| 0.0 : It's burning. Or ready to burn. The World Cup is done. Is cricket also done? Think again. For it is time to add flame to fire the oldest rivalry in Test cricket - The Ashes. |
| The series also marks the start of the World Test Championship and on that note, welcome to the coverage of the First Test of Ashes 2019. England, the hosts, have announced their playing XI for this game. World Cup heroes, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are back in the whites but there is no place for the Super Over star, Jofra Archer, due to a side strain. Joe Root and his troops will look to regain the urn and make 2019 the greatest year in England's sporting history. Australia, on the other hand, |
| TOSS - It is time for the spin of the coin and Tim Paine has called it correctly. AUSTRALIA WILL BAT FIRST. |
| Australia's Playing XI - David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine(c and wk), James Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon. |
| England's Playing XI - Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root(c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson. |
| Interesting selection by Australia. First Test of a big series and no Starc, no Hazlewood. All the best in seaming conditions. |
| We are all set to start! David Warner and Cameron Bancroft return to the Test fold after an absence of more than a year. The duo walk out to open the innings for Australia with the English fans booing them as they walk out. The England players are in a huddle with their skipper, Joe Root having a word with his troops before they take their positions in the field. The experienced, James Anderson to start the proceedings with the new ball. Play calls the umpire and so we begin Ashes 2019 and the W |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Very little swing first up. Good length ball outside off, Bancroft shoulders arms to it. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Pulls his length back and this one has pace and bounce on it. This one moves away slightly too but it is outside off. Bancroft watches it carry to the keeper. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, OHH! This troubled Bancroft! Good length ball just on off, it moves away. Bancroft looks to defend but gets beaten. Ohhs and ahhs is the shout from the English players and supporters. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bancroft gets bat on ball for the first time. Good length ball closer to off pole, Bancroft gets behind it and defends it towards cover. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, On middle and leg, Bancroft defends it towards mid on and shouts a loud no to his partner. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Maiden to begin Ashes 2019 with. Good length ball on off and middle, Bancroft shuffles across and defends it to point to see through his first over in Test cricket after more than a year. |
| Stuart Broad to partner Anderson from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Broad to Warner, Some noise there but nothing from the umpire. Broad starts with a full ball down the leg side. Warner looks to flick but looks like he missed it. There was a noise there and Bairstow was confident. Hold on a minute! Drama in the very second over of the Ashes. Ultra Edge rolls in later on and shows there is a spike. Warner has survived! WOW! |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Warner, No drama here. Good length ball on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Warner, On the off pole, Warner blocks it. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Warner, Australia are underway! Very full ball on off, Warner squeezes it through covers and gets a single to get off the mark. The English fans are not too happy as they grunt out huge boos. No surprise there, Warner is gonna get this treatment throughout. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, OHH! Beaten! Good length ball on off, it swings away from the right-hander. Bancroft looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, Inswinger but Bancroft is aware of his off pole. Good length ball pitching on the fifth stump line. It comes in but Cameron leaves it with confidence. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Warner, PEACH! Absolute peach! Anderson comes around the wicket and pitches it on middle. It angles in and then goes away. Warner looks to defend but gets all squared up. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Warner, This is on middle, Warner defends it towards mid on. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Warner, Once again on the stumps, Warner defends it to the right of mid on and calls no to his partner. |
| The umpire is having a word with Warner as he is batting too ahead of his crease. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Warner, Length delivery on leg, Warner tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Warner, Almost chopped on! Warner who is now standing closer to the crease, gets a back of a length ball on off, it nips in a bit. Warner looks to play it on the off side but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg for a single. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Beaten once again. Length ball on off, Bancroft looks to defend but gets beaten as the ball moves away. Good start this for Anderson. |
| Root has taken a review for LBW. Warner is the man in question. Height seems to be an issue but let's see what the replays have to say. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Warner, Too high! Waste of a review from England. Good length ball outside off, it comes back in. Warner looks to defend but gets beaten and the ball hits him on his pads. Broad and his teammates go up in appeal but the umpire turns it down. Root, Broad and Bairstow have a word and then Root signals the T. Replays roll in and Ultra Edge shows no bat. Hawk Eye then comes in and shows the ball to be going over the stumps. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to D Warner, Fuller on off, Warner strokes it to mid on. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Warner, On the pads, Warner tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Warner, Down the leg side, Warner lets it be. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Warner, OUT! England have the first breakthrough! Warner does not leave a lasting impression in his return to Test cricket. Broad steams in and bowls a fuller ball on middle and leg, Warner looks to flick but misses. The ball hits him flush on the front pad. The English players go up in appeal along with the crowd and Aleem Dar raises his finger. Warner does not wait and keeps walking. But hold on, it is the Ashes and we have started with drama as Hawk Eye later on shows that the |
| Usman Khawaja walks out at number 3. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, Full on off, Khawaja starts his innings with a solid front foot defense. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length ball on off, Bancroft defends it off the front foot. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Bancroft's wait to get off the mark continues. Good length ball on middle and leg, Bancroft looks to flick but the ball hits his thigh pad. There is a stifled appeal but the umpire is not interested. The ball rolls on towards backward square leg and they take a leg bye. It looked too high. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Full on off, Khawaja defends it towards mid off. This defense showed his confidence. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Khawaja, On the pads, Khawaja flicks it to the on side. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Khawaja, Beaten! Good length ball on off, Khawaja looks to defend it inside the line but the ball moves away beating the outside edge of his bat. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Very full on middle and off, Bancroft pushes it to mid on. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, FOUR! First one of the game and Bancroft gets off the mark in style! Fuller ball on off, Bancroft plays a good looking push wide of mid off. He uses the pace of the ball as it beats the fielder and runs to the long off fence for a boundary. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length ball outside off, it nips back in but Cameron shoulders arms to it as he is aware of his off stump. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, On off pole, Bancroft defends it off the front foot. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Bancroft, On the pads, Bancroft looks to glance it towards fine leg but the ball goes off his thigh pad and they take a leg bye. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, FOUR! Khawaja gets off the mark in style as well. Second boundary of the over and the game. Full on the pads, Usman flicks it right off the meat of the bat through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Fuller on off, Bancroft defends it to mid on. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Outside off with little to no swing on it. Bancroft has nothing to do with it. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Bancroft, This is slightly closer to the off pole and swings in. Bancroft though is very confident and offers a good leave. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good length ball on off, Bancroft blocks it off the front foot. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Bancroft, Good shot but also very well fielded. Fuller around off, Bancroft drives it with elegance to the left of cover. Denly there dives to that side and saves runs for his side. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Bancroft, On midde and leg, Bancroft shuffles across and looks to flick but the ball hits his thigh pads and rolls onto square leg. Leg bye taken. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, On the fifth stump line. Bancroft leaves it alone. There is late inswing on it as the ball goes to the keeper. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to C Bancroft, FOUR! Beautiful shot and lovely balance! Fuller ball on off, Bancroft maintains his balance and just pushes it through mid off for a boundary. Broad has been a slightly too full here. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, OUT! Caught! Broad pulls his length back and that is enough to see the back of Bancroft. Good length ball closer to off pole. It comes in after pitching. It is a line which draws the batsman to have a poke at it. Bancroft too goes for it and ends up getting a thick outside edge towards first slip. Skipper, Joe Root takes a very good low catch. |
| Steve Smith walks out now and he comes in with a huge roar of boos from the crowd. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Smith, Brilliant shot to start his innings but also well fielded. Fuller outside off, Smith drives it but the man at point stops it. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith shuffles across and defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Smith, Outside of and Smith leaves it alone. Successful over for England. |
| First bowling change! The local boy, Chris Woakes is into the attack now. |
| 8.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Starts with a good length ball outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone. |
| 8.2 : C Woakes to U Khawaja, Good length ball on off, Khawaja looks to defend but it goes to second slip on the bounce. |
| 8.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off on a length, UK leaves it alone. |
| 8.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, On off, Khawaja looks to defend but gets a leading edge which goes to point. |
| 8.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, On the stumps, Khawaja defends it off the front foot. |
| 8.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Beaten! Maiden to start with. Good length ball outside off, Khawaja looks to defend but misses. Tidy start for Woakes. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Smith, Huge appeal for caught behind but it has come off his back pad. Good length ball outside off, Smith looks to defend but misses. The ball hits his back pad and goes to the keeper. There is a confident appeal for caught behind but the umpire says nothing doing. |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off on a length, Smith lets it carry to the keeper. |
| Good observation from Nasser Hussain. He says that normally, Stuart Broad does not bowl full. But in the last 4-6 months or so, 64 percent of his deliveries has been in the fuller length area. That is a good testimony to the competition in the English camp. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on off stump, Steve blocks it. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Smith, Full on off, it comes in after pitching. Smith waits for it and defends it late towards mid on. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to Smith, Sound as it goes to the keeper but it is off the thigh pad. On leg side, Smith shuffles across and looks to flick but the ball kisses his thigh pad and goes to the left of Bairstow behind the stumps. |
| Would it be a good gamble to keep a leg slip for Steve Smith? He gets so far across his stumps that sometimes, one wonders, whether the fine leg can be brought up to a leg slip or leg gully and get him nicking behind. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Smith, Beauty to end with! Broad is bowling with his tail up here. Good length ball pitching on off, Smith looks to defend but the ball zips away and beats the outside edge of Smith's willow. |
| 10.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, On the pads, Khawaja glances it towards square leg and straightaway calls for a single. |
| 10.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Away swinger. It is outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 10.3 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Smith fetches his first boundary of the innings and it is his trademark flick that fetches him that. Fuller ball on off, Smith shuffles across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 10.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith leaves it alone. |
| 10.5 : C Woakes to Smith, On the pads, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 10.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Length delivery outside off, Khawaja turns it to square leg and calls a loud no. |
| 11.1 : S Broad to Smith, Another good delivery from Broad! He really is bowling well here. Good length ball outside off, Broad rolls his finger on it. Smith shuffles and looks to defend but misses. |
| 11.2 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off, Smith once again looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 11.3 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Did not look intentional but Smith will take it. Very full outside off, Smith opens the face of the bat and strikes it through behind square on the off side. There was a man at catching area at short point and hence Smith opened his face of the bat to beat the man there. |
| 11.4 : S Broad to Smith, Full on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.5 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith leaves it and watches it go to the keeper. |
| 11.6 : S Broad to Smith, Full on off, Smith defends it off the front foot to get through the over. |
| The crowd's been nasty as they have been pulling out their sandpapers all along. They might want to keep it with them as Steve Smith looks to steady the ship. |
| 12.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off on a length, Khawaja leaves it with confidence. |
| 12.2 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Full outside off, Khawaja plays a very good looking drive but Anderson at mid off dives to his left and saves run. Yes he is 37 years old but his effort in the field will not make you realise it. |
| 12.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Full on off, Khawaja drives it through mid on. The ball does not have the legs to go to the fence. Anderson gives it a chase and pulls it back before the ropes. Three taken. |
| 12.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith defends it towards point. |
| 12.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Full on middle, Smith defends it towards mid on. |
| 12.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Full again on middle and off, Smith defends it to take his side to Drinks with just the loss of 2 wickets. |
| Drinks Break! The first drinks break of the Ashes and it is England who are on top here. Broad has been the best bowler for the hosts. He has made the ball do the talking and has seen the back of both the openers. Khawaja and Smith though have fought well since then and have timed the ball. Australia will want these two to bat longer and convert their starts. England, on the other hand, would be looking to continue their good work and strike at regular intervals. |
| England's World Cup hero and vice captain of the Test side, Ben Stokes to bowl after the break. |
| 13.1 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, Full and around off, watchfully defended towards mid off. |
| 13.2 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, FOUR! Too straight and flicked away. On middle and leg, Khawaja flicks it through square leg and the fielder gives up the chase pretty early. |
| 13.3 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, Mild LBW appeal but turned down. Pitched outside leg, Usman misses his flick, falling over in his attempt to do so and gets hit on the pads. Stokes appeals but it is turned down. Ball Tracker shows the pitching to be outside leg. |
| 13.4 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, Full and down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg for a single. |
| 13.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full and around off, Smith gets across and defends awkwardly towards point. |
| 13.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Around off and outside, better defensive stance this time. |
| 14.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, On a length around off, Khawaja looks to defend but the ball seams away after pitching, missing the outside edge. |
| 0.0 : Gone! Caught behind! Or not? Umpire Wilson shakes his head. Woakes is not sure but someone behind the stumps is. Good enough for Joe Root to take the review. Here comes Snickometer. Spike when the ball passes the bat! Three down! |
| 14.2 : C Woakes to Khawaja, OUT! Caught behind! There is a spike as the ball passes the bat and Khawaja has to go back. Australia are three down in three-quarters of the first hour. Beautiful bowling from Woakes. He lands this on a length outside leg and then gets it to seam away. Uzzie looks to defend but is squared up a touch. He comes half-forward and there is a noise as the ball goes past the bat. Bairstow sort of half-appeals but there is noting from the umpire. Woakes is not sure, perhaps t |
| Travis Head walks in at number 5, replacing Khawaja. |
| 14.3 : C Woakes to Head, Full and around middle, watchfully defended. |
| 14.4 : C Woakes to Head, Outside off, left alone. |
| 14.5 : C Woakes to Head, Close leave! Landed outside off, coming in slightly, Travis shoulders arms and the ball just about misses off stump! |
| 14.6 : C Woakes to Head, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 15.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full ball on off, Smith strokes it past the diving Ben Stokes. Smith was calling wait, wait multiple times but then once he sees it is wide of mid off he takes a run. |
| 15.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, Back of a length ball outside off, Head sways away from it. |
| 15.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Full ball to follow the short one. It is on middle and leg, Head nudges it to mid on. |
| 15.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, Comes around the wicket and bowls a wild ball down the leg side. Bairstow dives to his right and makes a good save. |
| 15.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Once again bowls it full down the leg side, Head looks to flick but misses. |
| 15.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Brilliant take from Bairstow. Stokes bowls another wild ball down the leg side. This is wider than the 4th ball. Bairstow dives to his right and does well to get his glove. He cannot hold onto it cleanly but he does well as otherwise that had four byes written all over it. |
| 16.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 16.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 16.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.4 : C Woakes to Head, Fuller ball on off and middle, Head defends it to mid on. |
| 16.5 : C Woakes to Head, Once again full on middle and off, Head tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 16.6 : C Woakes to Head, Good length ball outside off, it nips in but Head knows where his off stump is and leaves it alone. |
| 17.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Ohh! On the fourth stump line, Smith would usually leaves it alone but here he goes chasing after it but luckily he does not end up edging it. |
| 17.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Outside off, Smith this time leaves it alone. |
| 17.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, This is closer to the off pole, Smith takes his front foot close to the ball but leaves it. It looks like Stokes asked Smith what he felt about the ball, he just nods appreciating the ball. |
| 17.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the fourth stump line, Smith leaves it alone. |
| 17.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the fifth stump line, Smith leaves it alone and then practices the cut shot once the ball is well past the stumps. |
| 17.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Once again away from the off stump and Smith ends the over with another leave. |
| 18.1 : C Woakes to Head, Good length ball outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 18.2 : C Woakes to Head, Another ball outside off, Head has nothing to do with it. |
| 18.3 : C Woakes to Head, Fuller outside off, Travis shoulders arms to it. |
| 18.4 : C Woakes to T Head, Full outside off, Head punches it off the lower half of his bat. The bat turns in his hand but still goes wide of mid on. Broad gives it a chase and stops it before the ropes. Two runs taken and that gets Head off the mark. |
| 18.5 : C Woakes to Head, On the pads, Head flicks it through square leg. The fielder pulls it before the ropes and saves a run for his side. |
| 18.6 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR LEG BYES! Woakes bowls this on the pads, Smith looks to flick but the ball goes off the thigh pad fine down the leg side. It races away to the fence and it has been signalled leg bye too. |
| 19.1 : Ben Stokes to Head, Outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 19.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, FOUR! Pulled away! Stokes bends his back and bowls a shorter one. Head picks the length early and pulls it through mid-wicket to get his first boundary of the game. |
| 19.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Follows it up with a solid leave outside off. |
| 19.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, Full on middle and leg, Head strokes it to mid on. |
| 19.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, FOUR! Second boundary of the game and this is on the off side. Good length ball outside off, Head hangs around and then punches it through cover-point for a boundary. |
| 19.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Length delivery outside off, Head stands tall and punches it towards point. The fielder gives it a chase and pulls it before the ropes saving a run. |
| Spin time now. Moeen Ali is introduced into the attack for the first time in this game. |
| 20.1 : M Ali to Head, Starts with a floated delivery on off, Head blocks it off the front foot. |
| 20.2 : M Ali to T Head, Tossed up around off, Head drives it to mid off. |
| 20.3 : M Ali to Head, Flighted on off, Head pushes it to mid off. |
| 20.4 : M Ali to T Head, FOUR! Cut and cut away nicely! Ali is guilty of bowling too short around off, Head hangs back and cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 20.5 : M Ali to T Head, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries but this one is a lucky one. Floated on off, the ball keeps low after pitching. Head looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half of his bat through third man. The fielder gives it a chase and puts in a dive to save the ball from going to the fence but he fails to do so. |
| 20.6 : M Ali to T Head, Tossed up on middle and leg, Head strokes it to mid on. |
| 21.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Down the leg side, Smith looks to flick but misses. |
| 21.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good effort from Broad! Once again it is down the leg side, Smith gently flicks it fine down the leg side. Broad at fine leg, runs to his right and puts in a dive to save the boundary. He does so successfully. |
| 21.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, FOUR LEG BYES! Once again Stokes bowls it down the leg side, Head looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pad wide of Bairstow, who dives but cannot get close to the ball. It races away to the fine leg fence. |
| 21.4 : Ben Stokes to T Head, On middle and leg, Head pushes it to mid on. |
| 21.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Good length ball pitching on leg, it nips back in. Head looks to defend but the ball hits him on his thigh pad and goes towards second slip. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 21.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 22.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on off, Smith strokes it to mid off. |
| 22.2 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on the stumps, Smith defends it off his front foot. |
| 22.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith gets on his front foot and blocks it. |
| 22.4 : M Ali to S Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith drives it straight to cover. |
| 22.5 : M Ali to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 22.6 : M Ali to Head, Floated on middle, Head comes down the track and strokes it to mid off. He shouts a loud no to his partner. |
| 23.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.2 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket. Buttler runs to his right and saves it before the ropes. Two taken. |
| 23.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 23.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the pads, Head flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 23.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Outside off, Head shoulders arms to it. |
| 23.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Full on off, Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith defends it towards cover. |
| 24.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith defends it towards mid on. |
| 24.4 : M Ali to Smith, Slower through the air on off, Smith keeps it out. |
| 24.5 : M Ali to Smith, On the pads, Smith turns it to square leg. |
| 24.6 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith plays a good looking cover drive. The ball does not have the legs to go to the fence as the fielder cleans it up. The batsmen comeback for the third. |
| Chris Woakes is back into the attack. |
| 25.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 25.2 : C Woakes to Smith, On the pads, Steve flicks it to short fine leg. |
| 25.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on middle and off, Smith strokes it to mid on. |
| 25.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Full on off, Smith defends it back to the bowler. |
| 25.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith looks to defend but it goes off the outer half of his bat towards third man. Collects two runs. The partnership moves to 48. |
| 25.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Bouncer to end the over. Smith ducks under it. |
| 26.1 : M Ali to T Head, Floated on off, Head strokes it to the left of mid on. |
| 26.2 : M Ali to Head, Flighted on middle, Head blocks it off the front foot. |
| 26.3 : M Ali to Head, Tossed up on middle and off, Head defends it off the inner half of his bat. It goes wide of short leg. |
| 26.4 : M Ali to Head, Floated on off, Head defends it to mid off. |
| 26.5 : M Ali to T Head, Tossed up on middle, Head strokes it to mid on. |
| 26.6 : M Ali to Head, Flighted on off, Head keeps it out and we head into Lunch. |
| Lunch! A good recovery from Australia after a horrid opening hour. England had started off well with Broad sending back both the openers early. Khawaja, who was looking good in his short stay followed suit soon. But Head then joined Smith and the duo has done well to steady the ship, adding 48 runs and ensuring that the visitors do not lose any other wicket before the break. The hosts, have bowled well but this partnership has troubled them. Root had to use 5 bowlers in the first session. With B |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session. Steve Smith and Travis Head walk out to resume their innings. Stuart Broad to bowl the first over of the new session. Also, there is a bad news for you if you are an England fan. James Anderson has not walked out for the new session. In fact we are hearing, he has left the venue to have a scan on his right calf. |
| 27.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on middle to start off by Broad, Smith plays it back towards mid on. |
| 27.2 : S Broad to Smith, Another ball on similar line and length, Smith again strokes it to the man at mid on. |
| 27.3 : S Broad to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith lets it through to the keeper. |
| Stuart Broad is bowling with split fingers. This suggests that he is going to bowl very straight to Smith. There is a fine leg, a deep mid-wicket and a deep backward square leg. Along with the catchers at slip, there is a man at short point. A good innovative position. |
| 27.4 : S Broad to Smith, Smith shuffles across the stumps in his usual style, tucks this full ball wide of mid-wicket and takes a quick single. |
| 27.5 : S Broad to Head, 50-run stand between Smith and Head and this is a very crucial partnership for Australia. Broad bowls this one on the pads of Head, he tucks it towards deep fine leg and takes a single. |
| 27.6 : S Broad to Smith, Full ball on off by Broad, Smith plays it towards mid-off. |
| Woakes to partner Broad from the other end in this new session. |
| 28.1 : C Woakes to Head, Length ball outside off by Woakes, Head leaves it alone. |
| 28.2 : C Woakes to Head, Good length ball on middle and leg, Travis plays it back towards the bowler. |
| 28.3 : C Woakes to Head, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 28.4 : C Woakes to Head, Around middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a couple. |
| 28.5 : C Woakes to Head, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 28.6 : C Woakes to Head, Length ball on middle and leg, Head pushes it towards mid on. |
| 29.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full ball shaping back in on the off pole, Smith clips it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 29.2 : S Broad to T Head, Great fielding! Broad bowls this one full and on off, there to be hit for Head. He drives it beautifully towards mid on but Woakes there dives to his left and saves a certain boundary. |
| 29.3 : S Broad to Head, Good bowling by Broad here. Head tries to push this length ball but gets the under half of his bat. The ball rolls towards point. |
| 29.4 : S Broad to Head, Beaten! Brilliant bowling by Broad! Head tries to drive this length ball outside off straight down the ground. The ball pitches and straightens and beats the outside edge of his bat. |
| 29.5 : S Broad to Head, Full ball on off, Head defends it towards mid off. |
| 29.6 : S Broad to Head, FOUR! Full ball on middle and leg, Head pushes this ball with poise straight down the ground past the bowler for a boundary. |
| 30.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller delivery on off, Smith shuffles across in his trademark style and defends it. |
| 30.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Once again it is full on off, Smith defends it to mid on. |
| 30.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith defends it to towards mid on. |
| 30.4 : C Woakes to Smith, On the pads, Smith pulls it to fine leg and gets to the other end. |
| 30.5 : C Woakes to Head, Good length ball on leg, Travis glances it to fine leg and gets a couple. |
| 30.6 : C Woakes to Head, OHH! There was some noise but it looks like it was just bat hitting the thin air. Good length ball outside off, Head looks to drive on the up but misses. There was a noise as the ball goes past the bat to the keeper but for the English players are not too confident. |
| 31.1 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on middle and leg, Smith tucks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple. |
| 31.2 : S Broad to Smith, Pitched on a length outside off, Smith lets it through to the keeper. Just before this ball, Root moves the fielder from square leg to point. |
| 31.3 : S Broad to Smith, Full ball on off, Smith pushes it with soft hands and quickly takes a single. |
| Interesting. Stuart Broad seems to be having some issue with the ball. He hands it to umpire Aleem Dar who does not even waste a second in giving it back. Absolutely no problems, mate. Carry on! |
| 31.4 : S Broad to Head, Pitched outside off, Travis shoulders arms to it. |
| 31.5 : S Broad to Head, Fuller this time outside outside off, Head lets it go again. |
| 31.6 : S Broad to Head, Full again but Head pushes it this time towards mid off. |
| 32.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Down the leg side, the ball clips the pads of Smith and the ball is gathered by Bairstow. They appeal but it is soft and the umpire turns it down. |
| 32.3 : C Woakes to Smith, On the pads again by Woakes, Smith flicks it towards deep fine leg and gives the strike to Head. |
| Plumb LBW! Woakes has got another one. Head has been adjudged in front. There is a long chat between Head and Smith and now comes the review signal. Is it hit the batsman too high? No, according to Hawk Eye. Three reds and that is the end of Head. |
| 32.4 : C Woakes to Head, OUT! LBW! Loud appeal and the umpire gives it out! The review is taken and the replays roll in. It pitches on a length and on middle, straightening after pitching. Head goes onto the back foot looking to push it towards the leg side. He misses the ball and it hits Travis on the knee roll. The Hawk Eye confirms the umpire's decision as it shows three reds. Head is dismissed once again after starting well. Australia are 4 down and England have struck again after Lunch. |
| Matthew Wade walks in at number 6, replacing Head. |
| 32.5 : C Woakes to M Wade, Good ball this. Woakes steams in and bowls a back of a length ball on middle and off. It comes back in after pitching. Wade looks to defend but the ball goes to the man at gully on the bounce. |
| 32.6 : C Woakes to Wade, Oh, just short! Another gem from Woakes! He hits the deck hard and makes it zip in. It is shorter on off, Wade looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards second slip. Luckily for Wade, it falls short of the man there. |
| 33.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller ball on off, Smith defends it towards mid off. |
| 33.2 : S Broad to S Smith, EDGED AND FOUR! Smith rides his luck here. Good length ball on off, it nips away after pitching. Smith looks to defend but ends up getting a fat outside edge which goes through vacant gully region for a boundary. |
| 33.3 : S Broad to Smith, Follows the edgy boundary with a single. |
| Another LBW! Smith is given his marching orders! Boy, a big moment in the game. Steve takes the review. He was not offering a shot and hence, impact does not matter. Here comes Hawk Eye... MISSING OFF STUMP! |
| 33.4 : Broad to Smith, NOT OUT! Smith survives! Brilliant review from Smith! Good length ball outside off, Smith leaves it alone assuming that it is going to swing away but the ball comes back in and hits the front pad of Smith. The English players are confident they have their man and the umpire agrees. Smith consults his partner and takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and Hawk Eye shows the ball to be missing the off pole by just a fraction. |
| 33.5 : S Broad to Smith, This time it is outside off and Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 33.6 : S Broad to Smith, Once again outside off, Smith lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 34.1 : C Woakes to Wade, Back of a length ball on off, Wade defends it off the back foot. |
| 34.2 : C Woakes to Wade, Wade gets his scoreboard ticking! Good length ball on the pads, Wade flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 34.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Length delivery on off, Smith looks to flick but gets a leading edge which goes all along the ground towards point. |
| 34.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith drives it to cover. |
| 34.5 : C Woakes to Smith, On off and middle, Smith shuffles across and flicks it towards fine leg for one. |
| This is tiring. Another LBW review. This time by England. Wade looks to be plumb here. And Hawk Eye confirms! Just a single for Wade then. |
| 34.6 : C Woakes to Wade, OUT! Good review from England! Woakes gets his second of this session and the English players are pumped up. Woakes comes steaming in and bowls it on a length on middle. Wade looks to flick but the ball nips in and beats him. It hits him flush on the front pad. Woakes and co. go up in a confident appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Root though takes the referral. Ultra Edge rolls in and shows no spike, Hawk Eye follows and it shows all red. The crowd roars in joy and Wade's |
| Skipper, Tim Paine walks out to bat now. |
| 35.1 : S Broad to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 35.2 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith has a poke at it but misses. It was not far away from kissing the outside edge. |
| 35.3 : S Broad to Smith, Bouncer! Smith ducks under it. |
| 35.4 : S Broad to Smith, On off and middle, Smith shuffles across and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.5 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.6 : S Broad to Smith, Length delivery on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket to get through the over. |
| 36.1 : C Woakes to Paine, Good bowling by Woakes, on off pole. Paine dabs it towards the leg side. |
| 36.2 : C Woakes to Paine, Beautiful straight drive here! Woakes bowls this one full and on off pole, Paine shimmies onto the front foot and just punches it smoothly down the ground. Woakes bends down and gets a hand to it. It saves one run for his team as the fielder from mid off chases the ball and cuts it off. Three runs taken. |
| 36.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Smith plays this full ball back towards the bowler. |
| 36.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Again full and on off, Smith pushes it back to Woakes. |
| 36.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Wide outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 36.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Again outside off, Smith lets it go to the keeper. |
| 37.1 : S Broad to Paine, Beauty by Broad! Peach of a delivery. He pitches it on the fourth stump line, the ball pitches and straightens. Paine tries to block it out but does so inside the line of the ball. The ball just misses the edge and goes to the keeper. |
| 37.2 : S Broad to Paine, Outside off this time, Paine lets it go. |
| 37.3 : S Broad to Paine, Broad bowls this one full again, Paine plays it back towards him. |
| 37.4 : S Broad to Paine, Good bowling by Broad. The ball goes towards the batsman with the angle, it hits the inside half of his bat. The ball hits the pad of Paine and rolls towards mid-wicket. |
| 37.5 : S Broad to Paine, Paine plays this full ball off the front foot and blocks it out. |
| 37.6 : S Broad to Tim Paine, Full again by Broad, outside off. Paine drives it towards the cover fielder. |
| Moeen Ali is back into the attack. |
| 38.1 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.0 : It has gone overcast suddenly and we can see a drop or two of rain. |
| 38.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on middle, Smith blocks it out. |
| 38.3 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on middle and off, Smith whips it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.4 : M Ali to Tim Paine, Off spinner which is short in length. It is pitched outside off, Paine waits and then cuts it late to point. |
| 38.5 : M Ali to Paine, Flat and on off pole, Paine pushes it back to Moeen. |
| 38.6 : M Ali to Paine, Similar ball again, blocked out by Paine. |
| 39.1 : S Broad to Smith, Smith shuffles across the stumps and plays this length ball towards the deep square leg fielder for a single. |
| 39.2 : S Broad to Paine, Good length ball just outside off, it nips away from Paine and takes a thick outside edge of his bat. The ball rolls towards third man and the batters take two. |
| 39.3 : S Broad to Paine, Paine gets behind the line of the ball and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 39.4 : S Broad to Paine, OUT! CAUGHT! The skipper is out of here! And Broad gives us that look which he gave when he had Adam Voges caught at gully in the 2015 Ashes at Trent Bridge. A look of disbelief. |
| James Pattinson replaces his skipper out in the middle. |
| 39.5 : S Broad to Pattinson, Outside off, left alone. |
| 39.6 : S Broad to Pattinson, OUT! LBW! The ball is swinging and the Aussies are dancing. In pain. To Broad's rhythm. Another terrific nut from Broady. He gets this on a length outside off and angles it into the left-hander. Pattinson was late in getting his bat to defend and the ball crashed in onto his pad. Broad appealed and up went the finger. No review taken. Should have been. Hawk Eye shows it to be missing leg stump. What an over from Broad, especially the last 3 balls - W 0 W. |
| Pat Cummins comes on to bat now. |
| 40.1 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 40.2 : M Ali to S Smith, Outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 40.3 : M Ali to Smith, Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 40.4 : M Ali to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 40.5 : M Ali to Smith, Around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler. |
| 40.6 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 41.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Another peach! Good length ball outside off, it comes in and straightens. Cummins looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 41.2 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, FOUR! Cummins will take it no matter what! Fuller ball around off, Cummins looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of his bat through backward point for a boundary. |
| 41.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Top nut! This one also swings away and it swings away a lot. Good length ball outside off, Cummins has a poke at it but the ball moves away beating the outside edge of Cummins' willow. |
| 41.4 : S Broad to Cummins, Edged but short! Cummins living dangerously and he must get Smith back on strike. The ball pitches on length and nips away from Cummins, he looks to defend at it but gets an edge to it. Luckily for him it falls short of the slip fielder. |
| 41.5 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, Fuller this time outside off, Cummins drives it towards the cover fielder. |
| 41.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Full and on off, Cummins blocks it out. |
| 42.1 : M Ali to S Smith, A very low full toss on off, Smith strokes it through covers and Root cleans it up. The batsmen take three. Root looks at the crowd later on clasp and pumps them up. |
| 42.2 : M Ali to Cummins, Flighted on off, Cummins defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.3 : M Ali to Cummins, On the pads, Cummins flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. |
| 42.4 : M Ali to Smith, On the stumps, Smith blocks it out. |
| 42.5 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Steve defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.6 : M Ali to Smith, Smart batting from Smith. He wants to keep majority of the strike so he flicks this ball towards deep mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| Ben Stokes is back into the attack now. |
| 43.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith lets it be. |
| 43.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Smith looks to push at this length ball but just gets a bottom edge on it. |
| 43.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Outside off on a length, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 43.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith tucks it to the left of mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 43.5 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Full outside off, Cummins plays a neat square drive but straight to point. |
| 43.6 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, OUT! LBW! Cummins misreads this inswinging ball and departs looking a tad bemused. Good length ball outside off, it comes in after pitching. Cummins has no clue about it and ends up shouldering his arm to it. The ball hits his front pad. The English players are dead sure that they have their man and the umpire agrees. Cummins has a chat with Smith but he does not take the review and a good decision as he was not offering a shot the chances of overturning that was ve |
| Peter Siddle is the new man in. |
| 44.1 : M Ali to Smith, Full and floated outside off, Smith powerfully pushes this towards mid off. |
| 44.2 : M Ali to Smith, Short this time on middle, Smith cuts this one towards deep cover and takes one. |
| 44.3 : M Ali to Siddle, Floated on middle and off, Siddle comes onto the front foot and defends. |
| 44.4 : M Ali to Siddle, Ali floats it and on off, Siddle blocks it out. |
| 44.5 : M Ali to Siddle, Similar line and length, Siddle defends it towards mid on. |
| 44.6 : M Ali to P Siddle, Floated outside off, it hits the outside edge of Siddle's bat and goes towards the third man region. |
| 45.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Chance of a catch for Bairstow but it goes away from his. The ball pitches on a length on leg, Smith shuffles across and helps the ball fine towards the leg side, but maybe too fine for his liking. Bairstow dives to his left but can't reach there. It goes to the fine leg fence for a four. |
| 45.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Loud appeal by the England squad but the umpire turns it down. Now, what happened here. There is certainly a noise but is it the bat hitting the ball or the pad? The umpire thinks it is pad. Root and his teammates gather and mull over taking the review but decide against it. With 8 wickets down maybe they should have gone for it. The replays roll in and show that the bat is inside the line of the ball and it has indeed hit the pad. Great decision by the Aleem Dar here. |
| 45.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 45.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, The ball is wide outside off, Smith tries to hit it but misses. It carries through to the keeper. |
| 45.5 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Wide outside off, Smith drives it through cover point and takes two as the fielder cuts it off in the deep. |
| 45.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full and swinging in towards the stump, Smith digs this one out and the ball goes wide of covers. |
| Chris Woakes is back on! |
| Petter Siddle has taken a review straightaway. Looks like there is an inside edge. |
| 46.1 : Woakes to P Siddle, NOT OUT! Another decision overturned. Woakes steams in and bowls a full, inswining ball on off, Siddle looks to defend but the ball hits his pad. England players put in a loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Siddle though signals the 'T' straightaway without even consulting his partner. Replays roll in and show there was a super fat inside edge on it. |
| 0.0 : Is that a catch? A bump ball? There is an appeal from England but no one is sure. The two umpires get together and then refer it upstairs with the soft signal as NOT OUT. Here come the replays. It is a full toss, hit into the ground. Matter closed. |
