Ali. Expects another short ball, is up for the task as he pulls it through mid-wicket. Won't get a boundary but will get three. |
| 90.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 90.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Fuller in length and outside off, Cook leans forward and drives it through cover. Once again in the gap and they take a couple. |
| 91.1 : N Lyon to Ali, SIX! In the air... just over Cummins! What is Ali doing here? Tries to take Lyon on and nearly pays the price. The offies bowls it slower through the air, Moeen dances down the track to go big down the ground but is done in by the flight. Miscues it high in the air and shouts of CATCH IT! follows. Pat Cummins who is placed at deepish mid on backtracks, keeps his eyes on the ball but is aware that the momentum might take him further. By the time he tries to take it the ball |
| 91.2 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! Uppish but safe again! Tosses it up generously outside off, Ali looks to go after it again. Gets it past the man at short cover for a boundary. |
| 91.3 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 91.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Quicker through the air, outside off, left alone. |
| 91.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter one on the stumps, defended down off the back foot. |
| 91.6 : N Lyon to M Ali, Just over short cover! This is turning out to be a good battle between the two! Lyon tosses it up again, Ali makes room and just chips it over a leaping short cover fielder for a couple. An eventful over comes to an end, 12 off it. |
| Pat Cummins into the attack now. |
| 92.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length delivery, angling in from around the wicket, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 92.2 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 92.3 : Pat Cummins to Ali, FOUR! Ali is living dangerously here! Short of a length delivery, on the body of Moeen. He looks to pull but isn't in complete control. The ball flies right between the fine leg fielder and deep square leg fielder and goes to the fence. |
| 92.4 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Shortish and outside off, Ali resists and lets it be. |
| 92.5 : Pat Cummins to Ali, Bangs in a short one again, Ali looks to pull but gets it off the inner half down the fine leg for a single. |
| 92.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. |
| 93.1 : Lyon to Ali, OUT! Got him! What a catch by Shaun Marsh! Spectacular stuff from him and his mates barge towards him. Steven Smith likes it and lets out a huge roar. Lyon wins the battle again, 6th time in the series his dismisses Moeen Ali. Third one in the game for him and boy, Australia on the charge now. He drops it a bit short and serves it around off, Ali rocks back to punch it over cover but Shaun Marsh at short extra cover times his leap to perfection to take a stunning catch over hi |
| 0.0 : Chris Woakes strides out next. |
| 93.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted delivery around middle and off, Woakes defends it down. |
| 93.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Comes forward and bunts it back to Lyon. |
| 93.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 93.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Quicker and flatter through the air on middle, the batsman hangs back in defense. |
| 93.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Drops it short on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 94.1 : Cummins to A Cook, FOUR! Top edge but it flies safely! 150 up for Alastair Cook. 11th time he has reached the landmark, third time against Australia. Phenomenal! Cummins bangs in a short ball, Cook is in a tangle as he tries to play the hook shot. Gets a top edge but much to his delight the ball flies safely over the keeper for a boundary. Raises his bat and gets a warm applause from the crowd. |
| 94.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish around middle and off, defended off the back foot. |
| 94.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Another short ball on middle and leg, tucked comfortably behind square on the leg side for one by Cook. |
| 94.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Cummins is bending his back! He hits the deck hard again, too good for any batsman as Cummins ducks to let it sail over him to the keeper. |
| 94.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Back of a length ball on middle and off, dealt off the back foot. |
| 94.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Goes short again but the line is down the leg side this time. Woakes is happy to duck under it. |
| 95.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Tossed it up outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 95.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 95.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Loopy delivery outside off, AC lunges forward in defense. |
| 95.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Drifting in on middle and leg, Alastair prods forward and stonewalls it. |
| 95.5 : N Lyon to Cook, On middle and leg, Cook makes room and pushes it towards extra cover. Bird from mid off moves to his right and dives to stop it but cannot prevent the single. Seems to have hurt his shoulder as well. |
| 95.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Darted on middle and leg, driven towards deep mid on by Woakes and he gets off the mark. |
| 96.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Bangs in a short one, just outside off. Woakes hops to fend it away but gets it off the splice as the ball falls just short of Khawaja at gully. |
| 96.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 96.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Angles it in from a length around off, Woakes tries to work it away. Dribbles it off the inner half through square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 96.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, After bowling short balls, Cummins goes full to Cook from around the wicket. AC pushes it back to the bowler who sticks his right hand out to stop it. |
| 96.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Struck on the pads! Brings it back from a length outside off, Cook is beaten for pace and wears it on the pads. A stifled appeal but the angle seems to have taken it down leg. |
| 96.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Touch fuller outside off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 97.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted delivery outside off, Chris Woakes presses forward in defense. |
| 97.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Quicker through the air on middle and off, kept out off the back foot. |
| 97.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, This one stays low! Turns in from a length, Woakes literally has to crouch low to defend it down. Had he missed, he would have been dead plumb. |
| 97.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Goes back and works it with the spin past short leg. |
| 97.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 97.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Lands it full on off, Chris Woakes is quick to bring his bat down to end the over. |
| 98.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Sprays it wider on off, Cook has no qualms in leaving that alone. |
| 98.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Controls it well but there is a man out there! Shortish delivery on middle, Cook swivels just a touch and plays a controlled pull towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 98.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Nearly... nearly gets a wicket! Cummins is troubling Woakes with the shorter ones. Another one right on the money, Woakes can't sway, can't play and in the end fends it awkwardly. The ball pops off the splice and just lobs over short leg. |
| 98.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Another well-directed bumper, Woakes pulls it along the ground towards fine leg for a single. |
| 98.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length delivery, angling in, worked towards mid-wicket by shuffling across. |
| 98.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Was that a catch? Oh yes, Steven Smith drops another but it was struck really well. The Aussie skipper can't believe it and is down on the ground. He dropped one when Cook was on 66 and once again puts him down. Shortish ball on middle, comes up at a good height as Cook pulls it away. It travels quickly towards square leg where Steven Smith puts in a quick dive to his right but the ball doesn't stick in his right palm. It rolls further and they take a single. The trail |
| Drinks on the field. |
| 99.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Lyon drops it short outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 99.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Another short ball, Cook goes back and punches it through the gap at cover to pick up a brace. |
| 99.3 : N Lyon to A Cook, Tossed up on off, driven towards mid off for a single. |
| 99.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Quicker through the air around middle and off, blocked. |
| 99.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 99.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Slow turn from a length, Woakes goes back and safely keeps it out towards cover. |
| Mitchell Marsh is brought in for a burst. |
| 100.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Length delivery outside off, going away further. Cook points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 100.2 : M Marsh to A Cook, Short and width on offer, Cook places it through point and takes a single. |
| 100.3 : M Marsh to Woakes, Fuller in length around off, shaping in. Woakes gets to the pitch of the ball and eases it to short cover. |
| 100.4 : M Marsh to Woakes, Back of a length ball on off, Woakes swivels and pulls it past short leg towards deep mid-wicket. A single taken. |
| 100.5 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length ball, angling across the southpaw and staying a bit low. Cook crouches and goes for a cut but the ball passes under his bat. Not a bad ploy to bowl at him from over the wicket. |
| Three catching covers in place. |
| 100.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length ball, Cook does well to steer it through point to pick up a single. |
| 101.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Sliding down leg, Cook fails to clip it. A rare miss from Paine behind the stumps as he fails to take it cleanly. |
| 101.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Tossed up ball, played with soft hands to mid off. |
| 101.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Oohs and Aahs from the Australians. Coming in with the arm, Cook fails to clip it as the ball hits his pads and lobs to Bancroft at short leg who takes it. The Australians appeal but bail out of it soon realizing that there was no bat involved. |
| 101.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 101.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker one, Cook is hurried a bit and gets it off the inner half to backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 101.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flat and quick on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 102.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length ball on middle, played with soft hands past Marsh. |
| 102.2 : M Marsh to Cook, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Cook puts his bat down and eases it to mid on. |
| 102.3 : M Marsh to Cook, On a length and leaving the southpaw, Alastair plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 102.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Full length ball, Cook leans into it and strokes it to sweeper cover for a single. There are three catching men at covers waiting but he does well to find the gap. |
| 102.5 : M Marsh to Woakes, The scores are level now. Short ball, pulled through backward square leg for a single. |
| 102.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Shaping across Cook who doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 103.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, The MCG crowd is up on its feet and cheers for England. They are into the lead now and this is the first time in the series that the visitors have done so. Fullish ball, Woakes eases it to covers for a single. |
| 103.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Angling into Cook who defends it nicely. |
| 103.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 103.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker on middle, pushed back to Lyon. |
| 103.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Leans ahead and strokes the tossed up ball to covers. |
| 103.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Darted in on the stumps, Alastair eases it through mid on for a run. |
| 104.1 : M Marsh to Cook, FOUR! Pure timing and class! Back of a length ball outside off, Cook stands tall and times his punch to perfection. He beats the two men at short cover and picks up a boundary. |
| 104.2 : M Marsh to Cook, Paine is standing up to the stumps now. Very full outside off, Cook lets it be and Paine makes a half stop. |
| 104.3 : M Marsh to Cook, On a length outside off, Alastair cuts it through covers and picks up a couple to his name. |
| 104.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Full ball well outside off, Cook doesn't bother to play at it. |
| 104.5 : M Marsh to A Cook, Marsh continues to bowl full, Alastair leans ahead and drives it nicely to mid off. |
| 104.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Drags his length back a touch, it's on middle and off, Cook shuffles a bit and taps it to mid on. |
| 105.1 : N Lyon to C Woakes, Fullish delivery outside off, Woakes whips it towards mid on. |
| 105.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Tossed up around off, driven off the front foot to mid off. |
| 105.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Slow through the air, leans ahead confidently and strokes it to mid on. |
| 105.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Spinning in from a shorter length, tucked off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 105.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Fuller in length around off, Chris defends it down the track. |
| 105.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Uses his feet to the loopy delivery and eases it towards mid on. Lyon has bowled well from over the wicket today. Good variations and subtle changes of paces have kept the batsmen guessing. |
| Hazlewood is back on. |
| 106.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Well bowled! On a back of a length, straightens a touch after pitching. Cook adjusts in his crease and plays it with soft hands towards covers for a run. |
| 106.2 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Fullish ball around off, a bit of nibble in the air. Woakes pushes it with an angled blade to gully. |
| 106.3 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Similar length ball, angling in. Woakes shuffles and taps it to mid on. |
| 106.4 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, A bit ahead of a length outside off, Woakes goes for a flashy drive but mistimes it to wide mid off. |
| 106.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Nice timing from Woakes! Leans ahead to the length delivery around off, allows the ball to meet the full face of the bat and drives it sweetly through covers to pick up three runs to his name. |
| 106.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Hazlewood steams in from around the wicket to Cook and angles in a length delivery. Cook knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave. |
| Woakes is a good cricketer. However, he hasn't played to his potential either with the bat or with the ball in the series. This is a good time to stand up and deliver the goods. Meanwhile, Jackson Bird comes back into the attack. |
| 107.1 : J Bird to Woakes, That's a peach! Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping in a touch with a lot of zip. Woakes has a poke at it but is beaten all ends up. Almost brushed the outside edge on its way through. |
| 107.2 : J Bird to Woakes, Similar length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 107.3 : J Bird to Woakes, Shortish delivery outside off, Chris waits for it and plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| Signs of the wicket starting to deteriorate. In the first ball of this over, there was a bit of explosion after the ball hit the deck. The pitch scan also shows that the track has dried up considerably as compared to Day 1 and Day 2. The spinners will come more into play as the game progresses. |
| 107.4 : J Bird to Woakes, On a length around off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 107.5 : J Bird to Woakes, Shuffles across to the fullish delivery around off and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 107.6 : J Bird to Woakes, Fullish delivery on off, Woakes defends it with a straight bat. |
| 108.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Fuller in length around off, Cook comes forward confidently and strokes it to mid off. |
| 108.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Shaping away a touch from Alastair. He has it covered and blocks it stoutly. |
| Nathan Lyon is off the field at the moment. Not sure what the reason is. Australia are missing Mitchell Starc at the moment. He is really good against the tail as reflected by his stats in this series. Out of the 19 wickets, 11 were against the lower order. |
| 108.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Back of a length ball in the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 108.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Goes fullish again, Cook jams it out past the bowler towards mid off. |
| 108.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 108.6 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Good game awareness from Cook! Leans ahead to the fullish ball and drives it off the inner half towards mid off. Calls for the single straightaway and reaches the danger end safely. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end but no extra conceded. |
| 109.1 : J Bird to Cook, No run. |
| 109.2 : J Bird to Cook, Short of a length delivery, Cook hops and keeps it out towards short leg. |
| 109.3 : J Bird to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 109.4 : J Bird to Cook, Back of a length again, Cook hangs back and pushes it back to Bird. |
| The commentators on air analyze about Cook's weakness against the left-handed bowlers. He struggled against Starc earlier in the series. Last time when he toured Down Under, he was troubled a lot by Mitchell Johnson as well. Mohammed Amir from Pakistan and Zaheer Khan from India have also won a lot of battles against him. |
| 109.5 : J Bird to Cook, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 109.6 : J Bird to C Woakes, FOUR! A boundary after ages! Fullish ball outside off, Woakes creams it through extra cover. Warner from mid off gives a long hard chase but only comes second best. |
| 110.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, That's a ripper! Good length ball coming in with the angle initially, Cook tries to defend it but the away seam movement catches him by surprise and he gets beaten all ends up. |
| 110.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length this time, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 110.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, The batsman has played it through the point region. One run added to the total. |
| 110.4 : J Hazlewood to C Woakes, FOUR! Oh no, another one flies past the gap between the keeper and first slip. The edges fly at a lower height at the MCG and it is the keeper who needs to go for those catches. On a length around off, Woakes feels for it but gets an outside edge. Paine doesn't go for the catch, neither does Smith and the ball flies past and reaches to the fence behind. Cricket. What a feeling! is flashed on a board behind. Sums it up pretty nicely. |
| Smith comes closer to the keeper now. |
| 110.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 110.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, An in dipping low full toss, Woakes does well to play it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 111.1 : J Bird to Woakes, Back of a length ball, answered nicely off the back foot. |
| 111.2 : J Bird to C Woakes, FOUR! Streaky again! On a drivable length outside off, Woakes falls for the bait and gets an outside edge past the slip region to pick up a boundary. The Barmy Army is cheering loudly. |
| 111.3 : J Bird to Woakes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 111.4 : J Bird to Woakes, Fullish on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 111.5 : J Bird to C Woakes, Fuller in length, Woakes pushes at it but gets another outside edge but it falls short of the fielder in the slip cordon. |
| 111.6 : J Bird to Woakes, Lucky Woakes! On a length outside off, the batsman tries to withdraw but is late. The ball catches the bottom edge and goes past the slip cordon for a brace. The 50-run stand comes up as well. The longer it lasts, the frustrating it shall get for the hosts. |
| Last over before tea... |
| 112.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Angling into Cook who tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 0.0 : A short leg and leg gully in place now. The short ball is likely to come up. |
| 112.2 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, A bluff from Hazlewood. Bowls it full outside off, Woakes has his feet moving and strokes it through covers for a couple. |
| 112.3 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Bowls according to the plan this time, tries to strangle Woakes down the leg side. He moves inside the line and tries to fend it away but gets beaten. |
| 112.4 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Dug in short, Woakes sits under it in a jiffy. |
| 112.5 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, Hits the deck hard again, Woakes rises up with the bounce and plays it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. |
| 112.6 : J Hazlewood to Woakes, On a length around off, pushed off the front foot with the angle to covers. THAT SHALL BE TEA! |
| A session which has gone in favour of England. They have scored 96 runs for the loss of two wickets in 28 overs and importantly they have taken the lead which is worth 33 at the moment. The tourists came out with positive mindset and had the intention of scoring freely off the second new ball. Bairstow played some flashy shots and finally perished. |
| Moeen Ali came out and started attacking from the word go. He played a breezy cameo but fell to the wily Lyon who sent him packing for the 6th time in this series. The spinner was the pick of the bowlers and got good purchase from a deck which has dried up considerably. Hazlewood also bowled with a lot of fire and supported him well. England will be happy that Cook is still out there after being dropped one more time by Smith and is nearing a double ton. Chris Woakes has given him good company a |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session. 34 overs are still left in the day. Conditions are still overcast. Alastair Cook and Chris Woakes to resume their innings. Jackson Bird to continue his spell. A slip and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 113.1 : J Bird to Cook, Starts off with a loosener, on middle and leg, Cook helps it through square leg and returns for a brace. |
| 113.2 : J Bird to Cook, Back of a length ball around off, Cook hangs back and defends it solidly to mid off. |
| 113.3 : J Bird to Cook, Easy pickings for Cook when you feed him on the pads. He tucks the fullish delivery through square leg again. The fielder from long leg covers good ground to his right and keeps the batsmen down to a brace. |
| 113.4 : J Bird to Cook, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. They pick up a single. |
| 113.5 : J Bird to Woakes, Fullish delivery around off, tapped to mid off. |
| Ian Healy analyzes about the missed opportunity of Chris Woakes. The technique of Tim Paine was not quite correct. He didn't move his left foot. If he did that quickly, he would have got the momentum to dive full length to his right. It would have been a sharp catch. Michael Clarke further adds that he is surprised that neither Paine nor Smith went for the catch. |
| 113.6 : J Bird to Woakes, Short of a length ball, Woakes shuffles a bit and eases it to mid on. |
| Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. |
| 114.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length delivery, Cook stanss tall and punches it sweetly to mid off. |
| 114.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Length delivery around off, Cook plays it with an angled bat towards cover-point. |
| 114.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length ball on middle, Cook leans ahead and blocks it solidly. |
