Australia vs England, The Ashes, 2025/26 Dec 4 Full score card

SIX! Steve Smith finishes things off in style! Gus Atkinson bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Smith picks the length early, swivels and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Smith is absolutely pumped as he fist bumps and gives a big hug to his partner, Jake Weatherald, at the other end. A very rare sight when you see Smudge show such raw emotions. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND GO 2-0 UP IN THE SERIES.

Pulls his length back a bit and around off, Jake Weatherald looks to drive it away but gets an outside edge past the slip cordon towards third man for a run. Australia just 2 runs away from making it 2-0 in the Ashes.

Touch fuller and on off, Jake Weatherald blocks it out.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Much fuller and on middle, angling in. Jake Weatherald presents the full face of the and drives it gloriously towards the long on fence for a boundary. Australia one hit away from the win now.

On a length and on middle, Steve Smith pats it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Good length and on off, Steve Smith stays back and keeps it out to the off side. Says no run in his own theatrical way.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Jake Weatherald jams it out to the left of the bowler.

Hard length and around middle, Steve Smith backs away and carves it towards deep thrid for one.

SIX! HOOKED AWAY! Steve Smith has got into Jofra Archer's mind here. This is another bouncer over 150 clicks, angling on the leg stump line. Smith takes it on, gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie. Australia need just 9 runs to win now.

FOUR! Jofra Archer bangs this into the pitch again, on middle, quick again. Steve Smith looks to pull it away but gets a top edge that flies just over the keeper's head for a boundary. Archer and Smith go at it again and are right at each other's faces.

Jofra Archer responds with a quick bouncer, on middle. Steve Smith bends his back to sway away and tries to upper cut it but fails to connect. A few words are exchanged between Archer and Smith. Things are heating up here.

FOUR! A shot of authority! Banged halfway into the pitch by Archer, on middle, Steve Smith picks the length early, gets into a good position and pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Australia need 19 runs to win!

A SNORTER! Fuller in length, just outside off, rocketing away from the batter after pitching. Jake Weatherald is sucked into the defensive shot on the front foot and gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Outside off, on a length, left alone watchfully by Jake Weatherald.

On a good length, outside off. Steve Smith punches on the rise through extra cover for a single.

Steve Smith comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Gus Atkinson gets his second wicket. He slams it hard into the pitch, keeping it just outside off. It rises up from one of the cracks on the pitch, and Marnus Labuschagne just tamely pokes at it, totally getting deceived by the extra bounce. He tries to lean back and sway out of the line, but gets too late. It goes off the gloves and Jamie Smith does the rest behind the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne departs on 3 (6) and Australia are 41/2, with the hosts needing 24 runs to win.

A surprise bumper! Short and bouncing off the track, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne is taken aback and just manages to lean back and keep his bat down to leave.

Back of a length, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne rises with the bounce, plays it late, and steers it to backward point.

On a good length, nipping into the batter. Jake Weatherald is hurried on the back foot, looks to work across the line, but misses and the ball thuds on the thigh pad.

A desperate review from England. This is fired full and slanted on the leg stump line. Jake Weatherald tries to flick it into the leg side, but plays all over it and wears it on the front pad. A massive appeal for LBW, but not given. Ben Stokes straightaway takes the review to challenge the on-field decision. Snicko shows a clear gap between bat and the ball. Ball Tracking saves Weatherald as the ball is projected to miss the stump and go down leg.

A tad short again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne rises on the toes and dabs it to deep backward point for a single.

Full and outside off, Jake leans forward and works it wide of deep third for a single. That came more off the outside edge.

Slams the deck really hard, does Archer. Brings the angle into the batter on a hard length. Jake Weatherald is rushed onto the back foot and tries to nudge it around the corner, but misses. The ball thuds on the back thigh pad and rolls beside the pitch.

Good-length delivery, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne gets on top of the bounce and taps it into the point region for a quick single.

Jofra Archer to bowl from the other end.

Back of a length, on the leg stump line. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and nudges it towards the square leg region for a single to get off the mark.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! England have their first breakthrough. Gus Atkinson spears in a length ball, and the line of attack is closer to the off pole. Travis Head shapes up to play the square cut, but the line is a bit too close and tight to execute that. He goes through his shot and gets a thick inside edge onto the stumps. Travis Head departs on 22 (22) and Australia are 37/1, needing 28 runs to win.

Kicks off the deck, short and on top of off. Travis Head gets on his toes to ride the bounce and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Full and outside off, Jake Weatherald pushes at it on the front foot, but gets an outside edge. The ball rolls behind to deep third for a single.

Around off, on a fractionally fuller length. Travis Head waits back and tries to defend, but gets a thick outside edge to deep third for a single.

From around the stumps, Gus Atkinson bowls it full and slants it onto the pads. Travis Head flicks it through backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Welcome back for the final session. The English players take their spots in the field. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to resume their batting for Australia. Gus Atkinson to bowl the first over of the session. His figures read 2-0-19-0 so far. Head to face. Here we go...

... DAY 4, THIRD SESSION ...

Coming into the chase, there was no reason for the hosts to take their time. On the expected lines, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald came out with a very positive intent and have already chewed up more than half the target in just five overs. They just need 32 more runs to win this Pink Ball Test at The Gabba and stamp their authority on the series. These two would aim to do the job without losing their wickets. Back in a bit for the final session of the day and also this Test. Play resumes at 9 am GMT. Stay tuned.

The partnership blossomed nicely, but just as it threatened to become dangerous, a fantastic catch from Steve Smith at first slip ended their 96-run stand. Things flipped quickly. Right after reaching his fifty, Stokes was also dismissed by Neser. That was the opening Australia needed. After that, they simply refused to let England hang around. Michael Neser completed his five-wicket haul by dismantling the English batting order, whereas Steve Smith was simply outstanding for taking three brilliant catches and was also spot on with his captaincy.

After a frustrating opening session of the fourth day from the Australian point of view, the alliance between Stokes and Jacks continued the resistance against the Aussie pace attack. To be fairly critical, the Australian bowlers were a bit too short on a pitch where landing on a good length could have proved much more threatening. With the ball softening up, that tactic didn't give them the results and allowed both batters to settle in nicely.

If the opening session belonged to the tourists, built on dogged resistance from Stokes and Jacks, the middle session was all about the Australian comeback. As they say, never give the Aussies an opening, or they will come crashing through in a pack. Things quickly flipped as the shadows lengthened and now, Australia are on the verge of extending their lead in this series.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Travis Head hops up and clips it to the leg side for a quick run. THAT WILL BE DINNER ON DAY 4!

Pitched up and on middle, Jake Weatherald tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Jofra Archer bowls a wide yorker, outside off, Jake Weatherald goes chasing after it but fails to connect.

On a length and around off, Travis Head runs it down to third man for a run.

Fuller and on off, angling in, Travis Head blocks it out.

Good length and on off, Jake Weatherald taps it in front of cover for a quick single.

Swing and a miss! Hard length and outside off. Travis Head gets tempted and wafts at it hard, but loses his bottom hand and misses it.

A bit fuller and on off, Travis Head stays back in his crease and guides it towards point.

Back of a length and on off, Travis Head dabs it down towards point.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length but outside off. Travis Head gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through covers for a boundary now. Australia need 36 runs to win now.

SIX! Sweetly timed! Gus Atkinson errs in line and serves this full, down the leg side. Travis Head picks it off his pads and whips it nonchalantly over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Fuller one and on off, Travis Head knocks it towards mid off.

Short and into the body of the batter. Jake Weatherald winds up for the pull but then decides against it and pats it towards square leg.

Fuller and on middle, Jake Weatherald clips it to square leg.

Good length and around off, Jake Weatherald looks to push it away but gets an outside egde on the bounce to gully.

BEAUTY! Hard length and on middle, angles in but then straightens and keeps rising. Jake Weatherald gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge. Jamie Smith, behind the stumps, has to leap up to collect that one above his head.

FOUR! Streaky! Jofra Archer is absolutely steaming in here. He lands this back of a length and on middle, jags back in at over 150 clicks. Jake Weatherald gets late to put his bat in line. It takes the inside edge and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer at 147.5 clicks, angling into the leg side, Jake Weatherald leaves it alone.

Swing and a miss! Short of a length and outside off, takes off a bit. Travis Head slahses hard at it but fails to connect.

Hard length and on off, Travis Head keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Excellent timing! Touch fuller and just on off. Travis Head gets on top of the bounce and plays it right under his eyes. Just dabs it away as the ball teases the cover fielder to the fence but wins the race for a boundary.

Good length and on off, Travis Head opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a couple of runs. Australia need 54 runs to win now.

Back of a length and around off, Travis Head steers it away towards point.

Nice shot! Gus Atkinson begins with a full delivery, on middle, angling in. Jake Weatherald steps across and clips it away with excellent timing to the left of mid on. Jofra Archer chases after it to collect it. Three runs taken.

Gus Atkinson to operate from the other end.

Pitched up and on off, Jake Weatherald strides out and taps it towards cover for a run. 6 runs off the first over.

Jofra Archer lands this short of a length, on off at 145.4 clicks, gets sharp bounce as well. Jake Weatherald leaves it alone.

Good length and on off, Travis Head crouches low and stabs it out towards extra cover for a quick single. First runs off the bat.

Hard length but down the leg side again, Travis Head misses his flick. This is loose from Archer.

FOUR BYES! Free runs for the Aussies. Short of a length but angling down the leg side, keeps moving in even behind the stumps. Travis Head fails to glance it away, and Jamie Smith, the keeper has no chance of stopping that as it races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Jofra Archer starts with a hard-length delivery at 145.1 clicks, on off. Travis Head hops up and guides it off the outer half of the bat on the bounce to gully.

OUT! TAKEN! FIFER FOR NESER AT THE GABBA. He lands this back of a length and just on off, gets some extra bounce. Brydon Carse stays back and tries to guide it away, but gets a thin outside edge towards first slip, where it is Steve Smith once again, who takes his third catch of the session. England have been bowled out for 241, and set up a target of 65 for Australia.

Fuller and on off, Brydon Carse blocks it out well.

Hard length and on leg, Jofra Archer pats it down to the leg side.

FOUR! Gets it away! Brendan Doggett bowls this short again, on middle. Jofra Archer gets on top of that and swats it away wide of deep mid-wicket. Jake Weatherald runs to his right and dives but fails to stop the boundary. England lead by 64 runs.

Short and on middle, Jofra Archer pulls it away but straight to mid-wicket.

Halt in play. The physio rushes out from the English dugout and a mandatory concussion test is being carried out for Brydon Carse. He is fine to continue but gets his helmet exchanged.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Brydon Carse opens up his stance to heave it across the line but misses. Takes a blow at the back of the grill of his helmet as the ball goes towards deep third. A leg bye taken.

Back of a length and around off, Jofra Archer pulls it off the toe-end of the bat to the left of Cameron Green at mid-wicket for a run.

Short of a length and down the leg side, follows the batter. Brydon Carse backs away and steers it through point for a single.

BEAUTY! Goes fuller and on off, angles in but then straightens after hitting the deck. Jofra Archer looks to play it from the crease, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

On a length and on off, Jofra Archer pushes it towards short cover.

Good intent! Pitched up and around middle, Brydon Carse knows there is no protection in the deep on the leg side and looks to slog it away. He does not get it from the middle but gets enough to send it towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region for three runs. England lead by 57 runs now.

Touch fuller and on off, Brydon Carse looks to drive but gets an inside egde towards mid on.

Close! Good length and just around off, shapes away, Brydon Carse has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full and on middle, shaping in, Brydon Carse blocks it out.

Another bouncer, on middle, Jofra Archer ducks under it again.

Uppish but safe! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in a bit. Jofra Archer gets cramped up and tries to clip it away. It takes the gloves and pops up but falls safely to the off side.

A bouncer to welcome Jofra Archer, on middle, Archer ducks under it.

Jofra Archer is the last batter in for England.

OUT! TAKEN! Brendan Doggett gets his man this time. He sticks to the short length and on middle. Gus Atkinson tries to roll his writs and keep his pull shot down, but fails to do so. He hits it flatly and straight to mid-wicket, where Steve Smith takes an easy catch. England have slipped from 224/6 to 231/9, with a lead of just 54 runs.

Bangs this into the pitch, on leg, Brydon Carse hooks it towards deep backward square leg for a run.

JUST OVER! Short of a length and around middle, Gus Atkinson looks to pull but takes his eyes off the ball. It goes off the toe-end of the bat and flies just over the leaping Cameron Green at square leg. He extends his arms over his head but the ball just evades him. A single taken.

Hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply, Brydon Carse looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg and comes back for the second run. The throw needed to be better there.

Brydon Carse walks in at number 10.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Michael Neser gets the big fish here, and that is probably the game for Australia now. Neser lands this short of a length and just on off, gets it to hold its line. Ben Stokes stays back in his crease but tries to push at it away from his body. Gets a slight nick behind, where Alex Carey is standing up to the stumps and takes a sharp catch near his chest. Stokes is absolutely distraught with himself, but has to go back after a fighting half-century. 50 (152) for the English captain as he walks back. England are 227/8, leading by 50 runs.

Pitched up from around the wicket, on off, angling in, Ben Stokes keeps it out solidly.

Back of a length but down the leg side, Gus Atkinson glances it towards fine leg for a single. Gus wants the second but is sent back. ENGLAND LEAD BY 50 NOW!

Touch fuller and on off, shapes in a bit, Gus Atkinson knocks it towards mid off.

Good length and on off, Gus Atkinson gets forward and pats it towards short cover.

Full and on middle, attacks the stumps, Ben Stokes fends it back to the bowler.

Right in the blockhole, on off, Ben Stokes jams it out to short cover.

Back of a length and around leg, Gus Atkinson pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Much fuller and on off, Gus Atkinson drills it away towards mid on.

Full and on off, shaping in, Gus Atkinson takes his front foot out and blocks it down the pitch.

FIFTY FOR STOKES! A gritty knock from the English skipper and this is his 36th half-century in Tests. Short of a length and outside off, Ben Stokes cuts it to deep point for a single. Not much of a celebration, as he knows the job here is far from done. He has kept the flame ignited for his team.

On a length and on off, Gus Atkinson keeps it out to the off side. A WICKET-MAIDEN over from Michael Neser!

Pitched up and on middle, Gus Atkinson knocks it towards mid on.

A big shout for LBW, but turned down! However, Michael Neser looks very interested here. Steve Smith also has a chat with his keeper, Alex Carey and takes the review. This is on a good length and on off, nips back in sharply. Gus Atkinson gets half forward to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. The question is whether the impact is outside off or not. Scratch that, Snicko shows a big spike which suggests there is an inside edge and it has not been caught by anyone as well. Australia lose all their reviews now.

Full again and on middle, angling in, Gus Atkinson tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

Fuller and on off, shaping in a bit, Gus Atkinson gets a good stride forward and blocks it out.

DRINKS BREAK. The game has opened up for Australia as the combo of Neser and Smith broke the resistance of Jacks and Stokes. One end is now open for them to gate-crash through the tail. The English lower order will have to support Stokes to extend the lead, which is still a bit thin and not that threatening. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to get rid of the three wickets in this session itself and give themselves a big chance to stamp their authority in the game. Gus Atkinson is the next batter in.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Insane reflexes from the Aussie skipper. And there's a reason why he is the best in the business in the slip cordon. It indeed required such an effort from someone to put a halt to this frustrating partnership. Neser bashes the length hard, keeping it around off. It lands and nips away late. Jacks is drawn half forward to block, but plays inside the line. The ball catches the outside edge and shoots low to the left of the first slip fielder. Steve Smith is alert there, and despite having very little room to react, he dives low and snaffles the catch before the grass with his left hand. Steve Smith is off celebrating, and so are the Aussies. However, the third umpire is brought in to check the legality of the catch. After checking a couple of angles, it is deemed a clean catch. Finally, Australia break through on the fourth day as Neser ends this 96-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Will Jacks departs on a fighting 41 (92) and England are 224/7, leading by 47 runs.

Around off, full, blocked into the off side.

Keeps low on the bounce, on the stumps, on a length. Stokes shows good solidity on the back foot defence.

This time, Stokes manages to drive the full ball to the right of the diving Marnus Labuschagne and picks up a couple of runs as there is a lot of acreage to cover for the deep point fielder.

Full and outside off, Ben Stokes leans on and crisply drives the half volley, but finds Marnus Labuschagne at short cover.

Short of a good length, on middle. Will Jacks swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Too short, on top of middle. Jacks evades by swaying away from the line to make the leave.

Around off, on a good length. Ben Stokes bunts it out to point.

Full, into the batter, blocked from the crease by the English captain.

Stokes is down on the ground and the physio is out to check him up. That must have hurt him hard for sure. No one likes to take a blow on this part of the body. He takes his time to get up and walks a bit to shake off the pain. Gulps in a few sips of water and readies himself to face the next ball.

Nasty! Stokes is flat on the ground and is agonising in pain. From around the wickets, Neser bashes the length hard, on middle. It stays low and nips in a bit. Stokes gets on the back foot to block it straight, but gets an inside edge straight onto the box.

Nagging length, on middle, Ben Stokes stays rooted inside the crease and blocks it to cover-point.

Fired in full, outside off. Stokes gets on the back foot and dabs it to gully with soft hands.

Nip-backer on a good length, on middle and leg. Will Jacks is flummoxed with the uneven bounce as he drags the bat in front to block. The ball, however, goes off the inside edge towards deep fine leg for a single.

A mini unofficial drinks break for both batters. Michael Neser (12-1-35-2) to continue. Carey is up to the wickets.

A bumper that keeps rising up, outside off, Stokes arches back and leaves it alone.

Short of a length, outside off. Ben Stokes creates room and slashes it hard into the massive deep cover pocket. Jake Weatherald covers a lot of ground from deep backward point to his left and intercepts the ball. Two taken.

This one doesn't rise much. Short ball, around off. Stokes sees it closely and sways away from the line to leave by crouching low.

Halfway into the pitch, on the leg stump. Jacks uses the pace of the ball and pulls it to deep fine leg for a single.

Another one banged short, outside off. Will Jacks climbs on it and square cuts it to deep backward point. A fatigued Starc runs across to his right to cut it off. Two taken.

Short and angling into the body. Stokes pulls it to deep fine leg for a single.

Good length, outside off, Stokes finds the gap between cover and point for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Will Jacks taps it in front of cover-point and they hustle quickly for a single.

Just outside off, on a good length, Ben Stokes slices it through backward point for an easy single.

Fuller one, on middle, Stokes presses forward and defends it with a straight bat.

Short on off, punched into the off side off the back foot.

Outside off, on a length, skids through. Left alone by Stokes.

Michael Neser (11-1-32-2) is back on. He replaces Mitchell Starc.

CHANCE? Yes, but a very tough one. Short in length on the ribs, on the leg stump line, bounces a bit from the pitch. Will Jacks shuffles inside the line to tuck it to the leg side. Head has no chance at short leg. It smashes into his right wrist before he can react. Almost impossible to catch. His wrist is hurting.

Zips through the deck, short and on the body. Stokes tries to nudge it around the corner, but the ball gets big on him and goes off the thigh pad. It rolls through backward square leg and they cross for a leg bye.

Bowls from around the wickets, short and on the leg stump. Will Jacks pulls it comfortably to deep backward square leg for a single. England lead by 33 runs!

Too straight down leg, short in length. Jacks leaves. Carey gathers it to his left.

Another bouncer down leg. Will Jacks gets inside the line and attempts to hook it over the leg side, but misses to get bat on ball.

Starts with the short stuff, on the leg stump. Jacks sits under it and lets it fly behind.

Brendan Doggett (11-2-36-0) returns for another spell. He replaces Cameron Green.

Oh, almost! Starc fires in a full delivery, on middle and leg. Ben Stokes tries to flick, but closes the bat face early. The ball lobs off the leading edge, but lands safely on the strip in front of the bowler.

On a hard length, outside off with some bounce. Will Jacks adjusts well to guide it off the back foot. Gets a single as the ball rolls behind to deep third.

Full ball, on the leg stump. Ben Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

On off, full in length with a scrambled seam. Stokes carves it straight back to the bowler. Starc stops it on his follow-through as he kicks the ball off his left boot and it rolls into the leg side.

Full and into the batter, on middle and leg. Will Jacks flicks it to the right of mid on for a single.

Fuller one, wide outside off. Will Jacks slaps it off the front foot, but finds the fielder at short cover, where Inglis makes a fantastic diving stop on the bounce.

Slants into the batter, on a good length, Ben Stokes does well to knock it off the back foot as the ball skids through and arrives quicker and lower than he expected.

WIDE! A steep bumper over the head height. Stokes ducks under it by dropping down his wrists. Wide called for height.

Hard length, on off, Stokes punches it off the back foot to extra cover.

Speared on off, full in length, Stokes digs it back to the bowler.

Lands it full and outside off, does Green. Ben Stokes takes a big stride across and drives it crisply through point. Jake Weatherald from deep third runs to his left and cuts it off in the deep. Two taken.

Bowls from a wider angle and bangs it short, on off. Ben Stokes sways away from the line and ducks under it.

Back of a length, outside off, nipping away. Stokes shows no interest in poking at that one.

Slightly fuller and outside off, Will Jacks lunges across and blocks it solidly.

Short of a good length, around off. Jacks hangs back to punch it to cover, but hits off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Skids through the deck, on a good length, on top of off. Will Jacks tries to bunt it down the strip, but ends up chopping it off on his boots as the ball rolls into the off side.

Full and on the fifth stump line. Ben Stokes drives off the front foot to the right of Marnus Labuschagne at cover for a single.

Bangs it short and outside off, Stokes is happy to see that off.

Angling on the leg stump, on a hard length. Jacks nudges it through square leg for a single.

Full and straight, outside off, left alone alertly.

On a good length, outside off, Jacks plays from the crease and dabs it wide of backward point for a quick single.

Fuller and on off, Jacks drives it straight back to the bowler.

FOUR! All class! Too full from Cameron, on the leg stump line. Will Jacks gets a bit across and flicks it neatly between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary. 200 UP FOR ENGLAND! The lead for them reads 23 runs.

Straight onto the stumps, at 131 kph, on a tad fuller length. Will Jacks presses forward and bunts it down the strip.

On a shortish length, outside off. Ben Stokes rises on the toes and punches it through extra cover for an easy single.

Cameron Green (3-1-6-0) to bowl from the other end.

Zips through the deck from a good length, onto the pads. Ben Stokes whips it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Short of a good length, keeps rising up with the bounce, outside off. Stokes lifts his bat in the air to leave.

Speared in full and on middle and leg, Stokes drills it straight to mid on.

On a back of a length, outside off. Will Jacks punches off the back foot to extra cover for a single.

Halt in play as Jacks is not happy with the condition of his bat. May have cracked up a bit. Matthew Potts runs in from the dugout and has a chat with Stokes in the meantime, and rushes back almost instantly. Jacks has his bat exchanged and we are good to continue.

Pitched full and just outside off, Jacks leans across and drives it straight to extra cover.

From around the stumps, Starc hurls it full and around off. Jacks strides forward to drive to cover, but hits it off the inside half of the bat. The ball rolls to short mid-wicket.

Welcome back for the post-Tea session at the Gabba. The Aussies spread out to the field as the sun starts to dip and the shadows lengthen. Ben Stokes and Will Jacks walk to the crease to resume their partnership, which has been patient and resilient. Mitchell Starc will get us underway in the second session of the fourth day. 15-2-57-2 are his bowling figures so far. Jacks to face. Here we go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

Australia bowled with good discipline and kept things tight, but batting became slightly easier as the pink ball softened in the daylight. Scott Boland was the pick of the quicks and the only real scare for England came late in the session when Ben Stokes edged just over Cameron Green at gully. It now sets up a fascinating post-Tea phase, with England aiming to push their lead without taking risks, as this is the last recognised pair, while Australia will push hard to break the stand and keep any chase manageable. Join us back at 6.40 am GMT for the action.

For the first time in this Ashes, England looked more focused on occupying the crease than trying to hit their way out of trouble. The situation demanded patience, with early wickets needing to be avoided, but it still required discipline and resilience, both of which were on display from Ben Stokes and Will Jacks. They made sure there was no further damage, and even though the scoring rate was not high, their 65-run stand wiped out the deficit and even carried England into the lead.

SESSION SUMMARY - 59 runs and 0 wickets in 24 overs! A hard-fought session for England as they finally managed, for the first time in this Ashes, to bat through an entire session without losing a wicket. It keeps them in the game, but one solid effort alone will not be enough, as they now need another big session to turn this slender 16-run lead into something more competitive, especially with fourth-innings batting unlikely to be easy.

Safely negotiated. Full and angling on the pads. Ben Stokes leans forward and flicks it straight to short mid-wicket. And that will be TEA on Day 4!

Fuller one, on off, Stokes presses ahead and blocks it right under his bat.

Pushed into the batter on a good length, from around the stumps. Ben Stokes presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Just outside off, slightly short in length. Jacks stands tall and cuts it into the vacant backward point region for a single.