| 46.2 : C Woakes to Siddle, Bump ball. Full on off, Siddle drives it straight to point. The man at point takes it and puts in an appeal. The umpires get together and take it upstairs to confirm with the soft signal as not out. Replay rolls and confirms that it was a bump ball. |
| 46.3 : C Woakes to Siddle, Good length ball on leg, it nips in. Siddle looks to defend but gets hit on the pad. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 46.4 : C Woakes to Siddle, On the pads, Siddle flicks it to mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 46.5 : C Woakes to Smith, FIFTY FOR STEVE SMITH! This has been one fine knock from him. He gets to his 25th Test fifty with a stroke towards point. The crowd shouts a loud boo as he gets to this landmark but Smith is unfazed and raises his bat for the Aussie supporters in the crowd. |
| 46.6 : C Woakes to Siddle, Fuller on off, Siddle defends it towards mid on. |
| 47.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the pads, Smith tucks it fine down the leg side and gets a couple. |
| 47.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length delivery outside off, Smith runs it down to third man and gets a brace. |
| 47.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Stokes bowls this outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 47.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Again outside off, Smith lets it through to Bairstow again. |
| 47.5 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 47.6 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Good length ball on off, Siddle blocks it off the front foot. |
| 48.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller on off, Smith drives it through covers and gets a couple. |
| 48.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith defends it towards mid on. |
| 48.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Full on middle, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Length delivery pitching outside off, it comes in after pitching. Smith looks to flick but the ball hits him high on his thigh pad. |
| 48.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single. He shouts a very loud no to his partner for a second. One ball in the over for Siddle to survive. Can he? |
| 48.6 : C Woakes to P Siddle, Yes he does. In fact he gets off the mark in this. Full around off, Siddle drives it through covers and gets a couple. |
| 49.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full outside off, Smith drives it to sweeper cover and takes a single. |
| 49.2 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Good length ball on off, Siddle pushes it to point. |
| 49.3 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Full on off, Siddle strokes it to extra cover. |
| 49.4 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Short ball bowled on the leg pole line, Siddle ducks under it and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 49.5 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Another bouncer to Siddle. He ducks again and Bairstow collects it. |
| 49.6 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Beaten! Good ball by Stokes here. He bowls it on the 5th stump line, the ball pitches and straightens. Siddle plays at it trying to block it but does so inside the line of the ball. It goes past his outside edge and he survives. |
| Moeen Ali is back. 12 minutes to go for Tea if there is no extension. Buttler is at short leg now. |
| 50.1 : M Ali to Smith, Play and a miss. Flighted outside off, Smith swings his bat wildly at it but misses. |
| 50.2 : M Ali to Smith, Fuller on the pads, Smith blocks it out towards mid-wicket. |
| 50.3 : M Ali to Smith, Full this time but outside off, Smith plays it towards point and takes a single. |
| 50.4 : M Ali to Siddle, FOUR! Some handy runs here for Australia. Ali floats this one on middle and off, he gets down on one knee and sweeps it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 50.5 : M Ali to Siddle, Full, flatter and way outside off. Siddle dabs it towards the off side. |
| 50.6 : M Ali to Siddle, Similar ball, defended off the front foot by Siddle. |
| 51.1 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, FOUR! Short by Stokes and put away by Smith. The ball is on off pole line, Smith goes onto the back foot and just pulls it to the mid-wicket fence. |
| 51.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, This is short of a length outside off, Smith leaves it. |
| 51.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Again outside off, Steve shoulders arms to it. |
| 51.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good yorker by Stokes, mixing it up. Smith digs it out back towards him. |
| 51.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length ball on the body of Smith, he plays it back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 51.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Again on the body of Smith, this time he shuffles towards the off side and helps it towards deep fine leg for two runs. |
| Chris Woakes is back! So just a solitary over from Moeen Ali. |
| 52.1 : C Woakes to Siddle, Good length ball on off, it swings into Siddle. He pushes it towards mid on. |
| 52.2 : C Woakes to Siddle, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, Siddle tries to play at it but does so inside the line. He gets beaten and Siddle has to survive with Smith here. |
| 52.3 : C Woakes to Siddle, Down the leg side, it catches the thigh pad of Siddle and carries to Bairstow. The England team appeal but even they know it is not out. |
| 52.4 : C Woakes to Siddle, Peach of a delivery by Woakes. On the fourth stump line, the ball pitches and nips away from Siddle. He again tries to defend it but misses. Woakes is on song here. |
| 52.5 : C Woakes to Siddle, Better from Siddle this time. Full ball around off, he plays it into the ground. |
| 52.6 : C Woakes to Siddle, Single off the last ball by Siddle. This one is full around off, he plays it towards covers and grabs one. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| 71/5 in 26 overs. Terrific session for England. Shocking one for Australia. They have been literally blown away. |
| What a difference it makes to a game of cricket if the ball starts to swing. When Head and Smith were batting post the early barrage of wickets, the cherry had stopped moving and runs were coming freely. But after Lunch, England found movement and rocked Australia hard. None of the batsmen could adjust to the conditions and were found wanting in terms of technique as the visitors slipped from 99/3 to 122/8. That manic period might just cost them the game. |
| Anderson out of the first innings at least with a strain in his right calf. Problems? Says who? Naah... not for 'THIS' England unit. What looked to be a tough bowling phase was converted into a wonderful passage by Woakes and Broad who got the Dukes ball to talk. Both are in touching distance of a 5-fer, though only one can get there. |
| Over-rate. The only problem in terms of excitement in this day so far. 37 overs are left, with 2 set to be cut for innings break, but still, we shall have a long and extended final session. There was some rain falling towards the end of the previous one, so fingers crossed. |
| ...DAY 1, FINAL SESSION... |
| 4 PM LOCAL UPDATE (1500 GMT) - Not great news. We should have resumed by now but the heavens have opened up and we have a delay. The showers are a bit heavy, so it might be a while before we resume. Continue with your tea and biscuits or lunch and dinner, depending on which time zone you are in. |
| Scratch the previous update. We are given a restart time as 4.20 pm local (1520 GMT). Hooray! |
| Wow. What is this? Will anyone even say it was raining a while ago? The ground is bathed in bright sunshine! Time for the action to resume. Here is Stuart Broad to Peter Siddle. This stand is worth 32... |
| 53.1 : S Broad to Siddle, Short and wide to start with from Broad. Siddle mistimes it towards point. |
| 53.2 : S Broad to Siddle, Lovely ball. Full and outside off, Peter looks to defend but the ball holds its line and beats the outside edge. |
| 53.3 : S Broad to P Siddle, Slightly fuller and bit of width from Broad. Siddle creams a drive through the covers and takes two. |
| 53.4 : S Broad to Siddle, Outside off, left alone. |
| 53.5 : S Broad to Siddle, Outstanding effort from Ben Stokes. Full and outside off, PS looks to defend but the ball swings away and takes the outside edge. However, he plays it with soft hands, so the ball goes onto the ground. It goes past second slip but Stokes dives full length to his right and gets a hand to it, taking some pace off the ball. Two runs taken. |
| 53.6 : S Broad to Siddle, Another full delivery, Siddle this time guides the ball towards point and takes a single on the last ball of the over. Smith showing confidence in Siddle it seems. |
| Chris Woakes to continue from the other end. |
| 54.1 : C Woakes to Siddle, FOUR! In the air but in the gap! Woakes goes slightly full but has missed the line. A middle and leg stump line which Siddle whips over mid-wicket to collect a boundary. |
| 54.2 : C Woakes to Siddle, Around off, defended back from the crease. |
| 54.3 : C Woakes to Siddle, Full and outside off, Peter looks to drive but the ball goes off the toe end of the bat back to the bowler. |
| 54.4 : C Woakes to Siddle, Good line this one from Woakes, on the fifth stump. Asking Siddle to drive. He pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 54.5 : C Woakes to Siddle, Down the leg side, PS misses his flick. |
| 54.6 : C Woakes to Siddle, Bit fuller in length but a straight one. No discomfort for Siddle to block this towards mid-on. |
| 55.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full and outside off, defended solidly. |
| 55.2 : S Broad to Smith, Around off, moving away, Smith looks to defend but gets a bit of an outside edge towards point. |
| 55.3 : S Broad to Smith, On the off stump, Smith steers it to point region to get off strike. |
| 55.4 : S Broad to Siddle, Around off, on a good length, Siddle looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 55.5 : S Broad to P Siddle, FOUR! Siddle is having a great time in the middle. Gets one just outside the off stump, on a full length, Siddle drives it through the covers to get four. |
| Boo! Yay! What is happening? Mixed emotions? Bizarre scenes. The drizzle was getting heavier, so the umpires decided to take the players off the park. Smith and Siddle were only too happy to obey. They had even reached the dressing room but Root was standing on the field, a bit angry, as the hover cover was coming on. Now, the drizzle seemed to stop and the umpires called the players back on! Ha ha! |
| 55.6 : S Broad to Siddle, On a length outside off, solidly defended. |
| 56.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, swinging away, Smith leans and pushes this behind point for a single. |
| 56.2 : C Woakes to Siddle, Digs one short which is way over the head of Siddle who simply ducks under it. |
| 56.3 : C Woakes to Siddle, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 56.4 : C Woakes to Siddle, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 56.5 : C Woakes to Siddle, Short and straight. This time Siddle defends with a push off his back foot |
| 56.6 : C Woakes to Siddle, Good change of pace from Woakes. Rips in the surface again. Full and outside off, Siddle looks to defend but the ball holds on the pitch, moves away slightly and beats the outside edge. Does not carry to Bairstow. |
| 57.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller length from Broad but on the pads. Smith flicks it for a single towards mid-wicket. |
| 57.2 : S Broad to Siddle, Overpitched, outside off, driven with a full face of the bat, but straight to mid off. |
| 57.3 : S Broad to Siddle, On the fifth stump line. Siddle looks absolutely confident as he steers it straight to point. |
| 57.4 : S Broad to Siddle, Very full outside off, swinging away, driven through the covers for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP! In 82 balls. Some sort of respect to the total now. |
| 57.5 : S Broad to Siddle, Pushes his length by a tad bit but Siddle negates this one off his back foot. |
| 57.6 : S Broad to Siddle, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 58.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Around off, defended to the leg side. |
| 58.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Similar lines from Woakes. Smith pushes this straight to the cover fielder. |
| 58.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Beaten. Jaffa from Woakes. Full and outside off, Steve looks to defend but the ball holds its line, grips in the surface, angled in and then leaving the right-hander, beating the outside edge. |
| 58.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Another same line and length delivery from Woakes. Smith shuffles a bit across and places the ball towards the cover fieldsman off his front foot. |
| The ball is handed over to the umpires again. This time it is regarding the shape. Umpire Wilson brings out the 8-shaped guage but he is not sure. He walks across to Aleem Dar and the latter too, checks it out. Seems fine according to Dar. The ball is tossed up to Root again. |
| 58.5 : C Woakes to Smith, On a length outside off, Smith looks to defend but the ball nips back in and takes the inside edge, hitting him on the thigh pads. The ball drops down towards point and the batsmen take a quick single. Ben Stokes comes charging across from the slips but fumbles while picking up the ball and the run is easily completed. |
| 58.6 : C Woakes to Siddle, Another fourth stump line but overpitched. Siddle mistimes it through covers but this is good enough for the duo to scamper back for a couple. |
| 59.1 : S Broad to Smith, Full and straight, Smith gets across and tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 59.2 : S Broad to Siddle, Hits this short of length delivery straight to the cover fielder and shouts a loud no. |
| 59.3 : S Broad to Siddle, Full and outside off, driven straight to short extra cover. |
| 59.4 : S Broad to Siddle, Beaten! That came after ages it seems. Good line to the right-hander. Siddle prods at the ball and is beaten all ends up. |
| 59.5 : S Broad to Siddle, Down the leg side, flicked behind square leg for a couple. |
| 59.6 : S Broad to Siddle, Full and outside off, Siddle looks to drive but the ball swings away, takes the outside edge and goes just wide of gully towards deep point. A single taken. |
| Ben Stokes returns to see if he can break the stand. 11-1-44-1 so far. He had a horrid first session but got rid of Cummins with a very good delivery in the next. Let's see what he's got up his sleeves. |
| 60.1 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, On a length outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 60.2 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, A short ball, around middle and off, Siddle gets across and helps it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 60.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Short delivery but hardly any threatening pace or height. Smith swivels and pulls the ball away behind square leg to get a four. That was a nothing delivery from the England vice-captain. |
| 60.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On a length outside off, pushed towards cover for a quick single. |
| 60.5 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, FOUR! Nicely done! Full and outside off, Siddle reaches out and places it behind gully to find the fence! Peter moves to 32 now, with his 4th boundary. |
| 60.6 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Around off, worked wide of mid on for a run. 11 from the over. |
| 61.1 : S Broad to P Siddle, Edged! Superb delivery from Broad. Siddle presents the full face of the bat only to get an outside edge that goes past second slip. The ball races towards the fence but Bairstow hares towards the ball and dives near the boundary to save a run for his side. Brilliant commitment after more than 60 overs of wicket-keeping. |
| 61.2 : S Broad to Smith, Full and outside off, solidly defended. |
| 61.3 : S Broad to Smith, A bouncer, at the body, on middle and off, Smith ducks. |
| 61.4 : S Broad to Smith, Another bouncer, ducked under. |
| 61.5 : S Broad to S Smith, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| Something happening... Root cleverly moves his leg gully and Steve Smith wants to see where that bloke is being moved. Broad waits, thinks that the fielding change is done and steams in to bowl. But now Smith moves away, not quite happy with the proceedings. Broad has to come back and reload. |
| 61.6 : S Broad to Smith, Slower one from Broad. Smith walks across and defends off his back foot. Broad is looking tired. |
| Another issue with the ball. The umpires are checking its shape and meanwhile, the groundstaff is getting ready with the covers. Just a light drizzle in the air. And yes, the ball is not changed. |
| 62.1 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Stokes trying to bring some energy with the bouncer but it's too short to worry Siddle who ducks under it. |
| 62.2 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Another bouncer, this time less lethal, around off, Peter ducks again. |
| 62.3 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Another short ball. England looking off target this season. Trying to crank up the short ball, Stokes is missing his line. Siddle has to do nothing. |
| 62.4 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Another one is squirted through the gap between the slips. On a length outside off, PS adjusts to the bounce and guides it behind gully for a couple. |
| 62.5 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Outside off, again a shot is placed behind gully for a brace. |
| 62.6 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Full this time from Stokes but it was a straight one. Siddle whips it towards the leg side and goes for a quick single. There's a shy at the other end and Smith has to put in a dive to get in. Hurts his right hand in the process. |
| DRINKS BREAK. The light drizzle continues to fall but play goes on. A slight break for now, but it has been a terrific 50 minutes for Australia. They have added 44 runs in 10 overs and with the ball not moving, batting certainly looks to be easy. They will be happy that they have got close to 200 and they will believe that there is a contest on the cards now. Actually the Drinks was taken early because umpire Aleem Dar was stung by Wasp. |
| Joe Denly to have a go with the ball now. |
| 63.1 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Full ball on off, pushed to mid off. |
| 63.2 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Floated on the pads, played to mid on. |
| 63.3 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Floated on mid and leg, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 63.4 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Shortish in length and on middle, Siddle defends it off the back foot towards the off side. |
| 63.5 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Again short in length on off, pushed back off the back foot by Siddle. |
| 63.6 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Short in length, Siddle plays this one back to mid on. Good start by Denly. |
| 64.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Short ball around the chest height. It is down the leg side so Smith leaves it alone. |
| 64.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Another short ball but this is around the waist height. Smith pulls it to fine leg for a single. |
| 64.3 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Good length ball on the pads, Siddle flicks it to the right of square leg and gets a single. That also brings up the 200 for Australia. This duo has taken the Aussies to a very good total here after the collapse they had. |
| 64.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Steve runs it down to third man and gets to the other end. |
| 64.5 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Short ball on the body, Siddle hooks it to square leg. |
| 64.6 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Back of a length ball on off, Siddle defends it from right under his eyes. |
| 65.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, FOUR! What a shot! Denly is bowling slowly so Smith backs himself and comes down the track. He takes it as a full toss and smashes it through mid on for a boundary. |
| 65.2 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated on off, Smith strikes it wide of mid off and gets a single. |
| 65.3 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Tossed up on middle, Siddle defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.4 : Joe Denly to Siddle, Shorter on off, Siddle punches it to point for a single. |
| 65.5 : Joe Denly to Smith, On the pads, Smith glances it to mid-wicket and rotates the strike. |
| 65.6 : Joe Denly to Siddle, On the stumps, Siddle keeps it out. |
| 66.1 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Good length ball on the body, Smith pulls it very nicely and in a controlled manner to fine leg for an easy single. |
| 66.2 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Back of a length ball on off, Siddle defends it off the back foot. |
| 66.3 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Bairstow and the man at first slip go upin a hopeful appeal but nothing else. Good length ball on the pads, Siddle looks to pull but it deflects off his thigh pad. Bairstow dives to his left and takes it on the up. Jonny is up in appeal but Stokes does not appeal as he knows that the ball went off his thigh pad. |
| 66.4 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Length delivery on off, Siddle defends it off the back foot. |
| 66.5 : Ben Stokes to Siddle, Short ball on off, Siddle pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 66.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith keeps it out to get through the over. |
| Moeen Ali is back on. |
| 67.1 : M Ali to Siddle, Flighted on off, Siddle defends it off the front foot. There was spin and bounce on this one. |
| 67.2 : M Ali to P Siddle, OUT! Moeen comes and Moeen strikes! This one spins a bit more than the previous one. It is floated around off, Siddle looks to defend but the ball goes off the inner half of his bat to the right of short leg. Jos Buttler there shows sharp reflexes and takes a very good catch. The 88-run stand is broken. End of a crucial knock from Siddle. He has played a very vital innings here. |
| Nathan Lyon is the last man in. |
| 67.3 : M Ali to Lyon, Tossed up outside off, Lyon looks to push but misses. |
| 67.4 : M Ali to Lyon, Slower through the air on off, Lyon pushes it to cover. |
| 67.5 : M Ali to Lyon, Shorter on off, Lyon gets on his back foot and blocks it. |
| 67.6 : M Ali to Lyon, On the stumps, Lyon does well to block it. Wicket maiden for Moeen Ali. A brilliant over. |
| 68.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, A short ball, around middle, pulled straight to deep backward square leg. Steve starts to run but then sends Lyon back. |
| 0.0 : No half-century for Siddle but what an effort this has been from him. He may or may not do what is required of him with the ball but the 34-year old has done it with the bat. A top knock which has put Australia in a decent position. |
| 68.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, A short ball outside off, Steve backs away and looks to slap it away but mistimes it towards short extra cover. |
| 68.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, A short ball outside off, now SS looks to hook but misses. |
| 68.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, WIDE. A wild bouncer, on middle, goes way above the batsman. Stokes is not happy. |
| Fervent field changes from Root. Long leg is going to deep point. Moeen Ali has come from backward deep square leg to point. There are 2 men on the leg side and 2 on the off side. |
| Ben Stokes to Smith, Full and wide outside off, left alone. |
| 68.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On a length around off, Smith gets across and nudges it through square leg for a single. |
| One ball left for Lyon to survive. A ring of slip fielders comes around while short leg is in too. |
| 68.6 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, Full and around off, tailing in, Lyon keeps it out, flicking it towards fine leg. Starts to run but is sent back. |
| 69.1 : M Ali to Smith, UP IN THE AIR... SAFE! Smith goes for a mighty heave to a flighted delivery but doesn't get his timing right on this one. Ball goes wide of long off and lands safely. Denies the single. First shot from frustrated Smith. |
| 69.2 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around middle, pushed towards the bowler. |
| 69.3 : M Ali to Smith, Down the leg side, Steve looks ton paddle but misses. He is distraught with himself. |
| 69.4 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Agricultural shot. Around off, a full toss, Smith dispatches it wide of mid-wicket and moves into the 90s. |
| 69.5 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| Long off and long on come in... |
| A stumping appeal now! Bairstow yells his throat out but no one looks deeply interested. Here come the replays. Nothing in those. Steve's foot is well inside. |
| 69.6 : M Ali to Smith, Safe as a house. Full and outside off, Smith looked to drive but missed. Bairstow was quick as lightning to take the bails off and appeal. It was referred upstairs but replays confirmed that the foot never left the crease. |
| 70.1 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, FOUR! A boundary for Lyon to get off the mark! Full and outside off, Nathan reaches out and drives it behind point for a boundary! |
| 70.2 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, Goes past the edge this time as Lyon has a push at the ball which is on the fifth stump line. Lyon survives! |
| 70.3 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, On a length around off, moving away, NL looks to defend but the ball goes off the leading edge towards cover. |
| 70.4 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, Stokes drags his length but Lyon stands tall and punches it straight to the fielder of his back foot. |
| 70.5 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, Outside off, coming in, left alone. |
| 70.6 : Ben Stokes to Lyon, Shorter length but nothing threatening from Stokes. Lyon negates this one calmly. |
| 71.1 : M Ali to Smith, SIX! Moves to 98. Flighted and on a fuller length outside off, Smith deposits this one over the long on fielder with a mighty slog. He closes in towards his century with this glorious six. |
| 71.2 : M Ali to Smith, Outside off, played towards point. |
| 71.3 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around middle, Smith looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover. |
| 71.4 : M Ali to Smith, Moves to 99. An easy nudge through mid on for a single. |
| 71.5 : M Ali to Lyon, Lyon plunges forward and negates the fifth delivery. Smith must be having his heart in his mouth but Lyon is spot on with his block. |
| 71.6 : M Ali to Lyon, And Lyon survives. Full and around off, Garry comes forward and defends. The whole of the Australian dressing room applauds. |
| England are taking their time to set the field. The umpires get around and ask them to hurry up. |
| 72.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On a length around off, Smith gets across and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 72.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 72.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Straight to Moeen Ali. One would have thought this will get him to the three figures but Root is spot on with his field positioning. Pulls it straight to the fielder. |
| 72.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! FABULOUS! Cometh the hour, cometh the man, salute the champion! A terrific century from a man who has been rebuked from cricket. A triple figure score on return to Tests. Great show from the Edgbaston crowd as well. No boos this time. They booed him when he arrived, they booed him when he got to 50 but on his century, all have stood up as one. No celebration from Smith though. Or shall we say, not much. Just a removal of the helmet and a swish of the bat through |
| 72.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, A wild bouncer, on middle and leg, going down, Smith sways away. |
| Ben Stokes to Smith, A short ball, down the leg side, Steve misses out on his pull. |
| 72.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full and outside off, squeezed behind point for a single. |
| 73.1 : M Ali to Smith, Dances down the track to heave this over the long off fielder. Doesn't time it well as the ball goes to the long-off fielder. No run taken. |
| 73.2 : M Ali to Smith, On middle and off, Steve goes back and looks to cut but misses. Quicker one, goes just over the stumps. |
| 73.3 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Fine shot. Short and outside off, Smith goes back and punches it through point for a boundary! |
| 73.4 : M Ali to Smith, Full and around off, slogged towards deep mid-wicket. No single taken. |
| 73.5 : M Ali to Smith, Another slog from Smith. Again not a great timing. This time gets a single as the ball rolls towards the mid-wicket. |
| 73.6 : M Ali to Lyon, Outside off, left alone. |
| Stuart Broad is back on. 19-4-58-4 so far. One away from 100 Ashes wickets. |
| 74.1 : S Broad to S Smith, A length ball outside off, Smith backs away and slashes hard, getting a thick outside edge to third man. No single taken. |
| 0.0 : Review time! Seems like an age, doesn't it? Looks to be missing leg though, according to our genius, Kamtishwar. |
| 74.2 : Broad to Smith, NOT OUT! Kamtishwar is indeed a genius. Comfortably missing leg. Full on the pads. Smith walks across to whip this one but misses. There is a loud appeal but Joel Wilson shakes his head. Root reviews and rightly so, no point in saving a review. Hawk Eye shows it to be missing leg. |
| 74.3 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Streaky! On a length outside off, Smith looks to defend but the ball comes in, takes the inside edge and scoots over the stumps to the fine leg fence! |
| 74.4 : Broad to Smith, FOUR. Back-to-back boundaries for Smith. Brings out a lofted shot over the bowler's head. Smith shows full face of the willow to this in-the-arc delivery and lofts this over the bowler. No chance for the fielders. |
| 74.5 : S Broad to Smith, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 74.6 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off, pushed towards point. Smith initially wants a single but is sent back. |
| Chris Woakes is back on. 18-2-43-3 so far. We are reaching that time of the day when no opening batsman would like to bat. Jason Roy is shadow practicing his defense. |
| 75.1 : C Woakes to Lyon, Outside off, left alone. |
| 75.2 : C Woakes to Lyon, Leg bye. On the leg stump, Lyon moves across to turn this towards the fine leg, gets a single off his pad. |
| 75.3 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Just over! A length ball, around middle, Smith backs away and slaps it over a leaping mid on to the fence behind. |
| 75.4 : C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Short, around off stump. Smith pounces on this one and slams it towards deep mid-wicket. No chance for any fielder. Runs coming thick and fast for Australia. Worries for England. |
| 75.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Around off, defended solidly. |
| A slight issue for Smith as he gets his ankle checked. |
| 75.6 : C Woakes to Smith, A length ball, around middle, SS swivels and pull-helps it towards long leg for a run. |
| Again, issues with the ball. Umpire Wilson brings out the 8-shaped guage but then hands the cherry back to Broad. |
| 76.1 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Terrific shot. A length ball, around middle and leg, following the batsman, Smith swivels and swings it behind square leg, splitting the fielders in the deep! 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL! |
| 76.2 : S Broad to Smith, In line of the stumps, Steve back away and punches it straight to cover. |
| 76.3 : S Broad to Smith, Short and wide, Smith steers this past the point fielder. Looks for a quick couple but decides against it. Lyon to negate three deliveries. |
| Slip has come in for Lyon. Fairly orthodox field. Another slip joins the man at first slip. |
| 76.4 : S Broad to Lyon, Outside off, left alone. |
| 76.5 : S Broad to Lyon, Lyon has no issues in dealing with this fourth stump line ball. Lunges forward and pushes it straight back. |
| 76.6 : S Broad to Lyon, FOUR! Just wide! Full and outside off, Lyon hammers this straight back. Broad stretches out his left hand but in vain as the ball races down to the long off fence! |
| 77.1 : C Woakes to Smith, On the good length from Woakes. Smith doesn't do anything extravagant this time. Just gets bat to the ball to place it straight to the fielder. |
| 77.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 77.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Outside off, driven towards mid off. |
| 77.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Woakes fires one short but the ball is not going to trouble Smith as he ducks under this one comfortably. |
| 77.5 : C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 77.6 : C Woakes to Lyon, Lyon is again on the money with his block off his back foot as the wait extends a little longer for England. |
| 78.1 : S Broad to Smith, On a length outside off, Smith dead-bats it by bringing his bat down to defend at the last moment. |
| 78.2 : S Broad to Smith, Dances down the track but Broad follows him down the leg side. Smith can only defend it towards short mid-wicket as he is cramped for room. |
| 78.3 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Outrageous shot. A length ball, on middle, Smith heaves it through square leg. The long leg fielder gets across to his left and slides but in vain. |
| 78.4 : S Broad to Smith, Broad is following the batsman. Smith moves away, looking for room for a slog but can only get a single as the ball goes to mid-wicket. |
| 78.5 : S Broad to Lyon, Around middle and off, slightly short, tucked straight to Jos Buttler at short mid-wicket. |
| 78.6 : S Broad to Lyon, Lyon is doing great job here. Another fifth stump line, he pushes it towards cover. |
| 79.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Smith looks to go for a massive heave but is little too early for the slog. Woakes had rolled his fingers to that one. A slower one, in line of the stumps, goes past Steve's bat, over the stumps. |
| 79.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, Smith rides the outswing nicely and guides it towards backward point. He calls for two but slips at the non-striker's end and aborts the thought. |
| 79.3 : C Woakes to Lyon, Straight one from Woakes, around the off stump, Lyon pushes it back without any trouble. |
| 79.4 : C Woakes to Lyon, FOUR! FANTASTIC! All his runs have come in boundaries, with 12 on the board. Full and outside off, Lyon drives it beautifully down the ground. Now, the great thing about that shot is that there is a silly mid off in place, yet, he is beaten! |
| 79.5 : C Woakes to Lyon, On a length outside off, seaming away, Nathan plays inside the line and is beaten by the late away movement. |
| 79.6 : C Woakes to Lyon, Another confident defense from Lyon. This was fired on a fuller length outside the off stump. Lyon negates another one to bring Smith back to strike for the next over. |
| The second new ball is available now. But it has not been taken yet. |
| 80.1 : S Broad to Smith, SIX! Massive! Heaves this one over mid-wicket. Smith is going all guns blazing as he closes in on his 150. This was within the reach and Smith just launched into this one. A length ball, around off, Smith just sends the ball sailing over mid-wicket. |
| 80.2 : S Broad to Smith, A yorker now, outside off, Steve looks to steer it behind point but misses. |
| 80.3 : S Broad to S Smith, Full and around middle, pushed towards mid on. SS initially looks for a single but then changes his mind. |
| 80.4 : S Broad to Smith, OUT! BOWLED! Agricultural shot to end the innings. Broad does what any bowler would do during the death overs of a limited-overs game. Keep it full and straight. You miss, I hit. Smith misses, Broad hits. Superb from both the gentlemen. Century for Smith, 5-fer for Broad, 100 ASHES WICKETS as well. AUSTRALIA FINISH ON 284! |
| P-H-E-N-O-M-E-N-A-L. What an opening day of the Ashes. Australia rocked hard at 122/8. Then, when even 150 looked difficult, Smith hung in there, adding 162 for the final two wickets. Australia should have been stopped under 150. They have managed almost 300. |
| Nothing much to talk about the Australian batting. The first two sessions were all about Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, sharing 7 of the 8 wickets to fall. The ball was moving around and on a pitch which was not offering too much, swing did the Aussies in. Then suddenly, swing disappeared and runs started to flow. |
| Excellent bowling by England after being asked to bowl. At the toss, they would definitely take a score less than 300 but the fact that they had their opponents on the mat will hurt them. Anderson's absence hurt them a lot and they will now look to bat well to give Jimmy some extra rest. |
| One good thing for England is that they will believe - if the Aussie tail can wag, their own top order can get the runs. Still, these are a tricky 10 minutes to survive. The openers arrive. Jason Roy and Rory Burns. Can Australia finish the day on a dominating note? A wicket or two would mean that England are on the mat on the first day of the Ashes. Pat Cummins to Rory Burns first up. Here we go! |
| 0.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Starts with a fuller ball with very little movement on off, Burns defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Burns and England are off the mark! Full ball which comes in with the angle. Burns flicks it with the swing through mid-wicket. The fielder cleans it up before the ropes as the batsmen take three. |
| 0.3 : Pat Cummins to Roy, A solid, confident front foot defense from Roy to start his innings. Full on off, Roy defends it with a straight bat. |
| 0.4 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Good length ball on off, it nips in. Roy glances it towards mid-wicket off the inner half of his bat. |
| 0.5 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Play and a miss! Roy looks to go for glory. It is a short ball outside off and Roy goes for a big pull, an unnecessary shot at this stage. Luckily for Roy he does not edge it. |
| 0.6 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Full on off, Roy gets his composure back and defends it off the front foot. |
| We will have one more over here before Stumps. It will be the returning, James Pattinson who will bowl the last over of the day. |
| 1.1 : J Pattinson to Burns, Starts with a good length ball outside off. There is late away swing on it, Burns shoulders arms to this ball. |
| 1.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Fuller on middle, Burns turns it to fine leg and gets to the other end. |
| 1.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, FOUR! Roy is off the mark! Scores the first boundary of England's innings. Overpitched on off, Roy shows his white-ball form and creams his drive through covers for a boundary. |
| 1.4 : J Pattinson to Roy, Good comeback from Pattinson. Steams in and bowls an incoming pacy ball on a length. Roy looks to defend but misses and the cherry hits his abdomen. |
| 1.5 : J Pattinson to Roy, This one nips in too. Roy this time defends it but not in a traditional fashion. |
| 1.6 : J Pattinson to J Roy, Roy survives and England will head into Day 2 unharmed. Fuller on off, it comes in. Roy looks to defend but the ball goes towards square leg off the inner half of his bat. They come back for the second as the fielder from fine leg cleans it up. STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| That ends a fabulous opening day of the Ashes. Down and out, a team fights back. Now, we await to see how the other will respond come Friday. England have done well to see off the 2 overs of play and will aim to get a good partnership going on Day 2. |
| From 122/8 to 284 all out! The talk of the town will be Steve Smith for scoring more than 50 percent of the team total. But do not forget a certain Stuart Broad who etched his name into record books with his 100th Ashes wicket. |
| Australia will aim to do what England did come Friday morning. But how will the conditions be? Good for batting or bowling? Join us at 11 am local (1000 GMT) for all the action from Day 2. ADIOS! TAKE CARE! |
| ... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ... |
| Down and out in the dumps. Bring out the sandpaper! Boo Smith! One of the culprits, Warner, dislodged cheaply despite a reprieve. Another culprit, Bancroft, not lasting long either. How long will Steve Smith last? Ask again. How long will Steve Smith last? Long. Very long. Lasting till the very last ball of the innings. On a day when nothing much seemed to go right for Australia, this man stuck his guts out like wet sand sticks onto dry paper, making the Barmy Army eat humble pie. A day which sa |
| Right. That was all about Steve Smith. But this game is not ONLY about Smithy, is it? There were other players too who played a role in a fantastic opening day. First, it was Broad, who ran through the fragile Aussie batting line-up, to finish with a 5-for and get into the list of bowlers with 100 Ashes wickets. Then, there was Woakes, who just strut his stuff with the Dukes ball. But the man who was missed the most. His 4 overs were the only output for England and his absence, can be argued, al |
| How do England look at this pitch? How do supporters look at this track? When the visitors were crumbling at 122/8, it looked like there is plenty on the pitch for the seamers. But then, looking at the way Siddle and Lyon played, it gives plenty of confidence to the hosts' batsmen. What exactly is there in the pitch then? Actually, not much. It was swing which got the better of OZ and they would need exactly that to stop England. Overcast conditions did not help them either. Conditions today are |
| We are all set for the action to begin! It ain't very cloudy but it is not sunny too. The English openers, Jason Roy and Rory Burns make their way out to resume their innings. Pat Cummins will start the proceedings for Australia. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 2.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Cummins steams in from around the wicket and bowls this full around off, no swing on offer for him. Burns is a touch late in his drive and mistimes it on the off side. |
| 2.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Swing this time! The line though is outside off, it swings away further. Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 2.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This one is angled into the batter, Burns works it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 2.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another very full ball, this is almost a yorker. Burns jams it out to the man at mid off. |
| 2.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A good nut this one! It is on off and around a length. Burns defends it nicely. |
| 2.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A maiden to begin but not a threatening one! The last ball is outside off, Burns makes an easy leave. |
| James Pattinson to bowl from the other end. |
| 3.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, Starts off with a loosener outside off, Roy shoulders arms to this one. |
| 3.2 : J Pattinson to J Roy, EDGY FOUR! Had there been a 4th slip, Australia would have got their first wicket. Lucky boundary for Roy there. First runs today and it was in a fortunate manner. Pattinson goes full and around off, it shapes away later. Roy looks to go hard at it but the ball flies off the outside edge and past third slip and to the third man fence. Maybe the fielder could have put in a dive there but he was late to react I feel. |
| 3.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, Good delivery! Shortens his length around off and it shapes away. Roy plays it well though. He initially is drawn into the stroke but then bails out seeing the swing. |
| 3.4 : J Pattinson to Roy, This one stays low! It pitches on off and skids through. Roy gets his bat down in time and keeps it out. |
| 3.5 : J Pattinson to Roy, Shorter in length and on off, Roy stands tall and defends it out. |
| 3.6 : J Pattinson to Roy, A dot to end a good over by Pattinson. Back of a length on off, Roy stands tall and keeps it out. |
| 4.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! Second boundary of the day, this time it is Burns who hits it. Cummins goes full and outside off, Burns drives it square on the off side and bags a boundary. |
| 4.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Good comeback! This is angled into the off pole, it lands on a length and straightens. Burns defends inside the line and gets beaten. |
| 4.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another ball on a length and around off, this is blocked nicely. Burns has looked nice and good till now. |
| 4.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Outside off, Burns does not fiddle with it. |
| 4.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On the fuller side again, once again there is no movement for Cummins. Burns strokes it to mid on. |
| 4.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Shorter and angled into the batter, Burns pushes it to mid on. He has looked at ease against Cummins till now. |
| 5.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, Another good delivery by Pattinson! It is on off and on a length. Roy shows the full face of the bat and pushes it to mid off. |
| 5.2 : J Pattinson to Roy, Continues bowling it on a length and on middle, Roy pushes it to mid on. |
| A couple of overs too late, here comes the fourth slip. Australia might be looking towards Paine to be more active, rather than reactive. For someone like Jason Roy, who likes to go hard at the ball, always protecting the slip cordon is a must. Because once he gets his eye in, he will send the bowlers out on a leather hunt. |
| 5.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, Slightly outside off, hoping Roy plays a loose shot. Jason does not get tempted and he lets it be. |
| 5.4 : J Pattinson to J Roy, Played that with soft hands and hence the ball does not carry! Pattinson is troubling Roy here. He lands it around off and gets it to straighten. Roy looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge but falls short of Smith at second slip. He makes a good stop in the end diving to his left. |
| 5.5 : J Pattinson to Roy, Gets this one to come back in after pitching it around middle, the length is a touch shorter though. Roy looks to play at it but misses to get hit high on the pads. |
| 5.6 : J Pattinson to J Roy, A good nut to end a good over! This is slightly fuller around off, comes back in. Roy looks to play it against the movement but it goes off the inner half to mid on. |
| In the previous over, the camera showed us Jimmy Anderson doing a morning jog, which is good news for England. They missed him badly in the first innings and would want him around in the second dig. |
| 6.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! Easy-peasy! Cummins changes the angle but bowls it on the pads. Burns loves it there, he flicks it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 6.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Corrects his line and length this time. It is shorter and on off, Burns keeps it out. |
| 6.3 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, A little too straight again by Cummins, Burns pushes it to mid on. |
| 6.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Just behind a driving length around off, angling away. Burns lets it be. |
| 6.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Well bowled! In the corridor of uncertainty. Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 6.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Third leave in a row as Cummins bowls another one outside off. A good comeback by Cummins after the first ball but he still does not seem at his best today morning. |