| 114.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shaping away substantially from Cook, dabbed past backward point for a run. |
| 114.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, OUT! Australia once again strike early after the break! The short ball ploy has worked against Woakes. Smart bowling from Cummins and he reaps the dividends for doing so. He cleverly bowls a slower bouncer around leg stump, Woakes goes for a pull shot but the ball arrives really late after pitching. Ends up getting it off the gloves and the ball lobs towards Tim Paine. He accepts the dolly gleefully. Actually the speed of the delivery was 132.2 kph but Cummins rolle |
| The debutant, Tom Curran strides out to bat. |
| 114.6 : Pat Cummins to Curran, Short delivery, Curran ducks under it. |
| 115.1 : J Bird to Cook, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 115.2 : J Bird to Cook, Back of a length ball, pushed off the back foot to silly mid off. |
| 115.3 : J Bird to Cook, Fullish delivery, patted to mid on. |
| 115.4 : J Bird to Cook, A fraction short and outside off, Cook chops it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 115.5 : J Bird to Curran, Good line this. On a fuller length outside off, Curran strides forward to defend it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of his bat. |
| 115.6 : J Bird to Curran, Short of a length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 116.1 : Pat Cummins to A Cook, Short ball, sits up nicely for Cook. He pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 116.2 : Pat Cummins to Curran, Short ball, doesn't bounce much. Curran does well to sit under it. |
| 116.3 : Pat Cummins to Curran, Another bouncer, this one shoots off the deck. Curran ducks under it to evade it. Once more a sign of the pitch being a bit two-paced. |
| 116.4 : Pat Cummins to Tom Curran, FOUR! First Test runs for Tom Curran! That was streaky but he will be happy to open his account. In the zone outside off, Curran pokes at it and gets an outside edge past first slip to pick up a boundary. |
| An extra man in the slip cordon now. |
| 116.5 : Pat Cummins to Curran, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 116.6 : Pat Cummins to Curran, Another bouncer but not that well-directed, Tom sits underneath it. |
| 117.1 : J Bird to Cook, Don't remember the last time Cook played a rash shot. Back of a length and width on offer, Cook flashes at it and gets beaten all ends up. The length wasn't ideal to go for that shot. |
| 0.0 : It has become very gloomy. A shower had been predicted. Let's hope it stays away. |
| 117.2 : J Bird to Cook, This time he gets the cut right and plays it through backward point to rotate strike. |
| 117.3 : J Bird to Curran, Fuller in length, Curran plays it defensively to mid-wicket. |
| 117.4 : J Bird to Curran, Back to the shortish ball ploy to Curran. He hangs back and punches it nicely to mid off. |
| 117.5 : J Bird to Curran, Mixes it up again. It is fullish on off, patted back towards the bowler. |
| 117.6 : J Bird to Curran, Short ball down the leg side, Curran goes for a pull but misses. |
| 118.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Cummins brings out the slower bouncer at 120.8 clicks, takes ages to come to Cook who shapes for the pull but rightly opts out of it. |
| 118.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish ball, pulled towards the square leg region. |
| There are two men close to the square leg region. One is standing in front and one is standing behind. Interesting field placement. |
| 118.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, On a length in the probing channel around off, Cook pats it to cover region. |
| 118.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 118.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish ball, Cook again pulls it and the ball rolls to the square leg region. The man in who is standing in front goes to his left to stop it. |
| 118.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length ball around the rib-cage area, tucked nicely to square leg. |
| Hazlewood returns for a bowl. |
| 119.1 : J Hazlewood to Curran, Ooh... peach! Length delivery just outside off, Curran strides forward nicely to block it but gets beaten. That would have been a perfect defensive stroke but he didn't read the line quickly. |
| 119.2 : J Hazlewood to Curran, On a length outside off, pushed off the front foot to the off side. |
| Australia are confident that they have got their man and hence take the DRS! It is regarding a caught behind decision. Is there a nick? |
| 119.3 : J Hazlewood to Curran, OUT! Yes, there is a nick and the Australians have got their man! Judicious use of the review from them. Probing line from Hazlewood. He bowls a back of a length ball in the corridor of uncertainty, Curran tries to defend it but seems to have got an outside edge. Paine collects it and goes up in an appeal. However, umpire Dharmasena shakes his head. Smith is really confident and takes the DRS immediately. Time for the replays. The Hot Spot shows a slight mark and t |
| Stuart Broad is the new man in. A bat-pad and leg gully in place for him. Short stuff is coming up.... |
| 119.4 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Short ball attacking the body, fended off towards leg gully. |
| 119.5 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Another appeal for a caught behind turned down. Shortish ball down the leg side, Broad moves inside the line and tries to play it across but misses it as Paine collects it. A shout follows but the umpire stays put. Smith is keen on it but doesn't get support from his teammates this time. The replays show there was daylight between bat and ball. |
| 119.6 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Oh no, that's a real nasty one! Hazlewood pounds the deck hard, Broad takes his eyes off the ball and tries to evade it but is hit on the left shoulder. The bowler gives a long stare to the batsman. That must have stung, hostile stuff. |
| 120.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, On a length outside off, pushed to mid off. |
| 120.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length outside off, punched nicely but can't beat short cover. |
| 120.3 : Pat Cummins to A Cook, Shortish delivery, pulled in front of square leg to rotate strike. |
| 120.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, The short stuff continues to Broad. He hops and drops it in front of the short leg fielder. |
| 120.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Short but angling down the leg side, Stuart moves inside the line and misses his tuck. |
| 120.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Another bouncer but it's well outside off, Broad hops and then ducks under it awkwardly but survives which is the important thing for England. |
| 121.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Hard to understand why Cook has taken the single on the first ball of the over. Hangs back and taps it towards mid on to get across to the other end. Broad has been struggling and he has been exposed now. |
| 121.2 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Bouncer on middle, Broad pulls it away to the fielder at mid-wicket. |
| 121.3 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Broad is off the mark! Shortish ball, well outside off. That allows him to free his arms and place it through point for a single. |
| 121.4 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Back of a length ball on leg stump, Cook tucks it to the square leg region to rotate strike. England's lead touches 50. |
| 121.5 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Another short ball but it is down the leg side, Broad points his bat skywards to leave it alone. |
| 121.6 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Broad hops and nudges it to square leg. Strangely, Cook agrees to take the single. |
| 122.1 : Pat Cummins to Broad, FOUR! How do you explain that shot? That was really funny. Cummins angles in a shortish delivery from around the wicket and aims at Broad's body. He backs away and manages to ramp it over the slip fielder to pick up a boundary. He didn't intend to play it that fine but somehow succeeds. |
| 122.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Another bouncer, angling down leg. Broad goes for a pull but misses. |
| 122.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Tests him with another short ball. Broad is up for it and defends it on the bounce to short leg. Cummins should go for a full and fast yorker as the batsman is backing away so much. |
| 122.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, The barrage of short balls continue, Broad attempts a pull but gets beaten. |
| 122.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Tries to strangle it down the leg side, played defensively towards short leg. |
| 122.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, 6th short ball of the over, this one is down the leg side. Broad misses his pull and Paine collects it on the bounce. |
| 123.1 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Cook yet again takes a run on the first ball of the over. Tucks it through backward square leg. Runs hard for the single but the second one is not on offer. |
| 123.2 : Hazlewood to S Broad, FOUR! Broad is entertaining the crowd. Bouncer on middle, shoots off the deck. Broad has his feet up in the air as he attempts a pull but top edges it over the keeper to find the ropes. |
| 123.3 : J Hazlewood to Broad, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 123.4 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Shortish delivery, kept out to point for a run. The Barmy Army claps for him. |
| Mark Nicholas makes a good point on air. Broad can be a tough customer to deal with when he settles down. He is adding some handy runs and hanging around with Cook. However, Broad needs to be careful against the short stuff as he has been hit on his shoulder once. |
| 123.5 : J Hazlewood to Cook, On a length on middle, kept out solidly. |
| 123.6 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, FOUR! Pure class! Good length ball around off, Cook stands tall and caresses it through covers for a glorious boundary. Moves into the 190s. |
| Nathan Lyon returns for a bowl. Can he break this partnership? |
| 124.1 : N Lyon to Broad, A huge appeal for an LBW denied! Floated around off, drifting in. Broad goes for a paddle sweep but seems to have missed it to wear it on the pads. Australians appeal loudly but it is turned down by the umpire. Warner from backward point tells his skipper to not take the review. Nice judgement as the replays show there was a clear inside edge. |
| 124.2 : N Lyon to Broad, Fullish delivery, eased to covers. |
| 124.3 : N Lyon to Broad, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 124.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Floated in line of the stumps, Broad connects with the paddle sweep this time. Smith anticipates it nicely as he moves towards it from first slip but the ball goes past him towards fine leg. A run taken. |
| 124.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Leans ahead and taps it to covers. |
| 124.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Another front foot push that goes towards covers but straight to the man. |
| 125.1 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Good thing for England as Broad pulls the short ball to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 125.2 : J Hazlewood to Cook, Fullish ball around off, Alastair drives it straight to the man at covers. |
| 125.3 : J Hazlewood to Cook, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 125.4 : J Hazlewood to A Cook, Short ball, sits up nicely for Cook. Pulled all along the ground through backward square leg to rotate strike. |
| Tim Paine goes all the way towards the other end to have a word with Hazlewood. What was it about? |
| 125.5 : J Hazlewood to Broad, Ooh.. prodigious movement! Hazlewood goes wide of the crease and angles in a low full toss from outside leg stump. Broad falls over a bit but manages to leave it. |
| 125.6 : J Hazlewood to Broad, FOUR! These are handy runs for England. Broad is throwing his bat around and it is working. Fuller in length but it is well outside off, Broad flays at it and gets it through backward point to find the fence. |
| 126.1 : N Lyon to Cook, FOUR! Picks his spot to perfection! He has mixed caution with aggression to great effect today. Skips down the track to the tossed up delivery and times his loft nicely over mid on to pick up a boundary. Moves to 195 with that. |
| 126.2 : N Lyon to Cook, A fraction short on middle, defended down the track. |
| 126.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Full ball on middle, eased to mid on to rotate strike. Cook walks back to Broad and shares some words with him. The talk will be to play sensibly. |
| 126.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Broad fancies the paddle sweep and executes it well to fine leg for a single. |
| 126.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Around off, pushed to cover-point for a single. Cook is on 197 now. Can Broad survive on the last delivery? |
| 126.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Yes, he does. Leans ahead to the full ball and smothers it down. |
| Drinks taken! Final 20 overs remaining in the day. Cook is just 3 short of a double ton. The lead is 79 now. How many can England add? Let's wait and find out... There is a bowling change, Jackson Bird comes on to bowl. |
| 127.1 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller in length and just outside off, Alastair pushes it down to mid off and Broad is ready to take the single. |
| 127.2 : J Bird to Broad, Good length delivery outside off, Broad taps it towards the right of backward point and hustles through to the other end. |
| 127.3 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller in length and on the stumps, Cook bunts it with a full face of the bat, straight to mid on. |
| 127.4 : J Bird to A Cook, FOUR! A glorious drive! Sensational shot to reach to a double ton! Class act from Cook! He becomes the first player to score two double hundreds in Australia. This is his 5th overall! Masterclass innings and this shall be remembered for a very, very long time. Bird keeps it full on the stumps, Alastair presses forward a touch and just checks his drive. Gets it off the middle of the bat and away she races for a boundary towards long on. Takes the helmet off, is a bit emo |
| 127.5 : J Bird to A Cook, Short on middle and leg, pulled towards fine leg for a single. |
| 127.6 : J Bird to Broad, Shortish again and outside off, Stuart with an open face bat dabs it down to third man. The ball slows down near the boundary rope as the batsmen complete three. |
| 128.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Tossed up ball around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 128.2 : N Lyon to Broad, Loops it up outside off, Broad lunges forward in defense. |
| 128.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Fuller on the stumps, SB dead bats it. |
| 128.4 : N Lyon to Broad, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 128.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Flighted ball, wide outside off, it spins further away. Broad looks to go after it but then doesn't leaves it alone. |
| 128.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Gets behind the line and blocks it out gently. |
| 129.1 : J Bird to Cook, Fuller in length and angling in, Cook gets across and clips it with timing through square leg. The ball goes in the deep and slows down just near the fence. What's with the outfield here? Only a couple taken. |
| 129.2 : J Bird to Cook, Length delivery outside off, placed through cover for a single. |
| 129.3 : J Bird to Broad, Hangs back to this length ball and defends it back down the ground. |
| 129.4 : J Bird to Broad, FOUR! Will it reach a boundary this time? Yes, it does! Bird drops it on a length outside off, Broad makes room and flays it through extra cover. This time the batsmen continue to run hard, keeping in mind that the ball might stop again. It crosses the fence, a boundary results. Tell you what, 50-run stand is up as well. |
| 129.5 : J Bird to Broad, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 129.6 : J Bird to Broad, Shortish on middle and leg, Broad pulls it down to fine leg and calls for two. Dives at the striker's end to get back in. The lead is 98 now! |
| 130.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Flighted ball on middle, jammed back to the bowler. |
| 130.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Makes a bit of room and pushed it towards cover. |
| 130.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Tossed ball delivery around middle. Cook bunts it back towards the bowler. |
| 130.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Outside off, pushed with an angled bat towards point. |
| 130.5 : N Lyon to A Cook, Pierces the gap again! The lead goes past the three-figure mark! The Barmy Army is right behind the pair. Floats it up on middle, Cook makes room and drives it through extra cover. Cummins from there gives it a chase but the batsmen complete three by then. |
| 130.6 : Lyon to Broad, SIX! That's gone the distance! Broad has nailed one down the ground! Lyon flights it on the stumps, Stuart clears his front leg and just swings across the line. Gets enough behind the shot as the ball sails over the long on fence for a biggie. |
| Pat Cummins is back on. |
| 131.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length delivery on middle, Cook half pulls it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 131.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Shortish on middle and off, Broad makes room and guides it through cover for another single. |
| 131.3 : Pat Cummins to Cook, This is now the highest score by a visiting batsman at the MCG! Cook goes past Viv Richards 208! Well done, Cooky! Good length ball, Cook clips it through wide mid on for a couple. |
| 131.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Back of a length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 131.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Short ball outside off, Broad goes for a cut but misses. |
| 131.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, FOUR! Runs are flowing for England. Back of a length on middle, Broad backs away and carves it over the leaping extra cover fielder to find the fence. |
| 132.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Fuller ball on middle, Cook prods forward and keeps it out. |
| 132.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Flat and outside off, pushed down to long off for one. |
| 132.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 132.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Turning away from a good length. pushed off the back foot towards point. |
| 132.5 : N Lyon to Broad, FOUR! How well has Broad timed this? Brilliant! A bit short and outside off, Stuart rocks back and punches it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary. He moves into the 40s. |
| 132.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter again, around middle and off, Broad digs it out back to the bowler. In the last 7 overs, England have scored 49 runs! |
| 133.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length, angling in on middle and leg, worked wide of long on for a single. |
| 133.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Back of a length delivery outside off, Broad backs away and then tries to play the upper cut but fails to get any wood on it. |
| 133.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Back of a length outside off, Stuart Broad once again backs away and hits it through cover-point for a single. |
| 133.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Short of a length delivery outside off, Alastair Cook cuts it square of the wicket on the off side. The man at deep point does the mop up job. A single taken. |
| 133.5 : Pat Cummins to S Broad, Backs away to this length delivery, ends up getting a thick inside edge on the pads. The balls rolls besides the pitch. Broad wanted a single but is sent back. |
| 133.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, On a length and just outside off, Broad swings ad misses. |
| 134.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Quicker and fuller around off, Cook defends it off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 134.2 : N Lyon to Cook, Darted in around middle and leg, nudged towards short mid-wicket. |
| 134.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Slanting in on middle, punched off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 134.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Fractionally short and outside off, Cook goes back and cuts it towards deep backward point for three this time. Had it been WACA or Gabba, Lyon would have gotten the extra bounce that could have induced an edge but not here, says Clarke on air. |
| 134.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Gets down low and sweeps it from outside off to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 134.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Darted on the pads, whipped away towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. The partnership moves to 84! |
| Broad pulls out at the very last moment. Cummins comes running in and just when he was about to deliver, the bird comes in the eye line of the batsman which is why he backs out... |
| 135.1 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Fuller and arrows it in on middle, Broad tucks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 135.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish outside off, Cook off the back foot punches it towards mid off for a single. |
| 135.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Good length delivery, angling on the leg stump, at 118.7 kph, Broad hops across to flick but misses. The ball just goes past the leg stump. |
| 135.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Length ball, served outside off, Broad cuts it hard but the man at point dives to his right to make a half stop. Still couldn't prevent the single. |
| 135.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Hangs back in the crease and shows a straight bat. |
| 135.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Shortish delivery outside off, steered past point for a single. |
| 'Have Australia already accepted defeat?' asks an irritated Milind. He is not quite happy with the fact that Smith has kept a defensive field. Actually he has a point. The partnership has gone past the 100-mark but Smith seems to be running out of ideas. Nothing much on the pitch, not much bounce, no turn and the bowlers are visibly struggling. Amidst all this, it seems like he is letting the game drift by conceding easy singles. Given the way the Aussies have played in 2017, whenever they have |
| Slip moves to leg gully now... |
| 136.1 : N Lyon to Cook, Drops it short and outside off, Cook cracks it through point. The ball doesn't go all the way to the boundary as Marsh retrieves it. Three runs taken. This is now the highest 9th wicket partnership for England at the MCG! |
| 136.2 : N Lyon to Broad, Tossed up outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 136.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Around middle and off, Broad paddle sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 136.4 : N Lyon to Cook, Flatter one on the pads, clipped towards the on side. They look for the single but then decide against it. |
| 136.5 : N Lyon to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 136.6 : N Lyon to Cook, Darted on the pads, clipped towards backward square leg where the fielder dives to stop it. |
| 137.1 : Pat Cummins to Broad, FOUR! Beats the dive of the fielder in the deep and reaches his fifty! Well played Broad! He was tested with some short stuff when he walked in but now has played a class knock to take the game away from Australia. Shortish and angling in on the body, Broad clears his front leg and nails the pull to beat the two men in the deep, fine leg and deep square leg. A boundary results! |
| 137.2 : Pat Cummins to S Broad, FOUR! Now the 100-run stand comes up! No stopping Broad! Short ball, on middle and leg, Broad pulls it in the same region. Lyon at deep square leg comes in a few steps but then seems to have misjudged it completely. The ball flies over his head and it's another boundary to Stuart. |
| 137.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 137.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Short ball outside off, Broad looks to play the ramp shot but fails to get going. |
| Usman Khawaja has taken an excellent catch to dismiss Broad. But the umpire asks the batsman to wait to check the clarity of the catch. The soft signal is OUT! |
| 137.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, OUT! Broad is asked to walk off! But this could be really, really debatable! I will explain you why! Cummins bowls a short ball outside off, Broad goes for the upper cut but seems to have mistimed it. The ball goes high up in the and Usman Khawaja from third man calls for it. He comes sprinting in and then at the very last minute, dives forward to take it inches above the ground. He claims that he has taken it but umpire Dharmasena refers it upstairs but gives the so |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 137.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 138.1 : N Lyon to Cook, No run. |