On a length, at the stumps. Blocked off the back foot.

Skids through from a good length, on the leg stump line. Will Jacks gets inside the line and tries to glance off the pads, but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls behind towards the deep fine leg region. They cross for two runs.

Marnus Labuschagne to roll his arms now. Australia trying to buy a wicket here. This will also be the last over before Tea.

Drags the length back, around off. Stokes goes back and across and steers it into the point region. A very quick over from Head.

Nice flight on a fuller length, on off. Ben Stokes defends it right under his eyes.

Pitched full and on off. Ben Stokes leans on and smothers the spin.

Tossed up full and on off, Will Jacks strides across and drives it to long on for a single.

Flat and in front of the sticks, skidding through. Jacks does well to block that off the back foot.

Starts with a short ball, on off. Will Jacks goes back and punches it to mid on.

Well, we won't see Mitchell Starc, but Steve Smith brings in Travis Head into the attack here.

Much full, around off and middle, Will Jacks flicks it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

WIDE! Short and over the batter's head. Jacks first lines up to play the pull shot but aborts. Wide called for height.

On the fuller length, just outside off. Ben Stokes carves it between mid off and cover for a single.

Full and straight, wide outside off. Stokes it happy to let that go.

In-between length, just outside off. Ben Stokes shoulders arms.

An attempted yorker, on off, Stokes shovels it out and hits it back to the bowler.

Short and outside off, Jacks executes the back foot square cut for a single as the ball rolls to deep backward point.

Around 10 minutes to go to Tea. Will we see a short burst from Mitchell Starc before the break? Not yet, Cameron Green to continue.

Back of a length, outside off, Ben Stokes dabs it to the point region.

Lifts up from the pitch, on the pads. Will Jacks glances it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Fuller one, on off, Ben Stokes opens the face of his bat on the front foot and eases it through point for a single.

On a hard length, on off, blocked off the back foot.

EDGED, FOUR! Lucky, very lucky! A ripper of a delivery from Boland as this kicks off the crack on a good length, just around off. Ben Stokes walks into the shot and tries to work it across, but he is totally undone by the extra bounce as he gets squared up. The ball goes off the outside edge but flies over the leaping Cameron Green at gully. Green extends his right hand over his head, but still, the ball remains out of his grasp and races behind to the deep third fence.

Outside off on a length, Stokes leaves it on the front foot.

Short and wide, Stokes easily dabs it through backward point for a single. England lead by 2 runs!

Slanted into the batter, full in length. Ben Stokes drags his bat in front of the pads to block it off the front foot.

Around off, on a good length. Stokes lets it pass.

BEATEN! Just outside off, on a fuller length. Ben Stokes chases it on the front foot and looks to drive it through the of side, but the ball nips away and zips past the outside edge.

Short of a good length, on middle. Will Jacks waits back and pulls it wide of mid-wicket for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Jacks and Stokes. ENGLAND ARE INTO THE LEAD NOW.

Speared full and on off, Jacks gets on the front foot and pushes it back to the bowler.

On a length, lasering on the pads. Ben Stokes closes the bat's face early as he looks to flick, but gets a leading edge toward extra cover.

Nagging length, on top of off. Ben Stokes is solid in defence.

Uneven bounce as this one kicks off a length, on top of off. Ben Stokes gets on the back foot to defend. But the ball deflects off his willow's handle and rolls to the leg side.

Outside off and short, watchfully left alone by Stokes.

SCORES LEVEL! On a back of a length, outside off, Jacks dabs it off the back foot towards cover-point for a quick single.

Full and on off. Will Jacks drives it straight down the ground. Boland sticks out his right hand and deflects the ball towards Stokes. It rolls off the non-striker's boot and goes past the stumps.

Stokes arches back to leave this harmlessly short delivery, which is bowled outside off.

Short of a length, on off, Ben Stokes gets a bit squared up and dabs it on the bounce to gully with soft hands.

Around off, short, Stokes taps it off the back foot to cover.

Extra bounce from a hard length, angling into the batter. Ben Stokes defends it off the toe end of the bat and the ball deflects off his right shot to the off side.

BEATEN! Lands it on a good length, and gets the ball straighten up from around off. Ben Stokes plays a loose shot off the back foot, trying to cut it square on the off side, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kicks up a bit from a good length, just outside off. Ben Stokes does well to fend it off the back foot to point.

Finally, Cameron Green to bowl for the first time in this innings.

Fractionally full, on off, Jacks leans forward and works it to short extra cover. MAIDEN from Boland.

Around off on a length. Jacks stands tall to block that down the strip.

Straighter, fuller, on off. Will Jacks presses forward and drives it to mid on.

Full, on the fifth stump line, Will Jacks strides across and taps it to cover-point.

Short of a length, on top of off. Will Jacks gets on the toes and blocks it back to the bowler.

BEATEN! Touch full and around the off pole. It lands and then straightens off the pitch. Jacks is sucked into the defensive push on the front foot, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Another one banged short, on middle. Easy pull for Jacks towards deep backward square leg. A single taken.

Almost halfway into the pitch, outside off. Ben Stokes rides the bounce and cuts it through cover-point for an easy single. England trail by only 2 runs now.

Short and on the leg stump, Stokes ducks underneath it.

Digs in a short ball, on middle and leg. Will Jacks with a measured pull shot towards long on. Gets a single.

Brendan Doggett has an issue with his left boot. He signals to the dugout and asks for a replacement. We are good to go again.

Short but miles down leg, Will Jacks misses to pull it away. A good grab from Carey behind the stumps as he dives low to his left to gather it.

Shorter delivery, angling into the batter. Ben Stokes controls the pull shot towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Fractionally fuller and on off, Will Jacks forces it out to short cover.

Just outside off at 132.8 kph, on a hard length. Jacks lets this harmless delivery go.

On a back of a length, around off, tapped off the back foot to cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Poor ball and it gets the treatment! Angled onto the pads, on a hard length. Ben Stokes uses his wrists and the pace of the bowler to flick it off the inner half of the bat. The ball races away to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. England now trail by just 6 runs.

A skiddy delivery, on a length, on off. Ben Stokes solidly defends it off the back foot to cover.

Nips in a touch from a good length, on middle and leg. Ben Stokes stands tall and bunts it down the pitch.

Still no sign of Cameron Green. Scott Boland (13-3-35-2) comes back into the attack now. Also, Ben Stokes has a change of bats.

Good running! Short and outside off. Ben Stokes shuffles leg side of the ball and flat bats it through the vacant mid off region. With no one stationed there, Brendan Doggett sprints after it and cuts it off before the ropes. The batters cross each other thrice in the meantime. England's deficit now reads 10 runs.

Kicks up from a shorter length, on middle. Ben Stokes rides the bounce and dabs it down the pitch from the splice of the bat.

BEAUTY! From around the stumps, Brendan bashes the surface hard, and angles the ball into the batter. Ben Stokes withdraws his bat across the line as the ball keeps following him.

Similar length, angling across the batter. Stokes arches back and leaves it alone.

Goes into the pitch, short and on top of middle. Ben Stokes leans back and drops his wrists to make the leave.

The physio comes in for the mandatory concussion check. Looks like Will Jacks needs to replace his helmet here. All set to continue now.

Short again, on the bodyline of the batter. Will Jacks shapes up for a pull once again, but the ball keeps climbing on the battter and deflects off the top edge and pins him on the helmet. It then ricochets behind to deep fine leg. They cross. It is a No Ball as well, as Doggett has overstepped.

Short and going down leg, Jacks lines up for a pull shot, but misses to connect.

DRINKS BREAK. So far, so good from England. Will Jacks and Ben Stokes have played according to the situation and have displayed immense patience at the crease. The bowling from the Aussies hasn't been that ordinary at all, but these two have negotiated it with good defensive technique. Runs haven't flowed at a quick rate, as England need to save wickets as well as get into the lead. The pitch has shown a bit of wear and tear, with the odd one rearing up and keeping low, but apart from that, it still appears to be a decent batting wicket. Australia have tried the short ball ploy since the last couple of overs by spreading the field, but they still haven't got that breakthrough. With England trailing by only 15 runs, Australia will aim to break this partnership before the Tea break and in fact, even get two more as batting in the fourth innings is not going to be easy on a deteriorated pitch.

Michael Neser is asking a few tough questions here! This is on a hard length and on off, nips back in again. Ben Stokes tries to play it from the crease but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad. The ball pops up and falls to the off side. A bit more airtime and Alex Carey would have had the chance to gobble it up.

Short of a length and on off, Ben Stokes dabs it down towards point.

Hits the length hard and around off, jags it back in firmly but not enough. Ben Stokes makes a well-judged leave.

Pitched up and on off, Ben Stokes drives it away towards mid off.

Good length and on middle and off, Ben Stokes gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Fuller and on middle, Ben Stokes steps forward and taps it to short cover.

Short and down the leg side again. However, Will Jacks, this time, leaves it alone.

A slight shout for caught behind, but turned down! Brendan Doggett bowls a good bouncer around leg. Will Jacks looks to pull it away but misses as the ball just goes over his bat to the keeper.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling it in, Ben Stokes looks to drive but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.

Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

The field comes up for Stokes. One slip and a gully in place.

Short of a length and on middle, Will Jacks rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for a single. England trail by 16 runs now.

Loose shot! Brendan Doggett bangs this into the pitch but way down the leg side. Will Jacks has a go at it and looks to hook it away but misses.

Pitched up and on middle and leg, Ben Stokes drills it towards mid on.

Goes full and on off, angling in, Ben Stokes blocks it out.

Nearly! Hard length and on middle, angling in sharply. Will Jacks looks to clip it away, but gets cramped up a bit. It goes off the inside edge and flies past short leg towards fine leg. A single taken.

Hits the length hard on off, jags back in with extra bounce. Will Jacks manages to ride it well and keeps it out to the off side despite losing his bottom hand.

Short of a length and just around off, takes off a bit, Will Jacks leaves it alone.

Good length and on off, nips back in a bit. Will Jacks stays back to play at it but gets an inside edge on the bounce to Travis Head at short leg.

Cameron Green was seen loosening up. May get a spell pretty soon. He has been underutilised in this series so far. But for now, Neser will continue. 9-0-31-2 so far are his bowling figures.

Pitched up and on off, angling away, Ben Stokes gets forward but only to let it go to the keeper.

Bangs in a good bouncer at around 137 clicks, on middle, Ben Stokes sways away from it.

Full again and on off, Ben Stokes drives it firmly but once again straight to mid off.

Goes fuller and around off, Ben Stokes drills it away but fails to beat mid off.

Short of a length and angling into the leg side, takes off sharply. Will Jacks gets a bit surprised by it. He loses his bottom hand but nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

Back of a length and on leg, Ben Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

BEATEN! Lands this on a good length and around off, shapes away a bit. Will Jacks has a poke at it but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

Short of a length and around off, Ben Stokes steers it through backward point for a run.

Ouch! Good length and on off, once again hits the crack and jags back in sharply. Ben Stokes stays back to play at it but gets an inside edge around his box. Looks in a bit of pain.

Back of a length and just around off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

Full again and on middle, angling in, Will Jacks glances it off the inner half of the bat towards fine leg for a single.

Fuller and on off, Will Jacks strides out and knocks it towards mid off.

Another full delivery, outside off, angling further away, Ben Stokes offers no shot at it.

Full again and on off, Ben Stokes keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Fine shot! Overpitched delivery and around off, Ben Stokes leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through extra cover for a boundary. England trail by 22 runs now.

Close! Pitched up and on the fourth stump line, Ben Stokes lets it go and gets lucky that the ball does not move inwards and goes past the stumps.

Back of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes stays back and pats it down to the leg side.

Fuller in length and on off, angling away, Ben Stokes gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Double change from Australia. Brendan Doggett (6-2-19-0) replaces Mitchell Starc.

Short and just outside off, Ben Stokes cuts it away to deep point for a run. England trail by 26 runs now.

Back of a length and on off, Ben Stokes dabs it down towards point.

Much fuller and on off, Ben Stokes drives it away to mid off.

Oh..superb bowling! This is on a hard length and on off, hits one of the cracks and nips away a bit. Ben Stokes prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Play and a miss! Short of a length and outside off, gets some extra bounce. Ben Stokes sees this as a scoring opportunity and goes for the cut but fails to connect. Alex Carey does well to collect it standing up to the stumps.

Good length and on off, Will Jacks stays back and steers it to the right of gully for a single. 150 up for England!

Decent first thirty minutes for England. Will Jacks and Stokes have batted nicely against the opening bursts of Starc and Boland and have added 15 runs to their overnight score, shrinking the deficit below 30 runs. Here's the first bowling change of the day for Australia. Michael Neser (7-0-27-2) replaces Scott Boland.