| 4 slips in place now! No gully though. |
| 7.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, In the fifth stump channel. Roy moves across and then lets it be. |
| 7.2 : J Pattinson to J Roy, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Pattinson draws first blood and he deserves this wicket. He has been excellent today morning and he gets his reward. Also, he has troubled Roy throughout and this was probably on the cards. Another lovely delivery by Pattinson. It pitches on off and it is on a length. It takes off after pitching. Roy is drawn into the stroke. He tries to drop his hands at the end but the ball kisses the outside edge and goes low to Smith at second slip. He takes a |
| Joe Root is the new man in. |
| 7.3 : J Pattinson to Root, Outside off, left alone. Not a good ball to bowl to the new batter. |
| 7.4 : J Pattinson to Root, Goes fuller and on middle, Root strokes it to mid on. Good shot that. |
| 7.5 : J Pattinson to Root, Well bowled again! This is outside off, Root looks to play at it but then pulls out. James is really bowling well here, it is a delight to watch him at the moment. |
| 7.6 : J Pattinson to Root, First poor ball by him today. Down the leg side, Root looks to flick but misses. A successful over comes to an end by Pattinson. |
| 8.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Back of a length on off, Burns blocks it. Cummins too has to support James here. If he gets into his own, he could be deadly. |
| 8.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A little too straight on middle, Burns works it to mid-wicket. Maybe the end here is not supporting Cummins as we saw Pattinson get good movement but Pat not getting a lot. However, he is more of a hit-the-deck bowler. |
| 8.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Shorter and on off, Burns plays it well as he hops and defends it onto the ground. |
| 8.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A back of a length ball this time, Burns works it to mid-wicket. |
| 8.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, BEATEN! Good delivery this! He comes around the wicket and angles it into off. It is shorter in length. Burns goes back and tries to defend but the outside edge is beaten as the ball straightens. |
| 8.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, An ambitious appeal! This is angled into the pads, Burns looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. Cummins appeals but it is going over. Hawk Eye confirms the same. |
| 9.1 : J Pattinson to Root, This is lovely, lovely stuff! Every ball he is bowling, it seems like he would take a wicket. He goes wide of the crease and angles this one into the off pole. It pitches and straightens. Root plays the original trajectory and the ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 9.2 : J Pattinson to Root, Root is off the mark! Not in convincing manner though. This is on middle, Root ends up playing outside the ball this time, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. |
| 9.3 : J Pattinson to Root, This is outside off, Root need not play at those. |
| 9.4 : J Pattinson to Root, Just short! Root did not get it right off the middle and that probably saved him. This is fuller on off, Root looks to drive it straight down the ground. He though ends up mistiming it back towards the bowler but it falls short. |
| 9.5 : J Pattinson to Root, A single! This is on middle, Root guides it towards point and takes one. |
| 9.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, First ball Pattinson bowls to a left-hander today, he fails to adjust. He bowls it on the pads. Burns looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| 10.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On a length outside off, Burns looks to defend but the ball comes in late and beats him. |
| 10.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 10.3 : Cummins to Burns, FOUR LEG BYES! On the helmet! The first one to hit the head gear this series. A bouncer from Cummins, outside off, Rory ducks but it is not the proper technique. He is half-standing, half-ducking and the ball shoots in, taking the helmet and flying over Tim Paine to the fine leg fence. |
| We are in for a delay. There is the mandatory concussion check and Aleem Dar is concerned. Burns looks okay though. Here comes the physio. Nothing much. Just a calm question check and we are ready. |
| Paine is on the aggressive here. Gets in Travis Head at short leg, indicating there would be no let-up in terms of the short stuff. |
| 10.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Smart from Burns. Gets a short ball, outside off and taps it towards point for a quick single. |
| 10.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Outside off, dabbed straight to gully. |
| 10.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Full and outside off, Joe looks to drive but the ball comes in a touch and goes off the inner half towards mid on. |
| Peter Siddle is on! First change for Australia. |
| 11.1 : P Siddle to R Burns, Siddle finds the edge on the first ball itself but it goes down towards third man for two. He comes from around the wicket and lands it on off, it straightens. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge. |
| 11.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Fuller and on off, Burns pushes it to mid off. |
| 11.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Good length and on off, this is defended. This is what you will get from Siddle, he will constantly hit one length. |
| 11.4 : P Siddle to Burns, Another one on a length and around off, Burns lunges and keeps it out. |
| 11.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Almost! Siddle gets this one to come back in from outside off, Burns looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A muted appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire. |
| 11.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Another delivery on a length and around off, this is blocked out. A good start by Siddle. |
| Double change! Nathan Lyon comes on too. |
| A halt in play! Tim Paine has asked for his helmet but it is taking long to come. |
| 12.1 : N Lyon to Root, OHHHH! That was very, very close! What a delivery to begin with. Also, big turn for Lyon there. He lands this outside off, it pitches and turns back in sharply. Root covers his off stump and leaves it. The ball just about misses the front pad and the off pole. |
| 12.2 : N Lyon to Root, A misfield and a run! This is fuller around off, Root strokes it towards cover. The fielder misfields and a single is taken. Maybe Lyon won't mind this as it gets the left-hander on strike. |
| 12.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Flatter and on middle, Burns keeps it out. |
| 12.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Well bowled! Sees Burns comes down the track and fires it down the leg side. Rory works it to short fine leg. He does well to get bat on that. |
| 12.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Turn again! Not as much as the first ball but good turn. This is on middle, it straightens a touch. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point. |
| 12.6 : N Lyon to Burns, A little fuller this time, Burns works it towards mid on and takes one. A top over by Lyon to begin with. |
| 13.1 : P Siddle to Burns, This is angled into the batter, Burns works it to mid-wicket. |
| 13.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Nicely pushed and an even better fielding effort. Fuller and on off, Burns strokes it past mid off. Wade hares after it and right at the end, manages to push it back in by diving forward. Saves a run for his side. |
| 13.3 : P Siddle to Root, On a good length and on off, Root stands tall and keeps it out. |
| 13.4 : P Siddle to Root, Egde but short! Around off and on a length, it pitches and straightens. Root looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge but well short of fourth slip. Root played that with soft hands. |
| 13.5 : P Siddle to Root, Just outside off, Root is initially drawn into the stroke but then bails out. |
| 13.6 : P Siddle to Root, A huge shout but nothing from the umpire! This is on middle and it jags back in. Root looks to push at it but misses to get hit high on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Too high as the length was shorter. He needs to bowl it slightly fuller. |
| DRINKS! The game still hangs in the balance here. However, England would be slightly happier at the moment. They did lose Roy early but Root and Burns are going along well here. Australia on the other hand, need to keep going for wickets. There are encouraging signs out there for them as the pacers are getting something off the surface and so is Lyon but they need to make use of it. An interesting passage of play awaits ahead. |
| 14.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Gives it a lot of air and bowls it very full. Burns works it through mid-wicket and takes an easy two. |
| 14.2 : N Lyon to Burns, A huge shout but nothing! This is on middle and it goes on with the angle. Burns looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but it is going down leg. Now then... Hawk Eye shows it is not going down leg instead hitting leg. It would have been a successful review by Australia. They miss a trick here. |
| 14.3 : N Lyon to Burns, That stays low and also turns away. Shorter and outside off. Burns looks to slap it through the off side but misses. |
| 14.4 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 14.5 : N Lyon to Burns, This is on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 14.6 : N Lyon to Root, Another single as Root works this one through mid-wicket. End of an over which could have had a wicket but Australia did not review. |
| 15.1 : P Siddle to Root, Fuller and on middle, Root strokes it back towards the bowler. Siddle stops it nicely. |
| 15.2 : P Siddle to Root, Goes wide of the crease and this is angled into the batter, he works it to mid-wicket. |
| 15.3 : P Siddle to Root, Back of a length and on off, this is kept out. |
| 15.4 : P Siddle to Root, OHHH! This lands around off and it jags back in sharply. Root somehow tries to keep it out but it goes off the inside edge onto the pads. |
| 15.5 : P Siddle to Root, Once again, another one on a back of a length. This is defended onto the ground. |
| 15.6 : P Siddle to Root, Another one on a length and around off, Root lets it be. A maiden by Siddle and a very good one. |
| 16.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Turns after pitching on the off stump, Burns leaves it. |
| 16.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and just outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 16.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Asking to play this one as Lyon lands this one straight, Burns solidly defends this one. |
| 16.4 : N Lyon to Burns, FOUR! Educated edge. Smartly played by Burns there. Full and outside off, not much turn. Rory comes half forward and then looks to defend with soft hands. There is an outside edge but the soft-hand technique takes the edge onto the ground, well past Smith at first slip and beats James Pattinson at short third man. |
| 16.5 : N Lyon to Burns, On the fifth stump line, Burns is not bothered and leaves. |
| 16.6 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 17.1 : P Siddle to Root, On the fourth stump line this one as Root leans and places it back to the bowler. |
| 17.2 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, dabbed past slip towards third man for a single. |
| 17.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Another off stump line delivery which Burns leans forward and plays safely. |
| 17.4 : P Siddle to Burns, Solid drive on this ball straight to cover, this was on the fourth stump line. |
| 17.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Outside off, left alone. |
| 17.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Similar line from Siddle, asking the batsman to drive. Burns shoulders arm to this one. |
| James Pattinson is back! He was brilliant today morning, another spell like that is what Australia would want. |
| 18.1 : J Pattinson to Root, Fuller on the middle and leg, Root pushes it straight to the mid-wicket fielder off his front foot. |
| 18.2 : J Pattinson to Root, Outside off, tapped towards point for a quick single. Burns was taken aback slightly there. |
| 18.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, On the fifth stump line, shapes away after pitching. Too wide for Burns to have a go at it. |
| 18.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, Full and down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single. |
| 18.5 : J Pattinson to Root, Shapes away after pitching again but Root has a tentative poke at it, lucky to not edge it. |
| 18.6 : J Pattinson to Root, Outside off, a touch wide, comfortably let through. |
| 19.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Fuller length but bit wide, Burns directs it towards the man for a couple which brings up Fifty for England. |
| 19.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Outside off, left alone. |
| 19.3 : P Siddle to Burns, On a length around off, solidly defended. |
| 19.4 : P Siddle to Burns, Wide of off stump this one, on a shorter length. Burns shoulders arm to this one. He is looking confident as long as his off stump is concerned. |
| 19.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Landed outside off, let through. |
| 19.6 : P Siddle to Burns, This was angled in from a shorter length, Burns defends off his back foot. |
| 20.1 : J Pattinson to Root, Fuller length on the fourth stump line, Root drives it confidently straight to cover. |
| 20.2 : J Pattinson to Root, Landed outside off, Root lets it through. The ball flies past and Tim Paine has to adjust at the last moment to save his face. Sees the funny side now. |
| 20.3 : J Pattinson to Root, Short on the off stump, Root blocks it towards point. |
| 20.4 : J Pattinson to Joe Root, EDGED, SHORT! Actually very well played by Root. Full and around off, Joe comes forward to defend but is squared up. But he goes at it with soft hands, hence the outside edge lands short of Steve Smith at second slip. |
| 20.5 : J Pattinson to Root, Places this off stump line ball with confidence between fourth slip and point. They collect a couple. |
| Root has been adjudged LBW! He takes the referral immediately. There was a noise as the ball went past. Could be caught behind. LBW looks too high. Here come the replays. Not hit the bat. Not hit the pad. But hit the off stump! |
| 20.6 : J Pattinson to Root, NOT OUT! No bat, no pad, but the ball hits the off stump, yet the bails do not fall! Bizarre scenes. Everyone is smiling. On a length outside off, Root looked to defend but missed as the ball hit something and went to Tim Paine. Everyone appealed and the umpire raised his finger! Root immediately took the review and replays showed that the ball hit the off stump! The bails moved a bit but then got straight back on! What luck... |
| 21.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Siddle is bowling consistently on the fourth stump line, Burns drives this straight to cover. |
| 21.2 : P Siddle to Burns, On a length outside off, Burns looks to defend but the ball seams away and beats the outside edge. |
| 21.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Same line again but Burns is looking solid, drives it again, the cover fielder drives to save the shot. |
| 21.4 : P Siddle to Burns, This was shorter on the middle stump, Burns blocks it off his back foot. |
| 21.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Around off, watchfully defended. |
| 21.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Short again on the off stump, Burns leans forward and block it off his back foot again. |
| 22.1 : J Pattinson to Joe Root, Short delivery, Root pulls it perfectly to collect 1. |
| 22.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Misses his line this time as the ball goes on the leg side. Burns looks to flick but missed. Tim Paine dives to his right save but deflects the ball towards fine leg. The batsman run a couple of byes. |
| 22.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 22.4 : J Pattinson to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 22.5 : J Pattinson to Root, Root defends this fifth stump line ball solidly. |
| 22.6 : J Pattinson to Root, On the fifth stump again but bit short in length. The ball shapes away after passing the batsman, Paine collects it cleanly as Root shoulders arm. |
| Nathan Lyon is back on. 3-0-10-0 so far. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Burns, A touch short, outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Landed outside off, no turn, left alone. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Trying to bowl full, but this keeps low and turns away. Burns does nothing. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Around middle and leg, tucked straight to short fine leg. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Burns, On the leg stump, Burns hangs on his back foot and places this towards mid-wicket to get a couple. |
| 24.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 24.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! Short but on the hips as Burns whips this towards mid-wicket. Timed it nicely to get a boundary. |
| 24.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Outside off, coming in a long way, Burns shoulders arms but the ball hits his thighs enroute the keeper. |
| 24.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Short and wide and Burns is not bothered to play at this one. Cummins is still struggling. |
| 24.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This time makes the batsman drive as pitches this slightly fuller. Burns misses the edge to Paine. |
| 24.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another fifth stump line which shapes away after pitching. Too wide to be played, Burns leaves it. |
| 25.1 : N Lyon to Root, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 25.2 : N Lyon to Root, The ball is turning a bit as Lyon lands this on the fifth stump and makes Root play. Defends well to this ball which kept a bit low. |
| 25.3 : N Lyon to Root, Down the leg side, left alone. Too far for Paine to collect and the batsmen take a couple of byes. |
| 25.4 : N Lyon to Root, Outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 25.5 : N Lyon to Root, Fuller this time, Root leans forward to block it well. The short leg fielder might come in play if he can keep doing this. |
| 25.6 : N Lyon to Root, Around off, worked straight to square leg. |
| 26.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A bouncer on middle, Burns ducks under it. |
| 26.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On a good length around off, coming in, Rory looks to defend but the ball comes in, takes the inside edge and hits him on the box. |
| 26.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 26.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! FLAMBOYANT! Full and around off, Burns drives this straight down the ground and beats mid on. The ball slows down while going up the hill but the timing takes it to touch the ropes. Burns moves to 40 now. |
| 26.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Outside off, on a length, RB looks to push but misses. |
| 26.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On a good length outside off, solidly pushed towards point. |
| 27.1 : N Lyon to Joe Root, Full length outside the off stump, Root leans forwards to place it straight to the cover fieldsman. |
| 27.2 : N Lyon to Root, Down the leg side, tucked towards backward square leg. |
| 27.3 : N Lyon to Root, Landed outside off, Root looks to punch but gets a thick inside edge onto his boot. |
| 27.4 : Lyon to Root, Root attempts a sweep to this slightly shorter ball, leans forward but goes early as the ball hits him on the pads. There's a muted appeal but nothing to worry for Root as this was high and going down leg. |
| 27.5 : N Lyon to Root, Outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 27.6 : N Lyon to Root, Around off, tucked towards short leg. |
| 28.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On a fuller length outside off, Burns keeps his bat inside the line. |
| 28.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Shorter length but the lines is not right from Cummins again, Burns directs it for a single towards mid-wicket. |
| 28.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, On a length outside off, coming in, solidly defended. |
| 28.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Short on the fifth stump line, this is better from Cummins but still too wide for Root to have a go, shoulders arms. |
| 28.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Misses his line again as Cummins attempts a bouncer, digs it in but the ball goes high towards leg side, Paine does well to collect this cleanly. |
| 28.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Around off, solidly defended to end the session. LUNCH ON DAY 2, ENGLAND TRAIL BY 213! |
| A very, very good session of Test cricket is what we just witnessed! Some disciplined bowling and very good batting too from the English side. Yes, they did have luck on their side but take nothing away from the way they have battled in conditions where there is some assistance for the bowlers. You can probably say the game is probably in the balance but England can be termed as the happier side, albeit by just at the moment. |
| The session started with Australia getting Roy early. Root and Burns then rode their luck and hung in there. The former was knocked over but the bails did not come off and Australia missed a chance of a review against the latter. They are amidst a 49-run stand and England would hope the two continue. |
| The Australian bowlers were very good! Especially Pattinson, who was a delight to watch. However, Cummins was not at his best and Lyon, who got a lot of purchase off the surface also did not bowl the way he would on such a wicket. There is still a long time to go in the game though and Australia will dearly hope they have luck on their side in the next session and probably get a few English wickets. Join us for the second session which is probably a very important one. |
| BREAKING NEWS - Meanwhile, fresh news comes out from the English camp. Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the Ashes and will not be able to participate at all, as he continues to recover from a left knee injury. |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back! Joe Root and Rory Burns will resume their innings. Peter Siddle will start the proceedings for Australia. Here we go... |
| 29.1 : P Siddle to Burns, On the fuller side, Burns drives it square on the off side but can't beat point. |
| 29.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Outside off and on a back of a length, Burns guides it to the fourth slip fielder. |
| 29.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Another one on a length and outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 29.4 : P Siddle to Burns, First runs in the session! This is on a length and around off, Burns defends inside the line, the ball goes off the outside edge down to third man for three. |
| 29.5 : P Siddle to Root, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, Root blocks it out. |
| 29.6 : P Siddle to Root, A lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and on off, Root strokes it back towards the bowler who makes a half stop. |
| Nathan Lyon to bowl from the other end. |
| 30.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Good start by him! He tosses it up on off, Burns defends it. |
| 30.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Another tossed up ball on off, Burns lunges and keeps it out. |
| 30.3 : N Lyon to Burns, FOUR! Too short and hammered! He moves onto 48. This is short and around off, the batter goes back and slaps it through covers for a boundary. |
| 30.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Inside edge saves him! This is flatter and on off, it comes in with the angle. Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 30.5 : N Lyon to Burns, On the stumps, defended again. |
| 30.6 : N Lyon to Burns, The last ball is worked with the angle towards square leg. |
| 31.1 : P Siddle to Root, Good length and on off, Root defends it towards point. |
| 31.2 : P Siddle to Root, Back of a length and on off, Root stands tall and pushes it towards cover for one. |
| 31.3 : P Siddle to Burns, That came back in a long way! This is outside off, Burns leaves it alone. It comes back in, not enough though to hit the off pole. |
| 31.4 : P Siddle to Burns, Good length and on off, this is kept out. |
| 31.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Another delivery on a length and around off, blocked. |
| 31.6 : P Siddle to R Burns, Close again! This is on off and it comes in with the angle. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the inner half down towards fine leg for one. He moves onto 49. |
| 32.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Fifty for Rory Burns! What a time to get back into form. He was really struggling for runs but rises to the occasion here. 3rd Test fifty for him. He has looked cool, calm and composed throughout his innings. He needs to make it count now. This is on the pads, Burns works it fine on the leg side and takes two. |
| 32.2 : N Lyon to Burns, In the air... but safe! This is flatter and on off, it turns away and also bounces extra. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the shoulder, uppishly but well short of backward point. |
| 32.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Leading edge but safe! This is on middle, it turns away. Rory looks to work it against the turn but it goes off the leading edge but short of the point fielder. Good bowling this. |
| 32.4 : N Lyon to Burns, On the stumps again, Burns defends it onto the ground. |
| 32.5 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 32.6 : N Lyon to Burns, OHHH! Flatter and on middle, this one stays a touch low. Burns gets his bat down in time and pushes it back to bowler. |
| 33.1 : P Siddle to Root, Full and on the pads, this is worked towards deep backward square leg for two. England trail below 200. |
| 0.0 : Root has been given out again, this time LBW but he has reviewed. There might be an inside edge. |
| 33.2 : Siddle to Root, NOT OUT! There indeed is an inside edge and Root survives. Excellent review by him. This is on off and it jags back in. Root looks to defend but seems to have missed it and the ball hits the pads. An appeal and the umpire raises the finger. Root reviews immediately. Replays roll in and they show there is bat involved. A huge roar from the crowd. |
| 33.3 : P Siddle to Root, Slightly short and outside off, Root guides it down towards third man for two. |
| 33.4 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, the batter shoulders arms to this one. |
| 33.5 : P Siddle to Root, Good running and every run is being cheered here! Shorter in length and on off, Root stands tall and pushes it towards cover for one. |
| 33.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Another delivery outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| 34.1 : N Lyon to Root, Root comes down the track and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 34.2 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter and on off, Root goes back and defends it. |
| 34.3 : N Lyon to Root, Floats it up on off, Root lunges and keeps it out. |
| 34.4 : N Lyon to Root, FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Root gets to the pitch of the ball and works it past mid-wicket. Cummins in the deep runs to his left, slides, tries to push the ball back in but fails to do so. |
| 34.5 : N Lyon to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 34.6 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter and outside off, Root plays it late and down towards third man for one. |
| 35.1 : P Siddle to Root, The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 35.2 : P Siddle to Root, Back of a length on off, Root guides it to point. |
| 35.3 : P Siddle to Root, Continues bowling it on a back of a length. Root pushes it to covers. |
| 35.4 : P Siddle to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 35.5 : P Siddle to Root, Good length and on off, this is defended. |
| 35.6 : P Siddle to Root, A tight over by Siddle. On off, Root goes back and keeps it out. |
| 36.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Flatter and on off, Burns pushes it to wide mid off for one. |
| 36.2 : N Lyon to Root, Floats it up on off, Root works it with the turn to mid-wicket. |
| 36.3 : N Lyon to Root, Good running! This is worked with soft hands towards mid on. Root takes off. The mid-wicket fielder gets across and throws it balance to the keeper. The batsmen complete the run easily. |
| 36.4 : N Lyon to Burns, On the stumps, this is defended. |
| 36.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Slightly short and outside off, Burns cuts it to deep point and gets to the other end. |
| 36.6 : N Lyon to Root, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 37.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Back of a length and on off, this is defended. |
| 37.2 : P Siddle to R Burns, Inside edge! This is outside off and it is on a length. Burns looks to go hard at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 37.3 : P Siddle to Burns, On the middle pole, Burns works it to mid-wicket. |
| 37.4 : P Siddle to Burns, A good short one, Burns ducks under it at the very end. |
| 37.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 37.6 : P Siddle to Burns, A dot to end! Short and on middle, this is kept out. |
| 38.1 : N Lyon to Root, Fuller and on middle, Root hits it to mid on. |
| 38.2 : N Lyon to Root, This is on middle, it is worked to short leg. |
| 38.3 : N Lyon to Root, Floats it up on off, Root lunges and keeps it out. |
| 38.4 : N Lyon to Root, FOUR! 100 up for England! This is on the pads, Root goes back and works it fine, it races past short fine leg and to the fence. |
| 38.5 : N Lyon to Root, A couple now! Nicely played! Lyon floats it up on off, Root strokes it back past the bowler and collects a brace. |
| 38.6 : N Lyon to Root, That stays low but it is down the leg side, Root looks to flick but misses. |
| 39.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Good length around off, Burns strokes it on the up to covers. |
| 39.2 : P Siddle to Burns, This is angled into the batter who works it to square leg. |
| 39.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Around off again, Burns strokes it back to the bowler. Siddle is just not getting anything off the surface. He is keeping it tight but Australia need a wicket. |
| 39.4 : P Siddle to Burns, FOUR! Edgy! When he does create something, it does not go to hand. It has just not been Australia's day till now. Siddle goes full and outside off, Burns flashes at it. The ball goes off the outside edge over and just wide of the fourth slip fielder and into the third man fence. |
| 39.5 : P Siddle to Burns, This is angled into the batter, he works it to mid-wicket. |
| 39.6 : P Siddle to Burns, This is bowled just outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| James Pattinson is back! He is the only wicket-taker in this game for Australia so far and his side needs another from him. |
| 40.1 : J Pattinson to Root, Around the off pole, Root guides it to point. |
| 40.2 : J Pattinson to Root, FOUR! Brilliant shot! Pattinson angles this into the pads, trying to hit Root in front. Joe gets his bat down in time and works it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 40.3 : J Pattinson to Root, England are off Nelson as Root works it down to fine leg for one. |
| 40.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, On the fuller side and on off, Burns pushes it back to the bowler who makes a half-stop but no runs conceded. |
| 40.5 : J Pattinson to R Burns, Squares him up but runs for the batter! This is on off and it straightens. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through backward point and the batters take two. |
| 40.6 : J Pattinson to R Burns, FOUR! This is frustrating, very frustrating for Australia. They had a fourth slip all this while, they move that fielder to the gully position and it goes through the former position. Fuller and around off, Burns goes after it but the ball flies off the outside edge down to the third man fence. Runs coming thick and fast for England now. They trail by 166. |
| Pat Cummins is back! His side needs him to do something special here. |
| 41.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Fuller and on middle, Root hits it to mid on. |
| 41.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length and on off, Root defends it onto the ground. |
| 41.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Continues bowling it on off and on a back of a length. Root is once again solid in defense. |
| 41.4 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, FOUR! Another one off the edge! Cummins goes fuller and outside off, Root looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge past point and into the third man fence. 100-run stand up between the two. They are laying the platform for England to take a good lead here. |
| 41.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, Root works it to mid-wicket. |
| 41.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, The last ball is left alone as it is outside off. |
| Some issue with the ball and the umpires are having a look. Out comes the ball gauge. It is checked, the umpires feel it is fine and ask the Australian players to continue. |
| 42.1 : J Pattinson to Burns, On a good length and around off, this is kept out. |
| 42.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses. Paine fails to collect it cleanly but no runs taken. |
| 42.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off now, Burns lets it be. |
| 42.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, One more leave as another delivery is bowled outside off. |
| 42.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, From around the wicket angles this one into the pads, Burns works it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 42.6 : J Pattinson to Root, Another single as Root works it to fine leg. |
| DRINKS! England are going along really well here. Their batters batting out, looking at ease and also, runs are coming at a decent pace now. On the other hand, it just seems like, it is not Australia's day. Anything going in their favor is being overturned. The edges are not going to hand. They can't let their shoulders drop though. England are 160 runs behind and a wicket or two can change the course of things. Will England continue to dominate or will Australia fight back after the break? |
| 43.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Close again! Cummins lands this on off and gets it to jag back in a little. Root tries to defend but it hits the inside edge and then hits the pads. |
| 43.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length on off, Root guides it to gully. |
| 43.3 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Goes fuller this time, Root strokes it back to mid off. |
| 43.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length and on off, this is kept out towards cover for one. |
| 43.5 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, EDGED AND FOUR! Australia can only smile about it! This is fuller and around off, it is angling away. Burns looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge through the slip cordon and down to the third man fence. |
| 43.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! This is right off the middle! On a good length and around off, Burns pushes it back past mid off. Wade runs after it and slides but his effort goes in vain. |
| 44.1 : J Pattinson to Root, On the fuller side again, Root strokes it to mid off. |
| 44.2 : J Pattinson to Root, This is angled into the batter, Root works it to mid on. |
| 44.3 : J Pattinson to Root, On middle, Root plays it with a straight bat to mid off. |
| 44.4 : J Pattinson to Root, Shorter and outside off, Root hops and guides it towards point for one. |
| 44.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Full again and on off, Burns jams it out to square leg. |
| 44.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, BEATEN! This is on off, it is angled away. Burns looks to defend but is beaten. |
| 45.1 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Short but angling into the batsman who is squared up to the rising delivery, the edge flies off past a diving Khawaja and races towards fence but fielder chases and keeps it to three. |
| 45.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Landed around off, Burns looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 45.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Good delivery again, shorter in length, this one leaves the batsman who has a prod at it but is beaten. |
| 45.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A bouncer on middle, ducked under. |
| 45.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This was a quicker one from Cummins but wide of off stump, Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 45.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Similar line from Cummins and Burns is not bothered about it. |
| 46.1 : J Pattinson to Root, Around middle and off, on a length, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 46.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Shorter length from Pattinson but is on middle and off, Burns stands tall and defends well. |
| 46.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, This was wide, bit of room for Burns to bring his drive, times it well towards cover to take one. |
| 46.4 : J Pattinson to Joe Root, FOUR! Another edge that goes between the slips and gully. Root moves to 49 with this lucky boundary. The ball was on a perfect length, asking the batsman to drive. |
| 46.5 : J Pattinson to Root, 50 for Root! Or maybe not. The crowd cheers, thinking he has got to that landmark but then quietens on seeing the umpire raise his leg to signal a leg bye. On a length around middle and off, coming in, Joe misses his flick and is hit on the pads. The ball deflects off his pads towards mid-wicket and a leg bye is taken. |
| 46.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another shorter length, angling away, Burns blocks it easily. |
| 47.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, On the hips of Root who clips it fine to reach his half-century, 42nd half-century for the England skipper. The delivery was shorter on length, angling away. Bread and Butter for Root, that delivery. |
| 47.2 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Ouch. That has hurt. On a length outside off, Root looks to defend but the ball nips back in and hits him on the inner half of his right thigh. Cummins appeals for LBW but the impact was well outside off. Root takes some time to get used to the pain... |
| 47.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, Shorter length, Root leans forward and blocks well. Looking solid as ever. |
| 47.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, Outside off, Root taps it towards point and sets off for a single. Usman Khawaja has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Had he hit, Burns was a goner. Now, they take the overthrow as well. |
| 47.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Shorter on length again, guides it through to point and hares back for a couple. |
| 47.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Similar line but coming into the batsman who hangs in the crease to block this back to the bowler. |
| Seems like Root is in some pain. He has called for some gloves and pops in a couple of tablets. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon comes back on as Paine searches for both - bowlers and wickets. |
| 48.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Fuller length, on the middle-stump, Burns pushes it to the fielder easily. |
| 48.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Around middle and off, pushed towards mid-wicket. |
| 48.3 : N Lyon to Burns, There's a bit of turn from the middle, Burns goes back for a punch, finds the cover fielder. |
| 48.4 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 48.5 : N Lyon to Burns, On the shorter length but on the stumps, Burns pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 48.6 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and outside off, Burns looks to defend but the ball stays low and beats the outside edge. Paine cannot collect and concedes a bye. |
| Peter Siddle returns. 12-4-22-0 so far. |
| 49.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Fuller length but on the off stump, Burns leans forward for a cover drive, gets beaten. |
| 49.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Down the leg side, Burns looks to tuck but the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 49.3 : Siddle to Root, Looking for the yorker as Siddle goes full, Root negates safely. |
| 49.4 : P Siddle to Root, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 49.5 : P Siddle to Root, Full again but angling into the batsman, Root whips it perfectly using the angle but straight to mid-wicket. |
| 49.6 : Siddle to Root, OUT! Stunning caught and bowled! At last, at long last, at long long last, Australia get a wicket. After toiling for hours, with edges not going to hand, Siddle has struck. Full and around off, Root drives this straight back, but does not bother to keep it down. That is a good shot alright, but Siddle sticks out his right hand and voila - it sticks! Root cannot believe his luck. For once, something goes Australia's way and the 132-run stand is broken. Root departs for 57 an |
| He has been waiting for ages in that dressing room. Finally, he comes on to bat. Here is the moment. Joe Denly comes in at number 4, replacing his skipper. |
| 50.1 : N Lyon to Burns, On the good length, Burns stays in his crease to block it comfortably of his front foot. |
| 50.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Outside off, punched back to the bowler. |
| 50.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 50.4 : N Lyon to Burns, That nipped away. Super delivery, slightly quicker. Pitches and goes away to beat the outside edge of the left-hander. Burns looked to push that to the off side. |
| 50.5 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 50.6 : N Lyon to Burns, FOUR! That is a bad ball to finish the over. Short and outside off, Burns rocks back, picks the length in a trice and punches it through the covers. The deficit is now 126. |
| 51.1 : P Siddle to Denly, Full and around off, flicked away but straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 51.2 : P Siddle to Denly, Short on the off side, Denly has a confident block to this fifth stump line delivery. |
| 51.3 : P Siddle to Denly, Targets the stumps this time but this is a half volley, Denly gets off the mark with a whip off his legs, takes a couple. |
| 51.4 : P Siddle to Denly, This was close to the off-stump line, Denly leans forward and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 51.5 : P Siddle to Denly, Fifth stump line, the ball pitches and goes away, too wide for Denly to try anything on that one. |
| 51.6 : P Siddle to Denly, Straight one this time on the off stump line, pushes it back to the bowler again. |
| 52.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Fuller length from Lyon, Burns pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 52.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, pushed towards point for a single. |
| 52.3 : N Lyon to Denly, Shorter in length, Denly pushes it towards mid-on, Lyon goes and fields the ball. |
| 52.4 : N Lyon to Denly, Around off, solidly blocked out. |
| 52.5 : N Lyon to Joe Denly, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 52.6 : N Lyon to Denly, On the middle stump, fuller in length, Denly times this well but straight to the mid on fielder. |
| More ball issues. Matthew Wade this time. No interest shown by umpire Joel Wilson. |
| 53.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Comes into the left-hander from the shorter length, Burns pushes it to the leg side. |
| 0.0 : Well, another issue regarding the shape of the ball. Joel Wilson passes it through the 8-shaped gauge and then shows it to Aleem Dar, who simply takes the ball away and tosses it to Travis Head. |
| 53.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Almost! Luck is with Burns it seems. Comes into him from outside off, on the shorter length, Rory looks to defend but the incoming ball induces an inside edge. He is lucky not to be dragging this one to his timber. |
| 53.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Around off, solidly blocked out. |
| 53.4 : P Siddle to R Burns, Fuller length on the off stump, Burns brings out the drive but finds the mid off fielder. |
| 53.5 : P Siddle to R Burns, 1 run. |
| 53.6 : P Siddle to Denly, Beaten! Good delivery. There is a slight movement and Denly has a push at this off-stump line ball, just shaped away a bit. |
| 54.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Landed outside off, spinning away, pushed towards point. |
| 54.2 : N Lyon to Burns, On a good length, Denly defneds it comfortably. |
| 54.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 54.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Short in length, going away. Burns has room to cut this through square to get a single. |
| 54.5 : N Lyon to Denly, Full and outside off, Joe looks to defend but the ball spins in, hits the pads and lands short of Travis Head at silly point. |
| 54.6 : N Lyon to Denly, That turns a decent margin from the good length area from off, Denly turns this towards mid-wicket to get a single. |
| 55.1 : P Siddle to Denly, Fuller on the leg stump, Denly times it superbly through mid-wicket where Wade misfields and they take a couple. |
| 55.2 : P Siddle to Denly, FOUR! GORGEOUS! Full and outside off, Denly leans and punches it through mid off. The fielder slides to his left but the ball goes through! |
| 55.3 : P Siddle to Denly, On a good length outside off, Denly looks to defend but gets a bit of an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 55.4 : P Siddle to Denly, On a shorter length, angling into the batsman, Denly places it back to the bowler. |
| 55.5 : P Siddle to Denly, Around off, blocked to the off side. |
| 55.6 : P Siddle to Denly, A mild LBW appeal to end the session. On a good length outside off, Joe looks to defend but the ball comes in a long way and hits him on the groin. Hawk Eye shows it to be going over the stumps. TEA ON DAY 2, England trail by 114! |
| 99/1 in 27 overs. Comfortably England's session. Though things might have been different had some luck gone Australia's way. Plenty of edges were induced but none went to hand. However, credit to the bowlers though, because till now, the bowling has not been overly bad. They have been nagging and kept the run rate under check but it will come into question in the final session, if wickets do not fall. |
| Full marks to England for maintaining their control over the game. Burns and Root looked like having all the luck in the world but that is not their problem. They will take it any day. They prevented Australia from getting through that middle order and the match situation now means that the likes of Buttler, Bairstow and Stokes have a nice cushion of runs when they get to bat. IF they get to bat. |
| 36 overs left in the day. Rory has burnt and blunted the Aussie attack and will be aiming to do more of the same in the final session. Another good passage of play should see the hosts get very close to the Aussie total, if not overhaul it. Join us back at 4 pm local (1500 GMT). |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| The players for the final time today make their way out to the middle. Rory Burns and Joe Denly will continue their innings. Nathan Lyon to start the proceedings for Australia. Here we go... |
| 56.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Starts off with a tossed up ball on off, Burns defends it solidly. |
| 56.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Around middle and leg, Burns waits for it and works it through mid-wicket for one. First run in the session. |
| 56.3 : N Lyon to Denly, Loopy ball around off, Denly pushes it back to the bowler. Three good balls to begin with by Lyon. |
| 56.4 : N Lyon to Denly, Slightly short this time and it is outside off, Denly has enough time to go back and push it towards cover for one. |