| 138.2 : N Lyon to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 138.3 : N Lyon to Cook, Flatter one around off, punched down to long off for a single. |
| 138.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, Hangs back and keeps it out on the off side. |
| 138.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, Anderson leans forward and blocks it out into the ground. |
| 138.6 : N Lyon to Anderson, Takes a stride forward and blocks it out. |
| 139.1 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length ball outside off, pushed straight to the short cover fielder. |
| 139.2 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Good length delivery on the pads, clipped towards the leg side. |
| Mark Nicholas makes a good point on air. He points out that with still around 20 minutes left, England might have well declared and have a crack at the Australians. This is a tough little phase and one in which the batsmen are on their toes. Have England missed a trick? Or are they doing the right thing by scoring fluent runs? |
| 139.3 : Pat Cummins to A Cook, Shortish on middle, pulled towards deep square leg, dfoesn't run and understandably so. |
| 139.4 : Pat Cummins to Cook, Fuller outside off, stroked straight to mid off. |
| 139.5 : Pat Cummins to Cook, FOUR! Uppish but safe! Short and outside off, Cook waits for the ball to come and then at the very last moment dabs it away, it flies past a diving Khawaja at gully for a boundary to take the lead in excess of 150! |
| 139.6 : Pat Cummins to Cook, FOUR! This is better! Another short ball outside off, Cook goes after it and places it perfectly through point to find the fence. |
| 140.1 : N Lyon to Anderson, Floats it up outside off, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 140.2 : N Lyon to Anderson, Drops it short and outside off, Anderson goes back to cut but gets beaten due to the extra bounce. |
| 140.3 : N Lyon to Anderson, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 140.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, Flighted delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot towards the off side. |
| 140.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, Nicely presses forward and blocks it down. |
| 140.6 : N Lyon to Anderson, Tosses it up outside off, turning further away, Anderson lets it be. |
| Mitchell Marsh to bowl now. |
| 141.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Fuller in length and angling in on middle, Cook clips it towards deep square leg and refuses to run. The fielder in the deep throws it at the bowler's end but there is no one backing up. Cook still doesn't run on the overthrow. |
| 141.2 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length outside off, defended off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| If England do not get all out in this over, Australia will not be needed to bat tonight. Perhaps, the home side might wish that a wicket does not fall in this over. Around 11-12 minutes left for the close and with the changeover of the innings scheduled for 10 minutes, does not warranty enough time for the players to return on the field. |
| 141.3 : M Marsh to Cook, On a length and outside off, Cook defends it down. |
| 141.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Pitches it up on off, driven straight to the cover fielder. |
| 141.5 : Marsh to A Cook, FOUR! Slashes and slashes hard at it! Marsh bowls it short and offers a bit of width, Cook goes hard at it. Gets a thick edge which flies past gully to the third man fence for a boundary. |
| Huge cheers from the crowd. It knows that Australia will not come to bat tonight now. Though, it will hope that they get this last wicket as soon as they can! |
| 141.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Fullish length delivery on off, driven straight to mid off. |
| Jackson Bird comes back to bowl. |
| 142.1 : J Bird to Anderson, Fuller and angling in on middle, worked towards mid on. |
| 142.2 : J Bird to Anderson, Good length delivery, angling in on middle, blocked back to the bowler. |
| 142.3 : J Bird to Anderson, On a length and outside off, comes slowly off the deck. Anderson pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 142.4 : J Bird to J Anderson, A cry for an LBW, not given! Fuller in length and coming back in on middle, Anderson looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Maybe, he got an inside edge and hence the umpire stays put to the appeal. Hot Spot confirms the same. |
| 142.5 : J Bird to Anderson, Slower one, angling down leg, Anderson hops across to tuck it away but misses. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 142.6 : J Bird to Anderson, Gets a good round of applause does Anderson as he keeps this length ball out towards cover off the front foot. |
| 143.1 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length delivery on middle, Cook tucks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 143.2 : M Marsh to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook bends his back leg and cuts it late towards third man. Doesn't run! |
| 143.3 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length, just outside off, punched off the middle but straight to short cover. |
| Just three balls remaining. Can Cook see off the day? |
| 143.4 : M Marsh to Cook, Length delivery, angling in, kept out off the front foot towards cover. |
| 143.5 : M Marsh to Cook, FOUR! Superb shot! Fuller in length and just outside off, Cook leans ahead and drives it elegantly between extra cover and mid off to pick up a boundary. |
| 143.6 : M Marsh to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Alastair Cook takes a stride forward and drives it towards the fielder at mid off to end the day. STUMPS on day 3, England lead by 164 runs! |
| England's day by a mile. The Australian players walk up to Cook to congratulate him for his outstanding effort. Wouldn't be wrong to say, it's Alastair Cook's day. What an innings! Sheer grit, determination, loads of concentration, you just name it, this innings had it all in sync! He batted the whole day, starting with Root and now is on course to carry his bat, with an unbeaten 244. He tumbled a few records in this marathon innings and has put his side in a commanding position now. |
| Not to forget Stuart Broad's heroics. He was given some chin music when the Aussies had their tails up at the start of the final session after the departure of Curran. It seemed like they will bowl the visitors out and restrict the lead under 50, but boy, Broad had other ideas. Once he got his eye in, he just took the attack to the opposition, scoring vital 56 runs at a strike rate of over 88. The partnership between Broad and Cook was worth 100 runs before a debatable catch from Khawaja came in |
| Australia were made to toil hard. They began the day on the right note by bowling tight lines and picking up wickets at regular intervals. Hazlewood and Cummins really bent their backs while Lyon extracted enough off the surface but they all wilted and looked hapless once Broad and Cook settled in. Has the game slipped away from them? By the looks of things, one would feel yes but who knows if they can prove this wrong? If they wrap things up quickly tomorrow and then, if they get a start just l |
| The surface is slowing down considerably but there aren't any demons as such on it. The bowlers would have their task cut out and will have to bowl out of their skins to force a result. Will we see the English bowlers bowling with the same amount of venom with which they did in the first innings? Or will the hosts thrive under pressure? We shall find out on Day 4. Don't forget to join us at 1030 Local (2330 GMT, previous day) to catch all the action. Until then, goodbye and cheers! |
| ... Day 4, Session 1 ... |
| Hello people, welcome to the fourth day's play! After an extraordinary batting display from Alastair Cook, who is still unbeaten on 244, England are in a formidable position to register a win at the MCG. With a massive lead of 164 runs in the kitty, will they declare overnight? Or will they want the hosts to bowl them out? Either way, Australia for the first time in the series are feeling the heat. They have their task cut out and it would require a huge effort on their part to overhaul this. |
| We all know, the hosts tend to bring out their best when the odds are stacked against them. With nothing really threatening on the pitch, all batsmen need to do is apply themselves out there. So, what do we have in store? A meek surrender? A remarkable fightback? Also, the weather forecast for the day isn't promising as showers are predicted throughout. Let's hope for the best. Stay with us as the action is about to start... |
| The good thing is that, the rain that was around a while back has subsided for now and we are set to get rolling. The conditions are highly overcast and it is expected to stay the same for the rest of the day. Let's not think about it for now. England haven't declared. The overnight batsmen Alastair Cook and James Anderson will resume their innings. Australia to begin with Pat Cummins first. Anderson on strike. A slip, leg slip and a short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 144.1 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, OUT! Gone first ball! They came and they are going now. Didn't even let me open my eyes! Cummins from around the wicket comes running in and bangs in a short ball on middle and leg, Anderson tries to fend it away but all he manages is to do that straight to Cameron Bancroft at short leg who takes a smart catch. ENGLAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 491! |
| It took just one ball for Cummins to wrap things up this morning. Alastair Cook walks back to a huge standing ovation. A splendid innings from him as he carries the bat and holds the record for the highest score when someone has done that. A brilliant batting show from England as they have racked up a huge first innings total. Root on top did contribute but it was their tail that wagged this time around. Stuart Broad and Alastair Cook's 100-run stand remained the talking point on the day 3 which |
| Right then, with 6 full sessions to go, Australia will have to bat really well to keep the visitors at bay. The flat is still a good one to bat on but do they have it in them? They have proved it before and now will have to do it again. The conditions are a bit overcast and the pair of Anderson and Broad would be licking their lips. Will we see Warner coming out all guns blazing? Don't go anywhere as the Aussie openers will be out in a very short while... |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson hurls a length delivery from over the wicker, gets it to move away a shade, Bancroft shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, On a length and just outside off, good lines from Anderson as Cameron makes a watchful leave. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Another length delivery, with a hint of away movement, CB decides to shoulder his arms again. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller and angling in this time, Bancroft moves a touch across and defends it towards mid on. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Bancroft works it off the pads. Gets it off the inside edge down to fine leg to open his account. Australia are away. |
| The Barmy Army is on top of their voices and are seen singing in the stands. What is good to see is that the England skipper, Joe Root is singing along with them... |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Warner, That stayed a bit low! On a good length and on the stumps, Warner crouches low and keeps it out back to the bowler. Excellent first over. |
| Stuart Broad to share the new cherry with Anderson. Two slips and good to see a bat-pad in place who is a bit deep. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Beautiful delivery to begin with! On a length and just around off, in that probing channel, Bancroft presses forward to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Angling in from around middle and leg, Cameron shuffles across to keep it out with a straight bat. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Broad goes fuller, angling in on middle, the batsman tries to push it back but gets it off the inner half back to Broad. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Bumper but it's down the leg side, Bancroft moves inside the line to leave it alone. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Another bouncer but the line is again down the leg side, left alone without much fuss. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length delivery, sprayed a bit wider outside off, shouldered arms to. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Angling away from a length outside off, Warner takes his time as he watches it pass. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Another watchful leave! Slanting away from a good length, David lifts his bat to make an assured leave. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length ball on the stumps, Warner hops and tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Warner is off the mark as well! A bit shorter on middle, David hops and tucks it with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a quick single. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Shortish ball, angling in on the body, Cameron is quick to duck under it. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller in length and angling in on middle, Bancroft leans forward to push it away but gets it off the outer half towards cover. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Warner, Good length delivery, angling across, Warner taps it towards point and crosses for an easy single. |
| Good point from Clarke on air. He fails to understand the logic behind keeping a deep point. Warner just taps it away and scampers through. This is the perfect time to put pressure, you have got enough lead on the board so attack as much as you can. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Shortish delivery on middle and off, Bancroft initially tries to duck but then at the last moment rises on his toes to defend. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, FOUR! Shot! Broad goes short, doesn't rise much and Bancroft is up for the task. He swivels just a touch and goes bang over mid-wicket with a pull shot. No need to run for those. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, FOUR! Classical! We saw a few from Cook when he was batting and now this young lad shows us what he has got. After a short one, Broad pitches it up but it's too full. Bancroft leans ahead and with a straight bat he drives it down the ground for back-to-back boundaries. Pleasing to the eyes stuff! |
| Mid-wicket drops back to deep square leg. The weather has also become much brighter. Good signs! |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, Too straight from Broad, clipped nicely off the pads to fine leg for a single. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Warner, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Fuller in length and just outside off, stroked off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length delivery on middle and off, defended from within the crease. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! Nicely done by Warner! Anderson slants it away on a length outside off, Warner just opens the face of the bat to guide it between the gap at first slip and the gully fielder for a boundary. Seemed to have gone off the edge but he intended to play there. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Warner, A back foot punch! Stands tall to a length ball and punches it through the gap at cover. Two fielders give it a chase, Warner wants third but Bancroft is late to respond. Will have to settle for a couple. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Warner, David has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Warner shuffles across and clips it through mid-wicket. It's in the gap again and gets another couple. Good start for the Aussies. |
| An early change from Root. Broad is out and here comes Chris Woakes into the attack. |
| 5.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes begins with a short ball outside off, Bancroft punches it off the back foot through cover for a single. |
| 5.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Slants it away on a shorter length outside off, Warner taps it in front of cover, wants the single but won't get it. |
| A catching cover-point comes in place. A packed off side field for Warner. |
| 5.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length delivery on middle and leg, worked gently towards mid-wicket. |
| 5.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Angles it across the left-hander, Warner resists and makes a leave. |
| 5.5 : C Woakes to D Warner, Short of a length delivery, slanted across on the fourth stump line. Warner stands tall and fetches it from outside off to deep square leg for just a single. Was in complete control of that shot. |
| 5.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length delivery on middle, defended towards the on side off the back foot. |
| Double change. Root is giving short bursts to his bowlers it seems. Tom Curran into the attack now. Just a slip in place for him. |
| 6.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Good length delivery, angling away, Warner gets across and defends it down safely. |
| 6.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Length delivery on middle and leg, tucked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 6.3 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Shortish and angling in, Bancroft gets across and works it towards mid-wicket where the fielder makes a diving stop to save some runs. |
| 6.4 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Stands tall and punches it towards the point fielder. |
| A huge shout for a caught behind. Root at second slip says he has heard something. He talks to his keeper, nothing from the bowler. And the English skipper signals 'T'! Is there a nick? |
| 6.5 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, NOT OUT! Nothing on Hot Spot neither on Snicko! England waste a review! Curran bowls it short and keeps it outside off, Bancroft tries to cut it through the line but seems to have missed it as the ball goes into the gloves off the keeper. An appeal from Root who is at second slip but umpire S Ravi shakes his head. After a while, Root takes the DRS as he feels he heard something. Hot Spot shows nothing while there is no spike on Snicko either. Joe walks towards the um |
| 6.6 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 7.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Shortish and outside off, Warner stays leg side and looks to punch but mistimes it towards short cover. |
| 7.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Is right behind the line to this length ball and defends it down. |
| 7.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Good shot! Back of a length delivery, wider on off, punched off the back foot but straight to the man at extra cover. Warner yells, WAIT ON! |
| 7.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Takes a stride forward and mistimes his drive towards mid off. |
| 7.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length delivery, angling away outside off, defended from within the crease. |
| 7.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Sprayed wider outside off, Warner is happy to leave it alone. A maiden for Woakes. |
| 8.1 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Just over the stumps! That was mighty close! Curran bowls an inswinger, a bit shorter in length and it doesn't rise much. Bancroft crouches low to defend but gets a bottom edge which bounces and then just goes over the top of the stumps. So, so close. |
| 8.2 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, This one nearly kisses the off pole! Curran is bowling superbly here. He lands it on a fuller length, just outside off, Bancroft plants his front foot across before shoulders his arms. The ball nips back in sharply and goes just, just past the off pole. A brave leave? |
| 8.3 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Another one on the money! Fires in a perfect yorker, tailing back in on middle, Cameron digs it out. |
| 8.4 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Fuller on middle, worked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 8.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 8.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, 1 run. |
| 9.1 : C Woakes to Warner, No run. |
| 0.0 : Another good point on air being made, this time by Ian Healy. He discusses that on the last ball of the previous over, Warner usually would have gone for the square cut as it was short and on the fourth stump line but since the field was packed on the off side, he tried to pull it across the line. It went off the inside edge and with the pitch not being a true one, this isn't an ideal stroke to play. |
| 9.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller on off, Warner eases it towards the cover region. |
| 9.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, Pitches it right up there outside off, David Warner drives it again but this time he finds mid off. |
| 9.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 9.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Finds the man again! Fuller in length and outside off, driven nicely but once again finds the man at cover. |
| 9.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Another one straight to the man! This will frustrate Warner! He once again leans ahead to a fuller ball and drives it well but to no avail. |
| 10.1 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Ahead of a length and outside off, punched off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 10.2 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Short of a length delivery outside off, Cameron Bancroft stands tall and hits it through cover-point. The fielder from point hares after it to stop a run for his side. |
| 10.3 : Tom Curran to D Warner, Very full on off, jammed out towards mid off. |
| 10.4 : Tom Curran to D Warner, On middle and leg, worked towards the fielder at mid on for nothing. |
| 10.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Good length delivery, just outside off, defended solidly. |
| 10.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Good stop from Broad! Fuller in length and outside off, Warner lens forward and drives it towards mid off. Broad there dives full length to his left to stop it from crossing the fence. Only a single taken. |
| 11.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Short and served a bit wide outside off, a back foot punch towards cover. |
| 0.0 : There was a discussion going on between the overs. Anderson, Broad and Root went to the umpire and showed the ball to him as they had some issue with it. A chunk from one side was seen coming out but the umpire feels it is still good enough to continue... |
| 11.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner looks to cut but chops it towards the off side. |
| 11.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, Inside edge on the pads! Good delivery! Woakes hurls it on a length, this one curls back in a bit, Warner sans any foot movement tries to push it away but gets an inside edge on the pads. Had he missed, could have been easily trapped in front. |
| 11.4 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 11.5 : C Woakes to D Warner, Confusion in the field and that allows Warner to take three! Woakes looks to bowl the yorker but it's a low full toss. David pushes it towards extra cover and calls for one. The man from extra cover moves to his left but then lets it be, thinking that Broad from mid off will stop. Both don't go after it and it goes through the gap. They take another couple. |
| 11.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Back of a length on middle, defended from within the crease. |
| 12.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, FOUR! Gets one through the cover region! This should calm Warner's nerves! Curran pitches it up outside off, Warner makes room and drills it through extra cover for a rocketing boundary. |
| 12.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Fuller in length and on middle, bunted down to mid on for one. |
| 12.3 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 12.4 : Tom Curran to C Bancroft, Bancroft leans forward and across and nudges it towards mid on. |
| 12.5 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, Fuller ball outside off, Bancroft presses forward and drives it through the gap at extra cover. Picks up a brace. |
| 12.6 : Tom Curran to Bancroft, FOUR! Lovely shot! We saw him playing one straight drive at the start and he does it again! This was even better. Curran keeps it full on the stumps, Bancroft is quick to bring his bat down and drive it back from where it came. Tom in his followthrough fails to stop it as the ball goes through his legs to the fence for a boundary. |