Overpitched and around leg, Will Jacks flicks it through mid-wicket for another run. Jacks wants the second, but Stokes turns it down.

Full again but angling into the pads, Ben Stokes clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Excellent bowling! Fuller this time, on off, shaping in sharply, Ben Stokes stays back in his crease and just about manages to keep it out.

Absolute beauty! Mitchell Starc lands this on a good length and in that channel outside off, threatens to angle in but hits the deck and shapes away. Ben Stokes gets squared up trying to defend as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Pitched up and around off, Will Jacks this time goes after it and drives it through cover-point for a single. England trail by 30 runs now.

Fuller in length but way outside off, angling further away, Will Jacks leaves it alone.

FOUR BYES! England won't mind that. Scott Boland goes back to around the wicket, but lands this back of a length, down the leg side. Ben Stokes fails to glance it away. Alex Carey just came up to the stumps before this delivery, only manages to get a glove on that but it deflects to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Good length and on middle, shapes in a bit, Ben Stokes fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Scott Boland comes over the wicket, bowls this full and on off, angling it away. Ben Stokes offers no shot at it.

Short of a length and on middle and leg, jags back in sharply. Ben Stokes gets a bit cramped up, loses his bottom hand but manages to tuck it away towards square leg.

Fuller in length and on middle, straightens a bit, Ben Stokes blocks it out solidly.

Scott Boland hits the length hard, on middle, angles it in sharply. Ben Stokes looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

A slight halt in play as Will Jacks' right index finger is being taped up by the physio. May have copped a blow or two due to uneven bounce. All good to continue.

A bit fuller and on off, Ben Stokes steers it away towards point for a run. England trail by 35 runs now.

That one keeps low! Good length and just outside off, does not bounce at all. Ben Stokes lets it go as it goes on almost three bounces to the keeper.

Short of a length and around middle, takes off a bit. Will Jacks rides the bounce well and tucks it away towards square leg for a single.

Goes fuller again and on off, Will Jacks drives it to the left of mid off but cannot beat the fielder.

Back of a length and on leg, targets the body of the batter, Will Jacks clips it away towards square leg.

Fuller in length and on off, Will Jacks leans on a bit and drills it towards mid off.

On a length and around leg, Will Jacks nudges it towards fine leg for a single.

Scott Boland bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angles it into the body of the batter. Will Jacks tries to pull it away but gets a bit cramped up and ends up toe-ending onto the pitch.

Hits the length hard and on the sixth stump line, gets it to jag back in, Will Jacks lets it go.

Touch fuller and on off, Will Jacks taps it out towards short cover.

Good length and just outside off, no movement this time around, Will Jacks offers no shot at it. This time, Alex Carey collects it near the kneeroll of his pads. Uneven bounce already?

Back of a length and on off, nips back in a bit. Will Jacks leaves it alone. Alex Carey is standing up to the stump and collects it well near his chest.

Overpitched and on off, Ben Stokes drives it firmly but straight to mid off.

FOUR! Lovely shot! A bit too straight from Mitchell Starc. He serves this full and angling it into the pads. Ben Stokes steps across and flicks it away with fine timing between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. England trail by 38 runs now.

Bangs this into the pitch and around off, Ben Stokes stays back and dabs it down towards point.

Lands this back of a length and on middle, nips it away a bit. Ben Stokes looks to work it across the line but gets squared up. The ball takes a leading edge and rolls towards short cover.

Short of a length but way outside off, moves further away, Ben Stokes leaves it alone. Starc has a look at his landing area and does not look too happy about it.

Mitchell Starc begins with a hard-length delivery, outside off, shapes it away a bit, Ben Stokes lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

Mitchell Starc (12-2-48-2) will bowl from the other end.

Pulls his length back a bit, serves this in that channel outside off, gets it to hold its line. Will Jacks leaves it alone.

Pitched up and on the sixth stump line, Will Jacks strides out and fends it away.

Goes a bit fuller, on middle, angles in, Will Jacks clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and on middle and on off, Will Jacks gets behind the line of it and keeps it out on the pitch.

Touch fuller and on off, Will Jacks gets half forward and blocks it out.

Scott Boland starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, angles in a bit and kicks up a bit off the surface. Ben Stokes adjusts well and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

In all readiness for the fourth day to commence in Brisbane. The weather is pretty clear at the moment with the sun shining through. Though there are thunderstorms predicted later in the evening. The stands are packed as the overnight batters for England, Will Jacks and skipper Ben Stokes walk out to resume their batting. Scott Boland will get us underway on what could be a decisive Sunday. England trail by 43 runs, Stokes to face. Here we go...

Australia, meanwhile, will smell an early finish. With momentum completely on their side and conditions still offering plenty to the quicks, they will look to strike hard and fast. Every over will be an opportunity, every batter a target. Another flurry of wickets could wrap this one up well before the day is done. One side is chasing survival, the other senses victory. Day 4 promises tension, pressure, and possibly a decisive moment in this Ashes series.

For England, Day 4 is about survival before anything else. They need their lower order and especially skipper, Ben Stokes to show serious fight, soak up pressure, and somehow drag the match into a safer position. The challenge is clear - deal with movement under lights, extra bounce off the Brisbane surface, and an Australiab attack that senses blood. If they are to avoid defeat, the resistance must start immediately and last long.

Australia's authority was built on a massive first-innings total of 511, a statement of intent that put England under pressure from the very start. But the real hammer blow came late on Day 3, when the lights came on and the bowlers went to work. Mitchell Starc, fresh off a vital innings with the bat, struck twice in a hostile spell, while the relentless pressure from the rest of the attack ensured England never found any rhythm. By Stumps, the tourists were six down, still trailing by 43 runs, and staring at another uphill battle.

All eyes turn to The Gabba once again as Day 4 dawns on a Test that is slipping rapidly out of England's grasp and into Australia's control. The hosts are firmly in the driver's seat after a dominant showing with both bat and ball, and with the finish line now in sight, they will arrive with one clear aim - finish the job early and take a commanding grip on this series.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

If cricket matches were to be decided by reading scorecards, then don't even turn up for Day 4. Because that's what the scorecard says with England 6 down and still 43 adrift. But let's just focus our minds to where Australia were at the end of Day 2. They added 133 runs for their last 4 wickets and with Stokes and Jacks still there as the visitors' last recognized batting pair, England would look forward to do the same. If they do manage to play out the first two sessions, they could possibly end up with a lead of over 100. With the cracks on the pitch opening up rapidly, batting is only going to get tougher. So you never know, any target in excess of 100 could be tough for the Aussies to chase. Will Australia be able to wrap things up quickly in the afternoon? Or will England show their grit and make the Aussies work hard? To add some spice to the drama, there are some thundershowers forecast for Sunday. That means, if England bat well, they could force a Day 5 too! Join us on Sunday, 7th December, 2025, for all the action from Day 4 of this second Test. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 4 am GMT but our buildup will begin well in advance. So do tune in early. In the meanwhile, you can catch all the action from the India-South Africa series. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Australia's SCOTT BOLAND is up for a chat with Isa Guha alongside the boundary. On being asked to describe how he was feeling, Boland describes taking 6 wickets in a session as 'fun', stating that the team's plans had worked well. He attributes the swing to the pitch and the conditions under the lights, which were favouring the bowlers. Boland is also pleased with his performance, highlighting his 75-run stand with Starc and the couple of wickets he took as notable moments. On what he liked more, his batting earlier or his bowling in the night, Scott smiles and says that he would take both. Ends by saying that he enjoyed his time with the bat alongside Starc at first and then with Doggett.

What went wrong for England? Don't know. A bit of luck and one of Australia's inside edges would have found the stumps when Starc and Boland were batting. A bit of responsibility and they might have been just 2 or 3 down heading into Day 4. Instead, they find themselves against the wall again, trailing by 43 runs and 4 wickets in the bank.

Pope played a rash shot which resulted in his dismissal and the tide changed. Suddenly, the ball started to move around, the cracks started to open up on the pitch and the English batters found themselves unsure of their footwork. 90/1 became 128/6 in the span of around 15 overs and 90 minutes. Michael Neser triggered the start and after that, it was Boland and Starc doing their bit towards the end. The trio managed 2 wickets apiece while Brendan Doggett was unlucky not to get a wicket after his terrific start to the final session.

To be very honest, Australia were all over the shop with the new ball. They just allowed England to get away but after the Dinner break came back hard. They managed to get rid of Ben Duckett but there was another momentum swinger after that. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope got to business after a scratchy start from the latter and it was looking all hunky dory at 90/1 around the 17th over. And then, it just happened, as it most often does in night sessions.

After Australia were criticized for their over-aggressive approach on Day 2, they earned praises from all corners of the world for grinding England out on Day 3. They batted for 44.3 overs for their last 4 wickets, adding 133 vital runs. Of that tally, Starc and Boland batted doggedly for nearly 28 overs, sharing a 75-run stand for the 9th wicket, which literally blew the wind over England's sails. But then, came the momentum changer once again. Despite the sorry day with the ball, the English openers came out all guns firing, racing to 45/0 by Dinner in just 6 overs.

If Day 2 was termed as horror by some cricketing pundits for England, Day 3 can be called as frustrating. The word frustrating is used because the visitors did not bowl that badly. Yes, they were favouring the short side a bit too often with the second new ball and came unstuck against Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. They needed 2 wickets with Australia's lead showing 82. More than 2 hours later, they were staring at a deficit of 177 in their first innings.

6th of December, 2025 will show up as a Saturday in every calendar. But as far this Ashes is concerned, it will be renamed as 'Starc'day. A fine 77 with the bat and then, after a sluggish start with the ball, finishing the day with 6-2-12-2 in his last spell.

No drama. On a length, outside off, angling away, Will Jacks shoulders arms. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 3. ENGLAND ARE 134/6, TRAIL BY 43!

Final ball of the day. Any more drama left?

On a length, around off, coming back in, Will defends it down the track.

Good bluff from Starc but it does not work in his favour. He keeps two men on the hook on the leg side but bowls it full and wide outside off. Jacks is prepared for it though as he lunges and pushes the ball towards point.

Good length on middle and off, going across the batter. Will Jacks defends it off his front foot.

Full and wide of off, Will Jacks pushes this to point for no run.

Good length wide of off, Will Jacks leaves it all alone.

Final over of the day coming up then.

Full and just outside off, the skipper defends it towards cover.

On a length, outside off, Ben shoulders arms and that is a decent take by Alex Carey standing upto the stumps.

Full, around off, Stokes pushes this through the covers. There is no one in that position and the bowler himself goes after the ball, before Travis Head comes up from somewhere. Two runs taken.

Hard length on middle and off, Ben Stokes dead bats it towards cover.

Good length on middle and off, Ben Stokes once again blocks.

Back of a length on middle and off, Ben defends this off the back foot.

AUSTRALIA LOSE ANOTHER REVIEW. One suspects that the situation of the game is probably getting the better of their emotions. Excellent decision from Adrian Holdstock nevertheless. This was on a shortish length, around leg stump and Jacks looked to tuck it fine. The ball hit something, lobbed in the air and the keeper, Alex Carey, dived brilliantly to his left to pouch that. He immediately went up but the umpire was as calm as a cucumber. Smith went in for the review and the first replay seemed to indicate that the bat came down after the ball passed it. UltraEdge shows the spike when the ball is near the hip and the onfield decision stays as it is. 5 runs and a wicket from the over, Mitchell Starc's bowling figures read 11-1-48-2, but his current spell records 5-1-12-2.

Is that another? Alex Carey has taken a blinder but Jacks has not been given out. Did that hit the pad? Australia take the review. The first replay seems to indicate the thigh. Yes. UltraEdge confirms.

FOUR! BEAUTY! That is some way to get rid of the pressure. Overpitched, outside off, Jacks leans and drives this gloriously through the covers to get off the mark in style.

On a length, around off, angling away, Will Jacks stays in his crease and plays it with an open bat face towards cover.

Will we see a nightwatchman? Just 13 minutes left on the clock for the day. Nope. Will Jacks strides out to the middle at number 8, replacing Jamie Smith.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Starc-attack once again and it is Jamie Smith who falls prey to the legend. Starc steams in from over the wicket and bowls it full and wide of off, shaping it away from the right-hander. Jamie Smith threw his bat at it and was looking to go for the expansive drive through cover. Gets late to drive it and ends up with an outside edge that's taken cleanly by Alex Carey behind the stumps. Jamie Smith, to everyone's surprise, sends this upstairs. UltraEdge confirms the on-field decision with a spike as the ball is next to the bat of Smith. Jamie Smith departs on 4(11). England still trail by 49.