| 56.5 : N Lyon to Burns, A little too full and on the pads, it is worked through square leg for one. |
| 56.6 : N Lyon to Denly, FOUR! A little too full and this time Lyon is hit for a boundary. It is outside off, Denly leans into the stroke and hits it through covers. An expensive start to the session by Lyon. |
| Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. |
| 57.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On the fuller side around off, Burns looks to drive but his bat turns in his hand. It goes off the inner half towards mid on for one. |
| 57.2 : Pat Cummins to Denly, Back of a length and on off, this is guided to point. |
| 57.3 : Pat Cummins to Denly, Attacks the stumps and lands it on a length. Denly keeps it out. |
| 57.4 : Pat Cummins to Denly, Cuts him into half there! This is outside off and it jags back in. Denly ends up defending outside the line and the ball sneaks between bat and pad. |
| 57.5 : Pat Cummins to Denly, Good bowling! Another one which is on a length and around off, this is kept out. |
| 57.6 : Pat Cummins to Denly, A fuller ball to end the over. Denly pushes it to mid off. |
| 58.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Floats it up on middle, Burns defends it. |
| 58.2 : N Lyon to Burns, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 58.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Flatter and shorter on off, it is pushed to covers. |
| 58.4 : N Lyon to Burns, In the air but in the gap! Slower and outside off, the batter throws his bat at it. It goes off the outer half uppishly but through covers for one. |
| 58.5 : N Lyon to Denly, Flatter and on off, it is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 58.6 : N Lyon to Denly, Floats it up on off, defended. |
| 59.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Back of a length and on off, Burns defends it onto the ground. |
| 59.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Beaten for pace! This is full and outside off, Burns is late in bringing his bat down and gets beaten. |
| 59.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A little too straight, this is worked behind square on the leg side for two. |
| 59.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Outside off and it is shorter in length. Burns plays inside the line and lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 59.5 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, FOUR! Lovely shot! Not a lot wrong with the delivery. It is on a length and around off, Burns strokes it on the up past the diving mid off fielder and it races away. Burns is into the 90s. Also, England trail by below 100. |
| 59.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Good length and outside off, the batter shoulders arms to this one. |
| This time the umpires do agree there is an issue with the ball and box of balls has been called out for. They are taking time selecting the ball. They finally make their mind up and now we are all ready to go. Also, James Pattinson comes back into the attack. |
| 60.1 : J Pattinson to Denly, Well, the first ball with the new old ball, does swing. Pattinson gives the ball all the chance to swing as he bowls a full toss outside off. Denly throws his bat at it but is beaten by the away movement. |
| 60.2 : J Pattinson to Denly, FOUR! You need not run for those! Fuller and around off, Denly strokes it right off the middle through mid off and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 60.3 : J Pattinson to Denly, An excellent comeback! The new old ball is doing a bit. This is on off and it is on a length. The ball straightens. Denly looks to work it on the leg side but is beaten. |
| 60.4 : J Pattinson to Denly, A little too wide outside off this time, the batter lets it be. |
| 60.5 : J Pattinson to Denly, Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batter play. |
| 60.6 : J Pattinson to Denly, Shorter and around middle, it jags back in. Denly looks to flick but it hits the body and rolls on the leg side. |
| 61.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Outside off, left alone. |
| 61.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On the fuller side around middle, Burns strokes it to mid on. A good shot but for no runs. |
| 61.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another fuller ball on off, Burns times it to mid off. |
| 61.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Good length and outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 61.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another one on a length and around off, the batter pushes it to mid off. |
| 61.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A leave to end the over as this is outside off. A maiden. |
| 62.1 : J Pattinson to Denly, OUT! LBW! That is plumb in front! The change of ball does the trick for Australia. Also, very good bowling by Pattinson. He set up Denly excellently. He kept taking the ball away in his last over. This time, he gets the ball to come back in. It starts from outside off, the length too is fuller. Denly looks to drive but misses as he plays outside the line. The ball hits the back pad. An appeal follows and the umpire raises the finger. Denly does have a chat with his pa |
| 0.0 : Jos Buttler walks in next. The changed ball has just started to move a bit. |
| 62.2 : J Pattinson to Buttler, Goes back to bowling an outswinger! The length is fuller and outside off, wanting Buttler to drive. He lets it be. |
| 62.3 : J Pattinson to Buttler, On a length and around off, Buttler defends it back to the bowler who shows signs of aggression as he mimes a throw back. |
| 62.4 : J Pattinson to Buttler, A big outswinger outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one. |
| 62.5 : J Pattinson to Buttler, This is down the leg side, Buttler looks to flick but misses. A strange appeal from Paine but he is the only one doing so. |
| 62.6 : J Pattinson to Buttler, FOUR! Off the mark in style! A half volley outside off. Buttler does not let it go. He creams it through covers and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 63.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another delivery in the 5th stump channel. Burns lets it be. |
| 63.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Lovely bowling! Another play and a miss! Cummins goes fuller outside off, it comes back in. Burns looks to drive but does so outside the line and gets beaten. It just looks like this guy won't get out today. |
| 63.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, An outswinger this time outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| 63.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Beats the outside edge this time! This has happened too many times. It is fuller around off and it shapes away. Burns plays inside the line this time and gets beaten. |
| 63.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A little more wider outside off, Burns need not play at those. |
| 63.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another one whizzes past the outside edge. This is around off, it pitches and goes away. Burns looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 64.1 : J Pattinson to Buttler, Around off, this one comes back in a little. Buttler looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid on for a quick run. |
| 64.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 64.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another length ball outside off, Burns makes another leave. |
| 64.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, Burns looks really nervous at the moment. James bowls this full and outside off, Burns looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. He is slightly late in the shot. |
| 64.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another one outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 64.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another leave which means Burns remains on 92! Shorter and outside off, this is left alone. |
| 65.1 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, On the off pole, Buttler defends it out. |
| 65.2 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Around off, Buttler pushes it to covers. |
| 65.3 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Just outside off, Buttler covers his off pole and shoulders arms to this one. |
| 65.4 : Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, OUT! Edged and taken! One brings two and that is exactly the case for Australia here. The dangerous Buttler fails to make an impact. Cummins gets his first and he is ecstatic. This is around middle and it straightens. Buttler looks to work it with the angle but the movement off the pitch does him in. It takes the leading edge and goes low to third slip. Bancroft there takes an excellent low catch diving to his right. Australia crawling their way back after the b |
| Interesting. Ben Stokes finally walks out on a day which has been named as Ben Stokes day. Could we witness something special? |
| 65.5 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, This is outside off, Stokes lets it be. |
| 65.6 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Starts this on leg, it shapes away. Stokes defends it out. |
| Nathan Lyon is back on! Two left-handers out there and Paine straightaway goes to the offie. |
| 66.1 : N Lyon to Burns, A poor start by Lyon! Short and wide outside off, he gets away with it though as Burns slaps it through covers. There is protection in the deep so only a run. |
| 66.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, This stays low! Another short one outside off, Stokes pushes it through covers for one. |
| 66.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Almost! This is flatter and around off, it pitches and spins away. Beats the outside edge of Burns' bat. Paine takes it and makes a muted appeal. |
| 66.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Slower through the air on off, defended. |
| 66.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Shorter in length again, Burns goes back and pushes it through covers for one. |
| 66.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, Another short one! This time the cover fielder is in the ring so no single as Stokes pushes it straight to him. |
| 67.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Way too short and way too wide! Burns goes after it but misses. |
| 67.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! 200 up for England and Burns two runs short now of a ton. Cummins looks to go full and on the stumps, he tried to hit the pads of Burns. Rory gets his bat down in time and works it fine on the leg side for a boundary. |
| 67.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Onto 99 now! Fuller on off, this is pushed towards cover for one. The fielder misfields but no additional runs taken. |
| 67.4 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Good length and outside off, this is left alone. |
| 67.5 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Outside off again and this is another leave. |
| 67.6 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, One more outswinger outside off, Stokes makes the third leave in a row. |
| 68.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 68.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Slower through the air on middle, Burns defends it out. |
| 68.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Big turn! This is on off, it pitches and turns away sharply. Beats the outside edge of Burns' bat who pokes at it. |
| 68.4 : N Lyon to Burns, On off again, it is slower through the air. Turns away one more time. Burns looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to point. |
| 68.5 : N Lyon to Burns, OHHH! Another play and miss! Lyon gives it a lot of loop and lands it on off, Burns plays the original trajectory but the ball spins away and beats him. |
| 68.6 : N Lyon to Burns, A dot to end a very good over by Lyon. Shorter and on off, this is pushed to covers. End of a brilliant over by Lyon. |
| Peter Siddle is back! |
| 69.1 : P Siddle to Stokes, On a good length around off, Stokes shuffles across and keeps it out. |
| 69.2 : P Siddle to Stokes, Back of a length and on middle, this is pushed to mid on. |
| 69.3 : P Siddle to Stokes, On a good length again and around off, Stokes lunges and keeps it out. |
| 69.4 : P Siddle to Stokes, Stokes takes a few steps down the track and Siddle angles it into the batter. BS works it down to fine leg for one. |
| Burns on 99... |
| 69.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Works it with the angle towards mid-wicket but does not beat the fielder there. He remains on 99. One ball to go in this over. |
| 69.6 : P Siddle to R Burns, Still no single! A diving stop this time. Fuller and around off, Burns strokes it towards point where the fielder stops it. |
| 70.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Gets Burns on strike straightaway. This is on the pads, Stokes works it towards square leg for one. |
| 70.2 : N Lyon to Burns, On middle, Burns works it to mid-wicket. |
| A direct hit but Burns is surely in. He has already started celebrating his ton. The umpire though has taken it upstairs. |
| 70.3 : N Lyon to Burns, NOT OUT! Burns is well in! He can continue his celebration. The whole ground is on its feet to applaud the effort. His first ton and it has come at a very important time. Yes, he has had luck on his side but he still has showed great character in this knock. He gets there by working it wide of mid on. He sets off. The fielder scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The players appeal but Rory is already celebrating. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that |
| 70.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, On middle, it is kept out. |
| 70.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Flatter and on middle, the batsman goes back and keeps it out. |
| 70.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, BEATEN! Lovely flighted ball around off, it pitches and turns away. Stokes looks to defend but is beaten. |
| 71.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Shorter on off, the batter stands tall and defends it. |
| 71.2 : P Siddle to Burns, A little too straight, this is flicked through the leg side for one. |
| 71.3 : P Siddle to Stokes, Outside off and on a length. It is left alone. |
| 71.4 : P Siddle to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Short and little room on offer, Stokes pounces on it. He plays it late and cuts it past point and into the fence. First for him. |
| 71.5 : P Siddle to Ben Stokes, Siddle goes fuller around off, Stokes takes a few steps down the track and pushes it to mid off. |
| 71.6 : P Siddle to Ben Stokes, Looks to repeat the shot he played two balls ago. This time though he can't beat point. |
| DRINKS BREAK. A slightly better hour for Australia. They have managed to get rid of Denly and Buttler, with the ball slightly moving a bit. However, this is a more of a tough ask for the Aussies. They are now up against an in-form batting line-up as England derive strength from numbers 4-7. But they are stroke-makers. So this could either be 280/4 or 5 at Stumps or 250/7. Either ways, an interesting passage of play awaits. |
| 72.1 : N Lyon to Burns, On the middle and leg, Burns pushes it straight to mid-wicket. |
| 72.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single. |
| 72.3 : N Lyon to Ben Stokes, EDGED, FOUR! On the off stump, turning away from the left-hander. Stokes throws the kitchen sink at it, the ball flies over second slip and races away to the fence. |
| 72.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Landed outside off, spinning away, punched towards cover. |
| 72.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 72.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, Turns slightly from the middle stump towards off but is shorter length, the batsman shoulders arms to this one. |
| 73.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Drives straight to the fielder. This was wide and full. |
| 73.2 : P Siddle to Burns, That is loose. In the channel outside off, a touch wide, short of fuller length, Rory looks to drive hard but misses. |
| 73.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Around middle, worked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 73.4 : P Siddle to Stokes, Outside off, left alone. |
| 73.5 : P Siddle to Stokes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 73.6 : P Siddle to Stokes, Slightly fuller from Siddle, comes into the pads of the left-hander, Stokes times it straight to the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 74.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Pitches on the middle stump, Burns clips it towards leg side and takes a single. |
| 74.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, FOUR! CRASH! Stokes looks to be ready to play the attacking role now. Full and outside off, Stokes gets down and mows the slog sweep, all along the ground, through mid-wicket! |
| 74.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, Lands in on the middle this time, slightly shorter in length, Stokes pushes it straight to the bowler. |
| 74.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full and outside off, pushed to the off side. |
| 74.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Similar line from Lyon, this time the ball shapes away from the off stump, Stokes is not going to fiddle around with it. |
| 74.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full on middle and leg, flicked towards mid on. |
| Ho ho! Who has come onto bowl? MATTHEW WADE! What does he bowl? Medium pace. Let's see... |
| 75.1 : M Wade to Burns, On middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 75.2 : M Wade to Stokes, WIDE! That's what you get from a part-timer. Throws one way outside off and the umpire calls it wide. An extra run. |
| M Wade to Stokes, Outside off, played through point for one. |
| 75.3 : M Wade to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 75.4 : M Wade to R Burns, A short ball, on middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 75.5 : M Wade to R Burns, Another short ball, this is pulled through mid-wicket again, for another brace. |
| 75.6 : M Wade to Burns, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot for a couple of runs. |
| 76.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Down the leg side, Stokes looks to heave but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 76.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 76.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 76.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 76.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, On middle and off, slightly fuller, well blocked out to the bowler. |
| 76.6 : N Lyon to Ben Stokes, EDGED, FOUR! Full and outside off, Ben looks to paddle but gets a top edge over short fine leg for a boundary! |
| Travis Head into the attack now. |
| 77.1 : T Head to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 77.2 : T Head to Burns, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 77.3 : T Head to Burns, FOUR! That is really poor. Short and outside off, Burns rocks back and punches it through the covers for a boundary! |
| 77.4 : T Head to Burns, Short again, punched through point for a single. |
| 77.5 : T Head to Stokes, That is bad long hop, but luckily for Head, it stays low. Stokes looking to punch this from the off stump has to crouch and the ball goes off the toe end of the bat towards cover. |
| 77.6 : T Head to Stokes, Outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. |
| 78.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and outside leg, flicked straight to short leg. |
| 78.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Miscue but safe. Fractionally short outside off, Burns gets down on a knee and looks to pull but mistimes it over James Pattinson running back from mid on. A couple taken. |
| 78.3 : N Lyon to Burns, A touch short, on middle and leg, helped straight to short leg. |
| 78.4 : N Lyon to Burns, On leg and middle, watchfully blocked from the crease. |
| 78.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around middle, pushed towards cover. |
| 78.6 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around leg stump, blocked in an ugly manner towards mid on. |
| 79.1 : T Head to Stokes, Around off, pushed towards point. |
| 79.2 : T Head to Stokes, Comes down the track and blocks it out. |
| 79.3 : T Head to Stokes, Around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 79.4 : Head to Stokes, Full and around off, almost a yorker, but it is nicely jammed out. |
| 79.5 : T Head to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 79.6 : T Head to Ben Stokes, Short and outside off, cut straight to point. |
| The second new ball is available but Australia do not take it. Probably Paine might take it with 6 overs left in the day. |
| 80.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and outside off, Burns gets down to sweep but the ball goes off the toe end of the bat towards short leg. |
| 0.0 : Run out appeal! There is a bit of confusion but Burns looks well in with a dive. |
| 80.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Confusion, safe! Short and outside off, Burns cuts it through cover and sets off for a single. But Stokes sends him back. The striker is almost halfway down the track before he makes a U-turn. The throw is a bit high and by the time Paine can jump, collect and disturb the stumps, Burns seems to have dived back in. Aleem Dar still wants a confirmation and his colleague in the air-conditioned room gives him that with a NOT OUT signal. |
| 80.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around leg, watchfully pushed back. |
| 80.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around middle, flicked towards mid-wicket. |
| 80.5 : N Lyon to R Burns, Oohhh... Rory looks to work it to the leg side but gets a thick leading edge which goes wide of cover. |
| 80.6 : N Lyon to R Burns, That shoots low, RB looks to play that from the crease but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| Pat Cummins is back on. 19-5-58-1 so far. No signs of the second new ball being taken yet. |
| 81.1 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Fuller length on the fifth stump line on the off side, Stokes blocks it easily towards mid on. |
| 0.0 : Here we go. THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. |
| 81.2 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 81.3 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, Short on middle and off, shapes into the keeper after going past the batsman who shoulders arms to that one. |
| 81.4 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, DEAD BALL. On a good length around leg, Rory shoulders arms to it. The ball goes off his back thigh and flies past the slip cordon to the third man fence. The crowd gets excited but Aleem Dar calmly signals dead ball. |
| 81.5 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 81.6 : Pat Cummins to R Burns, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. |
| James Pattinson is back on. 15-2-49-2 so far. |
| 82.1 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Pitches it on the good length but the ball is on the leg stump, Stokes pushes it towards leg side to take a single. |
| 0.0 : A late call for an LBW review. Looks to be a waste, to the naked eye. Pitching outside leg, even the height could be a factor. Ball Tracker is coming... and sending Australia's review into the bin. PITCHED OUTSIDE LEG. Poor, poor call from Paine. |
| 82.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Waste of a review. Pitched miles outside leg. Rory looked to defend but missed and was hit on the pads. Pattinson appealed but the umpire was unmoved. No Australian was really interested in the review but Patto called his skipper and convinced him to take the DRS, with 2 seconds left. No use. |
| 82.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Short in length on the middle stump, but the ball shapes away from the left-hander towards the off side, Paine collects it behind the wicket with a dive. |
| 82.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, Full and down the leg side, flick shot missed. |
| 82.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another fifth stump line on a shorter length, Burns shoulders arms. |
| 82.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another short of length ball but the line is not right again. It is on the leg stump and the batsman attempts a flick but misses. |
| 83.1 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, On a good length, in the corridor of uncertainty, the batsman shoulders arms again. |
| 83.2 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, This time he makes the batsman play. It was on the good length, Stokes' dab gets an inside edge and thuds to his pad. |
| 83.3 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Charges down the track to Cummins but has to adjust to the shortened length and bunts it towards mid on. |
| 83.4 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Stokes cuts this fourth stump line delivery on the off side to run a quick couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP! |
| 83.5 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Overpitched outside off, Stokes comes forward and drives it down the ground. Mid off has no chance. |
| 83.6 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total. 250 UP FOR ENGLAND! |
| 84.1 : J Pattinson to Stokes, On a length around middle, Stokes looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets a thick outside edge which flies through gully. A single taken. |
| 84.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, WIDE. A bouncer on middle, Burns ducks. The umpire signals one for the over. |
| J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off, on a length, left alone. |
| 84.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Around off, blocked from the crease. |
| 84.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, On middle and leg, Burns tucks this through mid-wicket and comes back for the second. The throw is a wild one, which comes at the bowler's end. First, umpire Wilson has to get out of the way and poor Stokes, in trying to avoid getting hit, almost falls onto the stumps. |
| 84.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Almost. Full and outside off, Rory looks to drive but misses. |
| 84.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off, RB looks to drive but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler. |
| Nathan Lyon to bowl in the dying moments of the day. |
| 85.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Short and outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 85.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, This is outside off, punched behind point for a single. The deficit is now 29. |
| 85.3 : N Lyon to R Burns, FOUR! Pain for Paine! Not so for Rory. It is all going his way. The pitch is now starting to show all kinds of tricks. This is short and outside off, Burns goes back to cut but the ball stays low, shoots in, takes the inside edge and goes between the keeper's legs to the fence behind! |
| 85.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Landed outside off, RB looks to cut but ends up slicing it towards backward point. Lands just short. |
| 85.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 85.6 : N Lyon to Burns, That is a pearler. Lyon tosses this up outside leg, Burns looks to defend but the ball pitches and then whizzes past the outside edge. Superb bowling, without luck. |
| Peter Siddle returns. 19-5-38-1 so far. A bit weary-looking is the vegan. |
| 86.1 : P Siddle to Stokes, Brave leave. Full and outside off, Stokes shoulders arms. To his horror, the ball jags back in, but well away from the off stump. |
| 86.2 : P Siddle to Stokes, Fractionally short, outside off, Ben pulls but finds short mid-wicket. |
| 86.3 : P Siddle to Stokes, This one jags back in off a length, BS looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 86.4 : P Siddle to Stokes, Around off, pushed towards point. |
| 86.5 : P Siddle to Ben Stokes, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 86.6 : P Siddle to Stokes, FOUR! Wrong line and punished. Siddle strays on the pads, down the leg side, fractionally short of a full length, Stokes gets across and just gives it direction past Paine to the fine leg fence. There is a fielder who moves to his left but cannot get there. |
| The 12th man is on for England. Stokes is not happy with his shoes. Aleem Dar is not happy with the time being wasted. Australia are not happy with the situation of the game. So many unhappy people. |
| 87.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 87.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and just around middle and off, Burns lunges and keeps it out to the leg side. |
| 87.3 : N Lyon to R Burns, Short and outside off, Rory cuts it through point. The ball does not make it to the fence and Stokes wants three but Burns is not keen on running too hard at the moment. |
| 87.4 : N Lyon to Burns, Around off, punched back to the bowler. |
| 87.5 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around off, RB lunges to block but the ball lands on the rough and whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 87.6 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around middle, spinning away, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 88.1 : P Siddle to Stokes, Full and straight, pushed towards mid-wicket. |
| 88.2 : P Siddle to Stokes, Landed outside off, angling away, shouldered arms to. |
| 88.3 : P Siddle to Stokes, On a length around leg, Stokes tucks it through square leg, again he charges hard for the first, turns back quickly for the second but then sees a tired Burns just parking himself at the striker's end. Retreats, does the big Ben. |
| 88.4 : P Siddle to Burns, On a length around off, moving away, Burns lets it go. |
| 88.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Full and outside off, slightly tempting, but Rory controls himself. |
| 88.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Full and outside off, RB drives it through cover but Nathan Lyon dives full length to his left from point and makes a half-stop, parrying it to cover. Now, Burns wants a single but this time, Stokes wants him to take some rest. |
| 89.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full and outside leg, Stokes looks to flick but the ball spins away, takes the leading edge and goes to backward point! |
| 89.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Fired in on middle and leg, Ben keeps it out towards short fine leg. |
| 89.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, Faster and straighter from Gazza, Ben looks to defend but the ball scoots through, takes the inside edge and escapes to short fine leg. |
| 89.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Full and outside off, pushed towards mid off. |
| 89.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Around middle, spinning away, Ben goes back and works it wide of mid on for a single. Stokes' day is done. |
| 89.6 : N Lyon to Burns, Full and around leg, pushed towards mid on. STUMPS ON DAY 2, ENGLAND TRAIL BY 17! |
| Take a bow, Rory Burns. He has batted the whole day and kept Australia at bay, not allowing them to get into the middle order. For a man whose position in the team was questioned, he has certainly answered in fine style. |
| A good day for England means that they are almost close to dominating this game. They did not start Friday that well, losing Roy cheaply but that was about it. Skipper Root and Burns survived some superb but luckless fast bowling from Australia as the ball took the edge and went everywhere but to hand. Their 132-run stand frustrated Australia and that made it pretty much easy for the batsmen afterwards to blunt the already tired attack. |
| Root's dismissal gave Australia some hope. But Denly came in and had a bit of a stand with Burns. Then, the ball was changed, owing to loss of shape and suddenly, England became 194/4 from 189/2. Collapse on the cards? Sorry to disappoint Aussie fans but that period of 10 minutes looked like an oasis to a tired, thirsty pilgrim in the desert. Australia searched and hunted desperately to break through that middle order just like a thirsty man hunts for water in a desert but it never came as Stoke |
| A tired day for the Kangaroos. They hopped and made the batsmen hop as well but could not celebrate much. Pattinson was by far the best of the bowlers but he could not get much luck. Nathan Lyon got some turn and that might excite Moeen Ali when he comes on to bowl in the second dig. |
| Right then! England on top, thanks to the man who was on top of his form. Superb concentration, excellent determination. Rory Burns played a kind of 'dirty innings' if one might call so, getting into all kinds of positions early on and playing, missing and edging numerous times but the key thing is he is still not dismissed. He is on 125 and whether he finally gets to that daddy hundred or not which Graham Gooch so often wants the English batsmen to get, is a thing worth seeing. Join us on Satur |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| Trail - 17 runs, wickets in hand - 6, two set batters batting out there, you just have to say it is England who are on top at the moment. Also, with capable batters to come, 400 is the minimum they would be eyeing. Australia, on the other hand, will have to stop the hosts from getting close to the score mentioned above as a lead above 100 on this wicket, is a very big one. They would dearly hope luck favors them today and they surely need some. The ball is pretty new and there could be assistanc |
| We are all set to begin Day 3 of the first Ashes. Overnight batsmen, Rory Burns and Ben Stokes walk out to the middle to a huge applause from the crowd. James Pattinson to start the proceedings with the ball on this new day. Ben Stokes is the man on strike. |
| 90.1 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Pattinson steams in and bowls a very full ball on off. Stokes gets on his front foot and plays a classic front foot defense to it. |
| 90.2 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Pattinson is once again on the money with a full ball on middle and off, Stokes though is concentrated and defends it. |
| 90.3 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Good ball. First ball of the day that is pitched on a good length area. It pitches on off and moves away. Stokes puts his bat to defend but misses. |
| 90.4 : J Pattinson to Stokes, WOW! What swing! This one does not go to the keeper it goes between first slip and second slip. Good length ball outside off, the ball swings way, way too much. Warner puts his right hand out and looks to stop but fails to do so cleanly and the first run of the day comes in the shape of byes. |
| 90.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off on a length, Burns looks to defend but gets beaten. This one does not swing as wildly as the previous one. |
| 90.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Back of a length ball on off, Burns feels the ball on his willow for the first time today and defends it back towards the bowler. |
| Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end. |
| 91.1 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Cummins starts off with a back of a length ball around off, Stokes goes back and keeps it out. |
| 91.2 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Just outside off, Stokes makes a good leave after covering his off pole. |
| 91.3 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Good fielding! Slightly fuller and on off, Stokes creams it towards cover. The fielder dives to his left and pushes it towards mid off. Saves three for his side. |
| 91.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On a good length and around off, this is defended nicely. No movement for Cummins as of now. |
| 91.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This one is angled away from the off pole, the batter need not play at those. |
| 91.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A dot to end as the last ball is kept out off the back foot. |
| 92.1 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Full on off, Stokes defends it towards mid on. Pattinson has a stare at Stokes but Ben is not interested. |
| 92.2 : J Pattinson to Stokes, A good looking drive but straight to the fielder. Fuller on off, Stokes plays a handsome off drive but straight towards Siddle at mid off. He misfields but that costs no run though the Barmy Army likes that. |
| 92.3 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Back of a length ball on off, Stokes plays a well-controlled pull shot towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 92.4 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Fuller again on middle, Stokes pushes it to mid on. |
| 92.5 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Good length ball just outside off, Stokes stands tall and punches it to cover. |
| 92.6 : Pattinson to Stokes, Huge appeal but umpire Wilson is unmoved. Yorker outside off, Stokes looks to hit it but looks like he misses. There is some noise as the ball goes to Paine behind. He goes up in a confident appeal but Pattinson does not. Wilson too is unmoved. Maybe the noise was Stokes' bat hitting the ground. |
| 93.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Length delivery on off, Burns strokes it to point. |
| 93.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Full on off, Burns pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 93.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Bouncer! First one of the day. It is on the body, Burns though sits under it without any trouble. |
| 93.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Good length ball outside off, Burns is not going to tease that and he leaves it alone. |
| 93.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Very good delivery this. Cummins hits the deck hard on a length. It pitches just outside off and moves away. Burns looks to defend but the ball misses the outside edge of the bat on its way to the keeper. |
| 93.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Back of a length ball outside off, Burns sways away from it. |
| 94.1 : J Pattinson to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Excellent shot this! Overpitched delivery on middle and leg, Stokes picks it early and drives it through mid on to fetch the first boundary of the day. |
| 94.2 : J Pattinson to Stokes, BEATEN! Pattinson goes fuller and outside off, not very full, just behind a driving length. Stokes goes after it but does not connect. |
| 94.3 : J Pattinson to Ben Stokes, This time he connects with the drive but can't get past covers. |
| 94.4 : J Pattinson to Stokes, This is outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 94.5 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Good length and on off, this is blocked. |
| 94.6 : J Pattinson to Stokes, Another one on a length and around off, Stokes plays it late and to the man at gully. |
| 95.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A little too straight, Burns works it to mid-wicket. |
| 95.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another ball which is a little too straight, Burns works it around the corner and takes one. |
| 95.3 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Back of a length around off, Stokes guides it to point. |
| 95.4 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Good length and on off, Stokes is solid in defense. |
| 95.5 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, EDGY FOUR! England now trail by only 4. Stokes comes down the track and Cummins shortens the length. Stokes looks to defend but due to the angle away, it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence. |
| 95.6 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Back of a length on off, Stokes keeps it out. |
| 96.1 : J Pattinson to Burns, Shorter and around off, Burns guides it to point. |
| 96.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another shorter in length delivery which is guided to point. |
| 96.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Another length ball around off, Burns plays it late as he guides it down to third man for one. |
| 96.4 : J Pattinson to Ben Stokes, Fifty for Ben Stokes! His good form in the ODI format has been carried forward in the longest version. Also, it has been a very fluent and a good innings to watch. He would be eyeing a big one here. He jams this very full ball on off towards mid off for a quick run. 18th Test fifty for him. |
| 96.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Good length and on off, this is guided to point. |
| 96.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Slightly shorter around off, Burns guides it to the man at point. |
| 97.1 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, OUT! Caught behind! Australia finally, finally manage to breakthrough this 88-run stand. Stokes departs immediately after getting to his half ton. An early wicket for the visitors, just what they wanted. Cummins is the man who gets him. His second. This is slightly short and just outside off. Stokes plays the wrong shot as he looks to cut. The ball is too close to play that shot. The outside edge is taken and Paine does not make a mistake behind. Half the side back i |
| 0.0 : Jonny Bairstow is the new batsman in. |
| 97.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Good length and on off, this is defended. |
| 97.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length and on off, Bairstow defends it onto the ground. |
| 97.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Another length ball on off, JB keeps it out. |
| 97.5 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, This is angled into the batter, Bairstow looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. |
| 97.6 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Jonny Bairstow is off the mark! This is around off, JB pushes it towards point and takes off. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. |
| 98.1 : J Pattinson to Bairstow, An appeal but that is off the arm! This is shorter and on the body, Bairstow looks to evade it but the ball hits the arm and lobs to the keeper. |
| 0.0 : Some leveling being done at the bowler's landing area. Pattinson seems to have some problem. |
| 98.2 : J Pattinson to Bairstow, FOUR! ENGLAND ARE INTO THE LEAD! That has gone to the fence like a tracer bullet. A little too straight by Pattinson. Bairstow flicks it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 98.3 : J Pattinson to Bairstow, Corrects his line and lands it on off, JB defends it out. |
| 98.4 : J Pattinson to J Bairstow, Edge, short! This is around off and on a length. Bairstow looks to defend but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge but well short of second slip. |
| 98.5 : J Pattinson to Bairstow, Around off and on a length, Bairstow flicks it uppishly but once again well short of the fielder at mid-wicket. |
| 98.6 : J Pattinson to Bairstow, Too straight on middle, Bairstow works it through square leg for one. The fielder was in the deep this time so just a single. |
| First bowling change of the day. Peter Siddle is into the attack. |
| 99.1 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Just outside off, Jonny shoulders arms to this one. The ball does not carry to the keeper. |
| 99.2 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Outside off, Bairstow goes hard at it but mistimes it to mid off. |
| 99.3 : P Siddle to Bairstow, This is angled into the batter, Jonny works it to mid-wicket. |
| 99.4 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Another ball on a length and around off, JB blocks it out. |
| 99.5 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Shorter and outside off, Bairstow looks to force it through the off side but misses. |
| 99.6 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Well bowled again! Goes wide of the crease and angles it on off, it straightens a touch. Bairstow looks to push at it again but is beaten again. |
| Spinner on now. Nathan Lyon to bowl for the first time today. |
| 100.1 : N Lyon to Burns, Floats it up on middle, Burns defends it nicely. |
| 100.2 : N Lyon to Burns, Sharp turn! We saw a lot of that yesterday. We saw a lot of beating of the outside edge too. This is flatter and on off, it pitches and spins away sharply. Burns looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 100.3 : N Lyon to R Burns, A little fuller on off, Burns strokes it to covers. |
| 100.4 : N Lyon to R Burns, Too short outside off, Burns slaps it through covers for one. |
| 100.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Floats it up on off, JB goes back and keeps it out. |
| 100.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Loopy ball around off, Bairstow works it with the turn to mid-wicket. |
| 101.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Fullish and on off, Burns pushes it to mid off. |
| 101.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Another one whizzes past the outside edge! Siddle goes fuller and around off, it is angling away. Burns looks to drive but misses. |
| 101.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Back of a length on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 101.4 : P Siddle to R Burns, FOUR! First boundary of the day for Burns. Full again and way too outside off, Burns reaches out for it and strokes it through cover-point. |
| 101.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Another fuller ball around off, RB strokes it to mid off. |
| 101.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Another fuller ball on off, Burns plays it to short cover. |
| Australia are not happy with the shape of the ball. The umpires though feel it is fine and ask them to continue. |
| 102.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Well fielded! This is on off, Bairstow goes back and works it with the turn towards short leg who dives to his right and stops it. |
| 102.2 : N Lyon to Bairstow, A muted appeal! This pitches outside off and then turns back in. Bairstow goes back and looks to flick but misses to get hit above the pads. |
| 102.3 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Tossed up outside off, JB covers his off pole and shoulders arms to this one. |
| 102.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Shorter and quicker outside off, Bairstow initially looks to cut but then bails out. |
| 102.5 : N Lyon to Bairstow, On the stumps, Bairstow works it to mid-wicket. |
| 102.6 : N Lyon to Bairstow, A dot to end a good over by Lyon! On off, the batter goes back and keeps it out. |
| 103.1 : P Siddle to Burns, Around off and angling away, Burns plays it late down to third man for one. The lead is now into double figures. |
| 103.2 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Easy pickings this! This is on middle, it is flicked down towards fine leg for two. |
| 103.3 : P Siddle to J Bairstow, Fuller and on off, Bairstow strokes it to mid off. |
| 103.4 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Slashes and misses! Shorter in length and outside off, JB looks to slap it but misses. |
| 103.5 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Attacks the off pole, Bairstow defends it out. |
| 103.6 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Another one on off, Bairstow guides it to point. |
| 104.1 : Lyon to Burns, OUT! Burns' long, wonderful innings comes to an end! It has taken a peach an absolute peach to get rid of the man. Lyon floats it on off, it pitches and spins away quickly. Burns looks to defend but ends up getting a faint outside edge towards Paine. He takes the catch and goes up in celebration. Burns walks off to a huge standing ovation, he shows his bat to the crowd to soak in all the applause. But hold on a minute, the umpires check for the no ball and.... Lyon is just |
| 0.0 : Moeen Ali is the new man in. |
| 104.2 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR BYES! On the pads, Moeen looks to flick but the ball deflects off the pads and goes fine down the leg side. Siddle runs to his right and looks to pull it back before the ropes but unfortunately ends up slipping in the process. |
| 104.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Floated on the pads, Moeen defends it off the front foot. |
| 104.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up on middle, Moeen keeps it out. |
| 104.5 : N Lyon to Ali, On the stumps, Moeen keeps it out. |