| Time for Drinks... |
| 13.1 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length outside off, Warner stays rooted to the crease and taps it to covers. |
| 13.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Well bowled! Yorker on middle, Warner is alert and does well to jam it out. |
| 13.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Fractionally overpitched around off, David drives it crisply towards extra cover. Says Wait On! to his partner. |
| 13.4 : C Woakes to D Warner, Similar length ball, similar shot, same result. |
| 13.5 : C Woakes to Warner, This is good bowling from Woakes. He keeps it full and attacks the stumps, Warner is equal to the task and digs it out on the track. |
| 13.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Another full ball around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| Time for spin. Moeen Ali comes into the attack. He has been off colour in this series so far but this track is providing assistance as we saw with Nathan Lyon. Can he strike? |
| 14.1 : M Ali to Bancroft, Starts off with a loosener down the leg side, Bancroft misses his flick. A good take from Paine behind the stumps. |
| 14.2 : M Ali to Bancroft, Floated delivery around off, Bancroft lunges forward in defense. |
| 14.3 : M Ali to Bancroft, Leans ahead and taps this one to mid on for a brisk single. |
| 14.4 : M Ali to Warner, Well bowled! Sliding in with the arm, Warner comes forward and strokes it to covers. |
| Ian Chappell makes a good point on air. Moeen Ali is not getting enough revs on the ball and as a result, he is not being able to cause problems for the batsmen. If you can't beat a batsman in flight, it will be difficult to pick up a wicket. |
| 14.5 : M Ali to Warner, Driven through mid off by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 14.6 : M Ali to Bancroft, Bancroft is nimble on his feet. Comes down the track and clips it to deepish mid on for a run. |
| 15.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 15.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Full length ball, angling in appreciably. Bancroft leans ahead and blocks it stoutly. |
| 15.3 : C Woakes to C Bancroft, FOUR! Beautiful stroke! Bancroft is playing positive cricket and it is working for him. Fractionally overpitched on middle, Bancroft clips it nonchalantly through wide mid on and away she whistles to the fence. |
| 15.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, OUT! Bowled 'em! Woakes is up and running. Look at the jubilation on his face! Bowls a good length ball around off, in the corridor of uncertainty and gets it to nip in a touch after pitching. Bancroft leans ahead tentatively and tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball then goes onto crash into the stumps. He was looking solid as compared to his first innings but fails to make it count. This is the fourth Australian batsman who has dragged i |
| Usman Khawaja comes out to bat. Second slip is standing pretty close. |
| 15.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 15.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Length ball angling across Khawaja who lets it go. |
| 16.1 : M Ali to Warner, Floated outside off, Warner plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 16.2 : M Ali to D Warner, Very full outside off, driven to deepish mid off for a run. |
| 16.3 : M Ali to Khawaja, Flat and quick outside off, punched off the back foot to covers. |
| 16.4 : M Ali to Khawaja, Drifting in towards Khawaja and stays a bit low. The batsman does well to block it. |
| 16.5 : M Ali to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 16.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, Drifting in once again, Khawaja does well to keep it out. A testing over from Ali. |
| James Anderson is back on. Good move from Root to bring his strike bowler on. |
| 17.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Overpitched outside off, eased off the front foot to mid off. |
| 17.2 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 17.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Shaping in substantially from outside off, Warner covers his off pole and makes a good leave. |
| 17.4 : J Anderson to Warner, That's a peach! Almost took the outside edge. He steams in from around the wicket and bowls a length delivery outside off, it is angling in initially but then shapes away after pitching. Warner has no option but to play at it and is beaten all ends up. |
| 17.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, tucked towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| Joe Root comes in the second slip position and a man at short mid-wicket now. |
| 17.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Length ball outside off, a solid front foot defense from Usman. |
| 18.1 : M Ali to Warner, Full ball on middle, Warner lunges forward in defense. |
| 18.2 : M Ali to Warner, Slower through the air outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 18.3 : M Ali to Warner, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 18.4 : M Ali to Khawaja, SIX! What a way to get off the mark! This is good intent from Khawaja. He skips down the track to the tossed up ball around off and lifts it over long off for a big maximum. The replays show that a young man in crowd took a scorcher of a catch. His friends are congratulating him and have big smiles on their faces. |
| 18.5 : M Ali to Khawaja, Full outside off, jammed to covers. |
| 18.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, FOUR! Khawaja is putting Ali is out of his rhythm. Excellent use of the field again as he drives it crisply through mid off for a glorious boundary. 11 from the over. |
| 19.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Fullish ball around off, Warner goes for a drive but gets it off the bottom half of the bat towards mid off. |
| 19.2 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length outside off, angling in, Warner makes an assured leave. |
| 19.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Full ball on off, patted back to the bowler. |
| 19.4 : J Anderson to Warner, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 19.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Full length ball on middle and leg, Warner keeps it out watchfully. |
| 19.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Fuller in length, attacking the stumps, kept out from within the crease. |
| Stuart Broad comes into the attack replacing Moeen Ali. Might have well stuck to Ali. You need to back your spinner, more so when he was looking in good rhythm earlier. A bad over shouldn't force a change. |
| 20.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, On a length just outside off, left alone. |
| 20.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, That's a brute of a delivery. Coming in initially with the angle on a length and then straightens after pitching to fox Khawaja. |
| 20.3 : S Broad to Khawaja, Full ball on leg stump, Usman tucks it through square leg for a run. |
| A man goes back to deep point for David Warner to cut off the boundaries. |
| 20.4 : S Broad to Warner, On a length in the zone of apprehension, Warner plants his front foot across and leaves it alone. |
| 20.5 : S Broad to D Warner, Fullish in length, a confident front foot push to mid off. |
| 20.6 : S Broad to Warner, Good lines from Broad. In the corridor of uncertainty, Warner makes a good leave. |
| 21.1 : J Anderson to Khawaja, OUT! Edged and gone! The strike bowler brings in the reward and England continue to remain on top. He is so good from around the wicket and it works for him. Bowls it on a good length around off, coming in with the natural angle but just when the ball pitches on the track, it seams away after that. Khawaja has no choice but to play at it and an outside edge is induced. Jonny Bairstow moves to his left and takes a regulation catch. |
| 0.0 : Steven Smith is the next man. He is in a purple patch with the bat and has scored 502 runs in this series so far. Can he play another substantial knock? |
| 21.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Brilliant bowling! On a length on off and middle, stays a bit low. Smith is alert and does well to keep it out. |
| 21.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length around off, pushed off the back foot to square leg. |
| 21.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Full ball outside off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 21.5 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length just outside off, Smith lets it go. |
| 21.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Length ball which keeps a bit low around off, Smith does well to block it. Excellent over from Anderson. |
| 22.1 : S Broad to Warner, No run. |
| 22.2 : S Broad to Warner, Length ball outside off, Warner leaves it alone. |
| 22.3 : S Broad to Warner, Overpitched outside off, pushed nicely off the front foot to mid off. |
| 22.4 : S Broad to D Warner, Similar delivery outside off, patted to extra cover. |
| 22.5 : S Broad to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.6 : S Broad to Warner, Length delivery outside off, angling in. Warner makes an assured leave. |
| 23.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Length delivery middle on leg, Smith tucks it around the corner for a single. |
| 23.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Fullish delivery, driven crisply to mid off. |
| 23.3 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length and leaving the right-hander, Smith hangs back and defends it solidly. |
| 23.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Very full on leg stumps, Smith does well to place it through backward square leg. Fine leg does the mopping up job and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 23.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| Michael Clarke makes a good point on air. He says that Smith is very good as he stays leg side of the ball to negotiate the deliveries that are coming in. There are a lot of batsmen who have trouble in negotiating that as they tend to fall over and get trapped on the pads. But Smith is an exception. |
| 23.6 : J Anderson to Warner, On a good length outside off, Warner leans ahead and taps it to covers. |
| 24.1 : S Broad to Smith, On a length around off, Smith hangs back and does well to defend it with soft hands. |
| 24.2 : S Broad to Smith, In the zone of apprehension, moves away a shade. Smith has it covered and makes a good leave. |
| 24.3 : S Broad to Smith, Overpitched on middle and leg, Smith digs it out to the man at mid on. |
| 24.4 : S Broad to Smith, Broad shortens his length and bowls in the corridor on off. Smith hops and keeps it out. |
| 24.5 : S Broad to Smith, Ooh... almost another wicket! Smith has to be careful. Broad is mixing it up really well. Bowls this on a length in the corridor of uncertainty and the ball holds its line. Smith expects it to move in and goes for an expansive drive but at the last moment, the ball seams away to whizz past the outside edge of his bat. That was so close. |
| 24.6 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Steven Smith rises with the bounce and answers it with a straight bat. That's LUNCH on day 4, Australia trail by 94 runs! |
| Another session which has been won by England! They continue to dominate the proceedings. Though they would have wanted their last wicket partnership to add some more runs but they wouldn't be complaining as their bowlers have come out and responded well. It was a change in tactics from Joe Root as he rotated his bowlers around and gave them short bursts which worked in his favour. |
| Warner and Bancroft started cautiously and it was the latter who started playing positively after getting a hang of the track. The right-hander failed to carry on though and was dismissed by Woakes - Another Australian batsman who chopped it on, the fourth to be precise. Khawaja at No. 3 showed intent but Anderson came back to send him packing with a beauty. The visitors are still ahead by 94 runs but the good thing for Australia is that their most reliable pair, Warner and Smith is battling it |
| ... Day 4, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. The conditions are overcast at the moment and the ball will move around. David Warner and Steven Smith to continue their innings. James Anderson to bowl first up after lunch. Here we go... |
| 25.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Good shot for no runs! Overpitched outside off, Warner crunches the drive but it goes straight to the man at mid off. |
| 25.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson steams in again and delivers a full ball around that probing off stump channel. Warner prods forward and blocks it. |
| 25.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson shortens his length, Warner gets behind the line of the ball and defends it solidly to covers. |
| 25.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length delivery in the zone of apprehension, leaving the southpaw after pitching. Warner points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 25.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Angling in sharply, pushed off the front foot to extra cover. |
| 25.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Sits deep in the crease to the length delivery and buries it into the track. |
| Stuart Broad to continue from the other end. A breeze is blowing across the ground. |
| 26.1 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Beautiful! Smith is such a treat to watch when he is in the zone. Shuffles a bit to the half volley and drives it crisply down the ground. No chance for mid off to cut it off and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 26.2 : S Broad to Smith, After getting hit for a boundary, Broad naturally shortens his length and keeps it outside off. Smith shuffles across and makes an assured leave. |
| 26.3 : S Broad to Smith, Similar length ball well outside off, shaping away a touch. Steven is in no mood to fiddle with it. |
| 26.4 : S Broad to Smith, Nice timing! Fullish ball outside off, Smith leans into it and just pushes it past extra cover for a run. Wants the second but it is not really on. |
| The field on the off side gets packed again as Warner is on strike. Broad switches his angle to around the wicket as well. |
| 26.5 : S Broad to D Warner, Well bowled! Very full on off, there is a bit of nibble in the air. Warner does well to dig it out towards deepish mid on and scurries across to the other end. |
| 26.6 : S Broad to Smith, Smith is looking in good touch now. Strides ahead just a touch and drives it sweetly to covers. |
| 27.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Angling in substantially on a length from outside off, Warner has it covered and tucks it defensively towards mid-wicket. |
| 27.2 : J Anderson to Warner, In the zone outside off, Warner knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 27.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Good length delivery on off, David plays it with soft hands to mid-wicket and shouts 'No' to his partner. |
| 27.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Short of a length ball in the zone of apprehension, Warner shuffles across and watches it sail through to the keeper. |
| 27.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson bangs the deck hard and bowls it around off. Warner rises with the bounce and taps it with an angled bat face to point. Anderson is bowling according to his field. |
| 27.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Warner knows that it will be difficult to pierce the packed off side field and hence, shuffles a touch. Works it to mid-wicket but won't get a run as a fielder is stationed there. A disciplined maiden from Anderson. |
| 28.1 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length ball wide outside off, pretty harmless. Smith leaves it alone. |
| 28.2 : S Broad to Smith, Similar length ball, shaping in from outside off. Smith hops and defends it stoutly towards covers. |
| 28.3 : S Broad to Smith, Length delivery in the fourth stump channel, shaping in a shade. Smith leans ahead and defends it with his bat close to his pad. |
| 28.4 : S Broad to Smith, Smith will be disappointed with that as a boundary was there for the taking. Low full toss outside off, Steven reaches out to it and times his push well but finds Malan in the point region. |
| 28.5 : S Broad to Smith, Full ball outside off, Smith drives it sweetly but once again finds Malan who dives to his right to make a good stop. |
| 28.6 : S Broad to Smith, Short of a length ball outside off, left alone by Steven. Consecutive maidens for England, good stuff from them. |
| 29.1 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length well outside off, angling in. Warner covers his sticks and allows it through safely. |
| 29.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Similar length ball in that probing off stump channel, David has it covered and blocks it solidly. He has been very watchful in this innings. |
| 29.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Oh.. that kept a bit low! On a length on off, Warner adjusts in the crease to keep it out watchfully. |
| 29.4 : J Anderson to Warner, On a drivable length outside off, Warner doesn't get tempted into a false stroke and once again remains circumspect in approach. |
| 29.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Well bowled and well played as well! Anderson goes wider of the crease and bowls a good length ball in the fourth stump channel. After pitching, the ball moves away a touch. Warner with an exaggerated shuffle defends it to the off side. This is what good bowlers do. They keep on mixing things up to keep batsmen on their toes. |
| 29.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length outside off, patted off the back foot to cover-point. |
| Tom Curran returns for a burst. |
| 30.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, On a length on off, Smith opts to stay back and keeps it out to mid-wicket. |
| 30.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Similar ball around off, Smith works it in front of square leg for a single. |
| 30.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner stays back and blocks it solidly. |
| The on-air commentators make a good comparison. The ball on which Khawaja departed, it came in initially and then nipped away. He didn't have his feet moving and was caught by surprise. In contrast, Warner in the previous over played out a similar ball with a lot of authority. He moved his back leg across and defends it solidly. Shows how important playing with the correct approach is. |
| 30.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 30.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Fuller in length, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 30.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Full length ball outside off, David shows good composure and allows it through. Fourth consecutive maiden. England building up pressure. |
| 31.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Beautifully bowled! Tailing in on middle, Smith plays it with soft hands to square leg. If he missed that, he would have been a candidate for an LBW. However, Smith rarely misses such deliveries, he is a class act. |
| 31.2 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 31.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Short of a length ball, shoots off the deck. Smith hops and tucks it towards mid on. |
| 31.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller in length around off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 31.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Runs coming after a long time! Back of a length outside off, Smith places it through point. The fielder hares after it and puts in a slide near the fence to keep the ball in play. Saves a run for his side. Huge cheer from the MCG crowd. |
| 31.6 : J Anderson to Warner, This is testing stuff from Anderson. Bowls a sharp short ball around the rib-cage area, Warner is caught in a tangle and fends it off through fine leg for a run. |
| 32.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Full ball outside off, Warner has his feet moving and pushes it to covers. |
| 32.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length outside off, skidding after pitching. Warner hops and lets it go. |
| 32.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Similar length ball, David stays deep in the crease to keep it out. |
| 32.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 32.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, On a length outside off, holding its line. Warner plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 32.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Slower ball on a full length outside off, Warner reads it well and makes an assured leave. England are back to bowling maidens. |
| Chris Woakes comes into the attack. |
| 33.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Straighter this time, on middle, Smith nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 33.2 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length well outside off, Warner has room to work with and pushes it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| It has gone pretty gloomy. Dhamasena looks a little concerned. Might be a bit of drizzle in the air. |
| 33.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Length delivery, angling in. Kept out off the back foot. |
| 33.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Good yorker from Woakes, Smith is sharp as a hawk and digs it out with utmost ease. |
| 33.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Short of a length around off, Steven Smith shuffles a bit and blocks it to short cover. |
| 33.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Straying on the pads, tucked to fine leg for a single. |
| 34.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Back of a length ball on middle, Smith rises with the bounce and tucks it away around the corner for a single. |
| 34.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Length delivery outside off, not changing its course. Warner makes an assured leave. |
| David Warner has gone into a defensive mode in this innings. He has played out 9 maidens so far, the most he has ever done. Don't know whether it is a correct ploy. Playing your natural game might be the way to go but let's see if Warner comes out on top. |
| 34.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 34.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Short of a length around off, negotiated nicely off the back foot. |
| 34.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Nicely disguised! Back of the hand slower ball outside off, Warner winds up for the cut but ends up chopping it to covers. |
| 34.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Angling into Warner who tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish delivery outside off, a hint of away shape on that. Smith leans ahead and strokes it to short cover. |
| 35.2 : C Woakes to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 35.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Short of a length ball outside off, Smith hangs back and punches it to short cover. |
| 35.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Woakes goes wider of the crease and angles in a length ball. Smith has it covered and blocks it solidly. |
| 35.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length delivery in line of the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 35.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish ball on off, Smith shuffles across and taps it to mid off. |
| 36.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, On a good length on leg stump, Warner hops and tucks it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 36.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Short of a length ball, defended solidly off the back foot to covers. |
| 1400 local time - Sadly, the drizzle has picked up now. Not threatening but enough to force the players out of the field. The weather forecast was not good for today and the rain has finally arrived. The radar shows that it will continue for a while but seems that the weather will clear up after that. The 22-yard strip has been covered. Let's keep our fingers crossed! |
| Australia wouldn't mind. Conditions are conducive for swing bowling and you have to be on your toes all the time. The hosts have only scored 16 from 68 balls post-lunch and it is especially Warner who has gone into a shell. Shows that it has been tough work for the batsmen. England, on the other hand, have been right on the money. They will hope that there is a resumption soon. They are in the driver's seat at the moment. Stay with us for more updates... |
| 1420 local time update - There is some good news, folks! It has stopped raining and the covers are coming off. Play is scheduled to resume at 1430 local time, provided the rain stays away. |
| We are back and so are the players on the field after a slight delay. Steven Smith on strike, Tom Curran to complete his pending over. Here he comes... |
| 36.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Starts off with a length delivery right on the money. It is swinging in appreciably. Smith hangs back and defends it stoutly. |