Full and wide outside off, Jamie Smith leaves it all alone.

Back of a length around middle and off, Ben Stokes flicks this through mid-wicket for one.

Full and outside off, jammed towards cover.

On a length, outside off, pushed towards point.

Around off, patted into the off side.

PEACH! Scott Boland is bowling like a bowling machine right now. Hitting the nagging length on most occasions and getting the ball to nip back in on the batter. Jamie Smith prods in front and looks to block but the ball beats him on the inside and whiskers over middle and leg.

FOUR! A sensational stroke against the run of play from Jamie Smith. Pitched up, around middle and off, Jamie Smith gets right on top of the bounce on this occassion and drives this past the bowler. Boland tries to stop it with his left boot but the ball zooms past him to the long off fence.

Good length wide of off, Jamie Smith jams this around silly point.

We are into extended time already, but have just 21 minutes for 13 overs. Plenty of overs left pending tonight as well.

Full, outside off, the skipper comes forward and gently opens the face of the bat at the last moment. The ball rolls past gully but Cameron Green puts in a full-length dive to his left to stop the ball. Back-to-back maidens from Australia.

Full and just outside off, Stokes offers a stoic defense.

Full and outside off, the tempter, Ben Stokes shoulders arms.

Even quicker this time, at 144.7 kph. Starc bowls it short and wide of off, Ben Stokes leaves it all alone.

Starc steams in and bowls at 143,5 kph, on a length wide of off, Ben Stokes doesn't offer any stroke on this.

On a length, wide of off, Ben Stokes leaves it.

Around off, pushed towards cover. Phew. How long an over was that? Scott Boland's bowling figures read 8-2-27-2, with his current spell showing 3-2-6-1.

On a length, outside off, nipping back in, Smith shoulders arms and the ball goes over the stumps.

Massive pressure on the umpire again! Huge appeal for LBW, lots of extended shouts but umpire Sharfuddoula remains calm. Shakes his head. This was on a length, which nipped back in and Smith decided to counter the movement by walking down the track. He missed and was hit on the pads. Smith had a chat with a few people regarding the review but then, the bowler himself said that it was too high. Ball Tracking shows it to be missing leg stump. Excellent decision from the umpire amidst all the drama and a good call from Australia not to review.

Jamie Smith walks in next, at number 7, replacing Harry Brook.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another noise and this time there is bat on ball! Full and just outside off, almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. Once again, Brook forces himself to play at that one and misses, generating another noise. This time, the umpire does not raise his finger and Steve Smith immediately signals for the review. Sure enough, this time the bat is away from the pad while the ball which is close to the outside edge and it is picked by UltraEdge with a spike! The umpire's decision is reversed for the second time in a row and Boland has his second. Brook departs for 15 and from 90/1, England are 123/5! The deficit reads 54 runs.

HARRY BROOK REVERSES CAUGHT BEHIND DECISION! Superb nut from Boland though. On a length, outside off, Brook came half forward to defend and there was a noise as the ball went past the bat. There was half an appeal from the Aussies and the umpire raised his finger. But Brook reviewed straightaway and the first replay showed that the bat was miles from the ball, with the noise coming because of the willow hitting the pad. The decision gets reversed and Brook survives.

Good length on off, Harry Brook rolls this back to the bowler.

Back of a length around off, Ben Stokes punts this back to the bowler. Ben looks determined to go long.

On a length around off, Ben Stokes blocks this well off his front foot.

Full and on off, Harry Brook drives this to extra cover for a single.

Good length around off, Harry Brook gives it a good look and leaves it.

Now that makes a lot of sense. Good length, going across the batter, Harry Brook leaves it all alone.

Full and wide outside off, Harry Brook chases this wide outside off and swings at it. Gets beaten on the outside. This was too wide outside off and Brook would've been better off leaving this.

A maiden from Scott Boland as he bowls a length ball on off and Ben Stokes dead bats it.

Back of a length around off, Ben prods in front to block but bails out as the ball shoots on him. Dabs this gently towards point.

On a length around middle and off, Ben Stokes stays deep inside the crease and keeps it out.

Good length wide of off, Ben Stokes initially looks to leave it but ends up blocking this around cover.

Hard length on off, Ben Stokes dead bats it.

On a length around off, Ben gets right behind the line of it and blocks it under his eyeline.

On a length around the pads, Ben Stokes nudges this through square leg for one. Just a run and a wicket from the over, Starc's bowling figures read 8-0-42-1 but his current spell reads 2-0-6-1.

Good length wide of off, Ben Stokes leaves it all alone.

Here comes that full and swinging delivery from Starc. This lands on a good length and shapes away from Ben Stokes who gets squared up as he looks to flick but ends with an outside edge back to the bowler.

Skipper Ben Stokes walks in next, at number 6, replacing Joe Root.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Excellent review from Australia this time and it is number 17 for Starc in this series. Very full, outside off, from around the wicket, Joe Root looks to drive but seems to have missed it. The ball goes through to the keeper and the slip cordon goes up immediately in an appeal for the catch, while Starc joins belatedly. The reason for that might have been because Root's bat hit the ground at the same time as well. But this time, Smith did not ask anyone regarding the review. Even before Starc could ask him regarding the review, the 'T' sign was up in a flash and if that was not enough, he started to celebrate with Alex Carey too! Starc looked a bit confused but joined in the celebrations anyway. And here came UltraEdge - the spike comes when the ball is near the outside edge of the bat and then, the bat hits the ground. The decision is overturned and Starc has Root for the 11th time in Tests - joint most for Root along with Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah! Root departs for 15 and from 90/1, England are now 121/4! The deficit reads 56 runs.

Short pitched, around off, Joe Root hops up on his toes and gides this to backward point's left. Root was keen on the single but Brook sent him back.

Back of a length on middle and off, Joe Root goes deep inside the crease and dabs this to gully.

LBW appeal and Australia waste a review. With Brook primarily batting around the off stump, it is pretty difficult to get him adjudged LBW unless the ball is pretty straight. On a length this ball was, outside off and Boland made it to come back in. Brook missed his defense and was hit on the pads but even then, it always seemed like he was hit outside off. Boland though, was pretty confident and Smith gave in. When technology loaded, Ball Tracking showed the impact to be outside off.

DRS time! Boland has managed to convince his skipper to take the LBW review. Looks to be a bad call for the review to the naked eye. Primarily impact. Yep, impact outside off. Review lost.

FOUR! Fine shot. On a length, outside off, a bit of width, Harry Brook reaches out and steers it behind point. The ball races away. The deficit is now 56.

Good length on the pads, Harry Brook nudges this through the mid-wicket region for two here.

Scott hits the hard length, on off, Harry Brook defends this on off.

On a length wide of off, Harry Brook leaves it all alone.

Good length wide of off, Harry Brook gets low to block but the ball keeps low and beats him.

Worrying signs for Australia. After his exploits with the bat, Mitchell Starc has just not looked in rhythm in this innings. In fact, he was off the field for a brief period and even now, he is stretching his neck a little. He has been Australia's strike force, with 16 scalps, but the next best for the Aussies have been Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland with 6 apiece. With no Hazlewood and Cummins, it will be a tricky task for the home side to pick up wickets if Starc does not strike. Here comes Scott Boland. 5-0-21-1 so far.

Back of a length around off, Joe Root leaves it all alone.

Good length, on the pads. Joe Root gets inside the line of it and flicks this through square leg for two more.

On a length around off, Joe Root prods in front and punches this through the cover region for a couple.

Short and wide of off, Joe Root guides this to gully for no run.

Good length on middle and off, Joe Root blocks this to mid on.

Short pitched, on off, Harry Brook hops up on his toes and tucks this through mid-wicket for one.

It will be interesting to see how Harry Brook plays from here on. With the pitch doing something, he usually tries to take the bowlers on and play different kind of strokes, just to take the bowlers off their rhythm. And perhaps, sensing just that, Smith gets Mitchell Starc back on. 6-0-36-0 so far. There is a bit of hammering going around his landing area, but crucially, from around the wicket. Joe Root is not happy with something as he shakes his head after a chat with the umpire. Not sure what. Here we go then... Starc vs Brook, from around the wicket.

On a length, outside off, Joe thinks of leaving it but at the last moment, opens the face of his bat and runs it down to gully.

Full and straight, Root gets right inside the line and defends.

Full, outside off, Joe Root gets a big stride in to defend the ball towards mid off.

Uppish, but into space. Full, outside off, slanting in, Harry looks to drive again but skews it off the outer half of the bat through point. A single taken.

Full and wide outside off, Brook leans and drives it through the covers for a couple. The deficit is now 68.

This one nips back in from a length, outside off, Harry Brook looks to play it through the off side but the sudden bounce takes him by surprise. Ends up fending it off the gloves on the off side.

Around off, pushed towards cover. Root wants the single but gets sent back.

Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Ooohhh... this one hits a crack. On a good length, just outside off, JR stays back to defend but the ball hits something and jags back, staying low as well. Beats the bat and luckily for Root, misses the off stump.

Back of a length, outside off, Joe punches it to the right of backward point this time and gets a couple.

Around middle and off, Root works it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! And that's a Joe Root special. Absolutely calm under pressure. Back of a length, outside off, Root stays back, waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it to the left of gully for a boundary.

On middle and off, another block. 6 runs and a wicket from the over. Michael Neser's bowling figures read 6-0-24-2 but his current spell reads 3-0-10-2.

Full and just around off, Harry gets down nicely to defend.

FOUR! A boundary to get off the mark. Down the leg side, Brook tickles it to the fine leg fence. 100 IS UP FOR ENGLAND and the deficit is now 76 runs.

Nearly gone first ball! On a length, outside off, Harry Brook comes half forward to defend but the ball jags back in, hits something and goes over the stumps. Well taken by Alex Carey who appeals for the catch, joined in by Neser too, but then the bowler himself indicates that the ball did not hit the bat.

Harry Brook walks in next, at number 5, replacing Zak Crawley.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! The pressure of dot balls tells and Neser gets his second wicket in the span of 14 balls. Before this delivery, Australia strung a set of 11 dot balls. While that may not sound a lot in a Test match, it does affect those who are in rhythm. Factor this - before Pope's dismissal, Crawley was batting on 42 (53). After his dismissal, he faced just 5 balls and scored just 2 runs of the 21 balls bowled prior to this one. Full and outside off, Crawley looks to punch this down the ground, but just like Pope, cannot quite keep it down. In fact, because it is not hit hard, the ball goes low towards the bowler. But Neser shows excellent reflexes to take the catch low to his right. That's two set batters dismissed in fairly quick succession. Crawley departs for a fine 44 and from 90/1, England are 97/3! The deficit reads 80 runs.

On a length, around off, coming in with the angle, Zak Crawley works it behind square leg and gets a couple.

Full and straight, once again Joe Root falls over in his attempt to flick. Mistimes it to mid on. A maiden for Doggett - his second and he is the only bowler in this innings to string 6 consecutive dot balls in an over in this innings.

On a good length, outside off, JR comes forward to play at that but takes his bat away from the line. Good carry on that one.

Full and straight, Joe falls over a touch and flicks, but finds mid on.

Short and just outside off, Root stays back and pushes it towards cover.

On a length, outside off, Joe Root thinks about playing at that one before bailing out in the end.

Full and outside off, left alone.

18/1 in the last 5 overs. Once again, Australia shifting to that effort of trying to be stump to stump. In fact, it has only been Mitchell Starc who has gone for a tour around the park, in his search for swing and early wickets. And that's another box ticked for England - do not allow Starc any rhythm and the whole rhythm will be yours.

On a length, outside off, 135 kph, ZC gets across and lets it pass.

Full and just outside off, Zak defends solidly.

Landed just outside off, Crawley pushes it towards cover.

Full, outside off, 132.8 kph, Zak Crawley pushes it towards mid on.

On a length again, a bit too straight, 130.5 kph, Root clips this through square leg for a single.

The keeper is upto the stumps now. On a length, outside off, Joe Root hangs back and pushes it towards point.

A short ball, outside off, Joe swivels and pulls it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Root rises with the bounce and dabs it towards point.

A short ball, outside off, Joe Root arches away from the line.

On a length, around off, pushed towards cover.

Full, outside off, driven towards cover.

A short ball, around off, kept out.

Good length on the pads, Joe Root milks this through square leg for a single to close a successful over for the Aussies. 3 runs and a wicket for Michael Neser.

Back of a length, wide outside off, Joe Root watches it all along and leaves it.

Good length, going down the leg, Joe Root flicks this through backward square leg and takes two.