| 104.6 : N Lyon to Ali, OUT! Bowled! Moeen has been cleaned up and not in a smart looking manner. His poor run of form with the bat continues. Lyon flights one on middle and off, Moeen expects it to turn away and leaves it alone. The ball takes the off pole on his way. Lyon has a laugh. Don't know what Moeen was thinking when he decided to leave the ball. He will be reminded of this wicket by everyone. End of a brilliant over from Lyon! Two wickets in the over and Australia are now into the fast b |
| Local boy Chris Woakes walks out to bat next. |
| 105.1 : P Siddle to Bairstow, On a good length and around off, this is defended. |
| 105.2 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Back of a length again on off, Bairstow stands tall and defends it onto the ground. |
| 105.3 : P Siddle to Bairstow, Slightly fuller and around off, it comes back in. JB strokes it back towards the bowler who makes a half-stop but no runs taken. |
| 105.4 : P Siddle to Bairstow, On middle, Jonny once again keeps it out. |
| 105.5 : P Siddle to J Bairstow, OUT! Taken at slip! Another one bites the dust! Australia right back in the contest. England have completely lost their way here. From 282 for 4, England have slipped to 300 for 8. Siddle bowls this slightly short and outside off. Bairstow makes the same mistake Stokes did. He goes after it but there was not enough width on offer. It goes off the outside edge and quickly towards Warner at first slip. He takes a sharp catch. England's lead only reads 16. They have t |
| Stuart Broad is the next batsman in. |
| 105.6 : P Siddle to Broad, On middle, Broad blocks it out. End of a successful over from Siddle. |
| 106.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted outside off, Woakes defends it off the inner half of his bat. |
| 106.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Off spinner on middle, Woakes gets on his back foot and punches it to cover. |
| 106.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted outside off, Woakes looks to defend but the ball hits him on the back pad. |
| 106.4 : N Lyon to C Woakes, Tossed up on off, Woakes comes down the track and strokes it to long on for one. |
| 106.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Very full on middle and leg, Broad defends it off the inner half of his bat to the side of the pitch on the leg side. |
| 106.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Tossed up on middle, Broad this time defends it off the front foot off right off the meat of his bat. |
| Pat Cummins is back on! |
| 107.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length and on off, Woakes defends it late and it goes towards gully. |
| 107.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, This is shorter and on middle, Woakes pushes it to mid on. |
| 107.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, That was played awkwardly! Shorter and on middle, Woakes plays the no-watch-pull shot. He connects well and it goes through square leg for one. |
| 107.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Another single as this is worked towards fine leg for one. Broad is off the mark. |
| 107.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Shorter and around off, Woakes pushes it to mid off. |
| 107.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Cummins rolls his fingers on this one outside off. Woakes lets it be. |
| 108.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Well played and well fielded! Broad brings the sweep shot out. He hits it through backward square leg. Head runs to his left in the deep, dives and pushes it back towards Siddle who runs after the ball from short fine leg. The teamwork saves one. |
| 108.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 108.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Down the leg side, Woakes lets it be. |
| 108.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Another one on the pads, Woakes lets it be and it hits the pads. |
| 108.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Uppish but wide! Flatter and on off, Woakes goes back to defend. The ball spins back in sharply. It takes the inside edge which deflects onto the pads but goes wide of the fielder at short leg for one. |
| 108.6 : N Lyon to Broad, On middle, Broad keeps it out. |
| 109.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length ball on middle, Woakes flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 109.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, A huge cheer from the crowd as Broad strokes this length ball outside off towards point for a couple. |
| 109.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Back of a length ball close to the body, Broad does well to defend it wide of short leg. |
| 109.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Fuller on off, Broad defends it with soft hands. It goes towards gully all along the ground off the outer half of his bat. |
| 109.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Come around the wicket and bowls it on top of middle, Broad defends it towards cover and takes a single. Every run being cheered from the crowd here. |
| 109.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Over the wicket to the right hander. It is on a length on off, Woakes defends it to get through the over unharmed. |
| 110.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Nicely swept but straight to the man. Flighted outside off, Broad sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 110.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Huge appeal but nothing. Tossed up outside off, it spins in. Woakes looks to defend but the ball lobs up of his pad towards first slip. The Aussies appeal but nothing from the umpire. They do not take their last remaining review. |
| 110.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Excellent fielding! Flighted on off, Woakes looks to turn it away to the left of Bancroft at short leg. Cameron though stretches out and shows good reflection as he stops the ball. He quickly releases the ball to the keeper but Woakes is quick to get in. |
| 110.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Floated on off, Woakes strokes it through covers for one. |
| 110.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Slower through the air on off, Broad defends it off the front foot. |
| 110.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Floated on the stumps, Broad keeps it out. |
| Peter Siddle is back into the attack. |
| 111.1 : P Siddle to Woakes, Fuller ball on off, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 111.2 : P Siddle to Woakes, Pacy ball on off and middle, Woakes blocks it off his front foot. |
| 111.3 : P Siddle to Woakes, Outside off, tempting Woakes to drive but Chris does not fall into the trap and leaves it alone. |
| 111.4 : P Siddle to Woakes, Closer to the off pole, Woakes defends it to cover and shouts a loud no to his partner. |
| 111.5 : P Siddle to Woakes, Good length ball on off, Woakes defends it with straight bat towards mid on. |
| 111.6 : P Siddle to Woakes, Very good shot but also good fielding. Away swinging ball full on off, Woakes drives it hard but to the right of Bancroft at covers. |
| 112.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Flighted outside off, Broad sweeps it to square leg for a single. |
| 112.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Woakes comes down the track and whips it towards mid-wicket for another single. |
| 112.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Nicely bowled and nicely played. Tossed up on off, Broad blocks it out. |
| 112.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Well done Gary boy is shout from the skipper as he flights it on off. Broad blocks it. |
| 112.5 : N Lyon to Broad, Tossed up on middle, Broad paddles it towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 112.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, FOUR BYES! BEATS EVERYONE! Flighted on leg, Woakes looks to defend but the ball spins in and goes between the bat and pad. It misses the stumps and the keeper as it goes to the fence. |
| 113.1 : P Siddle to Broad, Back of a length ball on off, Broad punches it to cover. |
| 113.2 : P Siddle to Broad, Nicely played. It is once again short, Broad squeezes it through point and gets a single. |
| 113.3 : P Siddle to Woakes, Full outside off, Woakes pushes it to mid off. |
| 113.4 : P Siddle to Woakes, On the pads, Woakes turns it to the on side for a single. The partnership now moves to 22. |
| 113.5 : P Siddle to Broad, Back of a length ball on off, Broad defends it off the back foot. |
| 113.6 : P Siddle to Broad, Length delivery on off, Broad defends it off the front foot and get closer to Lunch. |
| 114.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, SIX! That was six the moment it left the bat. Floated on off, Woakes gets down on one knee and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Smart batting this as he saw mid-wicket come in from the deep. |
| 114.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Tossed up on off, Woakes comes down the track and strokes it to mid off. |
| 114.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Outside off and after two aggressive looking strokes he calmly leaves this one. |
| 114.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted on off, CW comes down the track and blocks it. |
| 114.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Back foot defense this time. Shorter on off, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 114.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flighted outside off, Woakes shoulders arms to it. That is the end of the first session on Day 3. |
| Another battling session in this Test. The Aussies started the day on the front foot as they got rid of Ben Stokes early after he got to his fifty, breaking the 88-run stand. Then centurion, Burns and Moeen Ali departed in the same over of Lyon. Bairstow did not last long either. It looked like the hosts would struggle to bat the first session but Woakes and Broad had other ideas. The duo fought out and made sure England managed to bat the whole session, adding 28 runs in the process taking the |
| As for Australia's bowling, Lyon was the pick of the bowlers in this session as he scalped two. Yesterday's star bowler, Pattinson, was the only bowler out of the four used today who did not manage to pick one. The visitors though would be disappointed not to bundle out England in the first session. Now the hosts will be looking to take this lead closer to 100 or more whereas Australia will look to get rid of the tail as quickly as possible. What will happen? Join us after the break for another |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| The Australian players are in a huddle before they take their positions in the field. Woakes and Broad walk out to continue their innings. James Pattinson to start the new session. |
| 115.1 : J Pattinson to Broad, Attacks the stumps from around the wicket, Broad keeps it out. |
| 115.2 : J Pattinson to Broad, Full and outside off, Broad makes a leave. |
| 115.3 : J Pattinson to Broad, First run of this session! On the pads, SB works it towards fine leg and gets to the other end. |
| There is some good news for the English fans. Kumar Sangakkara on air says James Anderson is sure to come out to bat in this innings. David Lloyd then further adds that James Anderson was practicing in the nets during Lunch. So we might see Jimmy bowl in the 3rd innings. |
| 115.4 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Edgy run! This is a top nut! Squares Chris Woakes up. It pitches on middle and straightens. Woakes looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge down to third man for one. |
| 115.5 : J Pattinson to Broad, Fuller in length and outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 115.6 : J Pattinson to Broad, Closer to the off pole but not close enough to make the batter play. |
| Nathan Lyon to bowl from the other end. |
| 116.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, This is floated up on off, Woakes comes down the track and strokes it back to the bowler. |
| 116.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one. |
| 116.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Well bowled! Gives it a little more air and lands it around off, draws Broad into a drive. The ball though turns away and beats the outside edge. |
| 116.4 : N Lyon to Broad, FOUR! Lead over 50 now! Another sweep shot by Broad. He is playing that shot really well. He drags this from outside off and gets it through mid-wicket. Away from the fielder in the deep and a boundary. |
| 116.5 : N Lyon to Broad, A single now! The arm ball around middle, Broad looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one. |
| 116.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Misread the length there Woakes! Flatter and fuller outside off, Woakes goes back and looks to cut but misses. Too full to play that shot. |
| 117.1 : J Pattinson to S Broad, A yorker outside off, Broad jams it out. |
| 117.2 : J Pattinson to Broad, BEATEN! Extra pace there! Pattinson bends his back on this one and bangs it short around off. Broad looks to force it through the off side but misses. |
| 117.3 : J Pattinson to Broad, Good shot but for no runs! Shorter and around off, Broad pushes it to point. |
| 117.4 : J Pattinson to Broad, This stays low! Well played in the end by Broad. This is on off, Broad gets his bat down in time and guides it down to third man for one. |
| 117.5 : J Pattinson to Woakes, On a good length around off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 117.6 : J Pattinson to Woakes, A little too straight, Woakes works it through mid-wicket and takes two. This stand continues to frustrate Australia. |
| 118.1 : N Lyon to Broad, Flatter and quicker on middle, Broad pushes it to covers. |
| 118.2 : N Lyon to Broad, Floats it up on middle, Broad keeps it out. |
| 118.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Fires this one outside off, Broad pushes it through the off side for one. |
| 118.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Shorter and around off, Woakes goes back and pushes it to covers. |
| 118.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, This pitches outside off and turns back in. Woakes goes back and works it with the turn through square leg for one. |
| 118.6 : N Lyon to Broad, This is a flighted ball on middle, it is defended. |
| 119.1 : J Pattinson to Woakes, On middle, Woakes defends it out. |
| 119.2 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Shortish in length and outside off, Woakes slaps it but finds point. |
| 119.3 : J Pattinson to Woakes, A bumper but it does not rise a lot. Woakes pulls it down to fine leg and takes one. |
| 119.4 : J Pattinson to Broad, From around the wicket, this is angled into the off pole. Broad keeps it out. |
| 119.5 : J Pattinson to Broad, Shorter and around off, Broad pushes it through covers for one. |
| 119.6 : J Pattinson to Woakes, This is on middle, it is worked through square leg for one. |
| 120.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on middle, Woakes goes back and keeps it out. |
| 120.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Floats it up on off, Woakes eases it down to long on with the turn for one. |
| 120.3 : N Lyon to Broad, Almost got bowled around his legs! Lyon pitches this outside leg and gets it to straighten. Broad looks to sweep but misses. It misses the leg pole by a little. |
| 120.4 : N Lyon to Broad, This time connects with the sweep shot but finds short fine leg. |
| 120.5 : N Lyon to Broad, On off, Broad lunges and keeps it out. |
| 120.6 : N Lyon to Broad, Another solid defensive stroke to this flighted ball on middle. |
| 121.1 : J Pattinson to Woakes, A slower one on middle, Woakes picks it and works it through square leg for one. |
| 121.2 : J Pattinson to Broad, Shorter and on off, it comes slow off the surface. Broad guides it down to third man for one. |
| The umpires once again are having a look at the ball. They seem to be happy with it and it is thrown back to the bowler. |
| 121.3 : J Pattinson to Woakes, BEATEN! Not the right length to drive. Behind a driving length outside off, Woakes looks to push at it but misses. |
| 121.4 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Attacks the off pole, this time Woakes defends it out. |
| 121.5 : J Pattinson to C Woakes, Well played! This is around off and it straightens. Woakes looks to defend it with soft hands. It goes off the outside edge towards second slip where Smith fumbles and the batters take one. |
| 121.6 : J Pattinson to Broad, A yorker on middle, SB jams it out. |
| 122.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on off, Woakes pushes it back to the bowler. It has been signaled as a no ball! Australia had two fielders behind square. |
| N Lyon to Woakes, On off again, Woakes goes back and defends it out easily. |
| 122.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Uses his feet this time and the batter strokes it down to long on for one. The 50-run stand is also up, a vital, vital one for England. Also, this is surely frustrating Australia. 350 up for England. |
| 122.3 : N Lyon to Broad, On middle, Broad defends it. |
| 122.4 : N Lyon to Broad, Now once again plays the shot he has played so well till now, the sweep, he drags it from outside off through mid-wicket for one. |
| 122.5 : N Lyon to C Woakes, Good running! This is flatter and on off, Woakes drops it towards the off side and takes one. Every run is being cheered now. |
| 122.6 : N Lyon to Broad, A loopy ball on middle, Broad defends it onto the ground. |
| 123.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Cummins steams in and bowls it full on middle and leg, Woakes flicks it to the right of deep mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 123.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Comes around the wicket and bowls a good length ball on top of off, Broad plays it wide of gully towards backward point for a single. |
| 123.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, No bouncers yet. This is full on off, Woakes strokes it back to the bowler. |
| 123.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Very full on middle and off. Almost a yorker. Woakes digs it to the right of the bowler. |
| 123.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length ball on off, Woakes defends it with absolute calmness. |
| 123.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Just close to off pole, Woakes defends it towards cover-point and gets through the over. |
| Steve Smith to have a go with the ball now. Australia need to find a way to break this partnership and they are looking for new ways to get that. Can Smith's leg spin break this partnership? |
| 124.1 : S Smith to Broad, Gives it air and lands it outside off, Broad pushes it towards cover and takes one. |
| 124.2 : S Smith to Woakes, A full toss on middle, Woakes pushes it to mid on. |
| 124.3 : S Smith to Woakes, On middle, this is defended onto the ground. |
| 124.4 : S Smith to Woakes, Fuller and on middle, Woakes works it to mid-wicket. |
| 124.5 : S Smith to Woakes, The googly on middle, Woakes nudges it around the corner and takes one. |
| 124.6 : S Smith to Broad, The googly on off, it pitches and turns away. Broad looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 125.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length ball outside off, Woakes strokes it towards third man and gets to the other end. The Barmy Army is cheering every run. |
| 125.2 : Pat Cummins to S Broad, Finally a short ball that rises. First one from Cummins in this spell. It is on the body, Broad hops up and looks to keep it down. The ball hits his inside edge onto the body but more importantly does not lob anywhere else. |
| 125.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Yorker on off, Broad digs it out to point. |
| 125.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, On top of off, Broad plays it to point. |
| 125.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Nicely played. Another short ball around the hips of Broad. He hops and keeps it down with a tuck. |
| 125.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, On top of middle and off, Broad blocks it to get through the over. |
| 126.1 : S Smith to Woakes, A full toss on middle, Woakes works it through mid-wicket. There is protection in the deep so just a run. |
| 126.2 : S Smith to Broad, Floats it up on off, Broad defends it out. |
| 126.3 : S Smith to Broad, FOUR! Fortunate runs! A little bottom edge. Nothing the keeper could do there. This is floated outside off, Broad looks to sweep but the ball hits the bottom part of the bat and goes between the legs of the keeper for a boundary in the fine leg region. |
| 126.4 : S Smith to Broad, This time he connects with the sweep shot nicely and it goes through square leg for one. |
| 126.5 : S Smith to Woakes, Loopy ball on off, Woakes strokes it down to long off for a single. |
| 126.6 : S Smith to Broad, Flighted delivery around off, Broad lunges and keeps it out. |
| 127.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Back of a length on off, this is defended. |
| 127.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Around off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 127.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Another one on the stumps, Woakes is solid in defense. |
| 127.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, On the fuller side on off, Woakes pushes it to mid off. |
| 127.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Shorter and on off, Woakes guides it down to third man and a single is taken. |
| 127.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, A sharp bumper to end! Broad does well to evade it. |
| Nathan Lyon is back! |
| 128.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Outside off, it has been left alone. |
| 128.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Outside off and shorter in length. Woakes looks to cut but due to the ball turning back in, he ends up chopping it to the off side. |
| 128.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 128.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Comes down the track but gets too close to the pitch of the ball. It is jammed back to the bowler. |
| 128.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on off, Woakes once again pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 128.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| DRINKS BREAK! |
| 129.1 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Cummins bowls it on a good length on leg, Broad tucks it to the leg side. |
| 129.2 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Short of a length delivery outside leg, Broad looks to go after it but misses it. |
| 129.3 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Bowls a sharp bouncer, Broad does well to duck under it. |
| 129.4 : Pat Cummins to Broad, Bowls a slower bouncer, Broad ducks underneath it. |
| 129.5 : Pat Cummins to Broad, On a good length on middle, Broad blocks it off the back foot. |
| 129.6 : Pat Cummins to Broad, OUT! In the air... taken! The frustrating stand, very frustrating stand actually comes to an end. The ploy to keep bowling short to Broad works. This however, isn't exactly short. It bounces around the stomach of Broad. He whips it, does not keep it down and Pattinson at fine leg takes a good catch. A good little innings by Broad comes to an end. He has surely done his job with the bat here. England lead by 81. One wicket in hand. Can they get to 100? |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 130.1 : N Lyon to Anderson, On middle, this is kept out. |
| 130.2 : N Lyon to Anderson, Flatter and on off, Anderson keeps it out. |
| 130.3 : N Lyon to Anderson, Another one on the stumps, Anderson is successful in defending it. |
| 130.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, Looks to score, he brings out the reverse sweep but finds the man at point. |
| 130.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, Slower through the air on off, Anderson prods forward and keeps it out. |
| 130.6 : N Lyon to Anderson, On the stumps again, Anderson once again defends it out. He survives the whole over. |
| 131.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, On a good length and around off, Woakes keeps it out. |
| 131.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length delivery outside off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 131.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, On a good length on middle, Woakes defends it off the back foot. |
| 131.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Full and outside off, Woakes drives it through covers. He denies the single. |
| 131.5 : Pat Cummins to C Woakes, Full on off, Woakes drives it to mid off. |
| 131.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Bowls it very wide outside off, Woakes looks to slash it but misses it. |
| 132.1 : N Lyon to Anderson, An appeal but not given! This is fired on the pads, Anderson looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. That is going down leg. |
| 132.2 : N Lyon to Anderson, On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler. |
| 132.3 : N Lyon to Anderson, On the off pole, Anderson manages to defend it out. |
| 132.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, A single as Anderson connects with the sweep. There is a man in the deep square leg region. |
| 132.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Woakes comes down the track but Lyon shortens his length. Woakes keeps it out. |
| 132.6 : N Lyon to Woakes, Takes the single off the last ball as he paddles it towards short fine leg. Good running. |
| James Pattinson is back into the attack. |
| 133.1 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Full and outside off, Woakes drives it hard through covers. Bancroft chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen don't take the single. |
| 133.2 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Good length delivery on off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 133.3 : J Pattinson to Woakes, EDGY FOUR! England won't mind how they come as long as they come. Fuller and outside off, Woakes throws his bat at it. It flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence. |
| 133.4 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Back of a length and on off, Woakes keeps it out. |
| 133.5 : J Pattinson to Woakes, A yorker on off, this is jammed out to point. |
| 133.6 : J Pattinson to Woakes, A swing and a miss! Short and outside off, Woakes looks to go over mid-wicket but misses. A dot to end which means Anderson will be on strike. |
| Change of ends for Pat Cummins. |
| 134.1 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, Well bowled! Goes around the wicket and angles it into the off pole, gets the ball to straighten after pitching. Anderson looks to defend but is beaten. |
| 134.2 : Pat Cummins to J Anderson, Off the edge but does not carry! Fuller around off, Anderson, who is ready for the short one, stays rooted to his crease and looks to push at it. It goes off the outside edge towards second slip where the fielder stops it well. |
| 134.3 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, Very full again on middle, Anderson is ready for it and he jams it out. |
| 134.4 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, A couple! Should have been three though. This is on off and it is on a length. Anderson pushes it through cover-point. Head gives it a chase and right at the end, pushes it back in with a dive. The fielder from third man does the mopping up job. |
| 134.5 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, Short but it just does not bounce a lot. Anderson easily works it to fine leg. |
| 134.6 : Pat Cummins to Anderson, And he negotiates the last ball nicely! On off, this is kept out. |
| Nathan Lyon is back into the attack. |
| 135.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Flatter and on middle, Woakes works it to mid-wicket. |
| 135.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, Nicely played! Brings the paddle sweep out towards fine leg but only for one. Woakes maybe trusts Anderson to play Lyon out. |
| 135.3 : N Lyon to Anderson, Does play this ball nicely! This is on the pads, Anderson works it to short fine leg. |
| 135.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, Turn and bounce! The important thing for England is, Anderson survives. This is a loopy ball outside off, Anderson looks to drive but gets beaten by the away turn. |
| 135.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, OUT! In the air... taken! Lyon ends things. Anderson's patience runs out. He looks to go over the mid-wicket region but only manages a top edge due to the extra bounce Lyon extracts. It goes high up in the air and Cummins at mid-wicket takes a dolly. Also, TEA HAS BEEN TAKEN! ENGLAND ALL OUT FOR 374! |
| Finally, finally, the Australian's have managed to bundle the England batting line-up out. However, the last two wickets have batted for almost one and a half session and added 74 runs which could be very crucial. England, courtesy Woakes and Broad have dragged their lead to 90 which gives them the edge in the game at the moment. |
| The star of the England innings was Burns who notched up his first ton in his first ever Ashes game. Yes, you could say a couple of English batters were lucky but take nothing away from the way they played. Burns was well-supported by Root and Stokes, both scored fifties. However, England had a real good chance to bat Australia out of the game but a collapse this morning saw Australia crawl back into the game. Handy innings though from Broad and Woakes sees England as favorites at the moment. |
| The Australian bowlers were really good throughout. They were disciplined and hit the right lines and lengths on consistent basis. However, they did not have a lot of luck on their side. Still, all their front line bowlers managed to take wickets. Pattinson was probably the one who impressed the most. Cummins was not brilliant throughout but did get into his own as the game progressed. Lyon also finished with a three-fer, he too was very good. Siddle also had a good time with the ball, he kept i |
| Now then! Australia will have to bat really well. They would know anything in excess of 200 would be very challenging on this wicket. For that though, they would need all their batters to do their part. England on the other hand, are probably a bowler short, they though have a 90-run cushion. Their first aim will be to get a few wickets before Australia cross 90 and then never let the pressure release. Seeing how Lyon bowled, a lot will be expected of Moeen Ali. The last session is a very import |
| 0.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length and on off, Bancroft keeps it out. |
| 0.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, A huge appeal by the bowler but it is too high! This is around off and it comes back in. The length is shorter. Bancroft looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 0.3 : Broad to Bancroft, Beauty! Broad has started brilliantly. Got the last ball to come in and takes this one away. It lands on off and on a length. Straightens. Bancroft looks to defend but is beaten. The ball flicks the outside part of the bat and goes to the keeper. |
| 0.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Australia are underway! A good length ball on off, CB drops it towards cover and takes off. There is a shy at the striker's end but misses. |
| 0.5 : S Broad to Warner, Broad straightaway goes around the wicket and angles it into the batter. Warner works it to mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : S Broad to Warner, A dot to end a very good first over by Broad. This is again angled into the batter. Warner hops and keeps it out. |
| Chris Woakes to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length and on middle, Bancroft defends it to mid on. |
| 1.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Way too wide outside off, a little shape away for Woakes. Bancroft need not play at those. |
| 1.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, This is lovely, lovely bowling! He too like Broad, got the last one to move away and gets this one back in from outside off. Not enough though to make the batter play. However, that went pretty close past the off pole. |
| 1.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Around off, this is defended. |
| 1.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Outside off, CB shoulders arms to this one. |
| 1.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, FOUR! Easy-peasy! First boundary of this innings. It is on the pads, Bancroft loves it there. He flicks it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 2.1 : S Broad to Warner, Good length ball on off, Warner looks to defend but the inward movement sees the ball hit Warner's inner half of his bat onto his pad. |
| 2.2 : S Broad to D Warner, FOUR! Warner is up and running! Broad overpitches it around off, Warner picks the length early and drives it right off the sweet spot of his bat through mid off for a boundary. |
| 2.3 : S Broad to D Warner, EDGED AND FOUR! A very good boundary is followed by a streaky boundary. Broad pulls his length back and bowls it in the good length area. It swings away after pitching. Warner looks to defend it but ends up getting a thick outside edge. There is no gully or third man so the ball goes through that region and races away to the fence. |
| 2.4 : S Broad to Warner, Outside off on a fourth stump line, Warner shoulders arms to it. |
| 2.5 : S Broad to Warner, Good length ball closer to the off pole but not close enough to make Warner play. |
| England have taken a review for caught behind. Warner is the man in question. |
| 2.6 : S Broad to Warner, No run. |
| 2.5 : Usman Khawaja is the next batsman in. |
| 2.6 : S Broad to Warner, OUT! Caught! Very good review from England and Warner's return to Test cricket is an unsuccessful one. Broad after conceding two boundaries in the over bowls an absolute jaffer! Back of a length ball around off. It is line which questions the batsman. Warner is in double mind to play or leave that. He initially looks to play but then decides to leave. He is late in his decision as when he looks to leave the ball kisses his outside edge and goes to the right of the keeper. |
| 3.1 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a good length and outside off, Bancroft shoulders arms to this one. |
| 3.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length delivery outside off, Bancroft lets it go. |
| 3.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Third consecutive leave from Cameron Bancroft. Outside off, Bancroft leaves it alone. |
| 3.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Length delivery on off, Bancroft plays it to point. |
| 3.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a good length on middle, Bancroft flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 3.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length delivery on off, Bancroft keeps it out. |
| 4.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, Pitches on the fifth stump line and comes in. Khawaja is aware of his off stump and leaves it alone. |
| 4.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, This one moves away. It is outside off, Khawaja has no business with it. |
| 4.3 : S Broad to Khawaja, Outside off, once again Khawaja lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 4.4 : S Broad to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, Khawaja shoulders arms to it. |
| 4.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Fuller on the off pole, Khawaja pushes it to cover. |
| 4.6 : S Broad to Khawaja, Khawaja is off the mark! Full ball on the pads, Khawaja flicks it towards fine leg and gets a single. |
| 5.1 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Khawaja flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 5.2 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Length delivery on off, Bancroft plays it to covers. |
| 5.3 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a good length and outside off, Bancroft looks to defend but misses it due to the seam movement on this one. |
| 5.4 : C Woakes to Bancroft, Good length delivery on off, Bancroft blocks it off the front foot. |
| 5.5 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a length on off, Bancroft plays it to point. |
| 5.6 : C Woakes to Bancroft, On a good length and outside off, Bancroft lets it go. |
| 6.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, Full ball on the pads, Khawaja glances it to mid-wicket. |
| 6.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone. |
| 6.3 : S Broad to Khawaja, Full on off, Khawaja defends it with soft hands wide of cover and gets a single. |
| 6.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Outside off and swinging away, Bancroft shoulders arms to it. |
| Broad is having an issue with his left shoe. Looks like there is an issue with the Velcro so he is getting rid of them. |
| 6.5 : S Broad to C Bancroft, Edged but safe! Length delivery on off, it swings away after pitching. Bancroft looks to defend with soft hands but ends up getting a thick outside edge. Luckily it falls well short of gully. |
| 6.6 : S Broad to Bancroft, On the body, Bancroft glances it to fine leg and keeps the strike with an easy single. |
| Spinner into the attack early on. Moeen Ali with the ball now. |
| 7.1 : M Ali to Bancroft, Starts with an off spinner around off, Bancroft defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.2 : M Ali to Bancroft, Beauty! This has spun a lot. Flighted outside off, Bancroft looks to defend but the ball goes past the bat and pad. The keeper too cannot gather it cleanly and the ball goes towards the fine leg region for a bye. |
| 7.3 : M Ali to Khawaja, FOUR! Not off the middle but Khawaja will take it. Floated on off, Khawaja looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half of his bat through the third man region for a boundary. |
| 7.4 : M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up on the stumps, Khawaja defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.5 : M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted outside off, Khawaja sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 7.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, Shorter on middle and leg, Khawaja glances it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 8.1 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good length ball outside off, Bancroft leaves it alone. |
| 8.2 : S Broad to Bancroft, Outside off once again, Bancroft leaves it alone. |
| 8.3 : S Broad to Bancroft, Good ball. Broad steams in a good length ball around off, Bancroft looks to defend but the ball zips away after pitching beating Bancroft's outside edge on its way to the keeper. |
| 8.4 : S Broad to Bancroft, Length delivery on off, Bancroft shuffles to his off pole and pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 8.5 : S Broad to Khawaja, Length ball outside off, Usman lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 8.6 : S Broad to U Khawaja, Fuller on middle, Khawaja pushes it to mid on. |
| 9.1 : M Ali to Bancroft, OUT! Caught! The idea to bring the spinner in early has worked. Just like Warner, Bancroft's return is not that successful either. Floated off spinner pitching on off, it turns in nicely. Bancroft looks to defend but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads. The ball deflects off the pads and goes to the right of short leg. Buttler there shows good reflexes and takes a very sharp catch. |
| 0.0 : Steve Smith walks out at number 4. |
| 9.2 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off and middle, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 9.3 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 9.4 : M Ali to Smith, Smith is off the mark. Flighted on middle and off, Smith shuffles across and glances it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 9.5 : M Ali to U Khawaja, DROPPED! A very difficult chance but Buttler should have taken it. Flighted delivery outside off, Khawaja looks to push it but gets a thick outside edge which goes low towards second slip. Buttler gets his fingers to it but cannot hold onto it. It goes behind him and they take a single. |
| 9.6 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Smith continues his fine form from the first innings. Floated on the pads, Smith flicks it through square leg to get his first boundary of the innings. |
| 10.1 : S Broad to Khawaja, FOUR! Beautiful! Overpitched on middle and leg, Khawaja picks it early and glances it through mid-wicket for a glorious boundary. |
| 10.2 : S Broad to Khawaja, FOUR! Poor from Broad. He bowls it on the hips of Khawaja, he just nudges it fine down the leg side to get the second boundary in the over. |
| 10.3 : S Broad to Khawaja, Outside off, Khawaja has nothing to do with it. |
| 10.4 : S Broad to Khawaja, On the pads, Khawaja tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 10.5 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith runs it down to third man, wide of the fielder and gets a couple. |
| 10.6 : S Broad to Smith, Outside off, Smith strokes it towards point and gets a brace to end the over. Expensive over from Broad. 13 runs off it. |
| 11.1 : M Ali to Khawaja, Shorter on off, Khawaja tucks it to mid-wicket and gets a couple. |
| 11.2 : M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted on off, Khawaja blocks it off the front foot. |
| 11.3 : M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up on the stumps, Usman defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.4 : M Ali to Khawaja, BEATEN! Sharp turn on this one., It pitches around off and spins away. Khawaja looks to defend but gets beaten by the turn. That was not far away from the outside edge. Bairstow fails to collect it behind the stumps. |
| 11.5 : M Ali to Khawaja, FOUR! Easy pickings! Moeen sprays this on the pads, Khawaja flicks it fine down the leg side and fetches himself another boundary. |
| 11.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, Short on off, Khawaja punches it to cover. |
| Drinks Break! England needed early wickets and they have got two. Australia have lost both their openers and still trail the hosts by 38 runs. The ball is spinning and gripping so if that is an indication of the things to come, the Aussie batsman will have to play with a lot of calm and composure if they are to get a good lead in the game but first they would like to end the deficit without any further damage. |
| Woakes to bowl after the break. |
| 12.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Bowls a fuller ball outside off, it comes in after pitching. Smith looks to defend but the ball hits his thigh pad. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 12.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Length delivery on off, Steve defends it off the middle this time to cover. |
| 12.3 : C Woakes to Smith, On top of middle and off, Smith shuffles across and glances it towards square leg for a couple. |
| 12.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith looks to defend but once again misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad. |
| 12.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, EDGED BUT SHORT! Good length ball outside off, it comes in. Smith looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge. Luckily he played it with soft hands which meant it fell well short of Bairstow. |
| 12.6 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 13.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted around off, Smith comes down the track and whips it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 13.2 : M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted on off, Khawaja drives it straight to cover. |
| 13.3 : M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up around off, Usman strokes it to the left of cover and gets to the other end. |
| 13.4 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on off, Smith milks it down to long on for one. |
| 13.5 : M Ali to Khawaja, Shorter on off, Khawaja defends it by getting right behind that on his back foot. |
| 13.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, Very full, almost a yorker on off. Khawaja does well to get his bat down in time. |
| 14.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith defends it with a straight bat. |
| 14.2 : C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith shuffles like his usual self and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 14.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Length ball pitching on off, it goes away with the angle. Khawaja leaves it alone. |
| 14.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Fuller on off, Khawaja defends it back towards Woakes. |
| 14.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Ouch! Back of a length ball on off, Khawaja looks to defend but the ball hits him very high on his bat. Jarring the bottom hand. |
| 14.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Fuller on middle, Khawaja flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple as the fielder mops it up. Usman is looking good out in the middle but he needs to continue this. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Khawaja, Comes around the wicket and flights it on off. Khawaja milks it down to long off for one. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter around off, Smith gets on his back foot and defends it. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith looks to flick it towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge which goes all along the ground back to the bowler. |
| 15.5 : M Ali to Smith, Off spinner pitching on off. It spins in and Smith turns it behind square on the leg side with the spin for a single. |
| 15.6 : M Ali to Khawaja, Floated on off, UK pushes it to cover to get through the over. |
| 16.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Could have been disastrous! Back of a length ball around off, Smith shuffles in and defends it towards cover-point. He comes ahead for a single but Khawaja sends him back. Good and early call as there was never a run there. Run out is the last thing the Aussies need at the moment. |
| 16.2 : C Woakes to Smith, On the pads, Smith nudges it to fine leg for a single. |
| 16.3 : C Woakes to Khawaja, FOUR! Beautiful! Full outside off, Khawaja gets on his front foot and drives it excellently through covers. The fielders from point and cover give it a chase but cannot stop it. |
| 16.4 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Follows it up with a good, solid front foot defense. |
| 16.5 : C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone without any fuss. |
| 16.6 : C Woakes to Khawaja, FOUR! This is even better than the previous boundary. Woakes overpitches it on middle and leg, Khawaja plays a handsome on-drive through mid on for a boundary. |
| Skipper, Joe Root has got himself into the attack now. |
| 17.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Starts with a flighted delivery on the pads, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 17.2 : Joe Root to Khawaja, Floated outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone. |
| 17.3 : Joe Root to Khawaja, Once again away from the off pole, Usman has nothing to do with it. |
| 17.4 : Joe Root to Khawaja, Tossed up on off, Khawaja defends it off the front foot. |
| 17.5 : Joe Root to Khawaja, Flights one on off, Khawaja plays a textbook front foot defense to it. |
| 17.6 : Joe Root to U Khawaja, Slower on off, Khawaja strokes it towards extra cover and keeps the strike with a single. |
| Change from both the ends. Ben Stokes comes in place of Chris Woakes. |
| 18.1 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, Starts with a good length ball around off. It does not come very quickly. Khawaja defends it to mid off. |
| 18.2 : Ben Stokes to Khawaja, OUT! Caught! This is a peach of a delivery from Stokes! He bowls a scrambled seam delivery on off, it nips back in cutting Khawaja in half. He looks to defend but the ball kisses his inside edge and carries to the right of the keeper. Bairstow moves to that side and takes a good catch. The English players go up in a very confident appeal and the umpire agrees. Once again the bowling change has worked for the hosts. Khawaja cannot convert his good start here and the |
| Travis Head is the new man in. |
| 18.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Another gem! Good length ball on middle and off, it comes in and cuts Head in half on its way to the keeper. |