| 36.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Bowls it fuller outside off, tempting Smith to go for an audacious shot. He remains circumspect in approach and leans forward to push it to covers. |
| 36.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, On a good length around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 36.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, Shaping in substantially from a length, Smith sits deep in the crease and remains composed in his defense. |
| Chris Woakes to continue from the other end. |
| 37.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Woakes changes the angle and goes over the wicket. He angles it away on the fourth stump line, Warner has no qualms in leaving that one alone. |
| 37.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Once again, slants it away, this time on a back of a length, Warner defends it away from the body towards cover. |
| 37.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, Good ball! Woakes fires it full on the stumps, it's pretty full and a hint of it tailing back in. David Warner moves his leg out of the way and jams it back on the bounce towards the bowler. |
| 37.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Sprays it a touch wider outside off, Warner leans forward and pushes it gently towards cover. |
| 37.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Goes very full wide on off, Warner leans forward and across and bunts it towards the short cover fielder who dives to his right to make a stop. |
| 37.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Drags his length back, outside off, punched into the cover region. |
| 38.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Drops it on a back of a length does Curran, Steven Smith hangs back and with a full face of the bat he punches it towards cover. |
| 38.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Harmless ball, too wide outside off to make the Aussie skipper play at it. |
| 38.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Nice shot! Fuller in length outside off, Smith unfurls a textbook front foot defense towards the off side. Solid as a rock, says Bill Lawry on air. |
| 38.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Shortens his length now, served it outside off, SS stays back in defense. |
| 38.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Good change of pace! This lad has a good knack of doing this! Bowls the back of the hand delivery, Smith reads it late but does well to keep it out in the end. Bairstow walks up to the stumps and shares some words of wisdom with Smith. |
| 38.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 39.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Keeps it full outside off, a nice front foot defense on offer by Warner. |
| 0.0 : There is a discussion going on between Clarke and Healy on air that Root should keep a man at short cover. Playing the waiting game isn't an ideal deal here. Since Warner and Smith are happy to leave and defend, even if one of the deliveries just hold up or bounces a touch more, the extra man at cover will be in business... |
| 39.2 : C Woakes to Warner, In the channel outside off, shouldered arms to. |
| 39.3 : C Woakes to Warner, Bowls a pinpoint yorker on the stumps, Warner jams it out towards short mid-wicket. |
| 39.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Goes over the wicket and slants it away on a length outside off, Warner makes an easy leave. |
| 39.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Superb delivery from Woakes! Warner was searching for the ball. A yorker, tailing back in on the stumps, Warner is a bit late to bring his bat down. Gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball rolls besides the pitch. |
| 39.6 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 40.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Back of a length outside off, defended off the back foot gently. |
| 40.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fuller in length and outside off, Smith opens the bat face and pushes it towards Malan at point. |
| 40.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Good stop but couldn't prevent the single! Short and a bit wide outside off, Smith goes hard at it as he cuts it towards point. Malan stationed there dives to his left to half stop it. They scamper through for a brisk single. |
| 40.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, FOUR! That will certainly break the shackles! Curran pounds in a short ball, doesn't rise much. Warner with one leg up in the air, pulls it over mid-wicket. Didn't try to hit it hard just timed it well. Away she goes for a boundary. The crowd loves it! |
| 40.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Stays rock solid and taps it towards point. |
| 40.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 41.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Good stop, Anderson! Fuller in length and outside off, Smith leans forward and drives it nicely towards cover. Anderson at short cover puts in a dive to his left to take some pace off. Only a single taken. |
| 41.2 : C Woakes to Warner, In the channel outside off, David lifts his bat to make a leave. |
| 41.3 : C Woakes to Warner, In the air... well over a leaping Anderson at mid-wicket. Heart in mouth moment for Warner! No luck for England whatsoever! Fuller ball, angling in from middle, Warner gets across and tries to clip it square off the wicket on the leg side but closes the bat face early. Gets a leading edge and Anderson at short mid-wicket, backtracks and then leaps with his left hand up but the ball is well over his reach. It goes to the deep as the batsmen take three. |
| 41.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Very full, wide outside off, could have left that alone but Smith reaches out to that one. He square drives it behind point for takes a brace. |
| 41.5 : C Woakes to Smith, On a similar length and outside off, defended off the back foot. |
| 41.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Gets nicely forward and eases it towards cover. |
| 42.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length delivery on middle, Warner hops and tucks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Michael Clarke on air informs us something. He says the reason why these two are not going for runs is that, there is more rain on its way. So all they have to do is to see off this period. Which is a wise thing... |
| 42.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Length delivery outside off, defended from within the crease this time. |
| 42.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Switches the angle, goes over the wicket and angles it away on a fuller length. Defended down. |
| 42.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Tom Curran once again changes the angle and nearly gets the reward! He is keeping the batsman guessing here. Goes wide of the crease from around the wicket and bowls the back of the hand slower one. Warner winds up for a full-blooded pull but is undone by the slowness on the ball. Gets a thick inside edge on the back thigh pad as the ball falls short of the man at gully. |
| Catching cover in place now for Warner. |
| 42.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Another delivery, with no pace on it, Warner presses forward to defend but gets it off the outer half of the bat towards point. |
| 42.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Drops it on a shorter length outside off, punched off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 43.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller ball outside off, driven past cover for a single. |
| 43.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Bends his back knee and taps this length ball in front of point for a quick single. |
| 43.3 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Cracked it through with that strong bottom hand! Woakes goes wider of the crease and angles in a fuller ball on middle and off. Smith with no feet movement, relies more on his power this time. He packs a drive to split the gap between extra cover and mid off to pick up a boundary. |
| Root has some issue with the ball and he takes it to umpire S Ravi. The umpire has a look at it but feels there isn't any need to get it replaced... |
| 43.4 : C Woakes to Smith, And as expected! After getting hit for a boundary, Woakes drags his length back. Smith hangs back in defense. |
| 43.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, Steven Smith pats it towards the cover region. |
| 1502 Local time - And the rain is back at the MCG and this time it is heavier! The umpires call for the covers and ask the players to leave the field. Root walks up to umpire Kumar Dharmasena and has a chat, not sure what is it about. We will keep you posted as and when we get any update. In the meanwhile, you can switch tabs to catch some action from the ongoing first T20I between New Zealand and West Indies where the Windies are chasing a big target... |
| 1600 Local time - Unfortunately, the rain has set in and it doesn't seem that it is going to ease off soon. However, being positive is the way to go ahead in all walks of life. We are getting news that TEA has been taken. Let's hope for the best. |
| 1635 Local time - Michael Slater has an update for us from the MCG. He is standing under an umbrella and has a wide grin on his face. Contrasting to his expression, he informs us that things are looking really really gloomy and the rain has only got heavier. There are large puddles of water on the outfield and it has taken a considerable beating. The radar shows us that the largest wave of grey clouds is yet to arrive. The stands are more or less empty now. He ends by saying that there is a real |
| Michael Slater catches up with Darren Lehmann on the sidelines. The coach of the Australian team feels that the players are not going to come out today. Mentions that it has been a tough ask to bat in these conditions. States that England have bowled on one side of the wicket to Warner and that is why he has adopted a cautious approach. Reckons that they were probably 150 runs short in their first innings and have to bat really well this time around. Appreciates Smith for showing solid technique |
| 1710 Local time - The umpires are seen having an intense conversation with the groundsman. Meanwhile, Michael Slater informs us that Stumps can be pushed to 1830 local and if light permits, another half an hour of extra time is possible. However, the main concern is getting the outfield fit for play as there is still a lot of moisture around. Just as I am typing that, the drizzle has arrived again and up go the umbrellas. The body language of Kumar Dharmasena is uncertain. No official update fro |
| 1715 Local time update - After waiting for really, really long, the official word has come out - STUMPS ON DAY 4! Both the umpires S Ravi and Kumar Dharmasena walked out, inspected the conditions and have made the right decision to call it a day. With the way rain picked up, it never seemed like we will get to see any more action. Well, the inevitable has happened now and that is it for the day! The outfield has taken some serious beating but the Aussies wouldn't be complaining. |
| At lunch, the hosts were in a spot of bother with two wickets down but their senior men, David Warner and Steven Smith came to the rescue to keep the visitors at bay. Especially, the former who isn't known for playing such defensive cricket. He played out around 12 maidens and alongside his skipper, frustrated the English bowlers to an extent before it started pouring. What was shocking to see was the field placements from Root. He was happy to sit back and play the waiting game which didn't hel |
| Right then! A damp squib is what would be apt to sum up the day's end. The English bowlers were very disciplined today but failed to breach the defense of Warner and Smith. It will be interesting to see how they fare tomorrow. Australia are 61 runs behind and it would still require a massive effort on their part to save the blushes. Will they be able to dig in or will the Englishmen rip them apart? We have an early start tomorrow at 1000 Local (2300 GMT, previous day). Let's hope the weather hol |
| ... Day 5, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for the final day of the MCG Test. After England did all the hard work to put themselves into a commanding position, rain came into the picture and has hampered their chances of winning the game. However, there is a lot more to it than it seems. Australia's most reliable batsmen, David Warner and Steven Smith stood tall and played according to the situation to stitch a partnership which is worth 38 from 136 balls. The former has batted against his natural self and is fig |
| England, on the other hand, cannot lose this game from this position. Joe Root was a bit defensive with his tactics yesterday but in order to force a win, he needs to go all out today. They will be banking on the pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad to dismantle this partnership. If that happens, the visitors will sense an opening and the pressure might get the better of the Aussies. The good news is that, clear blue skies welcome us today and we have a thrilling finish on our hands. Let's ho |
| The sun is shining in all its glory over the MCG. David Warner and Steven Smith stride out with the bat. The English players and the umpires follow. Not a huge crowd in but it is expected to build up later. Chris Woakes steams in to finish his pending over. A slip, a gully and a catching cover in place. Here we go.... |
| 43.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Starts off with a good length ball on off, Smith gets right behind the line of the delivery and defends it stoutly. |
| James Anderson to bowl from the other end. A packed off side field in place for Warner again. |
| 44.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson from around the wicket begins with a length delivery well outside off, holding its line. Warner plants his front foot across to allow it through. |
| 44.2 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length, much closer to the off stump this time, Warner hangs back and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 44.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Back of a length ball outside off, shaping away a touch. Warner shuffles across and makes an assured leave. |
| Good field placement from Joe Root. Unlike yesterday when he kept a deep point, two players are placed today at the square on the off side region. A gully and backward point to be precise and there is a catching cover in place as well. |
| 44.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson goes fuller this time on off, David has his feet moving and defends it in a compact manner. |
| 44.5 : J Anderson to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 44.6 : J Anderson to Warner, First runs of the day! On a length outside off, Warner leans ahead and times his push beautifully through covers. Nicely done and he gets three to his name. |
| 45.1 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length outside off, angling away further. Warner points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 45.2 : C Woakes to Warner, Well played. Back of a length ball on middle, Warner rises on his toes to pull it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 45.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Woakes needs to bowl it closer. Hurls this one well outside off on a length and gets it to shape away further. Smith is not bothered to go for an expansive stroke. |
| Silly mid on in place for Smith. |
| 45.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Short of a length ball around off, Smith shuffles and blocks it solidly to covers. |
| 45.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, Mixes things up and bowls this fuller in the zone of apprehension, Smith drives it confidently to mid off. |
| 45.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Well bowled and well played! Swinging in from a length around off, Smith covers the line and eases it to mid off. |
| 46.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Angling in on a good length from outside off, Warner camps back and defends it with a high elbow. |
| 46.2 : J Anderson to D Warner, FOUR! Streaky runs! Anderson has won a mini battle here. Bowls a good length ball in the zone of apprehension, takes off a bit after pitching. Warner pushes at it tentatively and gets it off the outer half wide of the man at gully. The fielder gives a chase but only comes second best. |
| 46.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Attacking the stumps with a full length ball, Warner remains composed in his defense. |
| 46.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Anderson comes from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length outside off, Warner lets it go. |
| 46.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Fullish delivery around off, David mistimes his drive to short cover. |
| 46.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Confident from Warner. Leans ahead to the fullish delivery and strokes it with the angle to extra cover. |
| A man at silly mid off and silly mid on in place. Woakes will aim to bowl it a lot straighter. |
| 47.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Pitched right up there at the base of off stump, pushed crisply off the front foot to the off side. |
| 47.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Slower one from Woakes, at 117.7 clicks, Smith spots it correctly and blocks it to covers. |
| A bit of an issue with the sightscreen. It has been sorted and we are fine to go again. |
| 47.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length ball, much straighter on this occasion, Smith tucks it around the corner to rotate strike. |
| 47.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Woakes comes from around the wicket and hurls a delivery on a drivable length outside off. Warner isn't lured into the temptation and adopts a circumspect approach to let it go through. |
| 47.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Short of a length ball in the fifth stump channel, left alone. |
| 47.6 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length outside off, zips through after pitching. Warner comes forward and defends it solidly. |
| It has gone a bit overcast at the moment. The wind has picked up as well. |
| 48.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish delivery around off, Smith shuffles across and pushes it towards point. Is eager to take the single but Warner rightly sends him back. |
| 48.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length ball, pushed off the back foot towards cover-point. Smith says Wait On! |
| 48.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Was there an edge? Bill Lawry got really excited! He said got him! Then, exclaimed No. Back of a length outside off, a bit of away shape on that. Smith goes for a half hearted cut but seems to have missed it. Jonny Bairstow dives to his right and takes it. Has it taken it on the full? No, the replays show he grabbed in on the bounce. The Hot Spot also doesn't spot an edge. |
| 48.4 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 48.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Fullish in length, kept out watchfully. Bairstow is engaging the Barmy Army and they are responding well. |
| 48.6 : J Anderson to Smith, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 49.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length well outside off, played with an angled bat to gully. |
| 49.2 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length, played defensively to the leg side. |
| 49.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, Surprise ball from Woakes. Angles in a shortish one on off, Warner goes for the pull but mistimes it towards square leg. That one arrived slowly. |
| 49.4 : C Woakes to Warner, 26th Test fifty for David Warner! He has rose to the occasion and has battled it out. Slowest half century for the southpaw and it has come up in 161 balls. Shows how much committed he is for his team's cause. Back of a length ball outside off, cut away through backward point for a couple. He lifts his bat towards the crowd and sinks in all the applause. |
| There is a bit of drizzle in the air. However, the good thing is that the sun is also shining through. |
| 49.5 : C Woakes to Warner, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 49.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Fuller in length outside off, Warner doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 50.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length outside off, dabbed neatly to point for a run. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. Well played but they still have a lot more to do. |
| 50.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Driven through the covers by the batsman. |
| 50.3 : J Anderson to Warner, On a length on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 50.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Leans ahead to the fullish delivery and taps it to covers. |
| 50.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Angling in appreciably from a good length, Warner hangs back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 50.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Leaving the southpaw this time as he shoulders his arms to it. |
| There is a conference at the bowler's end. Four of the Englishmen are chatting about something. Stuart Broad has been called into the attack. Can he strike? There is a slip and silly mid off in place. |
| 51.1 : S Broad to Smith, A tad fullish in length, Smith pushes it towards mid off. |
| 51.2 : S Broad to Smith, In the air... but safe! Full delivery outside off, swinging away. Smith has his weight on the back foot and goes for an expansive drive. Ends up getting a thick outside edge that flies towards the man at gully but falls well short of him. Good bowling from Broad, he almost got his man there. |
| 51.3 : S Broad to Smith, Shaping in substantially from a length, Smith hangs back and buries into the track. |
| 51.4 : S Broad to Smith, In the channel outside off, Smith shuffles across to let it go through safely. |
| 51.5 : S Broad to Smith, On a drivable length, swinging away. This time Smith doesn't do anything ambitious. He just pushes it with soft hands to the cover region. |
| 51.6 : S Broad to Smith, This is good stuff from Broad. He bowls it full and it swings in from outside off. Smith comes forward and blocks it. Yesterday he was leaving a lot but today he is forced to play as the English bowlers are bowling much closer to the stumps. |
| 52.1 : J Anderson to Warner, Skill and experience from Anderson! Bowls an off-cutter on middle and leg, it grips off the surface. Warner is surprised and fends it down the track. |
| 52.2 : J Anderson to Warner, Length delivery in line of the stumps, kept out watchfully. |
| 52.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Warner checks his drive towards covers. |
| 52.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Well-directed bouncer! Anderson is really testing him. Bowls a sharp bouncer around off, Warner sways away from the line of the ball to evade it. |
| 52.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Short of a length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 52.6 : J Anderson to Warner, Overpitched outside off, driven crisply to the extra cover region but can't pierce the gap. Two maidens in a row. |
| 53.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full ball outside off, no nibble in the air. Smith makes a good leave. |
| 53.2 : S Broad to Smith, Fullish delivery outside off, Smith shuffles a bit and dead bats it. |
| 53.3 : S Broad to Smith, Shaping in appreciably from a good length, played with soft hands to short mid-wicket. |
| The on-air commentators make a good point on air. Joe Root needs to be a bit innovative with his captaincy to get results. Might as well get Dawid Malan into the attack. The batsmen might relax a bit and throw their wicket away. There are some rough patches outside the off stump of the left-hander which Malan can expose. |
| 53.4 : S Broad to Smith, Loses his radar this time, hurls this one wide outside off. Smith has nothing to do with it. |
| 53.5 : S Broad to Smith, Beautifully bowled! Full delivery, tailing in. Smith shuffles and keeps it out to the off side. |
| 53.6 : S Broad to Smith, Back of a length well outside off, Steven lets it go. Three consecutive maidens, 23 dots in a row. |
| It is not the one the commentators were talking about but a change nevertheless. Moeen Ali to roll his arm over now. |
| 54.1 : M Ali to Warner, Ali begins from around the wicket and bowls a flattish ball around off, Warner cuts it with the spin but finds backward point. |
| 54.2 : M Ali to Warner, Slower through the air, Warner leans forward confidently and drives it to deepish mid off for a single. |
| A leg slip and a bat pad for Steven Smith. |
| 54.3 : M Ali to Smith, Ooh... that was close! Slow through the air on middle, Smith is perhaps deceived in the flight as he attempts a clip to the leg side but gets a leading edge which safely rolls to point. A single taken. |