Back of a length on middle and off, nipping back into the batter. Joe Root blocks this off his back foot.

Good length on off, Joe Root defends this off his front foot.

The centurion of the first innings, Joe Root, walks in next, at number 4, replacing Ollie Pope.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Michael Vaughan predicted this just an over ago. He felt that given the way Pope was batting, he won't be surprised if there is a wicket around the corner. And the wicket does come. Reckless cricket from Pope. Full, outside off, Ollie Pope looks to hammer this straight back down the ground. However, neither can he keep the ball along the ground, nor can he get enough elevation to clear the bowler. It goes straight back to Neser who does not make a mistake this time, having dropped Duckett earlier. The 42-run stand is broken and Pope departs for a frenetic 26, which mostly came through risky shots. England are 90/2 and trail by 87 runs.

Michael Neser has been given the ball. 3-0-14-0 so far.

Excellent effort from Scott Boland at deep square leg. Overpitched, around middle and leg, Ollie whips this through square leg. The ball races away and so does Boland. Gets to the ball, puts in a dive and pushes the ball away. But at the same time, he also touches the ropes. Hence, the third umpire is called into question. After a couple of looks, it does appear that Boland first pushed the ball away and then touched the ropes. The effort is recognized and three runs are added to the total. 12 from the over!

Another boundary? Or a good save? Scott Boland has put in a decent effort at the square leg fence but the effort has been referred upstairs. Called a good effort.

EDGED, FOUR! Australia getting some taste of their own luck. The ball was evading the fielders when they were batting and now, the same luck is going towards England. Full and wide outside off, Pope throws his bat hard at it and gets a thick outside edge. Flies over a leaping second slip to the deep third fence.

A miscalculated leave from Pope but he survives. On a length around leg, Ollie Pope shuffles inside the line of it and offers no stroke as this appeared to be going down leg. The ball tickles the outside of Pope's front pad and goes back to the keeper.

FOUR, JUST OVER! And it might be problems for Josh Inglis too. Full and wide outside off, Ollie Pope goes hard on the drive and hits it aerially over cover. Is not in total control and hence, the ball kind of skews away. Inglis leaps full stretch at cover but the ball goes over him. Inglis then lands awkwardly on his right shoulder and gets up very gingerly, holding his right shoulder. He is definitely feeling some pain but is continuing for now.

Good length, going down leg. Zak Crawley misses out on the flick and gets it brushed off the pads toward short fine leg for a leg bye.

Hard length around off, Zak Crawley rides the bounce and pushes this to mid on for no run.

One more for Starc in this spell? 3-0-11-0 so far. It might sound odd but batting for that long has actually taken some gas off him. He is bowling with pace but the accuracy is missing. Might be better off with some rest and come around after an hour or so, in the dying moments of the day. Smith feels the same way and brings back Brendan Doggett. 2-1-1-0 so far. It will be challenging for him to maintain the rhythm that he had generated at the start of the session.

Good length on middle and off, Ollie Pope blocks this well.

On a length around middle and off, Zak Crawley flicks this towards the right of Michael Neser at mid on. Neser puts in a dive, gets a bit of hand to it and takes the sting out of it. Just a single taken.

Good length, wide of off, Zak Crawley strides out in front and leaves it all alone.

Full and wide outside off, Zak Crawley drives this on the up to cover. There were runs for the taking had Zak beaten the fielder on either side.

Good length around off, Zak Crawley looks to pounch this off his front foot but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Back of a length around off, Zak Crawley blocks this around silly point.

Good observation by Michael Vaughan on air. He says that the best way to play Starc with the pink ball is to watch the seam position. If he is going for the outswinger, he uses the scrambled seam. Conversely, if he is looking to swing the ball back in, he uses the conventional seam position. These two batters seem to be doing just that. 27 runs have come in the last 5 overs and after a slow start to his innings, Pope is gelling well along too.

On a length, wide outside off, Ollie Pope leaves it all alone.

On a length around middle and off, Ollie Pope pushes this straight to cover.

Full and wide of off, Ollie Pope goes for the big booming drive through cover but gets beaten by pace. He was significantly late on getting the bat down.

Full and wide outside off, Zak Crawley accepts the width on offer and drives this towards Jake Weatherald's left at deep point for one.

Good length on off, Zak Crawley leans low and keeps it out. Zak is looking good.

Full and on off, Zak Crawley blocks this off his front foot.

Good length around off, Ollie Pope looks rock solid in striding out in front and blocking it.

FOUR! AWESOME! Overpitched by Boland and punished. Outside off, Ollie Pope comes forward and drives it right back to where it came from. Down the ground, to the right of mid off.

The cracks are opening up a bit more with each passing moment. Good length wide of off, Ollie Pope leaves it but even this keeps rising from a good length.

Good length around off, Ollie Pope solidly blocks this one.

Good length around off, Zak Crawley pushes this gently in front of Michael Neser at mid on and sets off for a quick single. Neser charges on the ball and throws it underarm on the dive but misses at the non-striker's end. Zak makes his ground by then.

Good length on middle and off, Zak Crawley defends this off his front foot.

Got to feel for Brendan Doggett. He set the tone after Dinner and got the ball moving. He was just getting into some rhythm but unfortunately for him, his skipper felt that with the movement that he was getting, Starc could do some damage to the opposition. Might do more damage to Doggett instead.

Starc is searching for the toes, goes for a yorker and almost outfoxes Pope here. Ollie Pope was equally up for it as he blocks this around mid-wicket. Good cricket all around.

That must have hit a crack or something. Good length around off, shoots a lot at the batter. Ollie Pope had already decided to leave it and that turns out to be a really good decision with what the ball did after landing.

On a length around the pads, Zak Crawley flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good length around middle and off, Zak Crawley pumps this straight back to the bowler.

EDGED, FOUR! The runs have started to flow again as Zak Crawley decides to counterpunch. A short ball, outside off, Crawley throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes towards gully where Cameron Green is stationed and he leaps too - but the ball just goes over his leap to the deep third fence. The deficit is now 107.

That's well struck by Pope. On a length around off, Ollie Pope strides closer to the pitch of the delivery and he drives this through the extra cover region for three. Travis Head does well to chase this from mid off and flick this back inside the playing area inches from the fence.

Full and wide of off, Zak Crawley swings and misses.

FOUR! Zak seems to be batting on a different deck altogether from his partner on the other end. Good length around middle and off, Zak Crawley gets right on top of the bounce and drives this past a diving mid on fielder to his left for four runs.

Good length around off, Ollie Pope looks to block this around mid-wicket but the ball shoots a wee bit on him and he gets it edged towards cover for one.

FOUR! This will make him breathe easy. A bit more confidence is reflected in this stroke. On a length around middle and off, Ollie Pope shuffles across and glances this towards the fine leg region for a boundary.

Pitched up, wide of off, Ollie Pope offers a drive but mistimes this off the cue end of the bat. Gets is through extra cover though for a couple.

It continues to be scratchy from Pope. Back of a length around off, Ollie Pope goes for the flick but misses out again and is hit around his abdomen.

There is a bit of hammering going around the bowler's landing area.

Full and wide outside off, Zak Crawley leaves it all alone.

Good length around off, Zak Crawley defends this not convincingly but he does enough to keep it out.

Cross-seam this time, around off again, a bit fuller. Zak Crawley flashes at it, gets an inside edge that rolls to fine leg for two.

Wobbled-seam from Starc, on a good length, around off. Zak Crawley gets onto his back foot and blocks it around cover.

Starc hits the deck hard, angling across the batter. Zak Crawley strides closer to the pitch of the delivery and blocks.

Good length wide of off, Zak Crawley does well by not chasing it and leaving it all alone.

5/1 in 4 overs post Dinner. Australia have focussed on landing the ball in the right areas and try to minimize the run flow. A bit of a surprise. He was looking a bit tired before Dinner, but Mitchell Starc has been denied some more rest. Here he comes back on. 3-0-25-0 so far.

Another one, banged short, wide of off. Ollie Pope shoulders his arms at it.

On a length around middle and off, Ollie Pope rolls this down to mid on.

Short and wide of off, Ollie Pope leaves it all alone.

The Aussies are right on top at the moment. Beating the bat and finding edges but the final product is around the corner, one feels. On a length around off, Ollie Pope strides across the stumps and goes for a front foot defensive punch. Gets beaten and the ball deflects off his pads to the keeper. Loud appeal of LBW but the umpire once again turns it down. Boland looks at his captain again and this time, he really seems interested. But Smith straightaway indicates that the impact was outside off and that is it as far as a review is concerned.

Good length on the pads, Zak Crawley tucks this through square leg and hustles for a single. 50 UP FOR ENGLAND. Trail by 127.

Another situation where the Aussies appeal for a caught behind but the umpire doesn't entertain it. Good length around off, Zak Crawley presses in front, gets outside the line of off and looks to punch this to mid off. The ball shapes back in and it misses the inside edge of Zak's bat. The ball then deflects off his pads and back to the keeper. Boland has a look at his captain but Smith and Labuschagne straightaway shake their heads, denying any inside edge.

On a length around off, Ollie Pope pushes this back towards the bowler's right for no run.

Pope is not feeling very confident out in the middle. Back of a length around off, Ollie Pope looks to nudge this around mid-wicket but gets late on closing his bat face this time. The ball catches the outside edge and lands short of cover. Pope is not reading the length as well, it seems, because this hit him high around the sticker of his bat, which means he was not in a position to flick it either.

Brendan Doggett comes in the line of the stumps and bowls it on a hard length around off. Ollie Pope gets right behind the line of it and blocks.

Good length around off, Ollie Pope lets it go back to the keper.

On a length around middle and leg, Ollie Pope flicks this towards Mitchell Starc at mid on.

On a length just wide of off, Ollie Pope shoulders his arms at it.

Good length on middle and leg, Ollie Pope works this to long leg and gets off the mark with a single.

Almost the second for Big Scott. On a length around middle and off, Ollie Pope steps across and goes for a flick. Closes the bat face early and gets it edged in front of the bowler.

Ollie Pope walks in next, at number 3, replacing Ben Duckett. He too, is on a pair.

OUT! PLAYED ON! That's just so unlucky for Ben Duckett and he has a hard look at the pitch and then at Crawley, before trudging off. Scott Boland strikes in his first over. Comes around the stumps and bowls it on that nagging length around middle and off, angling it back into the batter. Duckett doesn't lean low and just looks to punch this standing upright. However, unfortunately for him, the ball doesn't bounce much and it strikes the toe end of his bat. It then bounces right back past him and hits the stumps! Boland and Australia will not mind. Duckett departs for 15 and the quickfire opening stand of 48 is broken. ENGLAND TRAIL BY 129.

On a length around middle and off, Zak Crawley gets it away off the inside of his bat to deep square leg for one.

Good length, down the leg. Zak Crawley goes for the flick but misses out. Alex Carey glides to his left and gathers this behind the stumps.

Good length around off, Ben Duckett flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Good start from Doggett. There was some movement on display, more than what we saw in the entire phase before Dinner. Should be Scott Boland from this end. Indeed. 1/87 in 19 overs in the first innings. So another box ticked by England. No wickets against the new ball.

Loud appeal for LBW from the Aussies but the umpire shrugs it away. Good length around middle and leg, shaping back into the batter. Zak Crawley gets beaten on the inside and the ball hits Zak high on the front pad. Doggett has a look at Steve Smith who straightaway indicates that it was a bit too high.

Beauty from Brendan Doggett. In the channel around the fourth stump line. Zak Crawley prods in front to block but the ball shapes away and Zak Crawley is beaten on the outside.

On a length around off, Zak Crawley strides out in front and leaves it all alone.

Good length around off, Ben Duckett guides this through backward point for the first run of the session.

Good length, going across the batter. The ball seems to have landed on the seam and nip away from the batter. Ben Duckett leaves it.

Brendan Doggett starts the final session of the day with a short one, on off. Ben Duckett dabs this around silly point.

Welcome back. An exciting phase of play beckons. It is night time, and the pink ball does move around under the lights, but England have got all their 10 wickets intact with their confidence sky high. It will be interesting to see whether and how the Aussies adapt now, given the barrage of runs scored. Brendan Doggett gets the opportunity to start the session. 1/81 in 15.2 overs in the first dig. Duckett to face. Let's resume!

... DAY 3, FINAL SESSION ...

Two boxes ticked for England. First, deny the early wicket to Starc. Second, stay unscathed till the break. If the pitch was looking good during the day, it has gotten even better to bat under the lights. Having said that, Australia will not mind this break. This gives them a chance to regroup and work on their lengths, especially with the ball not swinging. That short span earlier perhaps put them under more pressure, to try and take a wicket or two, but now with the next session slated for two-and-a-half hours easily, they might want to settle down a bit. From England's point of view, imagine where would they be if they continue to go at this rate. Back on parity by Stumps? Join us back by 9 am GMT for the final session. 37 overs scheduled.