| 18.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, Length delivery outside off, Travis leaves it alone. |
| 18.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Bouncer! It is a well directed one but Travis sits under it. |
| 18.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Outside off and Head leaves it alone. Brilliant start for Stokes. Wicket maiden for him to begin. |
| Just a solitary over for Root as Moeen Ali comes back. |
| 19.1 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single. |
| 19.2 : M Ali to Head, Bowls it very full to Travis first up. Head defends it with a straight bat. |
| 19.3 : M Ali to Head, Floated outside off, Head shoulders arms to this one. |
| 19.4 : M Ali to Head, Outside off, left alone. |
| 19.5 : M Ali to Head, FOUR RUNNING RUNS! School boy stuff from England. Floated delivery on middle and leg, Head flicks it through mid-wicket and they come back for the third. Roy has a shy at the keepers end. The ball bounces just in front of Bairstow and deflects behind of his pads towards the third man region allowing them to take one more. |
| 19.6 : M Ali to Head, Tossed up on off, Head defends it off the front foot to see off Moeen Ali's over. |
| 20.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length delivery on the pads, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket and gets a couple. |
| 20.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball on middle and leg, Smith turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single. |
| 20.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Length ball on off, Head looks to defend but it comes off the bottom half of his bat. |
| 20.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the fourth stump line, Head leaves it alone. |
| 20.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the pads, Head glances it towards mid-wicket and gets a brace as the fielder cleans it up. |
| 20.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Fuller outside off, TH shoulders arms to it. |
| 21.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith drives it through covers. The ball does not have the legs to reach the fence as the fielder cleans it up. The batsmen come back for the third. |
| 21.3 : M Ali to Head, Floated on off, Head strokes it wide of cover for one. |
| 21.4 : M Ali to Smith, Flights it on off, Smith calmly defends it. |
| 21.5 : M Ali to S Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith reaches out and drives it to mid off. |
| 21.6 : M Ali to Smith, Australia level the scores now. Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single which nullifies Australia's deficit. |
| 22.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Into the lead now! Good length ball on off, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 22.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the fourth stump line, Head leaves it alone. |
| 22.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Full on off, Head tucks it against the angle towards mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| Root, Broad, Buttler and Stokes gather around and are having a chat. |
| 22.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On off, Smith turns it wide of fine leg and gets a couple as Moeen Ali cleans it up. |
| 22.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length delivery outside off, Smith shuffles across and leaves it alone. The ball kisses his pad and goes to the keeper. |
| 22.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On off pole, Smith defends it back to the bowler. |
| A huge cheer from the crowd as Archer comes on as a substitute fielder. |
| 23.1 : M Ali to Head, Flighted on off, Head strokes it wide of mid off. |
| 23.2 : M Ali to Head, Floated on off, Head defends it with soft hands towards cover and gets a single. |
| 23.3 : M Ali to Smith, On the pads, Smith waits and turns it towards fine leg and gets a couple. |
| 23.4 : M Ali to Smith, Huge appeal but the impact looked to be outside off. Flighted delivery outside off, it spins in and keeps low. Smith looks to defend but misses. The ball hits his back pad and Bairstow goes up in appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 23.5 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith defends it by bending his back. |
| 23.6 : M Ali to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it away to the on side and keeps the strike. |
| Drinks Break! Australia have got the lead but have already lost 3 wickets. The duo of Head and Smith hold the key here for Australia. Tim Paine would hope that these two continue their good work and increase their lead. England will look to break this stand and further their grip on this game. |
| 24.1 : Ben Stokes to T Head, Direct hit and Head was gone for all money! Good length ball on off, Smith shuffles across and tucks it towards mid-wicket. Burns comes running in from square leg and gets to the ball quickly. He has one stump to aim at the keeper's end but misses. |
| 24.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, Length ball outside off, Head goes for the punch but ends up chopping it back towards the keeper. |
| 24.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Length ball on the pads, Head glances it to mid-wicket. |
| 24.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the pads, Head glances it but cannot get past mid-wicket. |
| 24.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Back of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 24.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the hips, Head tucks it fine down the leg side and gets a couple. It also brings up the 100 for Australia. |
| 25.1 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Gorgeous! Moeen tosses it up on off, Smith gets on his front foot and creams it through covers for a boundary. |
| 25.2 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter on middle, Smith punches it wide of mid on and gets a single. |
| 25.3 : M Ali to Head, Good running. Floated on off, Head defends it with soft hands towards cover and calls for a quick single. He gets to the other end with ease. |
| 25.4 : M Ali to Smith, This keeps low! Floated on middle, Smith does well to negate the low bounce and turn it to mid-wicket. |
| 25.5 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on off, Steve whips it to mid-wicket and rotates the strike. |
| 25.6 : M Ali to Head, Very full on middle and leg, Head pushes it to mid on. |
| 26.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Stokes misses his line and bowls it down the leg side. Steve leaves it alone. |
| 26.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith leaves it alone in his trademark fashion. |
| 26.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On top of off, Smith flicks it to square leg and shouts wait on to his partner. |
| 26.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith pushes it to mid off. |
| 26.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Huge appeal for lbw nothing from the umpire. Good length ball around off, Smith looks to defend but misses. the ball hits him below his box. The English players put in a hge appeal but nothing from the umpire. Stokes thinks it is dipping but Root does not feel it is dipping enough to overturn the decision. |
| 26.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, NO BALL! Good length ball outside off, Smith leaves it alone. |
| Ben Stokes to Smith, Defended off the back foot by Smith. |
| 27.1 : Joe Root to Head, Pitches it on the rough outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 27.2 : Joe Root to Head, Shorter on off, Head punches it to cover. |
| 27.3 : Joe Root to Head, Floated on the stumps, Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 27.4 : Joe Root to Head, On the pads, Head flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 27.5 : Joe Root to T Head, Tossed up on off, Head pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 27.6 : Joe Root to Smith, On the pads, Smith turns it to the on side and gets a single. |
| 28.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On a good length on off, Smith plays it to point. |
| 28.2 : Stokes to Smith, NASTY! Stokes bends his back and bowls a vicious short ball. Smith looks to pull but the ball goes through and hits him flush on the grill. The England players gather around near Smith. He removes his helmet but will have a mandatory check here as per the protocol. Steve nods though indicating everything is all right. |
| The physio is out now having a look at Smith. Luckily though he looks be fine to continue his innings here. |
| 28.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 28.4 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, This time Smith pulls the short ball in a controlled manner towards mid-wicket. |
| 28.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it but straight to square leg. |
| 28.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.1 : Joe Root to Head, Tossed up wide outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 29.2 : Joe Root to Head, Flighted delivery outside off, Head lets it go. |
| 29.3 : Joe Root to Head, FOUR! In the air but safe. Shorter ball outside off, Head looks to cut but ends up slicing it wide. Luckily the ball goes wide and away of the man at first slip to the third man fence. |
| 29.4 : Joe Root to T Head, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Travis Head. Short and outside off, Head cuts it hard through point for a boundary. |
| 29.5 : Joe Root to Head, Short again, Head cuts it to point. |
| 29.6 : Joe Root to Head, Flighted delivery on off, Head defends it out. |
| 30.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Pulled and pulled away hard! Short ball on off, Smith picks it early and pulls it in a controlled manner through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 30.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Now drives but straight to the man at point. |
| 30.3 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, SS pulls it all along the ground towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 30.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, On top of off, Head defends it off the back foot. |
| 30.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Outside off, Head has no business with this one and leaves it alone. |
| 30.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, This keeps low but luckily, there is no casualty. Good length ball outside off, the ball keeps low and comes in. Luckily it does not nip in enough to hit Head's pad or the stumps. |
| Stuart Broad is into the attack but he might not get to bowl as umpire Aleem Dar is having a word with Root. Looks like it is too dark and seamers cannot bowl now. Root takes the ball away from Broad. The Light meter is now brought on and oh no! We are going off the field. The umpires are not happy and the players are off the field due to bad light. |
| That would be the last of Day 3 as the umpires call stumps due to bad light. Australia started the day on the front foot picking up 4 wickets for 33 runs. It looked like they would not get to a lead of even 50 but Woakes and Broad had other ideas as the duo added 65 runs for the 9th wicket which helped England take a 90-run lead. |
| After early Tea, the hosts came out with venom as they sent both, Warner and Bancroft early. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith though counter attacked and steadied the ship adding 48 runs together. The former looked good but fell against the run of play. Travis Head then joined the Australian hero of the 1st innings and just like in the first innings, they fought hard and ensured there were no more casualties as Australia ended the day early due to bad light. |
| End of a topsy-turvy Day 3 here in Birmingham. Australia would have liked to bowl England out under the lead of 50 but failed to do so. England, on the other hand, would have loved to pick up a couple of more wickets by the end of the day. Both failed in their mission but it was the visitors who ended the day on a strong note scoring 124 runs in the last session. |
| Will England continue their dominance in this Test or will Australia's fight in the final session of Day 3 work as a spark in fire? Join us on Sunday, 4th August, 2019 for Day 4 at 1100 Local (1000 GMT). Till then, Goodbye! |
| ... Day 4, Morning Session .... |
| Lead - 34, wickets in hand - 7, Smith and Head's partnership - 49. That is where Australia begin Day 4. The pendulum in this match is right in the balance as we begin another exciting day of Test cricket. The opening hour will be very crucial for both sides as a couple of wickets will see the balance of power shift to the hosts but if the overnight pair see out this phase then one will have to put Australia on top as there is turn and bounce on offer for the spinners. Historically, Day 4 has bee |
| We are all set to start Day 4 of the 1st Test. The English players walk out to the middle to a huge applause from the crowd. Overnight batsmen, Steve Smith and Travis Head then follow them out to the middle but they are welcomed with a huge echos of boos by the English supporters. Moeen Ali to bowl the first over of the game. |
| 31.1 : M Ali to Smith, This one has not raised at all. Flighted on the pads, the ball keeps down as low as Smith's ankle. Steve turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single. |
| 31.2 : M Ali to Head, Comes around the wicket and flights one on middle and leg. Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.3 : M Ali to Head, Straighter on off, Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.4 : M Ali to Head, Shorter on off, Head punches it to cover and gets his first run of the day. |
| Also, some news about Anderson, he won't be bowling in this innings for England. He would bat IF needed. |
| 31.5 : M Ali to Smith, NO BALL! Smart thinking but gets nothing off it. Moeen sees Smith coming down the track so he bowls an overhead full toss. Smith looks to play the tennis shot but misses. Bairstow looks to stump but he fails to gather. Would not have mattered even if Bairstow had collected that as he could not have stumped him off a no ball. |
| M Ali to Smith, Floated on the pads, Steve glances it to the leg side and gets to the other end. |
| 31.6 : M Ali to T Head, Edged but safe. Shorter on off, Head looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge which flies towards third man. Head takes a single and keeps the strike. 5 runs off the first over of the day. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 32.1 : S Broad to Head, A huge shout straightaway! However, this is sliding down leg. Broad steams in from around the wicket and bowls it fuller around leg. Head looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Broad makes a huge appeal but the umpire shakes his head. There is a discussion between the bowler. Root and Bairstow but they decide not to review. |
| 32.2 : Broad to Head, Another appeal! Head this time is late in his shot but once again it is going down with the angle. This is fuller and on the pads, Head looks to flick but is late in the shot. It hits him on the pads. The appeal is waved away again. Hawk Eye confirms that it has pitched outside leg. |
| 32.3 : S Broad to Head, Way too wide outside off this time, Head lets it be. |
| 32.4 : S Broad to Head, On the off stump this time and it is on a length. Head is solid in defense. |
| 32.5 : S Broad to Head, One more delivery outside off, it has been left alone. |
| 32.6 : S Broad to Head, One more leave to end the over! Outside off, Head does not fiddle with it. A maiden to begin with by Broad. |
| 33.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter and on off, Smith goes back and keeps it out. |
| 33.2 : M Ali to Smith, Good fielding by Roy! Smith whips this with the turn towards mid-wicket. Roy there dives to his right and makes a half-stop. Gets to his feet quickly and stops a run. |
| 33.3 : M Ali to Smith, Good fielding again! This time by the short leg fielder. Shorter and on middle, Smith goes back and works it to the right of that fielder. He dives and also saves a single. |
| 33.4 : M Ali to Smith, Close! This is floated around off, it turns back in. Smith looks to defend but it goes off the inner half, past short leg for one. |
| 33.5 : M Ali to Head, Another flighted ball on middle, Head defends it out. |
| 33.6 : M Ali to Head, On the stumps again. TH lunges and defends it onto the ground. |
| 34.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fifty for Smith. His 25th in Test cricket. Warner and Bancroft have had a bad return but Steve has showed his class in the very first Test of his return. He gets to the milestone with a guide towards third man. It is appreciated and also booed by the fans but Smith continues to be a thorn in England's way. He raises his bat but then he gets back at his work. |
| 34.2 : S Broad to Head, Good length ball outside off, it comes in but Head is aware of his off pole and leaves it alone. |
| 34.3 : S Broad to T Head, Fuller on off, Head pushes it to mid off. |
| 34.4 : S Broad to Head, Length delivery outside off, tempting Head to drive but he does not go chasing after it and leaves it alone. |
| 34.5 : S Broad to Head, Beauty! This is pitched just outside off, Head this time goes to defend it but the ball swings away and just about misses the outside edge of Travis' bat. |
| 34.6 : S Broad to Head, Another top nut to finish the over. The previous one went away and this one has come in. Pitches outside off, Head shoulders arms to it but the ball just about misses the stumps. |
| 35.1 : M Ali to Smith, Slower through the air on off, Smith flicks it to the right of short leg but keeps it down. |
| 35.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.3 : M Ali to Smith, Off spinner on middle, Steve glances it away with the spin towards fine leg for one. |
| 35.4 : M Ali to Head, FOUR BYES! Absolute beauty from Moeen. It beats everyone. Ali prefers bowling to Head rather than Smith. He flights it on middle and off, Head looks to defend but the ball spins away beating the outside edge of Head's willow. It goes between the legs of Bairstow too and to the fence. |
| 35.5 : M Ali to Head, Tossed up outside off, TH leaves it alone. |
| 35.6 : M Ali to T Head, Floated on middle, Head pushes it to mid on. |
| 36.1 : S Broad to Smith, Length ball on off, it raises just a notch. Smith looks to defend but does so off the upper half of his bat. |
| 36.2 : S Broad to Smith, Closer to off stump, Steve defends it off the front foot. |
| 36.3 : S Broad to Smith, Broad delivers this inswinging ball on off, Steve taps it back towards the bowler. |
| 36.4 : S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith lunges forward and blocks it away. |
| 36.5 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap. First mistimed shot from Smith. Full on off, Smith lofts his drive uppishly through mid off and cover. He does not time it well but the placement is so good as the fielders there just watch it dissect them. Australia lead by 50 runs. The visitors are effectively 50/3. |
| 36.6 : S Broad to Smith, Good length delivery on leg, Smith looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 37.1 : M Ali to Head, Floated on middle and leg, Head keeps it out. |
| 37.2 : M Ali to T Head, Flighted on off, Head pushes it wide of cover and gets a single. |
| 37.3 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted on the pads, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 37.4 : M Ali to Head, Shorter on off, Head punches it towards cover-point and rotates the strike. |
| 37.5 : M Ali to Smith, On the pads, Smith turns it to the on side and rotates the strike. |
| 37.6 : M Ali to Head, Very full on middle and leg, TH pushes it to mid on. 4 easy singles off the over. |
| 38.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller in length and coming back in from off. Smith looks to drive it through the off side but it goes off the inner half past the bowler for one. |
| 38.2 : S Broad to Head, On the pads, Head works it towards fine leg for an easy run. |
| 38.3 : S Broad to Smith, Good length and outside off, Smith moves outside off and makes a leave. The ball hits the pads and goes to the keeper. |
| 38.4 : S Broad to Smith, That is a beauty! Broad comes running in and angles it into the off pole, the batter has to play at it. He tries to defend but the ball straightens and beats the outside edge. |
| 38.5 : S Broad to Smith, Another one on the off pole, Smith defends it onto the ground off the back foot. He is playing with soft hands which is ideal on this surface. |
| 38.6 : S Broad to Smith, Broad goes fuller this time, Smith lunges and keeps it out. |
| 39.1 : M Ali to Head, Very full on off, Head pushes it back to the bowler. Moeen will not get turn if he bowls so full. |
| 39.2 : M Ali to Head, Better. This one is pitched behind and keeps low. Head does well to defend it. |
| 39.3 : M Ali to Head, Shorter on off, Head cuts it to point. |
| 39.4 : M Ali to Head, This one keeps low too. Flighted outside off, Head leaves it alone. |
| 39.5 : M Ali to Head, Play and miss! Shorter outside off, Head goes back and looks to cut but misses. |
| 39.6 : M Ali to Head, Floated on off, Head nudges it towards cover-point and calls for a quick run. Travis looses his bat but gets to the other end. |
| 40.1 : S Broad to Head, FOUR! Easy pickings for Head! Broad bowls it on the pads, Head just helps it fine down the leg side for a boundary. Brings up the 150 for Australia. |
| 40.2 : S Broad to Head, Better. Back of a length ball on off, Head hops and defends it towards cover-point. |
| 40.3 : S Broad to Head, FOUR! Second boundary of the over. Once again Broad bowls it full on the pads, Head flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary. Travis is looking very good out in the middle. Moves to 35 now. |
| 40.4 : S Broad to Head, Once again follows the boundary with a solid defense towards cover. |
| 40.5 : S Broad to Head, This one comes in with the angle, Head defends it towards point. |
| The 8-ball gauge is out once again. And just like it has happened throughout this Test, the umpire gives it back to the bowler. |
| 40.6 : S Broad to Head, Good bowling. Full on middle and leg, Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 41.1 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith whips it to mid-wicket. |
| 41.2 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter outside off, Smith stands tall and punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 41.3 : M Ali to Smith, Ohh! Floated on off, Smith looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge. The ball goes fine down the leg side and gets a couple. |
| 41.4 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted outside off, Smith pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end. |
| 41.5 : M Ali to Head, Ripper! Flights it on off, Head looks to defend but the ball grips away and beats the outside edge. Bairstow takes the bails off quickly but no casualty. |
| 41.6 : M Ali to Head, Shorter on off, Head punches it towards cover for a single. |
| 42.1 : S Broad to Head, Misses his line and bowls it down the leg side. Head looks to flick but misses. |
| 42.2 : S Broad to Head, Full on off, TH defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.3 : S Broad to Head, Full on off, TH blocks it off the front foot. |
| For the umpteenth time the 8-ball gauge is out. Nothing doing. |
| 42.4 : S Broad to Head, Full on off, Head drives it through covers. Archer dives to his right but misfields allowing them to take two. |
| 42.5 : S Broad to Head, Length delivery outside off, Head looks to punch and goes to point. |
| 42.6 : S Broad to Head, Fuller on off, TH pushes it off the front foot. |
| 43.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flights it on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 43.2 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter on off, Smith waits and defends it off the back foot. |
| 43.3 : M Ali to Smith, Off spinner on off, Smith glances it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 43.4 : M Ali to T Head, FOUR! Moeen struggles to bowl his best balls continuously. He bowls a rank full toss on off, Head strokes it through mid on for a boundary. |
| 43.5 : M Ali to Head, Shorter on off, TH punches it to cover for a single. |
| 43.6 : M Ali to Smith, Slower through the air on off, Steve defends it off the front foot. |
| First bowling change of the day. Ben Stokes is into the attack now. |
| 44.1 : Ben Stokes to Head, Starts with a full ball on off. Head plays a solid push to mid off. |
| 44.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, Good length ball outside off, Stokes punches it to point. |
| 44.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, Ohh! Full on off, Head looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 44.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, Very full on the pads, Head defends it to mid on. |
| 44.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, On middle, Head defends it with authority. |
| 44.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, A solid front foot defense to get through the over. |
| Change from both the ends. Joe Denly replaces Moeen Ali. Has not been a good morning for Moeen so far. |
| 45.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Starts with a flighted ball outside off, Smith strokes it to cover for one. |
| 45.2 : Joe Denly to Head, Shorter and pitching on the rough. Head waits and then punches it through covers for a run. |
| 45.3 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated on off, Smith keeps it out. |
| 45.4 : Joe Denly to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith comes down and blocks it. |
| 45.5 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated on off, Smith whips it towards mid-wicket and gets a single. |
| 45.6 : Joe Denly to Head, WOW! That has turned leaps and bounds. Pitches it on the rough outside off, it spins so much that it goes outside leg. Bairstow fails to take it cleanly allowing them to steal a bye. |
| 46.1 : Ben Stokes to Head, WIDE! Stokes misses the line way too much and sends this one down the leg side and away from the tramline. Wided by the umpire. |
| Ben Stokes to Head, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, Head punches it to point. |
| 46.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, Another one down the leg side but inside the tramline. |
| 46.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the pads, Head nudges it fine down the leg side and gets a couple to bring up the century stand between the duo. |
| 46.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the pads, TH glances it to mid-wicket. |
| 46.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, On top of off, Travis defends it back to the bowler. |
| 46.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Good length ball outside off, Head strokes it towards mid off of the inner half of his bat. |
| Drinks Break! Australia's hour. The duo of Head and Smith have continued from where they left off on Day 3. England have struggled to trouble the pair. Though there is spin and bounce, Moeen has struggled with his line and length. The hosts need to break this stand as they are taking the game away from them slowly like a poison. |
| 47.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floats it on leg, Smith defends it. Smart bowling as there is a lot of rough outside Smith's leg stump. |
| 47.2 : Joe Denly to Smith, Bowls it on the rough, it spins in. Smith looks to defend but the ball kisses his pads and goes behind for a single. |
| 47.3 : Joe Denly to Head, Very well bowled. Floats it outside off on the rough. The ball keeps low and beats Head's defensive blade. |
| 47.4 : Joe Denly to Head, OHH! Very full on middle and leg, Head initially looks to defend but then defends it. |
| 47.5 : Joe Denly to Head, Flighted on off, Travis blocks it. |
| 47.6 : Joe Denly to Head, Loopy ball on the stumps, TH blocks it. |
| 48.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, NO BALL! Stokes oversteps! He bowls it on a length on off, Smith blocks it. |
| Ben Stokes to Smith, Bowls a little fuller on the off stump, Smith lunges and blocks it well. |
| 48.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Stokes goes for a shorter ball but the line is outside off, Smith guides it through the third man region to get a boundary. |
| 48.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Another fuller ball outside off stump, Smith times it sweetly towards cover-point to get another boundary. |
| 48.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Down the leg side, Smith leaves it alone. |
| 48.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Chance! This was in the air. Very close to the short mid-wicket fielder. This was angling in as Smith flicked it wide off the short mid-wicket to get a single. |
| 48.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, Good length ball outside off, TH shoulders arms to it. |
| 49.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Loopy ball on the pads, Smith blocks it. |
| 49.2 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated around leg, Smith whips it to the on side for one. |
| 49.3 : Joe Denly to Head, Bairstow has missed a stumping chance! Flighted outside off, Head comes ahead and looks to defend but loses his balance. He misses the ball but luckily for him, the ball hits Bairstow's pads who is late to get down. It is not a straightforward chance but England need to take these chances at the moment. They need a breakthrough and need to be extra alert. |
| 49.4 : Joe Denly to Head, Floated on the stumps, Head defends it off the front foot. |
| 49.5 : Joe Denly to Head, Tossed up around off, TH gets down and sweeps it to square leg for one. |
| 49.6 : Joe Denly to Smith, On the pads, SS turns it behind square on the leg side for one. The lead now is of 100. |
| 50.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Slower ball on off, Smith defends it off the front foot. |
| 50.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball on off, SS defends it off the front foot. |
| 50.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Smith shuffles across and turns it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 50.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, Brilliant fielding! Length ball outside off, Head punches it towards point. Burns at point dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. |
| 50.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Short ball outside off, Head sways it away. |
| 50.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, FOUR! Head gets to his fifty in style! Length ball outside off, Travis punches it through backward point and gets a boundary to bring up his 6th Test fifty. He has played a brilliant innings here. He generally gets out after getting off to a start but this time he has got to the fifty-run mark and now would be eyeing a big score. |
| 51.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, FOUR! Whipped and whipped away! Floated on the pads, Smith smashes it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 51.2 : Joe Denly to Smith, FOUR! Two in two and Smith is going after the part-timer. Brings the 200 up in style. Floated on leg, Steve whips it away though mid-wicket again to get another boundary. |
| 51.3 : Joe Denly to Smith, Flighted on the stumps, Steve defends it off the front foot. |
| 51.4 : Joe Denly to Smith, Shorter on off, Steve defends it off the back foot. |
| 51.5 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated on leg, SS defends it off the front foot. |
| 51.6 : Joe Denly to Smith, Single to end the over. On the pads, Steve glances it to the on side and gets a single. |
| 52.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, On the middle and leg, Smith tucks it towards leg side and takes off for a quick single. There's a shy at the striker's end but no direct hit. The batsman was in anyways. |
| 52.2 : Ben Stokes to Head, On the shorter length, aiming the top of off stumps, Head pushes it towards mid on. |
| 52.3 : Ben Stokes to Head, This is out side off, there's room for Head who slaps it towards point for nothing. |
| 52.4 : Ben Stokes to Head, This was coming in from the short of length, Head hangs back and blocks it easily. |
| 52.5 : Ben Stokes to Head, Stokes misses the line again as throws this wide on the leg side but Head misses his flick. |
| 52.6 : Ben Stokes to Head, OUT! Caught behind! Head departs after getting to his fifty! The slower ball has done the trick for England! A wicket against the run of play but England will take it with both hands. The English Test vice captain has given his side the much-needed breakthrough. Stokes steams in and bowls a good length delivery outside off, Head goes for the cut but the ball arrives slower than what he anticipated also it bounces a bit too. It takes the outside edge and goes towards the |
| Matthew Wade walks out to bat now. |
| 53.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floats it up around leg, Smith lunges and keeps it out. |
| 53.2 : Joe Denly to Smith, Another loopy ball around middle, this is a little too full. Smith pushes it to mid off. |
| 53.3 : Joe Denly to Smith, Gives it a lot of air and lands it on middle, Smith keeps it out. |
| 53.4 : Joe Denly to Smith, Shorter in length and pitches in the rough. Smith initially looks to flick but seeing the turn away, he keeps it out. |
| 53.5 : Joe Denly to Smith, Very full on middle, Smith pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 53.6 : Joe Denly to Smith, Smith retains strike as he whips this fuller ball on leg through mid-wicket for one. |
| 54.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith pushes it towards point. |
| 54.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, FOUR! Smith is unfazed by the wicket. Stokes bowls a length ball on off, Smith drives it on the up and creams it through covers for a boundary. |
| 54.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length ball on off, Smith looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point which goes all along the ground. |
| 54.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Bouncer! Steve ducks under it. |
| 54.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Very good field placement! Stokes bends his back and bowls it short. Smith pulls it in a controlled manner which goes to leg gully on the bounce. |
| 54.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Another short ball, Smith pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 55.1 : Joe Denly to S Smith, Very full on middle and leg, Smith strokes it wide of mid on for one and moves to 95. |
| 55.2 : Joe Denly to Wade, FOUR! Denly is guilty of overpitching it outside off, Wade picks it early and drives it through covers to get off the mark. |
| 55.3 : Joe Denly to Wade, Floats it on the stumps, Wade defends it off the front foot. |
| 55.4 : Joe Denly to Wade, That excited the England players. Floated outside off, Wade looks to sweep but misses and the ball hits the shoulder of Matthew. |
| 55.5 : Joe Denly to Wade, Tossed up outside off, Matthew pads it away. |
| 55.6 : Joe Denly to Wade, In the air but wide of the fielder. Flighted outside off, Matthew gets down and sweeps it wide of leg gully and gets a couple as Moeen Ali from deep mid-wicket cleans it up. |
| 56.1 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full ball outside off, Smith pushes it to cover. |
| 56.2 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Length ball around off, Smith hits it straight to point. |
| 56.3 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Fuller on off, Steve gets behind it and blocks it. |
| 56.4 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Short ball around leg pole. Smith ducks under it. |
| 56.5 : Ben Stokes to Smith, NO BALL! Stokes oversteps once again. He bowls it full outside off, Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| Ben Stokes to Smith, Fuller on off, Smith shuffles across and flicks it towards square leg for a couple. Moves 3 runs closer to a well-deserved ton. |
| 56.6 : Ben Stokes to Smith, Full once again on off, Smith pushes it to mid off. |
| 57.1 : Joe Denly to Wade, Flighted outside off, Wade leaves it alone. |
| 57.2 : Joe Denly to Wade, FOUR! Excellent shot! Flighted outside off, Wade gets on his front foot and thrashes it through covers for a boundary. |
| 57.3 : Joe Denly to Wade, Spins away a lot. Pitches it on the rough outside off, Wade leaves it alone and the ball goes wide of leg pole. |
| 57.4 : Joe Denly to Wade, Shorter on off, Wade keeps it away off his back foot. |
| 57.5 : Joe Denly to Wade, Floated outside off, MW leaves it alone. |
| 57.6 : Joe Denly to Wade, On the pads, Wade glances it to the on side and keeps the strike. |
| 58.1 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Good length ball outside off, Wade leaves it alone. |
| 58.2 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Full down the leg side, Wade looks to flick but misses. |
| 58.3 : Ben Stokes to Wade, FOUR! Wade moves to 15 in a flash. Full on the pads, Wade flicks it through mid-wicket to get his third boundary of the innings already. |
| 58.4 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Short ball outside off, Wade sways away from it. Typical pace bowler's response after being hit for a boundary. |
| 58.5 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Misses his line again and bowls one down the leg side. Wade looks to flick but misses. |
| 58.6 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Full on off, Wade defends it towards short cover and calls wait to his partner. |
| Moeen Ali is back into the attack. He was wayward in his first spell today, let's see how he bowls now. |
| 59.1 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter on off, Smith flicks it to square leg. |
| 59.2 : M Ali to Smith, Sharp spin. Shorter outside off, Smith looks to defend but the ball hits him on his thigh pad. |
| 59.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floated on off, Smith taps it back to the bowler. |
| 59.4 : M Ali to S Smith, Flighted outside off, Steve drives it hard but to the man at cover. |
| 59.5 : M Ali to Smith, Shorter on off, Smith defends it off his back foot. |
| 59.6 : M Ali to Smith, Smith will have to wait for his second hundred of this Test. Floated on off, Smith milks it to long on and gets a single. LUNCH ON DAY 4. |
| Is there any doubt which side will be the happier heading into the break? If yes, the quiet crowd here will probably indicate that. Yes, it is Australia who are slightly ahead in the game at the moment and once again, it is Steve Smith who is the hero for them. |
| The day started with Head and Smith continuing from where they left off yesterday. They added a massive 130-run stand and took Australia's lead past the 100-run mark. Head got to his fifty and was looking set for a big score but Stokes got him slashing to a ball outside off which saw his downfall. Wade however, has come out with positive intent and the two are amidst a 26-run stand. Australia will know, one good partnership and they will probably bat England out of the game. Smith though holds t |
| England have not looked at their best with the ball today. Broad did bowl a few good deliveries but not consistently. Moeen Ali too did not look a lot threatening. Denly did get a lot of purchase off the surface but he was guilty of bowling at least one bad ball in each over. Stokes is the only wicket-taker but never looked at his best. The interesting thing though is, Woakes was not used at all, not sure what the reason was. One would expect him to bowl after the break. England would hope for s |
| ... Day 4, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session on Day 4. The English players are in a huddle before they take their positions in the field. Steve Smith, who is on 98 walks out along with Matthew Wade to resume their innings. Chris Woakes will finally get the ball today. He did not bowl a single over in the first session. |
| 60.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Smith moves onto 99 as he scores off the first ball of this session. On the pads, Smith works it down to fine leg for one. |
| 60.2 : C Woakes to Wade, On a length on leg, Wade flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 60.3 : C Woakes to Wade, Good length delivery on off, Wade blocks it off the back foot. |
| 60.4 : C Woakes to Wade, On a good length and outside off, Wade shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 60.5 : C Woakes to Wade, Outside off, Wade lets it go. |
| 60.6 : C Woakes to Wade, On a good length on middle, Wade tucks it to mid-wicket. Just a run from the over. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 61.1 : S Broad to Smith, Way too wide outside off, bowling to his field is Broad as he has 7 fielders on the off side. Smith lets it be. |
| 61.2 : S Broad to S Smith, FOUR! 100 for Steve Smith. Back-to-back tons and 5th Australian to score two centuries in a single Ashes Test. What a player, what a player he is! What a comeback from him! Absolutely brilliant. This would be a big, big moment and an emotional one too for him. The English fans are heard booing him as he takes his helmet off and celebrates but he won't care and instead enjoy the moment. He gets to his ton in style. Broad bowls it full and around off, Smith creams it betw |
| 61.3 : S Broad to Smith, Continues bowling it outside off, it is left alone again. |
| 61.4 : S Broad to Smith, Another leave as Broad bowls it outside off again. |
| 61.5 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller and around off, Smith drives it through cover-point. There is a sweeper in the deep so only one. |
| 61.6 : S Broad to Wade, A single to end the over! On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one. |
| 62.1 : C Woakes to Wade, Slightly fuller and outside off, Wade shoulders arms to this one. |
| 62.2 : C Woakes to Wade, Another one outside off, Wade does not fiddle with it. |
| 62.3 : C Woakes to Wade, Fuller and around off, Smith strokes it to mid off. |
| 62.4 : C Woakes to M Wade, FOUR! Wade is dealing in boundaries! Lead above 150 now. Fuller and outside off, Wade strokes it square on the off side, it is in the gap and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 62.5 : C Woakes to Wade, Angles this away from the off pole, Wade does not bother playing at it. |
| 62.6 : C Woakes to Wade, This time he bowls it on middle and it angles away. Wade goes back and keeps it out. |
| 63.1 : S Broad to Smith, Fuller and outside off, Smith leaves it alone. |
| 63.2 : S Broad to Smith, On the fuller side and around off, Smith strokes it to covers. |
| 63.3 : S Broad to Smith, On a good length and outside off, Smith lets it be. Bairstow has a shy at the stumps at his end but hits Smith. The keeper straightaway apologizes. |
| 63.4 : S Broad to Smith, One more ball outside off, Smith need not play at those. |
| 63.5 : S Broad to Smith, A crowd catch there! Broad goes full and around off, Smith strokes it into the gorund and then it goes to the short cover fielder. |
| 63.6 : S Broad to Smith, Continues bowling harmless deliveries, outside off. Smith lets it be. |
| 64.1 : C Woakes to Wade, Fuller and outside off, Wade makes a leave. |
| 64.2 : C Woakes to Wade, Length this time but the line is once again outside off, Wade lets it be. Woakes is trying to do what he did in the first innings. Continuously taking it out and then trying to get one back in. There is just no swing available though. |
| 64.3 : C Woakes to Wade, Another one on a length and outside off, Wade shoulders arms to this one. |
| 64.4 : C Woakes to Wade, Closer to the off pole this time, Wade gets his bat down and keeps it out. |
| 64.5 : C Woakes to Wade, Good change in pace! It is a slower one on middle, Wade looks to flick but does so early. A soft leading edge is induced back to the bowler. |
| 64.6 : C Woakes to Wade, Shorter in length and around off, Wade swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket. There is a man in the deep so just a run. He keeps strike. |
| 65.1 : S Broad to Wade, Broad from around the wicket lands it on off, it is blocked. |
| 65.2 : S Broad to Wade, Good delivery and well played! Broad bowls this fuller around off, it tails back in a little. Wade moves his front leg out of the way and works it wide of mid on for one. |
| 65.3 : S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Need not run for those! That was just dismissive. Broad goes full and on middle, looking to surprise Smith by bowling one on the stumps. Smith is up for the task, he shows the full face of the bat and creams it to the long on fence. |
| 65.4 : S Broad to Smith, Goes back to bowling outside off and the length is fuller. Smith looks to drive but gets an outside edge towards backward point. |
| 65.5 : S Broad to Smith, Another one outside off and it is on a length. Smith lets it be. |
| 65.6 : S Broad to Smith, Another one outside off, maybe after that boundary, Broad does not want to bowl on the stumps anymore. Smith shoulders arms to it. |
| 66.1 : C Woakes to Wade, One more cutter on off, Wade plays it late towards point. |
| 66.2 : C Woakes to M Wade, A lovely shot but just for one! Fuller and around off, Wade leans into it and strokes it through covers for one. |
| 66.3 : C Woakes to Smith, Goes wide of the crease and angles into the off pole, Smith defends it onto the ground. |
| 66.4 : C Woakes to Smith, Slower one around off, Smith plays it with soft hands to the man at point. |
| 66.5 : C Woakes to Smith, This is angled into the pads, Smith works it down to fine leg for one. 250 up for Australia. The lead is 160. |
| 66.6 : C Woakes to Wade, Inside edge saves Wade there. Something happened out of nothing there. This is on a good length around off and it stays very low. Wade just about gets his bat down in time and he gets an inside edge onto the pads. A huge shout by the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. |
| Joe Denly is back into the attack. |
| 67.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Smith misses out there! A drag down by Denly on middle, Smith goes back and looks to pull it hard but mistimes it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 67.2 : Joe Denly to Wade, Off the glove! This is floated up outside off, Wade looks to reverse sweep but it hits the glove and lobs over the keeper and down towards fine leg for two. |
| 67.3 : Joe Denly to Wade, Floats it up on off, Wade lunges and keeps it out. |
| 67.4 : Joe Denly to Wade, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 67.5 : Joe Denly to Wade, Uppish but safe! This is tossed up outside off, Wade looks to drive it but the ball sticks in the surface. He ends up hitting it uppishly but well short of the bowler. |
| 67.6 : Joe Denly to Wade, A dot to end as Wade works this with the turn towards square leg. |
| 68.1 : C Woakes to Smith, Full on middle and off, Smith turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single as the fielder from fine leg cleans it up. |
| 68.2 : C Woakes to Wade, Good length ball on off, Wade defends it off the front foot. |
| 68.3 : C Woakes to Wade, Length delivery outside off, Wade helps it down towards backward point. |
| 68.4 : C Woakes to Wade, Outside off, Wade stands tall and punches it to the right of backward point but the fielder dives on that side and saves runs for his side. The crowd suddenly getting loud again. |
| 68.5 : C Woakes to Wade, FOUR! And the crowd has gone silent! Brings up the 50-run stand too. Woakes bowls this down the leg side, Wade helps it on it's way to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Lead moves to 168 now. |
| 68.6 : C Woakes to Wade, Length delivery outside off, MW has no business with it. |
| 69.1 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floated on leg, Smith reverse sweeps it behind square on the off side for a single. |
| 69.2 : Joe Denly to Wade, Flighted around off, Wade strokes it towards cover for a single. |
| 69.3 : Joe Denly to Smith, Very full on the pads, SS defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 69.4 : Joe Denly to Smith, On the pads again, Steve whips it to mid-wicket for one. |
| 69.5 : Joe Denly to Wade, Outside off, Wade lunges and pads it away. |
| 69.6 : Joe Denly to Wade, Now Wade bends and blocks it to see through the over. |
| Moeen Ali is on now. |
| 70.1 : M Ali to Smith, Smith initially looks to play the paddle sweep but then seeing the length, adjusts and works it through square leg for one. |
| 70.2 : M Ali to Wade, Wade now plays the sweep shot, hits it nicely through backward square leg for one. |
| 70.3 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter and outside off, Smith goes back and keeps it out. |