| 54.4 : M Ali to Warner, A fraction short this time, placed through cover-point for a run. |
| 54.5 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 54.6 : M Ali to Smith, Loops it up nicely around off, Smith lunges forward in defense. A good over from Ali. |
| 55.1 : S Broad to D Warner, Very full and well outside off, Warner leans ahead and carves it away through point for a single. |
| 55.2 : S Broad to Smith, So much of time for Smith to work it away. Short delivery which takes ages to arrive to Smith. He pulls it with ease through backward square leg for a run. |
| 55.3 : S Broad to Warner, Short of a length ball on middle, keeps a bit low. Warner does well to keep it out. |
| The groundsman comes out with a hammer. He is settling the bowler's landing area with that as it has scuffed up a bit. |
| 55.4 : S Broad to Warner, Fractionally overpitched outside off, stroked to sweeper cover for a single. |
| Mark Taylor on air makes a good point. There is a sweeper cover in place. He is not impressed with Joe Root's tactics. Rightly so as it is allowing Warner to drive balls in a controlled manner through the covers. If than man is brought in, it might play on the mind of Warner and he may go at the drives with hard hands which leads to a possibility of a false stroke. |
| 55.5 : S Broad to Smith, Goes for the slower ball but slips it down the leg side, Smith fails to glance it through. |
| 55.6 : S Broad to Smith, Full length around off, Smith times his drive sweetly to wide mid off for a run and will retain strike. |
| 56.1 : M Ali to S Smith, Low full toss on the pads, Smith whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 56.2 : M Ali to Warner, On a flatter trajectory, a bit of an extra bounce there. Warner plays a controlled cut shot to the backward point region. |
| 56.3 : M Ali to Warner, Waits for the ball to arrive and places it to the same region. |
| 56.4 : M Ali to Warner, Turn on this occasion! Around off, spinning away sharply. Warner plants his front foot across to allow it through. |
| 56.5 : M Ali to Warner, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 56.6 : M Ali to Warner, Drifting towards Warner who nudges it to square leg. |
| 57.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fullish delivery, angling in, eased off the inner half to mid on. |
| 57.2 : S Broad to Smith, Short of a length delivery, shaping in. Smith shuffles across his sticks and buries it into the track. |
| Moeen Ali has been bowling on a flatter trajectory. He needs to slow down his pace in order to get more purchase. Beating the batsman in flight is the way to go ahead. Over spin might prove to be better than side spin on a surface like this. |
| 57.3 : S Broad to Smith, Overpitched around off, Smith blocks it to covers. |
| Three catchers on the off side and they are standing pretty close. |
| 57.4 : S Broad to Smith, Very full delivery, Smith works it to deepish mid on. |
| 57.5 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery, angling in substantially. Smith has it covered and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 57.6 : S Broad to Smith, Uppish but safe! Back of a length ball, Smith fends it off towards square leg but is well wide of the man at square leg. |
| 58.1 : M Ali to D Warner, FOUR! Warner breaks the shackles! Slow through the air outside off, Warner gets to the pitch of the ball and takes it on the full. Drives it elegantly through covers to find the fence. Pretty much reminiscent of Alastiar's Cook's drives in this match. |
| 58.2 : M Ali to Warner, Back of a length delivery, stabbed off the back foot through covers for a run. |
| 58.3 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 58.4 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on middle and leg, wristed towards mid on. |
| 58.5 : M Ali to Smith, Quick and flat, blocked off the front foot to short leg. |
| 58.6 : M Ali to Smith, On a flatter trajectory outside off, kept out nicely. |
| Tom Curran comes into the attack. He has been good in this game, needs to bowl with the same amount of intensity. There is a plastic lying near the sightscreen and that is a bit of worry for the players. It has been taken away and we are fine to go again. |
| 59.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, Starts off with an off cutter outside off, Warner reads it well and lets it go. That was bowled at 103.1 clicks, the slowest the Curran has bowled in this match. |
| 59.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Good length ball on off, stays a bit low. Warner is solid as a rock and blocks it stoutly. |
| 59.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Similar length ball, shaping away this time. Warner keeps it out watchfully. |
| 59.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Shorter in length, no real venom on that as it is bowled at 113 clicks. Warner defends it with ease. |
| 59.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, Well bowled! Another off pace delivery at 105.1 clicks, Warner is early into his push and gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 59.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Shortish delivery around off, Warner has ample time to sway away from the line to evade it. |
| 60.1 : M Ali to Smith, Shortish delivery, turned around the corner for a single. |
| 60.2 : M Ali to Warner, Tossed up outside off on a fullish length, Warner clears his front leg and strokes it to covers. |
| 60.3 : M Ali to Warner, Loops it up nicely around off, smothered down the track. |
| 60.4 : M Ali to Warner, Ooh.. that skidded after pitching! On a shortish length around off, stays low. Warner goes deep in the crease to block it to the off side. |
| 60.5 : M Ali to Warner, Very full this time, jammed out to extra cover. |
| 60.6 : M Ali to D Warner, Floated on off, milked down to long off for a run. |
| 61.1 : Tom Curran to D Warner, FOUR! Brilliantly done! Shortish ball on off, Warner hops a bit and short-arm-jabs it in the gap between mid on and mid-wicket to pick up a boundary. Good timing on that, it raced off the bat. |
| 61.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of a length outside off, left alone. Warner has faced 200 balls now, he has been extremely patient in this knock. |
| 61.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Short of a length ball, tucked through square leg for a run. |
| 61.4 : Tom Curran to Warner, Too straight this time, tucked nicely through backward square leg. Moeen Ali in the deep has a lot of ground to cover and does well to keep it down to a couple. |
| 61.5 : Tom Curran to Warner, On a drivable length outside off, Warner plants his front foot across to allow it through. |
| 61.6 : Tom Curran to Warner, Well fielded! Overpitched around off, Warner drivers it crisply towards extra cover where the fielder dives to stop a certain boundary. |
| Drinks are on the field! David Warner and Steven Smith continue to play defensively and are proving to be quite successful. The pace bowlers are not getting much assistance from the track. Will the Australians continue to keep the visitors at bay or will we see England picking up a few quick wickets to bring life back into the game? |
| 62.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter and quicker through the air, down the leg side, Smith stays back and wears it on the pads. |
| 62.2 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter again and spinning down leg, worked off the back foot towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 62.3 : M Ali to Warner, Drops it short and outside off, Warner crunches it to deep point for a single. |
| 62.4 : M Ali to Smith, Pushed quicker through the air on middle, defended comfortably off the back foot. |
| 62.5 : M Ali to Smith, Flattish delivery on the stumps, kept out without much fuss off the back foot by Steven. |
| 62.6 : M Ali to Smith, Loops it up, wider outside off, Smith makes room to drive it towards the cover fielder. |
| 63.1 : Tom Curran to Warner, FOUR! Lovely placement! Fractionally full, it's outside off, Warner leans into it and with pure timing he caresses it through cover to beat the dive of the man there. Warner is upping the ante in the last couple of overs now. |
| 63.2 : Tom Curran to Warner, Sprays it wider outside of, Warner shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 63.3 : Tom Curran to Warner, Back of the hand delivery, on middle and leg, tapped towards short mid-wicket for a brisk single. |
| 63.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Another slower one from Curran, at 105.5 kph, Smith reads it early and presses forward to safely keep it out. |
| 63.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, That looped over Smith! Slower bumper on middle and off, it comes slowly off the surface as Smith just lets it sail over him to the keeper. |
| 63.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, Just a clip! Nicely timed! A bit too straight from Curran, drifting on the pads and Smith isn't missing out on those. He clips it behind square on the leg side. Seemed like a boundary but Woakes in the deep does extremely well to dive and save a run for his side. |
| Dawid Malan is introduced into the attack. Let's see if the leggie can do something on this flat deck... |
| 64.1 : D Malan to Smith, Malan pitches it around leg, it turns in with a bit of extra bounce. Smith leans forward to defend but the ball hits the higher part of the bat and safely dies down. |
| 64.2 : D Malan to Smith, Slower through the air on middle, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| Bring in a bat pad Root. The first ball of this over, we saw some extra bounce when Smith played one. A man at short leg could come into play... |
| 64.3 : D Malan to Warner, Loopy leg break outside off, Warner comes down the track and pushes it back to Malan. |
| 64.4 : D Malan to Warner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 64.5 : D Malan to Warner, Drops it a bit short on middle, Warner half pulls it but finds the man at short leg. |
| 64.6 : D Malan to D Warner, Another good stop in the deep by Woakes! He stopped one on the last ball of the previous over and does it again. Short and down the leg side, Warner pulls it down towards backward square leg. Chris in the deep does well again to save a run. |
| Chris Woakes comes back into the attack. |
| How good is Barmy Army? It's Joe Root's birthday and he turns 27 today. They offer a sweet gesture by singing a birthday song for him. The English skipper shows a thumbs up to the crowd. Such moments, I reckon makes this game of cricket even more better. |
| 65.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Back of a length delivery on middle, tucked behind square on the leg side for a couple. Warner is making a move on here. |
| 65.2 : C Woakes to Warner, FOUR! Easy peasy for Warner! Too full and too straight from Woakes, Warner works it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 65.3 : C Woakes to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 65.4 : C Woakes to Warner, Good length delivery, skidding a bit off the deck, David is right behind the line to answer this. |
| 65.5 : C Woakes to Warner, Gets it to curl back in a touch, Warner covers the line again to defend it back on the track. |
| 65.6 : C Woakes to Warner, Well bowled! Fuller and tailing back in, almost a yorker, Warner is quick to bring his bat down and keep it out. |
| 66.1 : D Malan to Smith, Floats it up around leg, Smith clears the front leg and whips it wide of the man at mid on for a single. |
| 0.0 : 1137 Local time - The players rush off the field as the annoying drizzle is back. It's pretty light informs Mark Nicholas on air but still it's enough to halt the proceedings. The covers are on and we are in for a bit of a delay... |
| 1140 Local time update - Was that even a delay? Wonder why did they ask the players to leave in the first place? It's bright again, the covers are off and both the umpires are walking back to the middle. Shouldn't be long before we get back to business. |
| And as expected, we are back. David Warner will be on strike, Malan to continue. The trail is just 5 now... |
| 66.2 : D Malan to Warner, Tosses it up outside off, a bit of bounce as the ball turns back in. Warner stays back and defends it down. |
| 66.3 : D Malan to Warner, Loops it up around middle, Warner takes a long stride forward and pushes it down to long on for a single. |
| 66.4 : D Malan to Smith, FOUR! That's a good shot to level the scores! Malan drops it short on leg, Smith waits for it and then swipes it on the turf to get it well over Cook at leg slip for a boundary towards fine leg. First boundary of the day for the Aussie skipper. |
| 66.5 : D Malan to Smith, Pitched outside leg, Smith prods forward in defense. |
| 66.6 : D Malan to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 67.1 : C Woakes to Warner, Tap and run! Australia are ahead! They are into the lead and the two class batsmen have raised the 100-run stand between them. Huge cheer from the crowd as well. Well done, Warner and Smith. Short and angling in from around off, Warner taps it in front of cover and calls through for one. |
| 67.2 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! No feet movement but still picks up a boundary! Smith stays leg side, Woakes fires it full and wide on off. Steven reaches out to that one and drives it through covers. Finds the gap and picks up his second boundary of the day. |
| 67.3 : C Woakes to Smith, An appeal but to no avail! Not a bad thinking from Woakes as Smith isn't too keen to move his feet around. So what Woakes does is, he angles in a fuller ball on middle and leg, Smith is late to bring his bat down and gets hit on the pads. The impact was on the leg stump and hence the appeal is paid no respect. |
| 67.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller in length and angling in, Smith covers the line this time to defend it down. |
| 67.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Gets across and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 67.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on middle, defended towards mid on. |
| 68.1 : D Malan to Warner, This one turns back in and bounces as well from the rough, Warner pushes it towards cover. |
| 68.2 : D Malan to Warner, Drops it short and outside off, David Warner rocks back and punches it towards cover. Unfortunately for him, he fails to beat the man at cover. The fielder there gets a hand to it and they take a single. |
| 68.3 : D Malan to Smith, On middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 68.4 : D Malan to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 68.5 : D Malan to Warner, Tosses it above the eyeline, Warner dances down the track and drives it towards the cover fielder. |
| 68.6 : D Malan to D Warner, Drops it short on leg, pulled straight to the man at square leg. |
| A change here. The skipper decides to bring himself on. Joe Root will be the one to roll his arm over. Can the birthday boy strike? |
| 69.1 : Joe Root to Smith, From round the wicket comes Root and tosses it up on off, eased towards mid off for a single. |
| 69.2 : Joe Root to Warner, OUT! Got him! Joe Root brings himself into the attack and strikes! That's a big wicket. He is all pumped up, the Barmy Army finds its voice again. Ladies and Gentlemen, David Warner has thrown it away. Root stays round the wicket and floats it up around the rough. The ball turns a touch and a puff of dust was seen coming off. Warner gets down on one knee to slog sweep it across the line but ends up miscuing it high up in the air on the off side. Shouts of Catch it from |
| Shaun Marsh is the new man in. |
| 69.3 : Joe Root to Marsh, Drifting in on middle, defended off the front foot. |
| Another halt in play. Alastair Cook calls for the helmet. Positions himself under the lid at the silly point region. |
| 69.4 : Joe Root to Marsh, Tossed up outside off, Shaun shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 69.5 : Joe Root to Marsh, Floated ball around middle and off, Marsh presses forward in defense. |
| 69.6 : Joe Root to Marsh, On middle and off, Marsh defends it into the ground. A successful over from the English skipper and he gets a huge applause from the crowd. |
| Good change! A wicket has fallen and Joe Root goes back to his strike bowler. James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 70.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Anderson from over the wicket, keeps it full on off, Smith comes forward and blocks. |
| 70.2 : J Anderson to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 70.3 : J Anderson to Smith, This one comes back in a bit from around off, Smith covers the line and deals with it. |
| 70.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Outside off, Smith leaves it alone. |
| 70.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller and tailing back in on middle, Smith crouches low and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 70.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Very full on the stumps, Steven Smith prods forward and blocks it out on the ground. A maiden to start the new spell. |
| 71.1 : Joe Root to Marsh, A lot of flight given by Root, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 71.2 : Joe Root to Marsh, Loopy delivery outside off, Marsh pushes it towards cover. |
| 71.3 : Joe Root to Marsh, Ouch! That's hit right on the box! Alastair Cook is the man at the receiving end! He is down, everyone has a laugh, except the man who cops one. Root bowls a full toss outside off, Marsh's eyes light up as he presses forward and smashes it hard. It hits Cook who is stationed at silly point. |
| 71.4 : Joe Root to Marsh, Leans forward and across to keep it down. |
| 71.5 : Joe Root to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 71.6 : Joe Root to Marsh, Floats it up on the stumps, Marhs comes down the track, isn't to the pitch of the ball and mistimes it back towards Root who stops it with his right hand. Joe Root is doing everything at the moment. He certainly has his tail up. |
| 72.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Smith coves the line and digs it out back to Anderson. |
| 72.2 : J Anderson to S Smith, Fuller again and tailing back in, Smith drives it towards cover where Malan makes a diving stop. |
| 72.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Moves to 49 does Smith! On middle and leg, worked through backward square leg for a single. |
| 72.4 : J Anderson to S Marsh, FOUR! Edgyyyy! Anderson slants it across the left-hander, it swings away late and Marsh gets squared up. He tentatively pokes at it and gets it off the outer half right between the slip cordon and the gully fielder for a streaky boundary. |
| 72.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Good ball! Slanting across again, on a fuller length outside off. Seemed like Marsh wanted to go after it at first but then bails out. |
| 72.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fullish outside off, Shaun Marsh pushes it straight to short cover. |
| Stuart Broad is brought in for a burst before lunch... |
| 73.1 : S Broad to Smith, Broad comes steaming in from over the wicket and hurls it outside off. It moves further away as Smith makes an easy leave. |
| 73.2 : S Broad to Smith, Broad bowls this very full on off, Smith leans across and square drives it towards cover-point. |
| 73.3 : S Broad to Smith, Bends forward and blocks it down gently. |
| 73.4 : S Broad to Smith, Very full and angling in on middle, Smith gets across and with a straight bat he blocks it back to the bowler. If he missed that, he would have been dead plumb. But then he rarely misses, that's the way he plays. |
| 73.5 : S Broad to Smith, A poky front foot defense on offer from the Aussie skipper. He is happy to defend it down. |
| 73.6 : S Broad to Smith, On a fuller length and hurled outside off, defended watchfully. |
| 74.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Good length delivery, with a hint of it curling back in. Marsh covers his sticks and defends it down safely. |
| 74.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, Another ball, dropped near the good length area, Marsh blocks it comfortably. |
| 74.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Angles it away from the southpaw, Marsh has it covered as he makes a weird leave through to the keeper. |
| 74.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, A bit too full on the stumps, Shaun digs it out towards the man at silly mid off. |
| 74.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Goes around the wicket and angles in a length delivery on the pads, Marsh walks across and clips it uppishly towards mid-wicket. |
| 74.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Sprayed wider outside off, easy leave for the southpaw. |
| 75.1 : S Broad to Smith, Arrows in a fuller ball from around off, Smith presses forward and defends it down watchfully. |
| 75.2 : S Broad to Smith, Attacks the stumps, Smith is up for the task as he shuffles a bit and nudges it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 75.3 : S Broad to Smith, It's fifty for Steven Peter Devereux Smith, his 23rd in Test cricket. It has taken him 151 balls to reach there. 4 hours he has spent at the crease, just incredible stuff from the best in the world. Shortish ball, takes ages to come and Smith just rolls his wrists on the pull as the ball goes towards fine leg for a single. Leading from the front is Steven! |
| A man is placed right near the square leg umpire... |
| 75.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length delivery on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 75.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller on the stumps, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 75.6 : S Broad to Marsh, OUT! Edged and that's a stunner from Jonny Bairstow! Stuart Broad removes Shaun Marsh and have a look at the joy on the faces of the England players. What were you doing Marsh? The lunch was around the corner and you could have just left it alone. Sigh! Got to feel for Steven Smith, he can't believe as he stands in disappointment at the other end. Broad from over the wicket, drops it on a length and gets the ball to seam away a touch. Shaun Marsh pokes at it and it is eno |
| England have roared back late but will be happy as they move into the dressing room. They will certainly sense a victory, wouldn't they? Their bowlers were kept at bay for a really long time as the overnight pair of Warner and Smith was happy to play the defensive game. The pitch showed no signs of breaking down and it seemed like Australia will easily dig in till lunch. |
| An inspiring bowling change did the trick for the visitors. Joe Root tried his luck and picked up a big wicket of Warner, who for the first time in the innings looked to play an attacking shot. And then as the saying goes, one wicket brings you another. He immediately brought his two strike bowlers back into the attack after Warner's dismissal and guess what? Broad removed Marsh on the last ball before lunch to make sure his side head into the break on the right note. To add to it, the second ne |
| Australia's hopes will be pinned heavily on Steven Smith now. The Aussie skipper has looked solid as a rock so far but he needs support. He has dealt with everything without much fuss but who will be the one to put his hand up to give him company? The batsmen who are next to come don't have enough experience and one would feel the writing is on the wall for the hosts. What's coming up next? Gritty cricket? Or an early finish? Join us back in a short while as this Test has spiced up again... |
| Australia would hope for more. Just when the players walked off for lunch, the rain appeared and the covers were on. The news coming in is that, more rain is on its way post the break... |
| ... Day 5, Session 2 ... |
| Well, scratch the previous update as it was a short shower and the weather has cleared up at the moment. The players are back on the field. Good news for England as no time has been lost. Mitchell Marsh joins Steven Smith at the crease. James Anderson to continue his spell. Here we go... |
| 76.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Anderson starts the session from round the wicket and slants it away on a fuller length outside off, Smith presses across and defends it down. |
| 76.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Very full and wider outside off, Smith has nothing to offer on that one. |
| 76.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery, sprayed wider again, Smith walks across before making an assured leave. |
| 76.4 : J Anderson to Smith, On a fuller length outside off, Smith leans into it to block it out. |
| 76.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Pitches it right up there, looking for the odd inswinger, nothing happening. Blocked again by SS. |
| 76.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Switches the angle for the last ball of the over and comes from over the wicket. He keeps it on a fuller length, in the probing line outside off. Smith comes forward to defend but the ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| Stuart Broad to continue the proceedings from the other end. Since Mitchell Marsh is someone who drives it ball hard down the ground. Root has placed himself at silly mid off, there is a man at silly mid on and also a short mid-wicket in place... |