28 minutes is usually too less to pick up a wicket or two but one just got the feeling that Australia were a bit too desperate for strikes with the new ball. They were overeager to take wickets with the ball swinging, because as has been seen in this game, once the ball stops swinging, there is barely anything for the bowlers. And in that approach, they bowled way too many freebies and allowed England to rattle along at 7.5 an over.

This is some way to start the innings trailing behind by a mammoth 177. Having been on the field for nearly 2 sessions of the day, braving the heat and frustration, the English openers have just come out and Bazballed a chunk of the deficit in next to no time.

Outside off, pushed towards cover. DINNER ON DAY 3, ENGLAND 45/0, TRAIL BY 132!

Full, around off, defended solidly.

On a good length now, outside off, nipping back in, Crawley gets across to flick but misses and is hit high on the thighs.

On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

Uppish, but safe! Full, outside off, Ben Duckett goes hard on the drive, coming forward. The ball hits the face of the bat and lobs in the air. Travis Head dives to his left from mid off, but the ball lands just in front of him and bursts through his hands. By the time he can get up and recover the ball, another triplet is taken. Jeez, that's the third triple in 32 balls in this inning!

That's interesting. Are Australia rattled already? We are just into the 6th over of the innings and there is already a deep square leg in place. Full and on middle, Zak Crawley flicks it through mid-wicket and by the time the deep square leg fielder can get to his left to stop the ball, three runs are taken. The stand moves to 42 (31)!

Last over before Dinner. No experiments from Smith. Neser to continue.

Full, around off, Zak Crawley pushes it to deep point for a single. Just one dot ball in that over, going for 13!

Full, outside off, ZC punches it through point for another couple. The deficit is now 139.

Scrambled seam, on a length, outside off, slanting away, Zak looks to drive this on the up without moving his feet and misses.

FOUR! Excellent batting. On a length, outside off, Zak Crawley gets on top of the bounce and punches it on the up through the covers, for the second boundary of the over.

Full on middle and leg, swinging down, Crawley looks to flick, but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards fine leg and the batters take a couple. Leg byes signalled.

FOUR! AMAZING! Full, outside off, Zak Crawley comes forward and exhibits a lovely straight drive. The ball pings off the middle of the bat and races through mid off, to find the boundary. The deficit is now 147. This stand is now worth 30 (25)!

FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Full and straight, 132.4 kph, BD clips it through mid-wicket. Scott Boland gives it a good chase from mid on and gets to the ball with a slide and pushes it back in. But by the time the backup fielder arrives, the batters have enough time to return for the fourth.

On a length, outside off, Ben shoulders arms.

FOUR BYES! Misdirection of the radar. This would have been a nice outswinger for Crawley but for Duckett, this is pitched well outside leg and then swinging further down. He lets it go and Alex Carey has no chance behind the stumps.

DROPPED! Is that the luck which Ben Duckett needs? Full on middle, Duckett looks to hammer this down the ground but plays the shot a bit too early. Ends up getting it off the toe end of the bat but still, the ball rockets back to the bowler. Michael Neser tries to hold on with both hands but the ball pings his palms and pops out.

Fuller and wider outside off, Duckett lets it go.

On a length, outside off, slanting away, Ben Duckett punches it to Jake Weatherald at point.

The Barmy Army has found it voice again. It was silent for most part of the day but this quickfire start has got the band going.

FOUR! England are going at run-a-ball in this second innings. Overpitched, swinging down leg, Zak Crawley whips it through square leg. The deficit is now 159.

Full and straight, hint of inward shape, Crawley works it towards mid-wicket.

On a length, around off, 140.2 kph, Zak Crawley waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it past gully, to his right. By the time Cameron Green can get to the ball with a slide, two more runs are taken.

Full and down the leg side, Ben clips it over mid-wicket. The timing is not that great and hence, the ball clugs in the outfield. Enough time to return for three.

On a length, outside off, Duckett lets it go.

Full, outside off, 138.9 kph, nipping back in, Ben Duckett stays in his crease and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Full and wide outside off, going straight on, Zak Crawley makes a hattrick of leaves.

Outside off, on a length, moving away, ZC lets it go again.

Better bowling, excellent leave. On a length, just outside off, nipping back in, but Zak knows where his off stump is and shoulders arms. That bounces a shade but is away from the off stump.

FOUR! The first boundary for England. That will give Crawley a lot of confidence. Neser goes for the glory ball, the big booming inswinger, but ends up landing the ball on middle and leg, on too full a length. Zak Crawley whips it without fuss through square leg. The deficit is now 168.

Better line, starting outside off and slanting inward, then moving away, Crawley lets it go again.

Full and wide outside off to start. There is some outswing available, but the line was just too wide. Zak Crawley gets across and lets it go.

First things first for England. Mitchell Starc has been denied a wicket in his opening over. In all the previous three innings, he has struck in his first over. Michael Neser will share the new strawberry with Starc.

On middle and leg, on a length, 141.5 kph, Zak nudges it through square leg for a run.

Off the king pair and then the pair, in grand style! Starc goes for the big booming inswinger but dishes a half volley on the pads. Ben clips it through mid-wicket and gets three runs.

Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Duckett walks down the track and pushes it towards backward point.

Landed outside off, Ben Duckett comes forward and pushes it towards mid off.

Over to Ben Duckett now, who is on a pair.

On a length, outside off, Crawley taps it towards mid off and takes a quick single.

Good length to start. Full, outside off, swinging in, Zak Crawley watchfully pushes it towards cover.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Finally, a wicket for a spinner in this Test match. Will Jacks bowls from a bit wide of the crease and slants one across the batter. Brendan Doggett looks to block but the ball kept going away from him, catching an outside edge that was taken cleanly by Harry Brook at first slip. Australia are stopped at 511 with the lead reading 177!

Tossed up on middle and leg, Brendan Doggett keeps it out around silly mid on.

Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Doggett blocks it.

What a batting display from the Aussies! 6 fifty-plus stands and just 1 partnership failing to reach double figures is a remarkable effort, showcasing their incredible depth and consistency throughout the batting order!.

Banged short again, wide of off, Brendan Doggett pushes this through cover for a single.

Short and on off, Scott Boland jams this around cover and rotates.

Another one where Carse bends his back and bowls a short one, around leg. Scott Boland lets it go past him.

Brydon Carse comes around the wickets and bowls a short one, going across the batter. Scott Boland swings and misses again.

Short and wide of off, Scott Boland chases this and slashes hard at it but gets beaten.

Short pitched, on middle and off, Scott Boland hops up on his toes and jams this down.

WIDE! Short one, way down the leg. Even in the whites of Test this is called wide by the umpire.

This has to be frustrating for Ben Stokes and England. Another gritty partnership towards the end of the Aussie innings as Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett continue to show resiliance.

EDGED, SHORT! Pushed through on middle and off, Brendan Doggett strides out in front and looks to dead bat it. Gets it edged off the outside and the ball lands short of Harry Brook at first slip.

Pushed through on off, Brendan Doggett blcoks this off his front foot.

Will Jacks now comes over the stumps, bowls it full and on the pads, Brendan Doggett ticksles this fine to the right of fine leg for two.

Even Scott is not putting a foot wrong. Short of a length on middle and leg, Scott Boland goes deep inside his crease and works this to fine leg for a single.

Quicker one, on middle and off, Scott Boland blocks this off his back foot.

Tossed up from around the wicket, on off. Brendan Doggett drives this through extra cover for a single.

Short pitched, into the batter, Scott Boland sits underneath this as well.

Back of a length on off, Scott Boland blocks this out.

Australia's lead stretches to 170 now. Good length wide of off, Scott Boland opens his bat face and just guides this through the gully region for two more.

Short and on off, Scott Boland is in no mood to poke at it as he ducks under.

Good length on off, Scott Boland keeps it out off his front foot.

Short pitched, on middle and off, Scott Boland rides the bounce and dabs this towards silly point.

Fuller on off, Brendan Doggett blocks this out.

FOUR! WOW! Is that really a stroke from the bat of number 11? Perfect use of the feet and in the gap as well for four from Brendan Doggett. Short and wide of off, Brendan Doggett takes a baby step in front and then comes onto his back foot to cut this behind square on off for four runs. 500 comes up for Australia.

Quicker one, around middle and leg, Scott Boland flicks this through backward square leg and rotates.

Pushed through on off, Scott Boland defends this well.

Fuller on the pads, Brendan Doggett milks this towards the leg side for one.

Tossed up, around off. Brydon Carse strides a long way out and blocks.

DRINKS! Australia is still on top, but England's break of the partnership between Starc and Boland has given them a much-needed boost. With just one wicket left, England's goal will be to limit Australia's total to around 500 or 510 at most. Currently, Australia leads by 162 runs, so England needs to seize this momentum and wrap up the Aussie innings ASAP.

This never got up after pitching. On a length around off, Scott Boland stands and swings at it, fails to get bat on ball as the ball keeps really low. Luckily for Scott Boland, the ball was not in the line of the stumps.

Short pitched, around middle and leg. Scott Boland ducks underneath it.

On a length around middle and off, Scott Boland gets right behind the line of it and keeps it out.

Short pitched, down the leg. Brendan Doggett looks to take on the fine leg fielder and goes for the hook. Gets it tickled off his gloves towards the right of fine leg for one.

Good length wide of off, Brendan Doggett rocks onto his back foot and blocks this around cover.

Hard length, on middle and off. Brendan Doggett blocks this to the bowler's right.

Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Doggett gets it tickled off the inside to fine leg for a single. Doggett was a bit dodgy with his running as he turned back blindly for the second that was never there and was sent back just in time by Scott.

Tossed up, wide of off, Brendan Doggett tries to get closer to the pitch of the ball by striding out in front but he fails to do so and is beaten on the outside.

Even better from Scott as he strides out in front on a fuller one and dabs this in the gap towards point for a single.

Pushed through around middle and off, Scott Boland strides towards the pitch of it and blocks it out.

Quicker one, on off, Scott Boland defends this off his front foot.

Tossed up, around middle and leg. Scott Boland goes deep inside the crease and tucks this towards square leg.

Back of a length wide of off, Brendan Doggett jumps up on his toes and keeps his guard down.

Back of a length on the pads, Brendan Doggett hops up on his toes and flicks this through the square leg region and opens his account with a couple.

Good length on off, Brendan Doggett blocks this off his front foot. A solid defensive stroke from Brendan.

Short pitched, around leg, Brendan Doggett lets it go past him.

Brendan Doggett walks out last to bat for Australia.

OUT! CAUGHT! Carse comes into the attack and removes Mitchell Starc from the middle. Short and wide of off, Mitchell Starc looks to smash this up and over Ben Duckett at deep extra cover. Starc gets it away from the bottom of his bat and couldn't hit this far enough. The ball hangs in between deepish mid off and deep extra cover. Ben Stokes, running to his right from deepish mid off holds onto it but also bumps into Ben Duckett, who was gliding to his left from deepish extra cover. Stokes makes sure that he doesn't drop it. Starc is gone for 77.

Short and wide outside off, Mitchell Starc stands and slashes hard at it but gets beaten on the outside.

Full and fast outside off, 85.1 kph, Boland stays back to defend. THAT'S 50 BALLS FACED BY BOLAND NOW! Just for the second time in his Test batting career. The most he has faced is 74 balls, against India at the MCG, in 2024.

Slower through the air, 78.3 kph, from over the wicket, looped up outside off, but short in length. Scott Boland nudges it to the leg side.

Shortish again, outside off, Mitchell punches it through point for a single.

Shortish in length, around 81.1 kph, Starc stays back and punches it towards the bowler.

Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Full, around off, Mitchell Starc lunges and pushes this towards cover.

Ouch. The replay shows that the previous throw hit Starc on the hip. That would have been painful and Starc calls for some help from the physio. He is getting his body stretched out properly. The shadows are creeping onto the pitch now. This is the most difficult time to bat on this deck - the period when both, natural light and artificial lights are on. England won't mind seeing this, especially if Starc is not feeling fit. As good as his batting has been, it is his role with the ball later on, especially in the night session, which would be the thought process. He seems okay now, does Starc.

Back of a length, outside off, MS pushes it towards point and sets off for a quick single. Brydon Carse gets to the ball and fires a throw at the bowler's end but hits Starc instead. 10 runs from the over.

Around middle and off, this is blocked out now.

On a length, outside off, Mitchell looks to wind up, goes for the pull but misses.