| 70.4 : M Ali to Smith, Floats it up on off, Smith lunges and defends it out. |
| 70.5 : M Ali to Smith, Way too short, Smith pulls it hard but there is a man at deep mid-wicket so only a single. |
| 70.6 : M Ali to Wade, Another sweep shot towards deep backward square leg for another run. |
| 71.1 : Joe Denly to Wade, This is bowled outside off, it turns back in. Wade gets his front pad out of the way and tries to defend but misses to get hit on the front pad. A huge appeal but it is an ambitious one. |
| 71.2 : Joe Denly to Wade, Flatter and around off, Wade goes back and keeps it out. |
| 71.3 : Joe Denly to Wade, FOUR! Reverse sweep and a boundary! Wade sees it is outside off and there is a lot of flight on it. He goes down on one knee and hits it through short third man for a boundary. |
| 71.4 : Joe Denly to Wade, Very full and outside off, Wade drives it square on the off side for one. |
| 71.5 : Joe Denly to Smith, Flatter and on middle, this is defended. |
| 71.6 : Joe Denly to Smith, Floats it up on middle, Smith looks to flick but does so early. A soft leading edge back to the bowler. |
| 72.1 : M Ali to Wade, Flatter and on off, Wade pushes it through covers with the turn for one. Too easy at the moment for the two. |
| 72.2 : M Ali to Smith, Floats it up on off, Smith defends it out. |
| 72.3 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Deft! Lovely, lovely batting! Moeen Ali fires this outside off, Smith waits for it and then guides it late past slip, no one at third man so a boundary. |
| 72.4 : M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Smith is now bossing the game here! England's body language seems to be dropping. The crowd here has gone quiet. It seems like they have already given up at the moment. Smith uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and whips it over mid-wicket for another boundary. |
| 72.5 : M Ali to Smith, Smith keeps strike as he guides it through point for one. |
| 72.6 : M Ali to Wade, Wade now takes one as he pushes it through covers and keeps strike. |
| 73.1 : Joe Denly to Wade, Short and on off, Wade makes room and slaps it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 73.2 : Joe Denly to S Smith, Almost! This lands in the rough outside leg. Smith looks to defend but the ball spits off the surface. It hits the shoulder of the bat but lobs in no man's land on the off side. |
| 73.3 : Joe Denly to Smith, Down the leg side, Smith looks to sweep but misses. It goes behind for a run. Bye signaled. |
| 73.4 : Joe Denly to Wade, On middle, Wade defends it onto the ground. |
| 73.5 : Joe Denly to Wade, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 73.6 : Joe Denly to Wade, FOUR! Too short and put away! This is around off, enough time for Wade to go back and punch it through covers. Another boundary. Runs flowing freely now. |
| 74.1 : M Ali to Smith, Lead touches 200 now! On middle, Smith goes back and works it through square leg for one. |
| 74.2 : M Ali to Wade, Flatter and on middle, Wade pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 74.3 : M Ali to Wade, BEATEN! This is tossed up on off, it pitches and then turns away. Wade looks to defend off the front foot but is beaten. Very few deliveries like these have been seen today. |
| 74.4 : M Ali to M Wade, Another good ball! This is flatter and on middle, it once again turns away. Wade looks to defend but is squared up. It goes off the outside edge towards backward point for one. |
| A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down. England review but I feel it is in desperation. Looks high and going down leg. |
| 74.5 : Ali to Smith, NOT OUT! Missing leg by a mile! As I wrote, it was a review in desperation. They somehow want to get Smith out, actually they somehow want a wicket. Moeen Ali tosses this on middle and it turns back in. Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. England review and replays show that the on-field call is the right one. England lose one review. |
| 74.6 : M Ali to Smith, A couple to end the over! Moeen over pitches outside off. Smith drives it wide of the fielder in the deep and two is taken. |
| DRINKS! Australia going along really well here. Their lead is above 200 now and they have not lost a wicket after Lunch. Another decent hour for them will probably mean it is difficult for them to lose the game. England on the other hand, look flat at the moment. Their bowling does not look threatening. They need someone to put their hand up and deliver. Anyone in their side who can do so? We will have to wait to find out. |
| Joe Root brings himself on. Trying everything here is the England skipper. |
| 75.1 : Joe Root to Wade, On middle, Wade defends it out. |
| 75.2 : Joe Root to Wade, FOUR! He has hit that really fine! Fifty for Wade. 5th in Test cricket. He is justifying his selection in the team here. Also, it has been a very positive innings from him. Right from the start he wanted to score and he has brought it up in quick time too. He gets there by playing a reverse sweep, it goes between the legs of the keeper for a boundary in the third man region. |
| 75.3 : Joe Root to Wade, A single to follow the boundary! On off, Wade taps it towards cover for one. |
| 75.4 : Joe Root to Smith, Flighted ball on off, Smith defends it out. |
| 75.5 : Joe Root to Smith, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 75.6 : Joe Root to Wade, Misfield! The wheels seem to be coming off for England now. 300 up for Australia. This is floated up on off, Wade strokes it towards cover where the fielder lets it through and a single is taken. |
| 76.1 : M Ali to Wade, Flatter and on middle, this is defended. |
| 76.2 : M Ali to Wade, On the pads again, Wade works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 76.3 : M Ali to Smith, Another tossed up ball on off, Smith strokes it to covers. |
| 76.4 : M Ali to Smith, Flatter and on off, Smith works it through square leg and takes one. |
| 76.5 : M Ali to Wade, Shorter and outside off, Wade slaps it through covers for one. |
| 76.6 : M Ali to Smith, On middle, SS defends it out. |
| 77.1 : Joe Root to Wade, On middle, this is kept out. |
| 77.2 : Joe Root to Wade, Outside off this time, Wade guides it to point. |
| 77.3 : Joe Root to Wade, In the air but safe! Root floats it up on off, Wade looks to drive but the ball once again stops in the surface, it goes off the outer half uppishly but well short of point. |
| 77.4 : Joe Root to Wade, Well bowled! This lands on off, it pitches and turns away. Wade tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 77.5 : Joe Root to Wade, Brilliant again from Root! This time there is extra bounce too. It lands on off and then spins away. Wade lunges and tries to keep it out but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 77.6 : Joe Root to Wade, The straighter one now from Root on middle, defended. |
| 78.1 : M Ali to Smith, Flighted delivery on middle, Smith defends it out. |
| 78.2 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith drives it to covers. |
| 78.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floated delivery on middle, Smith blocks it off the front foot. |
| 78.4 : M Ali to Smith, Excellent fielding by Stuart Broad. Full on middle, Smith drives it straight past the bowler through mid on. Stuart Broad from long on runs to his left and slides to save two runs for the team. The mid off fielder does the mopping up job. |
| 78.5 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith keeps it out. |
| 78.6 : M Ali to Smith, Floated delivery on middle, Smith nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.1 : Joe Root to M Wade, EDGY FOUR! Just wide of Ben Stokes! Frustrating for England. Root floats it around off, it drifts back in but pitches and then turns away. Wade looks to drive it hard but due to the turn away, it goes off the outside edge, past the diving Stokes and down to the third man fence. |
| 79.2 : Joe Root to Wade, Shorter and outside off, Wade lets it be. |
| 79.3 : Joe Root to Wade, BEATEN! Root is really bowling well here. He bowls this flatter and around off, Wade looks to push at it but the ball turns away and whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 79.4 : Joe Root to Wade, This is way too wide outside off, Wade lets it be. |
| 79.5 : Joe Root to Wade, The quicker one and on the stumps, Wade goes back and keeps it out. |
| 79.6 : Joe Root to Wade, A single to end the over! Flatter and on off, Wade pushes it through covers for one. |
| The second new ball is now available! Not taken as of now though. |
| 80.1 : M Ali to Wade, Floats it up on off, Wade defends it onto the ground. |
| 80.2 : M Ali to Wade, Very full on middle, Wade jams it back to the bowler. |
| 80.3 : M Ali to Wade, Tosses it up on off, the batter strokes it to covers. |
| 80.4 : M Ali to Wade, On middle, Wade defends it nicely. |
| 80.5 : M Ali to Wade, A little too full this time, Wade manages to hit it through covers for one. |
| 80.6 : M Ali to Smith, Good running! It is the straighter one on off, Smith drops it on the off side and takes off. Stokes from first slip goes after it and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. |
| 81.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Floats it up on the pads, Smith works it through square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 81.2 : Joe Root to M Wade, Direct hit and Smith was a goner! Excellent fielding! Shorter and around off, Wade cuts it through point. They take one and go for the second. Denly gets to the ball in the deep and then has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Smith was well short. Actually replays show, had Joe Root been behind the stumps, collected the ball and whipped the bails off, Smith would have still been short. Root though would have felt it was an easy double and hence, he was standing in fr |
| 81.3 : Joe Root to M Wade, Floats it up on off, Wade strokes it to covers. |
| 81.4 : Joe Root to Wade, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 81.5 : Joe Root to M Wade, Edged but short! Shorter and outside off, Wade looks to cut but due to the extra bounce, it goes off the outside edge but lands short of short third man. |
| 81.6 : Joe Root to Wade, Outside off, the batter lets it be. End of an over where Smith could have been dismissed but he is still batting out there. |
| 82.1 : M Ali to Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith drives it through point for a single. |
| 82.2 : M Ali to Wade, Flighted delivery on off, Wade makes room and slaps it through covers. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 82.3 : M Ali to Smith, Floated delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards leg side for a single. |
| 82.4 : M Ali to Wade, FOUR! That has been nailed! Slightly short and Wade pounces onto it. He goes back quickly and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. |
| 82.5 : M Ali to Wade, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 82.6 : M Ali to S Smith, Easy-peasy for Australia at the moment. The last ball is whipped down to long on for one. The stand between the two is 119 now and the lead is 234. |
| 83.1 : Joe Root to Smith, Fuller and on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 83.2 : Joe Root to Smith, On the pads, it is flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 83.3 : Joe Root to Smith, FOUR! Faint touch! This is on the pads, Smith goes back and works it fine down the leg side. He moves to 140. |
| 83.4 : Joe Root to Smith, Very full on leg stump, Smith works it to mid-wicket. |
| 83.5 : Joe Root to Smith, On middle, defended. |
| 83.6 : Joe Root to Smith, Shorter and wide outside off, Smith slaps it through covers for one. |
| The second new ball has finally been taken by England! Broad comes onto bowl now. Can the change in ball produce the magic for England? They will dearly hope so. |
| 84.1 : S Broad to Smith, A loosener to begin with! It is on the pads, Smith works it through square leg for one. |
| 0.0 : Have England finally got another? Wade has been adjudged LBW but he has reviewed. Height can save him. |
| 84.2 : S Broad to Wade, NOT OUT! Height does save him. Excellent review by Wade. That did not look out to be honest. It was shorter in length and it is angled into the batter. Wade looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. A huge shout and the umpire raises the finger. Wade reviews. Replays show that the ball is going over the leg pole. |
| 84.3 : S Broad to Wade, Around off, Wade defends it. |
| 84.4 : S Broad to M Wade, Edged but short! This is on off, it straightens a touch. Wade looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge but lands short of second slip. |
| 84.5 : S Broad to Wade, On a good length outside off, Wade shoulders arms to it. |
| 84.6 : S Broad to Wade, A good shot to end a very good first over with the second new ball by Broad. Fuller and on off, Wade strokes it to covers. |
| Chris Woakes is back into the attack. |
| 85.1 : C Woakes to Smith, WIDE! Woakes too starts with a loosener! Full and way too wide outside off. It swings away further. Smith lets it be. Bairstow dives to his right and makes a half-stop but no runs conceded. |
| C Woakes to Smith, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Stop the press, Steve Smith has been dismissed. The second new ball works wonders for England. Once again a wicket out of nowhere. A much, much-needed one as the two were taking the game away from them. Australia still on top but England now will feel they are right back in this. This wicket will inject a lot of positivity into them. Woakes bowls this fuller and outside off, it swings away further. Smith goes after it but due to the movement, the ba |
| Skipper Tim Paine is the new man in. |
| 85.2 : C Woakes to Paine, Paine is off the mark! Woakes bowls it fuller and it tails back in. Paine works it through mid-wicket for two. |
| 85.3 : C Woakes to Paine, Another couple! Good shot this. On a good length around off, Paine strokes it through covers for two. |
| 85.4 : C Woakes to Paine, A single now as this is worked down to deep backward square leg. |
| 85.5 : C Woakes to Wade, Back of a length on off, this is kept out. |
| 85.6 : C Woakes to M Wade, Well fielded! Fuller and on off, Wade strokes it wide of mid off. Broad there dives to his right and saves three for his side. End of a successful over for England. |
| 86.1 : S Broad to Wade, FOUR! Terrific shot. Full and outside off, Wade drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary. Nobody moved there. |
| 86.2 : S Broad to Wade, Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Wade looks to drive but misses it. |
| 86.3 : S Broad to Wade, Broad bowls it full on middle, Wade flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 86.4 : S Broad to Wade, WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Wade leaves it alone. |
| S Broad to Wade, Full and outside off, Wade drives it through point. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 86.5 : S Broad to Paine, On a good length on middle, Paine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 86.6 : S Broad to Paine, Good length delivery on off, Paine defends it out. |
| 87.1 : C Woakes to Wade, On a good length and outside off, Wade shoulders arms to this one. |
| 87.2 : C Woakes to M Wade, On a length on off, Wade looks to drive but gets it of the inner half of the bat. It goes towards square leg. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 87.3 : C Woakes to Wade, Good length delivery on middle, Wade blocks it off the back foot. |
| 87.4 : C Woakes to Wade, Full on off, Wade drives it to mid off. |
| 87.5 : C Woakes to Wade, FOUR! Nice shot! Full on middle, Wade times it beautifully through mid on for a boundary. Moeen Ali chases the ball but has no chance. |
| 87.6 : C Woakes to Wade, Good length delivery on middle, Wade defends it off the back foot. |
| 88.1 : S Broad to Paine, Good length delivery on off, Paine defends it off the front foot. |
| 88.2 : S Broad to Paine, Length delivery on middle, Paine flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 88.3 : S Broad to Wade, Full on leg, Wade flicks it hard through square leg. The batsmen take a single. |
| 88.4 : S Broad to Paine, Outside off, Paine leaves it alone. |
| 88.5 : S Broad to Paine, Short of a length delivery on middle, Paine pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 88.6 : S Broad to Wade, FOUR! Excellent shot. Full on leg, Wade flicks it through square leg for a boundary. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 4! |
| Another session which has belonged to the visitors! Yes, they did lose Steve Smith but not before the champion played his part. The session started with Wade and Smith scoring runs at will. The two added another 100-run stand which saw the lead go past 200. The England bowlers looked flat and it seemed we would be in for a wicket-less session. However, the new ball changed that as Woakes got rid of Smith. Wade and Paine though have started their partnership in a positive manner and have already |
| The lead is 266 at the moment and one feels if Australia do well in the last session, they will probably bat England out of the game. England need to come out strong and pick the remaining wickets as quickly as possible. Do join us for the final session in a while. |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session on Day 4. Matthew Wade and Tim Paine to resume their innings. The English players walk out to the middle. Skipper Root to start the proceedings for England. |
| 89.1 : Joe Root to Paine, Fuller and on middle, it is hit back towards the bowler. |
| 89.2 : Joe Root to Paine, On the off pole again, this one keeps low. Paine defends it off the toe-end. |
| 89.3 : Joe Root to Paine, Comes down the track and takes it on the full, works it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 89.4 : Joe Root to Wade, Flatter and on middle, Wade defends it out. |
| 89.5 : Joe Root to Wade, On off, Wade defends outside the line, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one. |
| 89.6 : Joe Root to Tim Paine, Paine was a goner! He works this to the man at mid on and takes off. Roy gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Paine had already given up. |
| Ben Stokes to bowl from the other end. |
| 90.1 : Ben Stokes to Paine, On a good length and outside off, Paine taps it to point. |
| 90.2 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Good length delivery on middle, Paine defends it off the back foot. |
| 90.3 : Ben Stokes to Paine, NO BALL! Stokes oversteps! On a good length on off, Paine keeps it out. |
| Ben Stokes to Paine, SIX! Excellent shot. Short and outside off, Paine cuts it over point for a maximum. Tim Paine goes past 1000 Test runs. |
| 90.4 : Ben Stokes to Paine, FOUR! Nice shot. Full on middle, Paine drives it through mid on for a boundary. |
| 90.5 : Ben Stokes to Paine, On a good length on off, Paine defends it out. |
| 90.6 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Length delivery on middle, Paine flicks it to mid-wicket. 11 from the over. |
| 91.1 : Joe Root to Wade, Nice shot for one! Floats it up on off, Wade strokes it through covers for one. |
| 91.2 : Joe Root to Paine, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 91.3 : Joe Root to Paine, On the pads, Paine looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one. |
| 91.4 : Joe Root to Wade, Wade looks to play the revervse sweep but misses as the ball outside bounces a touch more. |
| 91.5 : Joe Root to Wade, On middle, this is kept out. |
| 91.6 : Joe Root to Wade, On middle, kept out. |
| 92.1 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Length delivery on middle, Paine plays it towards mid on for a run. |
| 92.2 : Ben Stokes to Wade, On a length and outside off, Paine guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 92.3 : Ben Stokes to Wade, FOUR! Nice shot. Matthew Wade is just six away from his century. Short and outside off, Wade cuts it hard through point for a boundary. |
| 92.4 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Good length delivery on middle, Wade defends it off the back foot. |
| 92.5 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Short of a length delivery, Wade pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 92.6 : Ben Stokes to Paine, On a good length on off, Paine blocks it off the back foot. |
| 93.1 : Joe Root to Wade, Fuller outside off, Wade strokes it crisply through covers and a run is taken. 50-run stand up between the two. Another handy stand. |
| 93.2 : Joe Root to Paine, On the pads, Paine pads it away. |
| 93.3 : Joe Root to Paine, On the pads agian, Paine works it through square leg and takes one. |
| 93.4 : Joe Root to Wade, FOUR! 100 for Matthew Wade! His third in Tests and what a return for him into the Tests! Just a single in the first innings and a ton to follow it up. Brilliant. There was a time when there were doubts about him playing Test cricket again, he gets an opportunity here and scores a ton. He gets there in style. Brings out the reverse sweep and hits it through short third man. It means a lot to him as his celebration indicates. He gets a bear hug from his skipper. |
| 93.5 : Joe Root to Wade, On middle, this is kept out. |
| 93.6 : Joe Root to Wade, Floats it outside off, Wade strokes it to covers. |
| 94.1 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Up and over for a couple! Stokes goes short and wide outside off again, Paine guides it over point. Third man gets across and keeps it down to two. |
| 94.2 : Ben Stokes to Paine, On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one. |
| 94.3 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Back of a length on off, Wade defends it onto the ground. |
| 94.4 : Stokes to M Wade, FOUR! Top edge and a boundary! Lead above 300, one believes, England are probably batted out of the game. Also runs are coming at a very good pace here. This is short and down the leg side. Wade helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 94.5 : Ben Stokes to Wade, OUCH! That might have hurt! Stokes bangs it short and it keeps climbing on the batter. Wade tries to defend by taking one hand off the handle. The ball misses the bat and hits the arm of the batsman. Wade shows no pain. Hostile stuff from Stokes. |
| 94.6 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Goes short again, this time Wade evades it. |
| 95.1 : Joe Root to Paine, Leg spinner on leg stump, it is shorter in length. Paine comes down the track and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the arm. |
| 95.2 : Joe Root to Paine, Down the leg side, it is padded away. |
| 95.3 : Joe Root to Paine, A single as this is flicked through mid-wicket. |
| 95.4 : Joe Root to Wade, FOUR! Wade is hitting boundaries at will at the moment. He is oozing in confidence. Very full and on off, Wade strokes it past the mid off fielder and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 95.5 : Joe Root to Wade, Flatter and around off, Wade stays leg side of the ball and pushes it through covers for one. This is now Wade's highest Test score. |
| 95.6 : Joe Root to Paine, A single to end as Paine works it through square leg. 400 up for Australia. |
| 96.1 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Bowls a short delivery outside leg, Paine does not bother to play at that. |
| 96.2 : Ben Stokes to Tim Paine, In the air... but safe! Lucky there was Paine. A short ball on the body. Paine initially looks to pull but then tries to move away by taking the eyes off. The ball hits the glove and lobs on the off side. Actually Paine was not lucky there as it was off the shoulder. |
| 96.3 : Ben Stokes to Tim Paine, A good short one on middle, Paine evades it. |
| 96.4 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Shorter in length and on middle, Paine stands tall and keeps it out. |
| 96.5 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Another good short one outside off, Paine once again lets it be. |
| 96.6 : Ben Stokes to Paine, Back of a length and on off, Paine defends it out. |
| Moeen Ali is back into the attack! |
| 97.1 : M Ali to Wade, Good fielding! The captain leading by example! This is a full toss on middle, Wade hits it towards mid on where Root dives to his right and stops it. |
| 97.2 : M Ali to Wade, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one. |
| 97.3 : M Ali to Paine, Floats it up on off, Paine lunges and keeps it out. |
| 97.4 : M Ali to Paine, FOUR! Clever shot! Knows there was nobody behind point on the off side. Brings the reverse sweep out and hits it through that region for a boundary. |
| 97.5 : M Ali to Paine, Now the paddle sweep, hits it well through short fine leg and a couple taken. Paine too wants to score quickly. |
| Review time! Paine has not offered a shot and is hit on the pads. Bairstow feels it is close. Let's see if the ball is turning back in enough. |
| 97.6 : M Ali to Paine, NOT OUT! Missing the off pole, it has not turned back in enough. England lose both their reviews now. This is outside off, it turns back in. Paine gets his pad outside the line of off pole and makes a leave. It hits the front pad. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. JB wants it to be reviewed and Root does so. Replays roll in and they show that ball is missing the off pole. |
| 98.1 : Ben Stokes to Wade, Shorter in length and around off, Wade guides it gully. |
| 98.2 : Ben Stokes to Wade, OUT! Straight to the man! Wade is out of here but he walks back after doing an excellent job. He would feel hard done by as he had really hit that well. A short ball on the body, Wade pulls it right off the middle. He though does not keep it down and also does not get the desired distance. Denly at deep backward square leg takes it easily. Wade too receives a standing ovation as he walks off. Australia lead by 317. How many more will they want as there are no signs of t |
| James Pattinson replaces Wade out in the middle. |
| 98.3 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Outside off, Pattinson lets it be. |
| 98.4 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, A bumper on middle, Pattinson ducks under it. |
| 98.5 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, A yorker on middle, Pattinson gets his bat down in time and keeps it out. |
| 98.6 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, This is angled into the batter, JP works it to mid-wicket. |
| 99.1 : M Ali to Paine, Flatter and on off, Paine pushes it through covers for one. |
| 99.2 : M Ali to Pattinson, On the off pole, this is defended. |
| 99.3 : M Ali to Pattinson, Flatter and on middle, Pattinson works it towards mid on for one. The fielder did score a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the batter is well in. |
| 99.4 : Ali to Tim Paine, OUT! BOWLED! Two wickets in quick succession for England. Paine is walking back now after getting off to a start. This is an absolute beauty from Moeen Ali. An off spinner's dream delivery. He gives it a lot of loop and lands it outside off. The ball pitches and turns back in sharply. Paine looks to defend but the ball sneaks through the gap between bat and pad and hits the off pole. The last recognized batter is out of here. Still no declaration though. Australia lead by |
| Pat Cummins is the new man in. |
| 99.5 : M Ali to Pat Cummins, Off the mark straightaway! This is a very full ball on off, Cummins strokes it down to long off for one. |
| 99.6 : M Ali to Pattinson, On the leg pole, Pattinson looks to defend but it goes off the inner half down towards fine leg for one. |
| 100.1 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Wide outside off, the ball is half-stopped by the man at point, substitute fielder Sam Curran. The batters take three. |
| 100.2 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Short ball on middle, Cummins ducks under it. |
| 100.3 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Good length ball on middle and off, Cummins plays it back to the bowler. |
| 100.4 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Oohh! Close call here for Cummins but he survives. Stokes bowls this one on the hips of Cummins, he tries to dab it towards the leg side but does so uppishly and in some pace. The ball goes to the right of Jos Buttler at short leg but he ducks to save himself. Difficult chance but a chance nonetheless. The ball rolls towards deep square leg for a single. |
| 100.5 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Fuller ball on middle and leg, worked towards mid on. |
| 100.6 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Pattinson tries to play at this length ball outside off but misses it completely. |
| 101.1 : M Ali to Cummins, Flighted ball on off, Cummins looks to drive it against the turn through the off side but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 101.2 : M Ali to Cummins, Floats it up on off, Cummins keeps it out. |
| 101.3 : M Ali to Cummins, Gives it a lot of air on off, Cummins hits it to the man at mid off. |
| 101.4 : M Ali to Cummins, Floats it up outside off, Cummins looks to defend but the ball turns back in and hits the pad. A muted appeal from the bowler but that is doing too much. |
| 101.5 : M Ali to Cummins, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 101.6 : M Ali to Cummins, Cummins says, enough of blocking. He goes for the slog sweep but does not time it at all. It goes off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 102.1 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Short ball on middle, the ball drifts towards the leg side. Pattinson ducks under it and lets it go. |
| 102.2 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, FOUR! Woah! What great timing here by James Pattinson! This is a length ball just outside off, Pattinson slightly goes onto the back foot and cuts it towards backward point. The ball slowly trudges towards the fence for a boundary. |
| 102.3 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, Fuller on the legs of James, he plays it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 102.4 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Short of a length ball on the off side, Cummins plays it towards point. |
| 102.5 : Ben Stokes to Cummins, Good length ball on the off side, Cummins pushes this one through cover point for a single. |
| 102.6 : Ben Stokes to Pattinson, On the leg side, it hits the pads of JP and the ball carries to Bairstow. |
| 103.1 : M Ali to Cummins, Full length ball tossed up on off, played towards mid on for a single. |
| 103.2 : M Ali to Pattinson, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 103.3 : M Ali to Pattinson, Full length ball on the pads. Pushed back towards the bowler. |
| 103.4 : M Ali to Pattinson, FOUR! Swept and swept well by James. Ali floats it on a good length on off, James goes down on one knee and sweeps this one towards deep square leg. The ball races away to the fance. |
| 103.5 : M Ali to Pattinson, Length ball on the off side, Pattinson leaves it. |
| 103.6 : M Ali to Pattinson, Short and flat on off, James cuts it to the point fielder. |
| Stuart Broad is back on. |
| 104.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Back of a length on off, Cummins guides it nicely through point and takes two. |
| 104.2 : S Broad to Cummins, Shorter in length and on off, Cummins stands tall and keeps it out. |
| 104.3 : S Broad to Cummins, Short of a length ball pitched outside leg, Cummins tries to play the upper cut but misses. The England team appeal in a low voice but the umpire shakes his head. The replays roll in and the Ultra Edge shows a spike. However, no reviews left for the English side. They too did not seem confident with their appeal so the edge might have been a very faint one. |
| 104.4 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, Short ball again to Cummins, he pulls this one towards square leg for a single. |
| 104.5 : S Broad to Pattinson, Short ball again to Pattinson, he pulls this one towards mid on for one. |
| 104.6 : S Broad to Cummins, Length ball on the off side, Cummins plays this towards point. |
| Drinks! |
| 105.1 : M Ali to Pattinson, Shorter and outside off, Pattinson looks to cut but misses. |
| 105.2 : M Ali to Pattinson, SIX! That is right off the middle. The lead is now 346. Pattinson plays the slog sweep. He hits it extremely well and it clears the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. |
| 105.3 : M Ali to Pattinson, Fullish ball floated on middle and off, Pattinson plays it back to Ali. |
| 105.4 : M Ali to Pattinson, Floated outside off, by Ali, Pattinson gets a leading edge and the ball rolls to point. |
| 105.5 : M Ali to Pattinson, No ball! Woah! What was this by Ali? He goes to float this one but maybe he does too much. The ball goes straight into the keepers hand as Pattinson tries to slash at it but misses. Umpire gives a warning to Ali for the beamer. |
| M Ali to Pattinson, Pattinson blocks this off the front foot towards Ali. |
| 105.6 : M Ali to Pattinson, Pattinson again comes onto the front foot and blocks it out. |
| 106.1 : S Broad to Cummins, Goes short from around the wicket. Cummins works it through square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 106.2 : S Broad to Pattinson, A bumper on middle, the batsman ducks under it. |
| 106.3 : S Broad to Pattinson, SIX! He has picked the bones out of that one! Pattinson makes room and Broad follows him with a short one. James smashes it over the square leg fence for a biggie. The lead is above 350. Not sure how many more do Australia want. |
| Now then some issue with the ball. It seems to have got wet as it might have fell in a glass of beer. It is being changed. |
| 106.4 : S Broad to Pattinson, A single now as this ball on the pads is flicked to the man at fine leg. |
| 106.5 : S Broad to Cummins, On the shorter side, the batter works it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 106.6 : S Broad to Cummins, A short one outside off, Cummins lets it be. |
| Joe Denly is back into the attack. |
| Tim Paine has still not changed into his whites so declaration does not seem to be coming anytime soon. |
| 107.1 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, Flat on off pole, James goes for the reverse sweep but misses as the ball hits his pads. |
| 107.2 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, Four Byes! Ooh! How did that miss everything? Again flat on off, the ball turns and maybe too much. Pattinson tries to sweep but misses and the ball is also missed by Bairstow. It goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 107.3 : Joe Denly to J Pattinson, Shortish ball on off played to point. This single also brings up the 350-run lead for England. |
| 107.4 : Joe Denly to Cummins, DROPPED! Tough to call it that though, it was an exceptional effort. This is floated up on off, Cummins looks to go inside out but does not get under the delivery. He hits it uppishly but low to the right of Burns at covers. Rory dives to his right and stretches one hand out but fails to hang on. It rolls towards mid off. A single taken. |
| 107.5 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, Pattinson plays this one off the front foot towards point and takes a single. |
| 107.6 : Joe Denly to Cummins, Way outside off, Cummins lets that one be. |
| 108.1 : S Broad to Pattinson, A good short one on middle, Pattinson looks to pull but mistimes it towards square leg for one. |
| 108.2 : S Broad to Pat Cummins, Another drop! Difficult catch again. Rory Burns is the man one more time. This is short and angling away from Cummins. He looks to upper cut it. Rory at third man runs in, dives forward, he gets two hands to it but fails to hang on. A single taken. |
| 108.3 : S Broad to Pattinson, Back of a length on middle, Pattinson keeps it out. |
| 108.4 : S Broad to Pattinson, A bumper on middle, Pattinson ducks under it. |
| 108.5 : S Broad to Pattinson, Pattinson makes room and Broad follows him. Pattinson swings but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 108.6 : S Broad to Pattinson, Down the leg side, JP throws his bat at it but misses. |
| 109.1 : Joe Denly to Cummins, Tossed up full and on off, Cummins plays it towards point for a single. |
| 109.2 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, Shortish and on the off side for Pattinson, he tries to cut but misses. |
| 109.3 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, This time JP goes for the reverse sweep to this full ball on off, but again he misses. |
| 109.4 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, Denly bowls this one fuller and on off. JP sweeps this one towards square leg and takes a single. |
| 109.5 : Denly to Cummins, Full and floated on middle by Denly, Cummins plays this through mid on. The fielders give it a chase and collect it as the batters take two. |
| 109.6 : Joe Denly to Cummins, This time flat and short just outside off by Denly, Cummins opens the face of his bat and guides it towards the third man region to take a couple. This also brings up the 50-run stand between Cummins and Pattinson in just 62 balls. England have struggled throughout the day and this partnership only goes on to emphasize how much. Pattinson and Cummins have frustrated the bowling attack and also kept on scoring runs at a very good rate. The only question that now remai |
| 110.1 : S Broad to J Pattinson, SIX! Take that, says Pattinson. What a shot that is! Third maximum for him. He clears his front leg and Broad lands it on a length and around leg. Pattinson tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie. |
| 110.2 : S Broad to Pattinson, Once again clears his front leg. Broad goes full and outside off, Pattinson jams it down towards third man for one. |
| 110.3 : S Broad to Cummins, From around the wicket, Broad bowls it full and on the pads, Cummins looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 110.4 : S Broad to Pattinson, Very full outside off, Pattinson jams it out through covers for one. |
| 110.5 : S Broad to Cummins, Another short ball on middle, Cummins pulls it through mid-wicket and takes one. |
| 110.6 : S Broad to Pattinson, A low full toss on the pads, this is worked to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 111.1 : Joe Denly to Cummins, FOUR! Up and over! Denly floats it outside off, Cummins drags it against the turn over the mid on fielder for a boundary. |
| 111.2 : Denly to Cummins, FOUR! Smashed and smashed hard down the ground! Cummins is becoming the aggresor now and after hitting it to the boundary looks towards the dressing room. This one is flat and full on off pole, Cummins clears his front leg out of the way and powerfully lofts it over the bowlers head. |
| 111.3 : Joe Denly to Cummins, Denly bowls a loopy one on leg. Cummins again swings this time, he connects but finds the man at mid-wicket. |
| 111.4 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, The batsman charges down the wicket. One run added to the total. |
| 111.5 : Denly to Cummins, DROPPED! A difficult one but England need to take each chance that comes their way. Cummins again clears his front leg trying to hit this one down the ground. He does so uppishly and Denly throws his right arm at it. He gets a hand to it and stops three runs as the ball loops over Denly's head after hitting his head and the batters take a single. |
| The declaration now might be close as Siddle was seen removing his pads. |
| 111.6 : Joe Denly to Pattinson, SIX! High and handsome! A leg spinner on middle, Pattinson lofts it over the long on fence and it goes all the way. Paine is seen calling them back. AUSTRALIA HAVE DECLARED! Target for England, 398! |
| What a batting performance from Australia! They have almost batted the whole day and have probably batted England out of the game. They entered the day slightly on the back foot but Head and Smith's partnership took them ahead. Smith and Wade then continued the good work done by the partnership before. Both scored tons. Cummins and Pattinson then added the finishing touches as they smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground and the 78-run stand has given England a huge task ahead. |
| A very tiring day for the English bowlers. They dearly missed James Anderson out there. Their bowlers looked flat today and just did not look threatening. Stokes was probably the pick of the bowlers for them as he finished with a three-fer. His wickets though came very late as the batters till then, did their job. |
| Now then, England have 7 overs to play out today. It is a very tricky period. They would be hopeful of not losing a wicket. Australia on the other hand, will want a wicket at least. Will England send out a nightwatchman? They did that the last time against Ireland and that man went onto to score something in the 90s. That player though is not playing today. We will have to wait to find out who comes out to bat. Stay tuned. |
| 0.1 : P Siddle to Burns, On a good length and outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| 0.2 : P Siddle to R Burns, England are underway! A fuller ball around off, Burns strokes it through covers and the batsmen take two. |
| 0.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Goes back to bowling length and on off, Burns defends it onto the ground. |
| 0.4 : P Siddle to Burns, On the pads of Burns, he has flicked this one onto the leg side. |
| 0.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Again on the hips of Burns, he tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Length ball outside off, Burns shoulders arms to it. |
| 1.1 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter but down the leg side. Roy lets it be. |
| 1.2 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 1.3 : N Lyon to Burns, Flatter and on middle, it is shorter in length. Burns works it through mid-wicket and takes three. |
| 1.4 : N Lyon to Roy, Well bowled! He floats it up outside off, the ball pitches and then turns back in. Roy lunges and keeps it out. |
| 1.5 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter and shorter again, Roy goes back and works it to short leg. |
| 1.6 : N Lyon to Roy, Gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, Roy leans forward and keeps it out. Lyon was a little too short in his first over. Needs to get it right quickly, not a lot of overs to be bowled today. |
| 2.1 : P Siddle to R Burns, Full ball on the off pole, Burns pushes it through long on and the batters take two. |
| 2.2 : P Siddle to Burns, Short of a length ball on off, Burns blocks it out to the off side. |
| 2.3 : P Siddle to Burns, Length ball outside off, it shapes away after pitching. Burns shoulders arms to it. |
| 2.4 : P Siddle to R Burns, Fuller this time, just outside the off pole, it takes the leading edge of Burns' bat and goes towards the 4th slip fielder as he dives to his left and stops it. |
| 2.5 : P Siddle to Burns, Outside off on a length, Burns shoulders arms to it. |
| 2.6 : P Siddle to Burns, Again outside off but the ball nips back in this time. Burns again leaves it as he exactly knows where his stumps are. |
| 3.1 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter and outside off, Roy goes back and pushes it to covers. Once again Lyon is a little too short. |
| 3.2 : N Lyon to Roy, That was good! Fuller than the last one. Roy goes back to a ball he should play forward to. It stays low. Roy though does well to get his bat down in time. |
| 3.3 : N Lyon to Roy, Not the right shot that. This is shorter and outside off, Roy goes back and looks to cut but the ball skids through and beats the bat. |
| 3.4 : N Lyon to Roy, Very short this time, Roy has enough time to go back and push it through covers for two. |
| 3.5 : N Lyon to Roy, Lovely! Excellent! Gives it flight and lands it around off, Roy lunges and tries to defend but due to the turn back in, it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 3.6 : N Lyon to Roy, Brilliantly bowled again! Slows it up one more time and floats it wider outside off. He wants Roy to go after it. Roy does so with hard hands. The ball turns back in and it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket. A good over this by Lyon. |
| James Pattinson is into the attack. |
| 4.1 : J Pattinson to Burns, Outside off to start off by Pattinson. Burns lets it go. |
| 4.2 : J Pattinson to Burns, On the hips of Burns, he tucks it towards square leg. |
| 4.3 : J Pattinson to Burns, Solid front foot defense offered by Burns. Pattinson bowls it full on middle and off, Rory gets on the front foot and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 4.4 : J Pattinson to Burns, This time shorter in length, Burns defends it off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 4.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Again length ball on off, Burns plays this one towards mid off. |
| 4.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, On the pads of Burns, he flicks it towards square leg. |
| 5.1 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter and on off, this one turns back in. Roy goes back and keeps it out. |
| 5.2 : N Lyon to Roy, Gives it air and bowls it slightly fuller outside off, Roy defends it out. |
| 5.3 : N Lyon to Roy, Quicker and fuller outside off, a waste of a delivery. Roy lets it be. |
| 5.4 : N Lyon to Roy, Extremely full, the spin is out of contention there. Roy jams it out towards covers for one. |
| 5.5 : N Lyon to Burns, That is a beauty! Just unplayable! This pitches on middle and then turns square. Burns does nothing wrong as he tries to defend but due to the spin, the ball almost kisses the outside edge and the off pole. |
| 5.6 : N Lyon to Burns, The straighter one to end. It is on middle, Burns defends it out. |
| 6.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, That is a gem! Can't do a lot about it. This is angled into the off pole, pitches and moves away. Roy plays the original trajectory but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 6.2 : J Pattinson to Roy, Goes short and on the body, Roy looks to play it cautiously but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. |
| 6.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, A bit short again, Roy stands tall and keeps it out. Pattinson needs to be a little fuller here. Three balls to go before Stumps. |
| 6.4 : J Pattinson to Roy, Once again on the shorter side, Roy works it through square leg and takes an easy two. |
| 6.5 : J Pattinson to Roy, Too short again! Easy for Roy. He goes back and keeps it out. One ball to negotiate for Jason. |
| 6.6 : J Pattinson to Roy, Almost does produce some magic on the last ball! A beauty to start the over, a jaffa to finish. Still though, one would feel, he was pretty short in the last over. The last ball though was bowled just behind a driving length outside off, Roy initially looks to push at it, does so tentatively but luckily for him, he gets beaten. He survives. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 4! |
| England will enter Day 5, without any damage being done! Their openers have survived the nervy period. There were many oohs and aahs but they will be happy with the fact that they have not lost a wicket. They though are still way behind in the game. |
| Australia can be very pleased with where they are in the game at the moment! However, one could argue they could have declared a lot earlier. Hindsight is always a good thing. They still are favorites to win this game after tons from Smith and Wade. They have around 90 overs on Monday to take the 10 England wickets and by the look of things, the wicket is assisting the spinner so probably, Nathan Lyon will be the key for them. |
| England on the other hand, will probably first try and save this game! They need another 385 runs but scoring that in one day, is quite impossible. The hosts need to go session by session, analyze their position and then see how they need to go about things. They have a batting line-up capable of surviving a whole day but will they be able to do so? We will find out on Day 5 as all the action begins at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye! |
| ... Day 5, Session 1 ... |
| The equation is simple today, Australia need 10 wickets to take a 1-0 lead whereas England have to score 385 in around 90 overs if they are to win the first Test. The latter part looks improbable so one would assume, the hosts would look to play out for a draw. The wicket yesterday was on the slower side but being the 5th day, there might just be more wear and tear and more assistance to the bowlers. It is not going to be easy for the home side. The first session, actually, the first hour is the |