| 77.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad as expected keeps it full on the stumps, Marsh defends it down safely. |
| 77.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length delivery, in the tight line outside off. A bit of movement away, left alone by Mitchell. |
| 77.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller and wider on off, no movement this time. Another leave from Marsh. |
| 77.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Beaten! Very well bowled! Scrambled seam delivery, just around that off stump line, Marsh comes forward to poke sans any feet movement. The ball jags away at the last moment and almost takes the outside edge of Marsh's bat. |
| 77.5 : Broad to Marsh, A loud shout for caught down the leg side! Not given by Dharmasena! Broad goes wide of the crease and angles it in on middle and leg, Marsh moves inside the line to clip it away and there is some sound as the ball passes the bat. Bairstow moves to his left to take it. They all appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Root thinks about taking the review but then decides against it. Replays shows the click sound was of the ball hitting the velcro strap of the pad. Good decision |
| 77.6 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 78.1 : J Anderson to Smith, On a shorter length and outside off, pushed off the back foot towards cover. |
| 78.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller ball, good stuff from Anderson. Smith crouches low to defend this down. |
| 78.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery, angling in on middle and leg, clipped with soft hands behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs. |
| 78.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Fuller ball on the off stump, Smith walks across and then brings his bat down very late to keep it out towards point. |
| 78.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery outside off, defended down watchfully from the crease. |
| 78.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Gets across to a fuller ball on the stumps and works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 79.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Broad keeps it in the channel outside off, Marsh takes a stride forward and defends it down with a high elbow. |
| 79.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Nearly... nearly for Broad! This one comes back in off the seam, Marsh is late in bringing his bat down as he defends it with his bottom hand off towards point. |
| 79.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Brings it back from around off, MM keeps his bat and pad close together in defense. |
| 79.4 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 79.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Did that carry? Broad's expression states it did! In fact it hasn't. Mitchell Marsh is looking really fidgety out there. Broad tempts him with a half volley outside off, Marsh goes chasing at it with hard hands. Gets a thick edge which dies just in front of Vince at gully. |
| 79.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Strays a bit down the leg side, Marsh tries to clip it away but gets it off the pads en route the keeper. |
| The second new ball is available now. There was a discussion going on between Root, Anderson and Broad and finally they decide to take it... |
| 80.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length delivery, coming back in with the angle, Smith hops and defends it back down the track. |
| 80.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery, curling away from outside off, Smith is happy to let it go. It doesn't carry to the keeper. |
| 80.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 80.4 : J Anderson to Smith, Smith is trying to go hard at the new ball, this is excite Anderson all the more. Jimmy keeps it full on off, Smith stays rooted inside the crease and drives it back with hard hands towards mid off. |
| 80.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Very full, attacking the stumps, right thing to do. Smith works it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 80.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 81.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery, in the channel outside off, Steven Smith shoulders his arms. |
| 81.2 : S Broad to Smith, Fullish delivery, but the line is close to the off stump. Smith looks to drive but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls back towards the bowler. |
| 81.3 : S Broad to Smith, Cracking sound but straight to the man! Here is another example of Smith going really hard on the new ball. Sees the fuller ball, it's on off, driven hard towards the mid off fielder. |
| 81.4 : S Broad to Smith, Tempts with a wider one, Smith isn't keen on going after it. Leaves it alone. |
| 81.5 : S Broad to S Smith, In the air... falls down safely! Hands on heads for Broad. He gets some extra zip off the surface, Smith looks to pull but half heartedly. The ball skews off the top edge and falls safely near the backward square leg region. A single taken. First run scored off Broad's bowling after lunch. He has been on song and has created the opportunities. |
| 81.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Peach! Hurls it on a length on off, Marsh with no feet movement tries to fiddle with it only to get beaten. |
| 82.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Good length ball on middle, some bounce for Anderson as Smith adjusts to clip it in front of square on the leg side for a single. Anderson wouldn't mind as he will get to bowl to Marsh who is relatively new to the crease and is yet to open his account. |
| 82.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 82.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Tailing back in a touch, Mitchell Marsh presses forward in defense. In doing so, the bat got struck on the pad but he manages to keep it out is important. |
| 82.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Stays behind the line and taps it away on off. |
| 82.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller ball on the stumps, Marsh tries to drill one down the ground but gets it off the inner half to Broad at mid on. |
| 82.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Marginally fuller on off, Marsh nicely presses forward to keep it out. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery on off, Smith drives it back to Broad who picks it up and reverse flicks it back on the stumps at the striker's end. It hits and ricochets towards the off side, Smith wants the single but won't get it. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off, tempting line, left alone by Smith. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Smith, Short and angling on middle and leg, Smith swivels and helps it down towards Ali at fine leg for a single. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to M Marsh, FOUR! Bashed it! Mitchell Marsh is off the mark finally and this is some shot to get off the mark. Broad serves a half volley, wanting Marsh to go after it and he obliges. Bends his back knee and drills it along the ground through cover. |
| The dark threatening clouds are looming over. Seems like it is coming. Very dark at the MCG! |
| 83.5 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Good effort ball but this didn't rise! Pounds in a short ball but comes at a comfortable wicket which allows Marsh to hop back and keep it out. |
| 84.1 : J Anderson to Smith, A bit short and outside off, Smith off the back foot just steers it through point for a single. |
| 84.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, On a length and in the probing line outside off, Mitchell Marsh shoulders his arms. |
| 84.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller outside off, MM once again is happy to leave it alone. The ball dies in front of Bairstow behind. |
| 84.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Stays back to this length ball and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 84.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, That was struck hard! Fuller ball on the stumps, Marsh smashes it straight back from where it came but Jimmy Anderson in his followthrough, sticks his right leg out. The ball hits his shin and deflects towards the off side. |
| 84.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Outside off, nothing doing says Mitchell Marsh. |
| Change in bowling. Chris Woakes is brought into the attack, replacing Broad. |
| 85.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Woakes from over the wicket, angles in a length delivery on middle. It's tucked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 85.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Hurls it on a length and angling in again, Marsh defends it down off the back foot. |
| 85.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Tries to force it through cover but there is a bit of inward movement which takes the inside edge. The ball rolls towards square leg for a single. |
| 85.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Woakes tries to bang in a short one, doesn't rise much. Easy for Smith as he swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 85.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 85.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, That's the correct line and length! Fuller in length, angling in on middle and leg, Marsh tries to drive it away but is lucky as the ball just goes wide of the man at silly mid off. A single picked up. |
| Double change as Tom Curran is brought into the attack. |
| 86.1 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Curran starts with a length ball outside off, Marsh gets back and punches it towards the point fielder. |
| 86.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Hops back and is compact in his defense is Mitchell Marsh. |
| 86.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Fullish outside off, Marsh takes it from there and works it towards the man at mid on. |
| 86.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Keeps it in the same channel, Marsh leans a touch to bunt it back down the ground. |
| 86.5 : Tom Curran to M Marsh, Leans forward and across to a full delivery and drives it towards the short cover fielder. |
| 86.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Bowls the back of the hand slower one, at 105 kph, Marsh reads it early and is happy to keep it out off the front foot. Tidy over from the debutant. |
| 87.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Tests the Aussie skipper with a bumper but the line is on the leg stump which allows Smith to move inside the line and make a leave. |
| 87.2 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Helps it on its way! Short delivery, very wayward as it is down the leg side. Smith moves inside the line and makes sure he helps it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 87.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Continues to keep it on a shorter length, SS stays behind the line to keep it out. |
| 87.4 : C Woakes to S Smith, Shortish again on the hips, Smith half pulls it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 87.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes is bending his back but there is not enough on the pitch to get him going. Digs in a short ball on middle and off, easily dealt with as Marsh shows straight bat. |
| 87.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Another shortish delivery, near the rib cage area, Mitchell Marsh defends it down. |
| 88.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Sharp single! On a length and angling in on middle, Smith stays back and with soft hands he nudges it towards short mid-wicket where Broad fumbles. Steven calls for the single and by the time Broad throws it at the bowler's end, the Aussie skipper makes it in. |
| 88.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Good running! Good length delivery, angling in on middle, Marsh works it off the pads behind square on the leg side. Marsh wants two, calls for it and takes it comfortably in the end. The throw from the deep isn't accurate either. |
| 88.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 88.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, A bit short on middle, Marsh stays back in defense. |
| Michael Clarke on air feels Joe Root should bring back Malan into the attack. Since the ball is new, the leggie can extract some extra bounce off the rough to trouble the batsmen. |
| 88.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Gets forward to a full ball and defends it down solidly. |
| 88.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 89.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Once again, it's dug in short but it doesn't rise. Smith takes on the bait and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a comfortable couple. |
| 89.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Shortish ball, again. It's not working for Woakes as Smith is happy to hop back and drops it down. |
| 89.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Another bouncer, takes ages to come. Smith stands tall and lets it sail over his head to the keeper. |
| 89.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length delivery on middle, Smith isn't in control but tries to pull it away. Gets it towards mid-wicket where James Anderson tumbles. He seems to have twisted his right knee as it got stuck on the ground. They pick up a single. |
| 89.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh swivels and pulls it but finds the man at square leg. |
| 89.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 90.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Tries to go full but ends up slipping a low full toss, it's dipping in. Smith whips it through backward square leg for one. |
| 90.2 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Back of a length delivery, outside off, defended off the back foot towards cover. |
| 90.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, There is the slower one from Curran, at 103.1 kph. Marsh waits for it and then calmly keeps it out on the off side. |
| 90.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Makes some room to drive but it's more of a soft hand push towards cover. |
| 90.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Curran sticks to the full length delivery outside off, Mitchell checks his drive, in fact he connects it nicely but finds the man at cover. |
| 90.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, On the stumps, it stays a touch low, not that threatening as Marsh easily blocks it out. |
| Drinks are on the field. A wicketless first hour after lunch. Marsh looked a bit fidgety at the start but he will be happy to be still out there. Smith is looking in complete control and England bowlers are finding it difficult to breach his defense. The pitch isn't doing much but we saw them roaring back in the second half of the first session. Can they get a breakthrough? |
| 91.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Beautiful shot! Fullish delivery, angling in. Smith shuffles a touch and times his clip to perfection through mid-wicket. David Malan in the deep has a lot of ground to cover to his left and sensing the opportunity, Smith calls for three. Some aggressive running allows the batsmen to come back for three. |
| 91.2 : C Woakes to Marsh, Length delivery just outside off, Marsh blocks it solidly. |
| 91.3 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length in the probing channel around off, Marsh hops and does well to defend it besides the pitch on the leg side. |
| Michael Clarke makes a good point on air. There is a man standing at deepish gully, not sure what he is doing there. Earlier, an edge flew to the same region and it didn't carry. Might as well stand closer. |
| 91.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Banged in hard on the deck, doesn't rise much. Marsh has ample time to keep it out. |
| 91.5 : C Woakes to M Marsh, Ooh.. that almost went through the defense of Mitchell Marsh. Good stuff from Woakes. He bowls it on a drivable length outside off, gets it to shape in appreciably. Marsh goes for a drive but gets an inside edge onto his back pad. Luckily for him, the ball doesn't roll back to the stumps. |
| 91.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, On a length around off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 92.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Slower ball, Smith reads it well and blocks it nicely. |
| 92.2 : Tom Curran to S Smith, Shortish delivery, Smith gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 92.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Overpitched outside off, again it is an off pace ball. Marsh drives it crisply but finds the man at covers. |
| 92.4 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Solid as a rock! Fuller in length, Marsh leans ahead confidently and shows a straight bat in defense. |
| 92.5 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Again gets behind the line of the delivery and keeps it out expertly. |
| 92.6 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Back of a length ball outside off, Marsh plays it with an angled blade to point. Wants a run but it isn't on offer. |
| 93.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Tailing in appreciably, Smith hangs back and defends it besides the pitch on the leg side. |
| 93.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish delivery around off, Smith prods forward in defense. |
| 93.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Shuffles across to the fullish delivery and works it around the corner for a single. |
| 93.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Quick running! Marsh taps it to towards gully and sets off for a run. The fielder goes for a shy at the striker's end but misses. Smith would have been safe even if that hit. |
| Mark Taylor on air reckons that Root should bring the field up now and take a gamble. If there are more close-in fielders, the batsman might go for something expansive and that might induce a false stroke. Australia are not leading by much and are just milking around the singles. Need to do something different to bowl the Australians out. |
| 93.5 : C Woakes to Smith, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 93.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, On a length, angling in, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| Dawid Malan comes into the attack. Not a bad move from Root. An extra bite off the pitch might bring in the wicket. |
| 94.1 : D Malan to Smith, No run. |
| 94.2 : D Malan to Smith, Slow through the air, knocked down to long on for a single. |
| 94.3 : D Malan to Marsh, Full ball on middle and leg, Mitchell keeps it out watchfully. |
| 94.4 : D Malan to Marsh, Loops it up nicely again, Mitchell prods forward in defense. |
| 94.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Fuller in length, Marsh digs it out smartly. |
| 94.6 : D Malan to Marsh, A bit short this time, ample time for Marsh to sit back and block it out. |
| 95.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Well bowled! Off-cutter around off at a slower pace, Smith is early into the drive but does well to check it in the end. |
| 95.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Another off pace delivery, on a shorter line, Smith hangs back and pushes it uppishly through covers. Two runs taken. |
| Two catching men at covers now close to each other. The Barmy Army is also making a lot of noise and is backing their side. |
| 95.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 95.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Full toss on middle, clipped through square leg for a run. |
| 95.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Shaping away late, Marsh pokes it towards the off side. |
| 95.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, A bit of reverse on that, tailing in. Marsh defends it with his bat and pad close together. The Barmy Army roars again. |
| 96.1 : D Malan to Smith, On a good length, Smith camps back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 96.2 : D Malan to Smith, Nicely bowled! Slower through the air, Smith leans ahead and dead bats it. |
| 96.3 : D Malan to Smith, Fullish this time, mixing things up nicely. Steven keeps it out watchfully. |
| 96.4 : D Malan to Smith, This is tidy stuff from Malan, he is keeping Smith on his toes. Flights it nicely on middle, Smith prods forward to defend and just about manages to do so. |
| 96.5 : D Malan to Smith, Slips in the googly, Warne on air just wanted that from Malan. Seems like he heard him. It is shorter in length, punched off the back foot through cover-point for a run. |
| 96.6 : D Malan to Marsh, Bowls another googly, Marsh reads it well and pushes it to the off side. A testing over from Malan. |
| Moeen Ali returns for a bowl. A slip, a short catching mid-wicket and a short square leg in place. |
| 97.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter on the stumps, Smith punches it back to Ali. |
| 97.2 : M Ali to Smith, Another flatter one, shorter in length as well. Smith goes back and cuts it to deep point for a single. |
| 97.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Fuller around off, Marsh presses forward in defense. |
| 97.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up outside off, defended down watchfully. |
| 97.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Loopy delivery outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a stride forward and stonewalls it. |
| 97.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Lands it full again, outside off, blocked into the ground. |
| 98.1 : D Malan to Smith, Tossed up in line of the stumps, Smith clears his front leg and eases it wide of mid off for a run. |
| 98.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Spinning away, Marsh plays it with an angled bat to point. |
| 98.3 : D Malan to Marsh, Tossed up outside off, enticing Marsh to go for a drive but he remains circumspect in approach and lets it go. |
| 98.4 : D Malan to Marsh, Close shave! England need to be on their toes. Marsh gets it off the outer half towards gully. Smith calls for the run and the former is a bit late to respond. Goes for it eventually as the throw from Anderson comes to the bowler's end but he misses the target. A direct hit might have made things interesting. |
| 98.5 : D Malan to Smith, Hangs back and clips it around the corner for a single. |
| 98.6 : D Malan to Marsh, This one takes off a bit, turning away. Marsh does well to keep it out. |
| 99.1 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter in length, Smith punches it with the spin to long on for a single. |
| 99.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Leans ahead confidently to the tossed up delivery and smothers it down the track. |
| 99.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Around off, Marsh prods forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 99.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Bowls it quicker through the air. However, the length is shortish which allows Marsh to deal with it easily. Flight the ball more Ali. |
| 99.5 : M Ali to Marsh, A bit slow through the day, Marsh leans ahead and dead bats it. |
| 99.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Quick and flat, Marsh makes use of the depth of the crease to smother it. |
| James Anderson is back on. |
| 100.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Full length ball attacking the base of off stump, Smith does well to keep it out. |
| 100.2 : J Anderson to Smith, On a good length well outside off, holding its line. Smith doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 100.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length ball outside off, Smith plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 100.4 : J Anderson to Smith, In the zone for apprehension, Smith hangs back confidently and punches it to mid off. |
| 100.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Angling into Steven, not much zip on that pitch. Smith deals with it comfortably. |
| Geoffrey Boycott has come on air for the first time in this Test match. He says that Smith is really comfortable on pitches that there is not much sideways movement. However, he reckons that he will struggle when there is sideways movement on offer. |
| 100.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Peach! More of these are needed. In the zone of apprehension, Smith pokes at it and is beaten all ends up. |
| Stuart Broad comes back for a burst. |
| 101.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length ball around off, Marsh sits deep in the crease and defends it in a compact manner. |
| 101.2 : S Broad to Marsh, On a length on off, Marsh leans ahead and continues the blockathon. |
| 101.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling in on a fullish length, swinging in. Marsh is well-equipped to dead bat it. |
| 101.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Similar length ball around off, once again dealt with ease. |