FOUR! UP AND OVER! And just like that, Mitchell Starc is the highest scorer in this innings! Goes past Jake Weatherald's 72. On a length, outside off, Starc swings again but this time, does not quite middle it cleanly. Mid on is somewhere around three quarters from the rope and it lobs over him. This stand is worth 73 now.

WIDE. A cross-seamer, a bouncer, but way too high. Starc ducks and it is wided.

Back of a length, outside off, punched towards sweeper cover, no single taken.

FOUR! SMASH! AUSTRALIA'S LEAD TOUCHES 150. Full, outside off, right in the arc of Mitchell Starc, who just stands still and hammers it over the bowler, comfortably wide of mid off to his left. Starc himself moves to 71, with his 12th boundary.

Full, outside off, Scott Boland gets a big stride to defend but the ball pitches and then rips past the outside edge, spinning in.

Around middle and off, defended towards short leg.

Flatter ball, on middle, defended back.

Shorter, outside off, 82 kph, Mitchell rocks back and punches it through the covers. Promotion for Boland as he gets to face strike on the fourth ball of the over. So far, he has been taking strike only on the fifth or sixth deliveries, barring of course those overs when he has been forced to play the first ball.

Fuller, 84.1 kph, around middle and leg, Starc lunges and looks to defend but gets a bit of an inside edge towards mid-wicket.

Landed outside off, 85 kph, fractionally short, Mitchell Starc punches it towards long off. Does not run.

On a good length now, outside off, 131.5 kph, Boland looks to defend but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

A good bouncer, outside off, 137 kph, kicks up after pitching, Scott Boland sways out of the way.

On a length again, wide outside off, 132.2 kph, Starc punches this through point and does take the single this time.

On a length, outside off, 132.3 kph, punched towards point.

Shorter in length, outside off, 135.9 kph, Starc slices it behind point and does not take the single again.

On a length, outside off, 133.7 kph, Mitchell Starc slashes hard and gets a thick outside edge towards deep point. Does not take the single.

Around off, a touch short, 82.8 kph, Scott Boland punches it back to the bowler.

Around middle and off, Boland looks to flick it away but cannot get it past short leg.

Around off, bunted back to the bowler.

Fuller, outside off, this time Boland connects, driving the ball towards mid off.

Outside off, a play and a miss again.

Landed outside off, spinning in, Boland pokes and misses.

Meanwhile, a bit of good news for Australia. Pat Cummins, speaking from the commentary box, describes the current session as one of the best sessions of Test cricket he's witnessed in a while. He praises the intelligent batting display from Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, who have effectively absorbed the pressure and seized scoring opportunities. Regarding his own availability, Cummins expresses confidence that he SHOULD BE AVAILABLE for the Adelaide Test, barring any setbacks, as his body is feeling great. He reveals that he was very close to featuring in this game, having felt well, but the team management decided he wasn't quite match ready, citing concerns that bowling on consecutive days might have pushed his limits too far. However, Cummins has made a strong recovery and expects to be available for selection in the next game.

FOUR MORE! Full and wide outside off, Starc punches this through covers. This time, Ben Stokes gives it a chase from cover, even gets to the ball and tries to haul it back in, but while doing so, makes contact with the ropes. It is checked by the third umpire and boundary is signalled. The stand moves to 62.

FOUR! SWEET! The field comes up and Starc decides to free his arms. Overpitched, wide outside off, Mitchell Starc leans and creams the drive wide of Archer at mid off, to his right. The lead moves to 140 and Starc moves to 61, with his 10th boundary.

Much fuller, outside off, 133.8 kph, MS drives it with a loose bottom hand. The ball pings off the bat and rockets towards Jofra Archer at mid off.

On a length again, around off, nipping back in, Mitchell looks to flick but is beaten all ends up, as the ball goes over the stumps. The bowler appeals for caught behind but gets no support from anyone else.

Similar ball, but this generates extra bounce. Starc comes half forward but the ball rears up. Accordingly, he goes back and fends it towards point.

On a good length, from around the wicket, outside off, coming in, Mitchell Starc stays back to defend.

A touch short, spinning, but down the leg side. Boland pads it away.

FOUR! SUBLIME! My word, that is a shot which would have made any batter proud. Tossed up, wide outside off, Scott Boland leans and drives it magnificently through the covers.

Full, around off, Boland defends.

50-RUN STAND UP! 6th of this innings! Perhaps the slowest of the innings but very crucial nevertheless. Full and down the leg side, 83.7 kph, Mitchell lunges to flick but the ball skids through, takes the inner half of the bat and scoots through fine leg. Single taken.

On middle and leg, 83.6 kph, pretty full, Starc works it towards mid-wicket.

Full, flighted, around middle, Mitchell Starc comes forward to defend.

This stand is worth 49 now. As precious are the runs, it is also about consuming time. 120 balls. That's 20 overs. Nearly a whole session.

Very full, around middle and leg, Boland whips it through mid-wicket and starts to run, but is sent back by Starc.

On a length, around middle and off, Scott Boland defends again.

Fuller, around off, SB comes forward and defends solidly.

Back of a length, outside off, Scott stays leg side of the ball again and punches it towards point.

EDGED, FOUR! A bit fortuituous but Australia will take it. Back of a length, outside off, Boland looks to cut hard again, moving to the leg side but is cramped for room. Gets a thick inside edge which goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence! Boland moves to 11 and this lead moves to 131.

Short, outside off, Scott Boland cuts hard into the ground, but cannot beat point.

Short, outside off, cut straight to point. A maiden for Jacks, which means Boland will be on strike from the first ball.

Fuller now, around middle, 84.2 kph, Mitchell Starc defends.

Short again, outside off, quicker in pace this time, 86.4 kph. MS cuts it straight to point.

A touch shorter now, around off, 79.3 kph, Mitchell is surprised as he initially comes forward, but has to adjust to push it towards cover.

Floated, around middle and off, 84.4 kph, Starc comes forward again and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Tossed up, around leg stump, from around the wicket, Mitchell Starc lunges to defend.

On a good length, around middle and leg, extra bounce, Scott Boland manages to nudge it to the right of short leg.

A short ball now, around off, pushed into the off side for a single.

FOUR! PRISTINE! It is a good line, but not necessarily the length. Whenever England have gone for the stumps, they have been just a touch too full. This is around middle and off but Mitchell Starc is up for it. Drives it straight back past the bowler who tries to bend to his left to stop the ball but it scoots through. No further chance for Jofra Archer at mid off who lumbers the chase but in vain. Also, the third umpire informs the on-field umpire that Atkinson has overstepped. NO BALL signalled.

On a length, around middle and leg, Starc stays in his crease and blocks it out.

Full, on middle and leg, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards mid on.

Full, outside off, angling in, let through.

A short ball, on middle, pushed towards mid-wicket.

Who will it be from the other end? No Archer yet. It will be Gus Atkinson. 23-6-85-1 so far.

Short and wide outside off, Mitchell crunches the cut through point, to retain the strike with a single.

FOUR! STUPENDOUS! 12TH TEST HALF CENTURY FOR STARC, crucially, 5th against England. Full, around off, Starc has had enough of prodding. Gets down and swings it over mid-wicket. Gets it off the toe end of the bat, but has enough on it to make the ball crash into the ropes. The lead moves to 120.

Landed outside off, pretty full, Starc gets a full lunge and then lets it go.

Landed outside off, defended to the leg side.

On the pads, Starc misses his flick. The ball rolls away to the leg side off the pads.

TURN AND BOUNCE! There is some grass on the surface but where is the GOAT? Geez, he would have been more than a handful in the second innings. Look away now, Nathan Lyon. Full, around off, Mitchell Starc comes half forward to defend but the ball pitches and rips away past the outside edge, with some extra bounce!

England get into a huddle just near the boundary. Joe Root offers some positive advice to the players to try and pump them up and off they charge out to the field. By contrast, Starc and Boland come out very slowly out to the middle, possibly because after this innings ends, they will barely have any time to put their feet in the dressing room for some rest! Will Jacks will kickstart this session. 2-0-10-0 so far.

How long? The million dollar question on everyone's mind. How long will it take for England to pick up these last two wickets? How long can Australia frustrate the visitors in this session? I am not a great face reader but the Aussies looked really happy at the end of the afternoon session. So one might expect some shots to be played for some quick runs, but personally, Starc would say, let me get my half century first and then possibly, will try to tee off.

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

All is not lost for England by any means of imagination. The lead for Australia reads 116 but given the batting conditions, it won't take long for the visitors to cut that off. Having said that, the pitch has started to show some tricks and could get difficult to bat come Days 4 and 5. So the tourists will aim to wrap things quickly after the break and then bat for a good 4 sessions, posing a good target for the Aussies. The second session is set to resume at 6.40 am GMT.

It would have been pretty easy for Starc to go bang bang, get the Aussies quickly upto 450 and still mount a decent lead. But what that would have done is, given the Brits nearly 3 hours of batting before twilight and get a decent headstart into their second innings. Now, there is just an hour left for the twilight period to begin and with the ball doing all kinds of things in the night session, the Kangaroos will be hoping to make the Lions hop, skip and jump.

Farming the strike, going at roughly 2 runs per over. Before the 8th wicket fell, Australia's run rate was around the 5-mark. So why didn't they press on and try to score quick runs? What have they gained by this dogged resistance? The questions are pretty fair, but let's also look at who is batting at the crease. Had Carey been there, the Aussies might have well crossed 500 by now. Traditionally, Day 3 offers the best batting conditions at the 'Gabba and the hosts did not want the opposition to get maximum use of the conditions.

96 balls. That's how much this 9th wicket pair has batted so far. And of that, Scott Boland has faced only 27 balls. It has been a proper farming period, where the lesser-recognized batter is facing roughly 2 balls on an average per over. The frustration for England would be that they have bowled well, but not consistently enough to beat the bat or get the edges or wickets. Stokes set the tone early, striking in the third over of the day, getting Neser while Atkinson struck in the third over of the second new ball, getting Carey. But nothing after that. There has been decent bounce and carry with the second strawberry, but the Aussies were just defiant.

72/2 in 26 overs in the first session of Day 3. England definitely bowled well as compared to their display on Friday but still, walk into the dressing room with heads down. After striking twice in the first hour, they would have been looking forward to bat for a decent period in the opening session, but the 9th wicket stand has frustrated them.

450 UP FOR AUSTRALIA! An attacking shot to end the session. Full and wide outside off, Mitchell Starc throws his bat at it and gets it over cover. Does not have enough on it though and the ball stops just inside the ropes. Probably a good result for the home side as Starc has enough time to come back for the third and retain the strike for the next session. TEA ON DAY 3, AUSTRALIA LEAD BY 116!

Full and down the leg side, MS misses his flick and gets it off his pads behind square leg. He thinks about the single but then changes his mind.

Tactics. If Australia do not lose any more wicket, this will be the last over before Tea but Starc wants to be 100 percent sure. With two balls left in the over, he calls for a change in gloves.

A short ball now, from over the wicket, outside leg stump, angling away, Mitchell looks to defend but the ball deviates away and squares him up. Takes the outside edge and drops on the off side.

On a good length, from around the wicket, on middle and off, Starc plays inside the line but the ball deviates from that length and beats the outside edge and the off stump.

Fuller, slightly wider outside off, Mitchell Starc shoulders arms.

Full, around off, defended solidly.

Full, around off, Scott Boland gets a big stride to defend but gets hit on the pads. Oohs and aahs from the close-in fielders for LBW but there was an inside edge involved.

OVERTHROW! Pope is frustrated with his keeper. Fractionally short of full, around middle and leg, Mitchell Starc works it through the leg side. Ollie Pope is sharp to react and stops the ball with his right hand at short leg and instantaneously, flings the ball at the stumps. He misses but sadly for him, the keeper, Jamie Smith cannot gather the ball and the batters take the run off the overthrow to fine leg. Even if he had hit, Starc would have been back in, but that was some sharp reflex.

Quicker one, outside off, MS looks to cut but misses.

NEARLY TO HAND! Full and down the leg side, Mitchell leans to flick and just about gets it wide of Pope, towards bacjward square leg.

Field change. A fielder comes in at short leg now. Ollie Pope it is. Jacks has a decent height, so he can get extra bounce.

Similar ball, this time Starc gets a big stride out to meet the ball.

Full, around middle and off, from around the wicket, Mitchell Starc defends.

Fair enough to say, England won't bat in this session now. What can happen instead is, if the 9th wicket falls before the break, this session could be extended. Finally, Stokes turns back to spin and shows confidence in Will Jacks. 1-0-9-0 so far, and curiously, the last time he bowled, it was roughly 24 hours back!