| We are all set to begin Day 5. It is bright and sunny at the moment which is probably good for England. Their batters, Jason Roy and Rory Burns, will resume their innings. The Australian players are out in a huddle. They seemed quite relax. The visitors now make their way to the middle. Pat Cummins, who did not bowl an over yesterday, will start the proceedings for Australia. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 7.1 : Pat Cummins to Burns, FOUR! That is a confident start by Burns. A lovely defensive push for a boundary. On a length and around off, Burns pushes it through extra cover and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 7.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, A beauty! Excellent comeback! He drags his length back a little and lands it on off, it goes away with the angle. Burns looks to defend but does so inside the line. The ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 7.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This one is bowled outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| 7.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another delivery which is outside the off pole, Burns shoulders arms to this one. |
| 7.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, This lands on middle and then angles away. Burns goes back and keeps it out. |
| 7.6 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Another one outside off, Burns lets it be. A good comeback by Cummins after going for a boundary on the first ball. |
| James Pattinson to bowl from the other end. |
| 8.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, A loosener to begin! Full and wide outside off, Roy lets it be. |
| 8.2 : J Pattinson to Roy, Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batter play. |
| 8.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, Goes fuller this time and on middle, Roy shows the full face of the bat and strokes it to mid on. |
| 8.4 : J Pattinson to Roy, A loud shout but nothing from the umpire! This is angled into the pads. Roy looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but it is going down leg. The ball rolls towards the leg side and a leg bye is taken. No signal from the umpire so there might be a faint edge. Ultra Edge confirms that. |
| 8.5 : J Pattinson to Burns, Back of a length on middle, blocked. |
| 8.6 : J Pattinson to Burns, Down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses. |
| 9.1 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, Roy looks to defend but it goes off the inner half wide of mid on for one. |
| 9.2 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Bowls it outside off, Burns lets it be. |
| 9.3 : Pat Cummins to Burns, Around off and on a fuller length, Rory pushes it towards covers. |
| 9.4 : Pat Cummins to Burns, On the fuller side again on middle, Burns strokes it back to the bowler. |
| 9.5 : Pat Cummins to Burns, OUT! In the air... taken! 1 down, 9 to go! Cummins bowls an absolute brute of a delivery to get the centurion of the first innings. It is shorter in length and Cummins bends his back on this one. Skids through and also gets big on the batter. Burns does not have enough time to move out of the way so he looks to fend at it. The ball hits the higher portion of the bat and lobs towards point where Lyon takes a dolly. Early wicket for Australia, ideal start for them. |
| Joe Root is the new batsman in. |
| 9.6 : Pat Cummins to Root, Goes shorter again, not the same zip on it as the last ball. Root blocks it out. |
| 10.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, A good short one by Pattinson this time. It is on the body, Roy moves out of the way. |
| 10.2 : J Pattinson to Roy, Back of a length and on off, Roy stands tall and defends it out. |
| 10.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, A little too straight, Roy works it through mid-wicket and a single taken. |
| 10.4 : J Pattinson to Root, OHHH! Outside off, Root initially looks to play at it but then realizes he need not so lets it be. |
| 10.5 : J Pattinson to Root, Back of a length and on off, Root defends it onto the ground. |
| 10.6 : J Pattinson to Root, Slightly fuller and around off, Root defends it out. |
| 11.1 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Just behind a driving length outside off, Roy lets it be. A cautious approach maybe by the opener or he tends to go hard at such deliveries. |
| 11.2 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Another one on a length and around off, it is defended. |
| 11.3 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Another good ball! This lands outside off and straightens. Roy keeps it out. |
| 11.4 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Goes wide of the crease and bowls it just outside off, left alone. |
| 11.5 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Cummins looks up for it today! He bowls a sharp bumper now which Roy ducks under it. |
| 11.6 : Pat Cummins to Roy, That is a rippa! Lethal stuff from Cummins. Once again goes wide of the crease and lands it on off, gets it to straighten. Roy is beaten all ends up as he tries to defend. Cummins is amidst a brilliant spell here. Exactly what we are use to seeing from him and something we missed in the first innings. |
| 12.1 : J Pattinson to Root, Pattinson is giving him good support. He oversteps this time but still. He lands it outside off and on a length. Root makes a leave. |
| J Pattinson to Root, Even the fielders are backing up the bowlers! A good stop by the fielder. This is on the pads, Root works it towards mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his left and stops it. |
| 12.2 : J Pattinson to Root, Once again a good stop! Lyon it is! Shorter and around off, Root guides it towards point where Nathan dives to his left and saves two at least. |
| 12.3 : J Pattinson to Root, Was there an edge? Paine did feel so. Warner had a 'not very sure' look on his face. This is shorter and outside off, Root looks to punch it through the off side but misses. The ball goes low and to the right of Paine who takes and appeals. He is the only one doing so. The umpire is not interested. He does not review. Ultra Edge does show a small spike but not sure what was that off. |
| 12.4 : J Pattinson to Root, Way too wide outside off, Root lets it be. |
| 12.5 : J Pattinson to Root, FOUR! Too short and too easy for Root. He gets off the mark with a boundary. Shorter and around off, Joe stands tall and punches it through covers. No stopping that. |
| Big moment in the game! Root has been given out LBW. He reviews. This could be a good review. |
| 12.6 : Pattinson to Root, NOT OUT! Going down leg! A successful review by Root. England will breathe a sigh of relief as this would have been a body blow for England. Pattinson angles this into the pads. Root looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side as the batters run a leg bye. In the meantime, the bowler is appealing. The umpire raises his finger. Root reviews immediately. Replays roll in and they show the on-field call has to be overturned. |
| 13.1 : Pat Cummins to Roy, On a good length on off, Roy defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.2 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Cuts him into half there! This is outside off and on a length. It comes back in. Roy pushes outside the line and misses. The ball goes close past the off pole. |
| 13.3 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Outside off, Roy covers his off pole and leaves it. |
| 13.4 : Pat Cummins to Roy, Works it with the angle down to fine leg and gets to the other end. |
| 13.5 : Pat Cummins to Root, Just outside off, Root once again looks to play at it at first but then bails out. |
| 13.6 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, FOUR! A little too full this time and Root bags a boundary. On off, Root strokes it with the full face of the bat past mid off. Mid on gives it a chase but finishes second best. |
| 14.1 : J Pattinson to Roy, Good length and outside off, Roy lets it be. |
| 14.2 : J Pattinson to Roy, On the stumps, Roy defends it towards mid on. |
| 14.3 : J Pattinson to Roy, FOUR! Just a push there by Roy! Pattinson goes fuller and around off, Roy leans into it and strokes it through covers. Mid off gives it a chase but he has no chance. |
| There is some issue with the stumps here. The umpire is having a look. Not sure what the exact issue is. It has been solved and we are all set to continue. |
| 14.4 : J Pattinson to Roy, On off, Roy defends it to mid off. |
| Roy once again complains about some noise coming from the stumps area. The umpires have called the ground staff out. A change of stumps maybe? Yes, the middle stump has been changed. |
| 14.5 : J Pattinson to Roy, Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Roy does well to duck under it. Tim Paine dives to his left to collect it. |
| 14.6 : J Pattinson to Roy, Good length delivery on off, Roy keeps it out. |
| 15.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, On a good length on middle, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 15.2 : Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length on off, Root stands tall and keeps it out. |
| 15.3 : Pat Cummins to Root, NO BALL! Cummins oversteps. A bumper on middle, Root ducks under it. |
| Pat Cummins to Root, Back of a length on middle, Root defends it late. He almost ends up chopping it onto the stumps. He though was aware to hit as he was ready to push it away with the bat. |
| 15.4 : Pat Cummins to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease. They pick up a single. |
| 15.5 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, FOUR! Creamed! Fuller and on off, Roy leans into it and drives it crisply through covers. Bags another boundary. |
| 15.6 : Pat Cummins to Roy, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| Peter Siddle is on! |
| 16.1 : P Siddle to Root, On a good length and outside off, Root shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 16.2 : P Siddle to Root, Good length delivery outside off, Root leaves it alone. |
| 16.3 : P Siddle to Root, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Root looks to play inside the line of the delivery but misses it. |
| Root is given out LBW again! He reviews again. If no inside edge, it looks out. |
| 16.4 : Siddle to Joe Root, NOT OUT! There is an inside edge and a big one! The umpire is really not having a good day here. His second wrong decision today. This is on off and it jags back in. Root looks to defend but there are two sounds. One is surely of the ball hitting the pad. An appeal follows and the umpire raises the finger. Root reviews and Ultra Edge shows there is a big spike. |
| 16.5 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, left alone. |
| 16.6 : P Siddle to Root, Fuller and on off, Root pushes it towards cover for one. Another eventful over comes to an end. |
| Nathan Lyon is on! |
| 17.1 : N Lyon to Root, Shorter on off, this is worked with the turn to mid-wicket. |
| 17.2 : N Lyon to Root, Uses his feet but does not quite get to the pitch of the ball. He works it to mid on. |
| 17.3 : N Lyon to Root, Flatter and shorter outside off, Root goes back and pushes it through covers for two. |
| 17.4 : N Lyon to Root, That spit off the surface! It pitches around off and turns back in and there is also extra bounce. Root does well to take one hand off the handle and work it on the leg side. |
| 17.5 : Lyon to Root, Floats it up outside off, it turns back in. Root plays it with his bat behind the pad. It hits the pad. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. He feels Root has played a shot there and Paine is not happy with that as he feels Root did not. |
| 17.6 : N Lyon to Root, Another appeal but this is doing too much. This lands on middle and turns back in. Root looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but it is turned down. |
| DRINKS BREAK! |
| 18.1 : P Siddle to Roy, Full on middle, Roy drives it to mid on. |
| 18.2 : P Siddle to Roy, On a good length and outside off, Roy shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 18.3 : P Siddle to Roy, EDGED AND FOUR! Paine was wrong footed there. Lucky escape for Roy. Siddle goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter. Paine looking at the original trajectory, moves to his left. The ball pitches and straightens. Roy is squared up as he tries to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge past the diving Paine who does so to his right and to the third man fence. Paine was moving towards the left as the ball came towards him and hence, it was difficult to adjust. |
| 18.4 : P Siddle to Roy, Good length on off, Roy defends it. |
| 18.5 : P Siddle to Roy, Too high! This is around middle and it jags back in. Roy looks to defend but gets hit high on the pads. An appeal but it is turned down. |
| 18.6 : P Siddle to Roy, A beauty to end a top over! On off and it straightens again. Roy looks to push at it but gets beaten. |
| 19.1 : N Lyon to Root, Floated delivery outside off, Root looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit low on the pads. |
| 19.2 : N Lyon to Root, Flighted delivery on middle, Root comes down the track and flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 19.3 : N Lyon to Roy, FOUR! Excellent shot. Tossed up on middle, Roy sweeps it hard through square leg for a boundary. |
| 19.4 : N Lyon to Roy, Another good shot! This is very full and on off, Roy leans into it and strokes it through mid off for two. |
| 19.5 : N Lyon to Roy, Loopy ball on off, Roy defends it out. |
| 19.6 : N Lyon to Roy, Flatter and outside off, this one turns back in. Roy at the very end, keeps it out. |
| 20.1 : P Siddle to Root, BEAUTY! This is just outside off, Root has a poke at it and gets beaten. |
| 20.2 : P Siddle to Root, On off, blocked. |
| 20.3 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 20.4 : P Siddle to Root, Back of a length on off, this is guided to point. |
| 20.5 : P Siddle to Joe Root, EDGY FOUR! This is just outside off, it is on a length. Root plays inside the line with soft hands. It goes off the outside edge down to third man for a boundary. |
| 20.6 : P Siddle to Root, A single to end as Root works this one through square leg. |
| 21.1 : N Lyon to Root, Swept and done so nicely, towards deep square leg for one. |
| 21.2 : N Lyon to Roy, OUT! TIMBER! What was Roy doing there? He has literally thrown his wicket away. His patience runs out. He was playing so well, leaving the balls outside off, showing so much responsibility but eventually rush of blood has cost England here. Two down now 8 to go. Roy dances down the track as Lyon tosses it up outside off. Roy is nowhere near the pitch of the ball but still tries to go big. The ball turns back in. He misses and the stumps behind are disturbed. |
| Joe Denly is the new man in. |
| 21.3 : N Lyon to Denly, Another appeal! This is on off and turns back in sharply. Denly looks to work it on the leg side but it clips the pads and goes to Paine who appeals but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 21.4 : N Lyon to Denly, Almost! This is lovely by Lyon. This is floated up outside off, it turns back in. Denly looks to defend but the ball hits the inside edge, then hits the pads and just about kisses the off pole. |
| 21.5 : N Lyon to Denly, FOUR! Nicely played! Brings the sweep shot out, hits it really well through mid-wicket and bags a boundary. |
| 21.6 : N Lyon to Denly, FOUR! Another sweep shot! Denly may have realized that is one way to counter the big spin. He hits it well enough again, this time through mid-wicket for a boundary. End of an action-packed over. 9 and a wicket from it. |
| 22.1 : P Siddle to Root, Full on middle, Root flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 22.2 : P Siddle to Root, On a good length on off, Root keeps it out. |
| 22.3 : P Siddle to Root, Good length delivery on off, Root blocks it off the back foot. |
| 22.4 : P Siddle to Root, Bowls it down the leg side, Root looks to go after it but misses it. |
| 22.5 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, the skipper leaves it alone. |
| 22.6 : P Siddle to Root, On a length and outside off, Root taps it to point. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Denly, Flatter and on middle, Denly works it through square leg for one. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Root, Down the leg side, this is worked to short fine leg. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Root, Plays the sweep shot and does so nicely but only for a run towards deep square leg. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Denly, Loopy ball outside off, Denly once again plays the sweep but this time it hits the short leg fielder. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to Denly, That stays low! Well played in the end! This is flatter and outside off, does not take off. Denly gets his bat down in time, works it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Root, FOUR BYES! No chance for the keeper there. This is down the leg side, it spins away further. Root lets it be. Paine fails to collect it and it goes to the fine leg fence. |
| 24.1 : P Siddle to Denly, Siddle bowls full on middle, Denly flicks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 24.2 : P Siddle to Denly, Full again on middle, Denly plays it to mid-wicket. |
| 24.3 : P Siddle to Denly, Good length delivery outside off, Denly lets it go. |
| 24.4 : P Siddle to Denly, On a good length on off, Denly plays it to covers. |
| 24.5 : P Siddle to Denly, BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it due to the sharp inswinger on this one. |
| 24.6 : P Siddle to Denly, Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot. |
| 25.1 : N Lyon to Root, Fires it full and on the pads, Root plays the sweep towards deep square leg for one. |
| 25.2 : N Lyon to Denly, On middle and turning back in. Denly works it through square leg for one. |
| 25.3 : N Lyon to Root, Lands on off and this is shorter. Root goes back and works it through square leg for one. |
| 25.4 : N Lyon to Denly, Quicker and on off, Denly defends it nicely. |
| Denly reviews right at the end. He has been given out caught at short leg. Is there an edge? He would surely know. |
| 25.5 : N Lyon to Denly, OUT! There is a clear edge! Not sure how he did not know that. England have lost one of their reviews. Lyon takes another. Denly's poor run with the bat continues and England in deep, deep trouble here. Lyon's ploy to come from around the wicket has worked. He floats it up on off, it pitches and turns back on. Denly looks to work it on the leg side but the ball hits the inside edge then the pad and lobs to Bancroft at short leg. Australia are celebrating and the umpire giv |
| Jos Buttler is the new man in. |
| 25.6 : N Lyon to Buttler, A brave leave! A good one in the end. Lyon bowls this flatter and outside off, Buttler covers his off pole and lets it be. Why brave? Because with the ball turning so much, you would not want to take that risk. End of another successful over for Lyon. |
| Pat Cummins was given the ball but at the last minute the ball is given back to Siddle. |
| 26.1 : P Siddle to Root, Fuller ball on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.2 : P Siddle to Root, Good length ball on off, JR defends it towards cover and gets to the other end. |
| 26.3 : P Siddle to Buttler, Buttler is off the mark! Length delivery on the body, Jos tucks it towards backward square leg and gets a single. |
| 26.4 : P Siddle to Root, Length ball around off, Root defends it towards point and looks for a non-existent run and Buttler sensibly sends him back. |
| 26.5 : P Siddle to Root, Outside off, Root defends it to point. |
| 26.6 : P Siddle to Root, Nicely flicked. Fuller on middle and off, Root flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple. |
| 27.1 : N Lyon to Buttler, Drifter outside off, Buttler covers his off pole and leaves it alone. |
| 27.2 : N Lyon to Buttler, Off spinner on off, Buttler flicks it wide of short leg. |
| 27.3 : N Lyon to Buttler, Tossed up outside off, Jos leaves it alone. |
| 27.4 : N Lyon to Buttler, Floated on off, Buttler defends it off the inner half of his bat. |
| 27.5 : N Lyon to Buttler, Flighted on the pads, Buttler looks to flick but the ball spins away and lobs in front of first slip. |
| 27.6 : N Lyon to Buttler, Flighted on off, this ball keeps low. Buttler flicks it wide of short leg but does not take a run. |
| Pat Cummins is now brought on. |
| 28.1 : Pat Cummins to Root, Good length ball on off, Root glances it to the on side and gets to the other end. |
| 28.2 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Short ball on off and middle, this one rises. One of the odd one that has raised. Buttler ducks under it. |
| 28.3 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, OHH! That was close. Good length ball outside off, it comes back in and also keeps low. Buttler shoulders arms to it and luckily for him it misses the stumps. |
| 28.4 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Proper bounce on this one. It is once again outside off, Jos is not going to tease that. |
| Australia have taken a review for LBW! They have taken it straightaway. Let us see what the replays have to say. |
| 28.5 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is. Good length ball pitching around off, it nips back in sharply. Buttler looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. Australian players put in a huge and confident appeal. The umpire though is unmoved. Paine takes the review straightaway. Hawk Eye rolls in and shows that the ball was clipping the leg pole but not enough to overturn. |
| 28.6 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, This time Buttler defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.1 : N Lyon to Root, OUT! Caught! Body blow for England! Their skipper is out of here and the man who was going to be dangerous has got his third victim. A proper off spinners wicket this. Flighted delivery outside off, it spins in. Root looks to defend but the ball spins in more than he expected. It takes the inside edge of the bat and goes straight to short leg. Bancroft there does really well and takes a very good sharp catch. |
| 0.0 : Vice captain replaces the skipper out in the middle. Ben Stokes is the new man in. |
| 29.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Flighted on off, Stokes starts his innings with a solid front foot defense. |
| 29.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, Slightly shorter on off, Ben defends this one off the back foot. |
| 29.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Floated on off, Stokes bends his back and keeps it down. |
| 29.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes tucks it to the on side. |
| 29.6 : N Lyon to Ben Stokes, Edged but safe! Shorter and spins away sharply off the deck. Stokes looks to defend off the back foot with soft hands but gets a thick outside edge. Luckily it goes to the left of slip on the bounce. Smith there dives to that side and saves runs for his side. |
| 30.1 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Good length ball on off, Buttler defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.2 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Cummins hits the deck hard on off, Buttler defends it towards point. |
| 30.3 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Outside off, Buttler calmly lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 30.4 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Australia was not far away from striking another one here. Full ball outside off, Buttler gets tempted to drive and goes for it. He misses and the ball just misses the outside edge. There was a noise as the ball went past the bat but it was of the bat hitting the surface. |
| 30.5 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Smartly bowled short ball! It does not raise a lot. It is just below the chest area, Buttler tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 30.6 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Outside off, Buttler gets through the over with a solid leave. |
| 31.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Short and wide outside off, Stokes cuts but finds point. |
| 31.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Slower through the air on off, Stokes defends it with confidence. |
| 31.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, Spin and bounce on this one. It pitches on the rough outside off, it bounces over Paine. Smith though stretches out his right hand at first slip and saves a certain bye. |
| 31.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Another one pitched on the rough. This one spins away, Stokes has nothing to do with it. Paine behind the stumps does well to take it. |
| 31.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Floated outside off, Stokes leaves it alone. |
| 31.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, Almost had another one! Floated on off, Stokes looks to defend but does so off the inner half of his bat. The ball hits his boot and luckily falls short of silly point. That will be the end of morning session. LUNCH ON DAY 5. |
| Lunch! No question who this session belonged to. Australia have dominated the morning session on Day 5. They wanted wickets in the first session and they have got 4 of them. It all hinged on how would Nathan Lyon do on this turning wicket and he has done remarkably. The GOAT has picked three wickets, including the big wicket of English skipper, Joe Root. Denly and Roy were his other victims. Lyon has been well supported by the trio of fast bowlers. In a pitch where there has been nothing for the |
| Well, it has been a disastrous morning for England. They would have hoped to not lose more than a couple of wicket in the first session but have all their top 4 batsmen back in the hut. The onus will now be on the duo of Buttler and Stokes. The same pair who won them the World Cup will now have to fight it out in the longest form of the game if the hosts want to salvage this Test and avoid a defeat at the venue where they have enjoyed a lot of success. How will the second session pan out? Join u |
| ... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ... |
| We are back for the second session. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler will resume their innings. Australia are six wickets away from a victory. Pat Cummins will start the proceedings for this session. |
| 32.1 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, BEATEN! A beauty to begin this session. On a length and around off, it pitches and straightens. Buttler pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 32.2 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole, Buttler defends it out. |
| 32.3 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Slightly fuller this time and on off, Buttler defends it nicely. |
| 32.4 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Lovely stuff! Cummins goes for the inswinging yorker. Buttler though is ready for it, he gets his bat down in time and jams it out. |
| 32.5 : Pat Cummins to Buttler, Bowls the sucker ball now, it is full and outside off, Buttler lets it be. |
| 32.6 : Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, OUT! Knocked him over! Australia are all over England at the moment. Half the side back in the hut for England. Ideal start to the session for the visitors. 5 wickets away now from taking a 1-0 lead. He started the over with a beauty and ends it with another one. This is slightly fuller around off, it pitches and comes back in. Buttler should have been playing ahead but he opts to stay back. The ball till then sneaks through and hits the top of off. Cummins is a |
| Jonny Bairstow walks out to bat next. Also, Nathan Lyon to bowl from the other end. |
| 33.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, Shorter and closer to the off pole, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 33.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Beauty! Sharp turn on this one, it pitches around off and spins away. Stokes looks to defend but misses. The ball carries to Paine at chest height. |
| 33.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, First run of the session. Floated on off, Stokes tucks it towards square leg against the turn and gets a single. |
| 33.4 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Bairstow is up and running! Off spinner on off, Jonny glances it with the spin towards square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 33.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, Short on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 33.6 : N Lyon to Ben Stokes, Good, disciplined bowling! Flights it on middle and leg, Stokes looks to defend it but it goes off the inner half of his bat towards square leg for a single. |
| 34.1 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, On a good length on the fifth stump line, Stokes has no business with it. |
| 34.2 : Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, EDGY FOUR! This one is on the outside off, Stokes looks to defend but this flies off through the third man region for a boundary. |
| 34.3 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Defended. |
| 34.4 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Good ball this from Cummins, Stokes looks to drive this but misses it. |
| 34.5 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, This one came into the batsman from a good length on off, Stokes leans forward to block it firmly. |
| 34.6 : Pat Cummins to Stokes, Cummins goes wide of the crease and fires this outside off on a shorter length, Stokes leaves this one. |
| 35.1 : N Lyon to Bairstow, Outside off, turning back into the batter. Bairstow flicks it through square leg for one. |
| 35.2 : N Lyon to Stokes, Floats it up on middle, Stokes lunges and keeps it out. |
| 35.3 : N Lyon to Stokes, Floats it up on middle, Stokes blocks it nicely. |
| 35.4 : N Lyon to Stokes, Flatter and on middle, Stokes works it to the left of the bowler. |
| 35.5 : N Lyon to Stokes, On the pads, Stokes looks to work it on the leg side but it turns away. A soft leading edge back to the bowler. |
| 35.6 : N Lyon to Stokes, Outside off and turning away. Stokes lets it be. |
| 36.1 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Back of a length and on off, Bairstow keeps it out. |
| 36.2 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, FOUR! Nicely timed! Cummins angles it into the batter, Bairstow works it through wide mid on and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 36.3 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, OUCH! Short and on the body, Bairstow looks to evade it but it keeps coming in. Hits the body and lobs to the slip fielder. |
| 36.4 : Pat Cummins to Bairstow, Outside off, JB makes a leave. |
| 36.5 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Slightly fuller and around off, Jonny works it to mid on. |
| Bairstow is caught. He has been given out but he has reviewed. He has signaled that it is off the arm. |
| 36.6 : Cummins to J Bairstow, OUT! That is off the strap of the glove, since Bairstow has the bat in his hand, he has been adjudged out. The hosts have lost both their reviews now. England six down and Bairstow walks back after another failure. Cummins has his third. Another good short one, this one though does not rise a lot. Bairstow looks to sway out of the way but the ball seems to hit the glove and lob towards third slip where Bancroft takes it. An appeal, the umpire thinks, thinks and then |
| Moeen Ali is the new man in. He has struggled with the bat and was poor with the ball too but a gritty fight here might just make him the English hero. |
| 37.1 : N Lyon to Stokes, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Two-in-two wickets for Australia. 350th Test wicket for Lyon. Ben Stokes is out of here now. Three wickets away from a victory are Australia. Lyon has 4 to his name. Another tossed up ball around off, it pitches and turns away. Stokes defends inside the line, the ball kisses the outside edge and goes into the mitts of Paine. Wickets tumbling at the moment. This can end before the Drinks Break. |
| 0.0 : Two wickets in two balls sees Chris Woakes walk out to bat now. |
| 37.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, FOUR! A lovely way to get off the mark! This is very full outside off, Woakes strokes it through covers and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 37.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Uppish but wide! Loopy ball on middle, Woakes whips it uppishly but wide of mid-wicket. Mid on does well to dive to his right and save three. Also, due to that single, Moeen Ali is on strike to Lyon. |
| 37.4 : N Lyon to Ali, On middle, Moeen Ali blocks it out. |
| 37.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Just outside off, unlike the first innings, this time, Moeen keeps his eyes on the ball and lets it be. |
| 37.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Another floated delivery outside off, this one pitches and turns away. Also, stays low. Moeen makes a leave. |
| 38.1 : Cummins to Woakes, FOUR! Something for the English fans to cheer about! Full outside off, Woakes drives it uppishly but in the gap through point for a boundary. |
| 38.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, FOUR LEG BYES! Cummins bowls this fast but on the pads, Woakes looks to flick but the ball clips his thigh pad and goes fine down the leg side to the fence. |
| 38.3 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, This one keeps low. It is on middle, Woakes though does well to defend it. |
| 38.4 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Fuller on off, Woakes pushes it through covers for a couple. |
| 38.5 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Bouncer! This one rises. It is away outside off, Woakes leaves it alone. |
| 38.6 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Fast inswinging ball on middle, Woakes tucks it with the swing towards square leg for one. |
| 39.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Off the pad. Flighted on middle and leg, Woakes looks to defend but the ball lobs up off his thigh pad towards short leg. |
| 39.2 : Lyon to Woakes, Shorter on the pads, Woakes looks to defend but once again it hits his thigh pad. |
| 39.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, Turns it with the spin but finds square leg. |
| 39.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, This time flicks it wide of square leg for a single. |
| 39.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Flighted outside off, Ali leaves it alone and there is a huge cheer from the crowd. |
| 39.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Outside off and once again Ali leaves it alone. |
| James Pattinson is back! |
| 40.1 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Pattinson sends this on the fourth stump line and the ball comes into the batsman as Woakes blocks it well. |
| 40.2 : J Pattinson to C Woakes, FOUR! On the fourth stump line, Woakes leans forward and drives it past the gully and the ball races to fence. |
| 40.3 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Around off stump line on a good length, Woakes blocks it off his back foot. |
| 40.4 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Goes for a short ball but misses his line and strays way outside the leg stump. Woakes leaves it alone. |
| 40.5 : J Pattinson to Woakes, This on a good length on the fourth stump, Woakes lunges and blocks it towards off side. |
| 40.6 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Goes for a bouncer again, this is aimed at the body but does not rise as Woakes attempts a pull to get hit on the body. |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Plays the sweep shot through square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and then parries it to the fielder running to his left. He fumbles but only two taken. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Outside off, left alone. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Floats it up on off, this is kept out. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Ali, On middle this time, Moeen once again is solid in defense. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Gives it a little more air on middle, MA keeps it out. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to Ali, That stays low! Flatter and on the pads, Ali gets his bat down in time and keeps it out. |
| 42.1 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Pattinson bowls a short delivery, Woakes manages to keep it out. |
| 42.2 : J Pattinson to Woakes, On a good length on off, Woakes plays it to mid off. |
| 42.3 : J Pattinson to Woakes, FOUR! Cracking shot! Short of a length delivery, Woakes pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a boundary. The timing was so good on that. |
| 42.4 : J Pattinson to Woakes, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Chris Woakes. This is Chris Woakes' fifth boundary. Full on middle, Woakes flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. This is excellent batting from him. |
| 42.5 : J Pattinson to Woakes, Good length delivery on off, Woakes defends it out. |
| 42.6 : J Pattinson to Woakes, FOUR! Poor delivery from James Pattinson. Bowls short and wide outside off, Woakes cuts it hard through point for a boundary. 12 runs have come from the over. |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Floats it up on middle, Ali looks to defend but the ball turns away. It goes off the outer half to point. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter and on middle, Moeen defends it. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Slower through the air outside off, Ali lets it be. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Another loopy ball just outside off, Ali lets it be. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to Ali, On middle, Ali lunges and keeps it out. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Slightly shorter around middle, Ali pushes it back to the bowler. |
| Peter Siddle is back on! |
| 44.1 : P Siddle to Woakes, That cut him in half! Terrific ball to start his new spell. Good length ball pitching outside off, it moves in sharply. Woakes looks to defend but the ball goes through the gate between pad and bat to the left of the keeper. Gem of a ball! |
| 44.2 : P Siddle to Woakes, Length ball on off, Woakes drives it straight on the up, Siddles does well to get his hand on it and take the pace off. The ball goes wide of mid off and the batsmen take a run. |
| 44.3 : P Siddle to Ali, Length delivery outside off, Ali leaves it alone. |
| LBW appeal referred by Australia. Moeen Ali is the man in question. Height seems to be an issue. Let us see what the replays think. |
| 44.4 : P Siddle to Ali, NOT OUT! Height is indeed the issue. Australia lose one of their two reviews. Length ball nipping in, Ali looks to defend but gets beaten. The ball hits him high on the pads. Australia ask the question but the umpire is not interested. Tim Paine signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and Hawk Eye shows that the ball was just over the leg stump. |
| 44.5 : P Siddle to Ali, Another appeal for LBW but once again it is turned down. This one comes back in too but once again hits high on the pad. Siddle puts a desperate appeal but nothing from the umpire. Australia do not take the review this time. |
| 44.6 : P Siddle to Ali, Fuller on off, Ali keeps it out to get through the over unscathed. |
| Australia's hero with the bat, Steve Smith to have a go with the ball now. Huge boos from the English fans but nothing new in that as he has received that reception throughout the game. |
| 45.1 : S Smith to C Woakes, Flighted delivery on off, Woakes drives it to covers. |
| 45.2 : S Smith to Woakes, Tossed up on leg, Woakes pads it away. |
| 45.3 : S Smith to Woakes, Floated delivery on leg, Woakes again pads it away. |
| 45.4 : S Smith to Woakes, Tossed up on off, Woakes plays it to the off side. |
| 45.5 : Smith to Woakes, Flighted delivery on off, Woakes keeps it out. |
| 45.6 : S Smith to Woakes, Full toss on leg, Woakes hits it to mid-wicket. |
| Drinks Break! Australia continue to dominate this final day. They have got three wickets in the first hour of the second session and are just 3 wickets away from a memorable win at Edgbaston. Woakes and Moeen have put up a fight but the question is how long can they continue this? |
| 46.1 : P Siddle to Ali, Full on off, Moeen pushes it to mid off. |
| 46.2 : P Siddle to Ali, On off, Moeen strokes it through covers and gets a couple. |
| 46.3 : P Siddle to Ali, Good ball and a good leave. It pitches outside off and comes in. Moeen though is aware of his off pole and leaves it alone. |
| 46.4 : P Siddle to Ali, Length delivery on off and middle, this is the one that moves away. Moeen does well to defend it. Ohhs and ahhs are the shout from the Aussie players. |
| 46.5 : P Siddle to M Ali, IN THE AIR...BUT JUST WIDE! Fuller ball on off, Moeen drives it on the up. He does so uppishly as the ball sticks on the surface. Luckily it goes wide of Siddle's outstretched right hand to mid off. |
| 46.6 : P Siddle to Ali, On the fourth stump line, Moeen lets it carry to the keeper. |
| Nathan Lyon is back on! Just the single over for Smith. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, WOW! That is some delivery. It lands in the rough outside off. Woakes goes back and looks to defend but the ball turns back in sharply and hits the batsman high on the pad. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, A little too full this time outside off, Woakes strokes it through covers for one. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Ali, OUT! TAKEN! Any guesses who gets Moeen Ali? It can't be that difficult for you to guess. I'll give you an hint, he has dismissed Moeen Ali 8 times in Tests before this one. Nathan Lyon it is. His fifth wicket. His 15th in Tests. It was him who Australia were going to rely on today and he delivers. Lyon tosses it up on middle, it pitches and turns away. Moeen Ali does not account for the turn. An outside edge which goes straight to Warner at second slip. |
| Stuart Broad is the next batsman in. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Broad, OUT! Caught at slip! A golden duck for Broad. Two wickets in two balls for Lyon. He has 6 now. Another left-hander falls prey to him. He floats it on off and gets this one to turn away too. Broad plays the original trajectory. The ball kisses the outside edge and this time Smith at first slip takes it. Australia a wicket away now and Lyon is on a hat-trick. |
| James Anderson walks out at number 11. He will come out to face the hat-trick ball from Lyon. 6 catching fielders around the bat for this ball! |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, No hat-trick! A good solid block by Anderson. On middle, JA lunges and keeps it out. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Anderson, BEAUTY! This lands on off and then turns away. Anderson looks to defend but is beaten. What an over from Lyon. 2 wickets and a run from it. |
| 48.1 : P Siddle to Woakes, Good length ball outside off, Woakes has a poke at it but misses. |
| 48.2 : P Siddle to Woakes, Fuller on off, Woakes pushes it to cover. |
| 48.3 : P Siddle to Woakes, Length delivery just outside off, CW defends it to cover. |
| 48.4 : P Siddle to Woakes, Pacy ball on the pads, Woakes looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 48.5 : P Siddle to Woakes, Very full on off, Woakes does well to defend it to mid off. |
| 48.6 : P Siddle to Woakes, Good length ball outside off, Woakes taps it towards point and gets through the over. No chance of taking any quick run considering Anderson's calf problem. |
| 49.1 : N Lyon to Anderson, Flighted on off, Anderson does well to defend it. |
| 49.2 : N Lyon to Anderson, Huge cheer from the crowd as Anderson blocks this one off his front foot. |
| 49.3 : N Lyon to Anderson, The cheer continues as Anderson pushes this shot ball towards mid on. |
| 49.4 : N Lyon to Anderson, Floated on off, Anderson does well to keep it out. |
| 49.5 : N Lyon to Anderson, Tossed up on off, James blocks it out. |
| 49.6 : N Lyon to Anderson, Anderson negotiates Lyon! Flatter on off, James defends it off the outer half of his bat towards backward point. |
| 50.1 : P Siddle to Woakes, Length delivery outside off, Woakes has a push at it but misses. |
| 50.2 : P Siddle to Woakes, Good length ball outside off, Woakes keeps it out of his back foot. |
| 50.3 : P Siddle to Woakes, Woakes continues the battle. He defends it off the front foot. |
| 50.4 : P Siddle to Woakes, Full on middle and off, Woakes defends it towards mid on. |
| 50.5 : P Siddle to C Woakes, DROPPED AND FOUR! Good length ball outside off, Woakes goes chasing after it. It takes the outside edge and goes to second slip. Smith, who has not put a foot wrong in this game. Manages to make one error and drops the catch. The ball goes through him for a boundary. |
| 50.6 : P Siddle to Woakes, Fuller on off, Woakes defends off his back foot but it goes off his outside edge and Smith dives to make a half-stop, Woakes takes a single to keep the strike. |
| 51.1 : N Lyon to Woakes, Floated on the stumps, Woakes defends it off the front foot. |
| 51.2 : N Lyon to Woakes, On the pads, CW turns it wide of short leg. |
| 51.3 : N Lyon to Woakes, On the stumps, Chris keeps it out. |
| 51.4 : N Lyon to Woakes, Short outside off, Woakes looks to cut but misses. |
| 51.5 : N Lyon to Woakes, Woakes comes down the track and whips it to wide long on. |
| 51.6 : N Lyon to J Anderson, EDGED AND FOUR! Flighted on off, James looks to defend but the ball takes the fat outside edge of the bat and runs wide of first slip and to the third man fence for a boundary. |
| Pat Cummins is back into the attack. |
| 52.1 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Good length ball on off, Woakes pulls it to mid-wicket. |
| 52.2 : Pat Cummins to Woakes, Bouncer! Woakes plays a no-look-pull but he plays it on a controlled manner towards backward square leg. They do not take the run. |
| 52.3 : Pat Cummins to C Woakes, OUT! Caught! That is it! Woakes' lone battle comes to an end! Cummins bangs one short, Woakes looks to leave but the ball is close to the body and he ends up playing it late. The ball lobs off the upper half of his bat towards second slip. Fittingly, the last catch is taken by Steve Smith! Australia win the first Ashes Test by 251 runs. |
| What a performance from the Australian bowlers today! They have breached the Edgbaston fortress. Well, one would assume there might not be a lot of difference in a 4th day wicket and a 5th day wicket but it seemed like Australia bowled on a completely different surface than what England bowled on yesterday. They managed to take 4 wickets in the first session and 6 in around an hour and 30 minutes in the second. The star with the ball for Australia - Nathan Lyon. Credit has to be given to Pat Cum |
| Now then, the scorecard suggest, Australia won by 251 runs but the game was never so one-sided as it suggests. Instead, for the first three days, it seemed like, it would be England who would take a 1-0 lead. They had Australia on the mat after the visitors elected to bat at 122 for 8 courtesy a fifer from Broad. However, the comeback men, rose to the occasion. Smith showed why he is one of the best going around with a brilliant ton. Siddle hung around with him and his knock also proved to be ve |
| Despite that fightback, England batted extremely well and ended Day 2 on 267 for 4 with Rory Burns scoring a ton. They would have surely eyed a lead in excess of 150 but the Australian bowlers bowled brilliantly on the morning of Day 3 and ensured England did not take their lead past 100 which saw the game evenly poised. However, three wickets even before the deficit was wiped off, surely made England favorites. Yet again though Steve Smith and another comeback man, Matthew Wade, batted Australi |
| Day 5 though saw the Aussie bowlers blow away the England batting line-up. Cummins and Nathan Lyon being the star with both sharing 10 wickets amongst them. An outstanding display of character was shown by the Aussies in this game. They were booed and bullied throughout the game by the English fans but they never let it get into their heads and they came out on top that too convincingly. |
| MAN OF THE MATCH - Steve Smith for his magnificent tons in both the innings. There was absolutely no doubt about him being given the award. It is because of him, Australia won this game. |
| So that is it from the first Test of this year's Ashes. It is Australia who take a 1-0 lead and they also win the first game of the World Test Championship. The whole Test match was a roller coaster ride. If this is anything to go by, it is going to be a cracking series. The second Test is to be played at Lord's on the 14th of August 2019. It begins at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye! |
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