| 101.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Shaping in appreciably, Mitchell remains circumspect in approach again and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 101.6 : S Broad to Marsh, A bit of nibble in the air, coming in, Mitchell defends it again. |
| 102.1 : J Anderson to Smith, On a good length around off, Smith shuffles a bit and taps it to the off side. |
| 102.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Shortish in length around off, Smith who is in defensive mode stands tall and stonewalls it. Ensures that he has stumps covered |
| 102.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Steven whips it nicely to wide mid on to rotate strike. |
| 102.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Marsh is hanging back to the length delivery and plays it with soft hands to covers. |
| 102.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Angling in substantially, Mitchell leans ahead and keeps it out. |
| 102.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Full ball, tailing in sharply. Marsh clips it away to the mid-wicket. |
| 103.1 : S Broad to Smith, In the probing channel around off, Steven covers his stumps and buries it into the track. |
| 103.2 : S Broad to Smith, A bit wider outside off, in the sixth stump line. An exaggerated shuffle from Smith and he taps it to the off side. |
| 103.3 : S Broad to Smith, Broad tries to catch Smith off guard but he has an answer against everything. Full ball on leg stump, Smith nudges it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 103.4 : S Broad to Marsh, The blocking game continues. Hangs deep in the crease and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 103.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Fuller in length this time, a confident stride forward to keep it out. |
| 103.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Here is something, here is something! Broad goes a bit wide of the crease and angles in a full length delivery. It is reversing in as Marsh tries to clip it across but gets an inside edge on his pads. If he missed that, he would have been a candidate for an LBW. |
| 104.1 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, played with an angled blade to point. |
| 104.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Attacking the base of off stump, Steven tucks it off the front foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 104.3 : J Anderson to Smith, Bread and butter stuff for Smith! No trouble at all as he nudges the full ball through square leg to rotate strike. |
| 104.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Shaping in prodigiously, Marsh comes forward and dead bats it. |
| 104.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Well bowled! Marsh was in a bit of trouble. Dug in short on middle, shoots off after pitching. Marsh hops and kills it on the turf. |
| 104.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Marsh leans ahead and drives it crisply to covers. THAT SHALL BE TEA ON DAY 5! |
| A blockathon from Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh was on display and they have ensured that the ship is sailing in the right direction. England were good with the ball, especially in the first hour. A few false strokes were induced and the Barmy Army got right behind their team. It seemed that there is something around the corner but the defiance from the duo was so strong that they battled through the tough times and came out on top. |
| There was a nervy moment when Marsh edged a ball and it flew towards the gully region, but the fielder standing a bit deeper meant that it did not carry. There were easy singles on offer. Root could have attacked to put more pressure on the opposition but it was not to be. Seems like the match is heading towards a tame draw but stranger things have happened in cricket. 37 overs are still left for the close of play. Getting Smith out early might just give them a sniff. Join us shortly for the fin |
| ... Final Day, Final Session ... |
| We are back. The players and the umpires step out to the middle. Stuart Broad to continue his spell. Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh to resume their innings. Here we go... |
| 105.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller ball around off, Smith leans ahead and taps it towards backward point. |
| 105.2 : S Broad to S Smith, Shortish ball on off, pulled to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| Michael Clarke praises Steven Smith on air. Smith trains really, really hard in the nets. He is the one who is eager to face the most number of balls. The muscle memory takes over and there is no surprise that he is so successful at the international level. His body movement and positioning are his greatest strengths. |
| 105.3 : S Broad to Marsh, On a good length around off, Mitchell prods forward in defense. |
| 105.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling in substantially, Marsh sits deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 105.5 : S Broad to M Marsh, FOUR! A boundary after ages! Half volley outside off, Marsh leans ahead and strokes it through covers for a glorious boundary. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. Resolute stuff! |
| 105.6 : S Broad to Marsh, An appeal for an LBW is turned down! Back of a length ball outside off, shaping in. Marsh shuffles a bit and tries to defend it but gets an inside edge on his back thigh. The umpire doesn't pay heed to the shout. Height was also a factor. |
| Anderson to continue from the other end. |
| 106.1 : J Anderson to Smith, On a length on middle, played defensively to short mid-wicket. |
| 106.2 : J Anderson to Smith, Slower in pace and shorter in length, Smith turns it through short mid-wicket for a run. |
| 106.3 : J Anderson to Smith, This one is well outside off, Steven lets it go. |
| 106.4 : J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! Nervy! A rare false stroke from the Australian skipper. On a length outside off, shaping away a touch. Smith goes for a drive but gets an outside edge that flies towards the left of gully and goes past him in a flash to the fence behind. Moves into the nineties with that. |
| 106.5 : J Anderson to Smith, Back of a length delivery, Smith hangs back and blocks it solidly. |
| 106.6 : J Anderson to Smith, Very full delivery, veering in. Smith clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 107.1 : S Broad to Smith, Ooh.. another close shave! Fullish delivery around off, Smith goes for a drive but gets it off the inner half towards mid on. A bit of a tough phase for the skipper. |
| 107.2 : S Broad to Smith, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 107.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length ball, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| Michael Clarke on air feels that Moeen Ali will be the one missing the next Test match. He says, on a day 5 pitch if Joe Root isn't trusting Ali to deliver, means that the English skipper is clear with his idea. England are really missing a quality spinner, remains to be seen who they pick... |
| 107.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Prodigious movement. Good length ball in the zone of apprehension, the shiny side on the inside and the ball reverses in. Marsh decides to leave it but that just misses the off pole. |
| 107.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Very full delivery, attacking the stumps, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 107.6 : S Broad to Marsh, This is good bowling from Broad. He is putting the ball in the probing channels. In the zone around off, Mitchell pushes at it tentatively and gets it off the inner half to backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 108.1 : J Anderson to M Marsh, Full ball, shaping in, eased off the front foot to mid off. |
| 108.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, Short delivery down the leg side, Marsh has no trouble in sitting under it. |
| 108.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, Back of a length ball outside off, played with an angled bat face to gully. |
| 108.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, Angling down the leg side, Marsh shapes to glance it initially but lets it go in the end. |
| 108.5 : J Anderson to Marsh, Swinging in appreciably on a fullish length, Mitchell nudges it through mid-wicket to rotate strike. |
| 108.6 : J Anderson to Smith, On a good length, kept out watchfully. |
| 109.1 : S Broad to Marsh, Full ball on off, dealt with expertly off the front foot. |
| 109.2 : S Broad to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Mitchell Marsh has improved his technique a lot, informs Clarke on air. Earlier, he used to go hard on the drives and hence, used to be found out. His defense has become more compact and he is looking more solid than ever. |
| 109.3 : S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and room on offer, Marsh pounces on it and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 109.4 : S Broad to Marsh, That almost sneaked through! Broad keeps it full and allows the ball to swing in. Marsh is not well-balanced but somehow manages to keep it out towards mid-wicket. A single taken. |
| 109.5 : S Broad to Smith, On a good length, Smith hangs back in defense. |
| 109.6 : S Broad to Smith, On middle and off, Steven stays tall and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 110.1 : J Anderson to Marsh, Back of a length delivery around off, Marsh covers the line and buries it into the track. |
| 110.2 : J Anderson to Marsh, A bit wide outside off, played with an open bat face to the point region. |
| 110.3 : J Anderson to Marsh, A bouncer outside off, the line is not that threatening. Marsh sways away to evade it. |
| 110.4 : J Anderson to Marsh, In the zone of apprehension, shaping away a touch. Marsh places it to the cover region. |
| 110.5 : J Anderson to M Marsh, Tentative! He has been a bit edgy in the last two overs. Back of a length around off, Marsh pushes at it and gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads. |
| 110.6 : J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller in length, kept out nicely. |
| 111.1 : S Broad to Smith, Short ball on middle, arrives really slowly. Smith pulls it all along the ground through backward square leg for a run. |
| 0.0 : 3000 Test runs for Steven Smith in Australia. He has only played 28 matches and has an astounding average of almost 77. He is by far the best Test batsman in the world at the moment. Has the hunger and is chasing the great Sir Don Bradman. |
| 111.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Length delivery in the corridor outside off, Marsh blocks it stoutly. |
| 111.3 : S Broad to Marsh, Angling in sharply from outside off, Mitchell gets on top of the bounce and blocks it out. |
| 111.4 : S Broad to Marsh, Fullish in length, angling in, Marsh defends it solidly. |
| 111.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Good length outside off, Marsh blocks it with an open bat face towards point. |
| 111.6 : S Broad to Marsh, Fullish delivery, tailing in substantially. Marsh keeps it out tentatively to short mid-wicket. |
| Chris Woakes is brought back into the attack. |
| 112.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish in length around off, Smith comes forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 112.2 : C Woakes to Smith, What a shot, unfortunately for no runs. Overpitched around off, Smith shows the full face of the bat and nails the drive but hits it too straight. The ball crashes into the stumps at the other end. The Australian skipper has a smile on his face. |
| 112.3 : C Woakes to Smith, That was tight! There is need to go for those. Fullish on off, Smith drives it to short cover where the field half stops. Smith wants the single and scurries to the other end. |
| 112.4 : C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length ball, blocked off the back foot. |
| 112.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes opts to go fuller, Marsh comes forward and blocks it. |
| 112.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, On a length on middle, played with soft hands to mid-wicket. |
| 113.1 : S Broad to Smith, A bit of a leading edge but safe in the end! Full length ball around off, Smith tries to tuck it across but gets a leading edge that rolls towards backward point. Gets a run and moves onto 97. |
| 113.2 : S Broad to Marsh, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Marsh leans ahead and eases it to short cover. |
| 113.3 : S Broad to Marsh, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 113.4 : S Broad to M Marsh, Brilliant fielding from Vince! Short and width on offer, Marsh cuts it hard towards gully where the fielder dives to his left to stop a certain boundary. |
| 113.5 : S Broad to Marsh, Short of a length ball on off, answered with a straight bat. |
| 113.6 : S Broad to M Marsh, Full delivery this time, Mitchell pats it towards mid off. |
| 114.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith is resolute in defense and pushes it past the bowler towards mid off. |
| 114.2 : C Woakes to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 114.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Similar length ball around off, Smith leans into it and caresses it but finds the man at covers. He needs just a boundary to get to his hundred. |
| 114.4 : C Woakes to Smith, On a length on off, defended solidly off the back foot. Oops... Woakes has slipped in his followthrough and tumbles over. Thankfully, he is fine. |
| 114.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Smith misses out on that and he is understandably disappointed. The century was there for the taking. Down the leg side, Smith tries to get a tickle on it but fails to do so. |
| 114.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Fullish ball around off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| Dawid Malan comes back for a bowl. |
| 115.1 : D Malan to Marsh, Tossed up on middle and leg, Marsh prods forward in defense. |
| 115.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Slow through the air on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 115.3 : D Malan to Marsh, Flights it a bit wider outside off, pushed with the spin to the off side. |
| 115.4 : D Malan to Marsh, Full ball on leg stump, Marsh is alert to it and remains composed in his defense. |
| 115.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Goes for the quicker one and strays it on the leg side, Mitchell hangs back and plays it defensively to short mid-wicket. |
| 115.6 : D Malan to Marsh, Floated on middle, eased back to the bowler. |
| 116.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Short of a length delivery, played with soft hands back to the bowler. |
| 116.2 : C Woakes to Smith, On a length around off, Smith taps it to the cover region. |
| 116.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Woakes goes wide of the crease and slants in a length ball around off, Smith hangs back in defense. |
| 116.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Still can't pierce the gap! Full ball around off, Smith drives it crisply towards short cover who parries it to mid off. A brisk run taken. Moves to 98. 600 runs for Smith in the series as well. He has been unstoppable. |
| 116.5 : C Woakes to Marsh, Goes for the yorker but it is pretty full on off, Marsh jams it out down the track. |
| 116.6 : C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes goes around the wicket and angles away a length ball, played with an open bat face to point. |
| 117.1 : D Malan to Smith, Fullish ball on leg stump, Smith clears his front leg and clips it in front of square leg for a run. Goes to 99 and the crowd cheers for him loudly. |
| 117.2 : D Malan to Marsh, Marsh stays leg side of the ball and strokes it to mid off for a single. |
| 117.3 : D Malan to Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith lunges forward in defense. |
| 117.4 : D Malan to Smith, There it is, what a top, top knock from the Australian skipper. 23rd Test century for him in Test cricket and the run-machine continues to get better and better. Shortish delivery, cut away through point for a run. He takes his helmet off, points his bat towards the crowd and gets a standing ovation. Takes a deep breath and sinks in all the appreciation. Marsh goes across to him and gives him a hug. The Australian skipper has rose to the occasion and has taken his side t |
| 117.5 : D Malan to Marsh, Stays back to this one and eases it to covers. |
| 117.6 : D Malan to Marsh, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. |
| Moeen Ali is back into the attack. |
| 118.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Quick through the air, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 118.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish in length, jammed out back to the bowler. |
| 118.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Outside off, Mitchell lunges forward in defense. |
| 118.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 118.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Comes ahead to the floated delivery and strokes it to the cover region. |
| 118.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish delivery, kept out with ease. |
| Tom Curran returns for a bowl. |
| 119.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Length delivery around off, Smith hangs back and blocks it to short cover. |
| 119.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fullish in length around off, Smith aims to clip it across but gets a soft leading edge towards backward point. A run taken. The crowd is getting into the act now. They are clapping and making a lot of buzz. |
| 119.3 : Tom Curran to Marsh, Full ball, straight in line, worked towards square leg for a run. |
| 119.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, Length ball around off, Smith shuffles and remains resolute in defense. |
| 119.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fullish on middle and leg, helped around the corner for a run. |
| 119.6 : Tom Curran to M Marsh, Overpitched outside off, Marsh drives it nicely through cover-point. The ball won't reach the fence as the fielder cuts it off. Three runs taken. |
| 120.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Flat and quick around off, smothered down on the track. |
| 120.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up around off, Marsh comes ahead and dead bats it. |
| 120.3 : M Ali to Marsh, Fullish delivery around off, Mitchell strokes it to sweeper cover for a brace. |
| 120.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 120.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Sits deep in the crease and plays with an angled bat to point. |
| 120.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Slower through the air on middle, Mitchell prods forward in defense. |
| 121.1 : Tom Curran to Smith, Good length ball around off, Smith shuffles across and buries it into the ground. |
| 121.2 : Tom Curran to Smith, Hangs back again to a similar length ball and taps it towards mid on. |
| 121.3 : Tom Curran to Smith, Shortish delivery, shaping in towards Steven. He hops back keeps it out. |
| 121.4 : Tom Curran to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 121.5 : Tom Curran to Smith, Fuller in length, attacking the stumps, Smith continues the blockathon. |
| 121.6 : Tom Curran to Smith, On a length on middle and leg, played with soft hands to square leg. |
| 122.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Spinning into Marsh who dead bats it. |
| 122.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Comes forward and blocks it right under his nose. |
| 122.3 : M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 122.4 : M Ali to Marsh, Fuller in length, Marsh blocks it out. |
| 122.5 : M Ali to Marsh, Spinning in sharply from wide outside off, Marsh lunges forward to defend but misses to get pinged on the pads. A chirpy appeal for an LBW follows but the umpire stays put. The impact was miles outside off. |
| 122.6 : M Ali to Marsh, Quick and flat, answered with a straight bat. |
| Joe Root returns for a bowl. |
| 123.1 : Joe Root to Smith, On middle and leg, defended towards short leg. |
| 123.2 : Joe Root to Smith, Four Byes! This one takes off from one of the rough patches around the leg stump. Smith tries to sweep it hard but misses. The keeper is beaten as well and the ball races to the fence behind. |
| 123.3 : Joe Root to Smith, Plays this one with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 123.4 : Joe Root to Smith, A loud shout for an LBW denied! Fullish around leg stump, Smith tries to flick it but is pinged on the pads. Root's shout is not paid any heed to. |
| 123.5 : Joe Root to Smith, Fuller in length, Smith's blocks it yet again. |
| 123.6 : Joe Root to Smith, Tossed up delivery, Smith lunges forward in defense. |
| 124.1 : M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up delivery, Marsh comes forward and blocks it. |
| 124.2 : M Ali to Marsh, Sits deep in the crease and works it to the leg side. |
| That's it! Steven Smith has decided that it is enough. The opposition skipper agrees as well and there are customary handshakes all around. It proved to be a tame DRAW in the end but there were some action-packed highlights in this match. Cook's double ton stands out but Smith's ton to save the game for his side also is worth in gold. The English players are facing towards the Barmy Army and appreciating their unconditional support. |
| The Australian skipper has once again responded under pressure, an uncharacteristic knock from him but just shows the versatility of this man. Putting the team above himself came to the fore again and he bailed his side out of shallow waters. It was Warner who gave him really good support to carry on the blockathon-love-saga but faltered against the part-time spin of Root and threw his wicket away. During that period, the English bowlers had their tails up and ran in with intent, especially Ande |
| Earlier, after Australia won the toss and opted to bat, the opening pair of David Warner game them an ideal foundation. The latter carried on to score a breezy ton courtesy some lady luck (when he got dropped on 99) by the debutant, Tom Curran. Credit to Smith as he batted with a sore bottom hand and scored a terrific ton. There was a collapse in the later half of the innings which meant that they finished with a below-par total on a placid surface. |
| England responded well with the best. The two most experienced campaigners, Cook and Root came to the fore for them. It was the ex-English skipper who was in the thick of things. He mixed caution with aggression and scored a majestic double ton. Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon bowled their heart out, got rewards as well but Cook's 100-run 9th wicket stand with Stuart Broad deflated the morale of the opposition, thereby earning the tourists a 164-run lead. |
| The home side was under pressure to deliver. They lost two quick wickets fairly early but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. The two best Australian batsmen, Warner and Smith combined together. The rain came down pelting in the afternoon session, proving to be a blessing in disguise. One and a half sessions got washed out and with that, England's chances of forcing a win diminished. The visitors failed to get early wickets in the morning and the home side gradually moved into the le |
| Man of the Match, Alastair Cook is happy with the double ton but feels if they could have pushed for a win, it would have pleased him even more. States it's been a tough tour for him and is happy to get a big one here. Opines it was a good wicket to bat on and had hardly anything for the bowlers. Hopes that they go well in Sydney too. |
| England skipper, Joe Root starts by saying that they had a great chance to win the match at lunch today. Credits Steven Smith for his outstanding innings. Adds his counterpart is in great form and it is very difficult to get him out. Informs the pitch had nothing on it which only made the task all the more difficult for their bowlers. Reckons they exhausted every option and tried whatever they could to win. Appreciates the support that they got from the Barmy Army throughout the course of the ga |
| Australia skipper and Man of the Match, Steven Smith says that it is good to get a draw. Adds that Mitchell Marsh did a good job and bailed his side out of trouble. Mentions that it was a pretty slow wicket and it was tough to get batsmen out. Adds that reverse swing did come into play but it was a nice wicket to bat on. States that Cook played a brilliant knock. Adds that he played well down the ground and was also good with his cuts and pulls. Appreciates him for the double ton. Informs that S |
| That brings us to the close of the MCG Test. It promised a lot and it seemed like England have a good chance of winning the game but the hosts showed great temperament and composure to salvage a draw. The tourists have avoided a clean sweep and will be aiming to come out all guns blazing in the final Test in Sydney. Expect Australia to give it their all as well. Join us for the final Test on 4th January at 1030 local (2230 GMT, previous day) to catch all the action. Let's hope 2018 begins with a |
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