England vs Australia, The Ashes, 2023 Full score card
5th Test, Kennington Oval, London, 27 Jul, 2023
England
ENG
283/10
(54.4) overs
395/10
(81.5) overs
Australia
AUS
295/10
(103.1) overs
334/10
(94.4) overs
England beat Australia by 49 runs
Player Of The Match
Chris Woakes,
England
Commentary
We are all set for the final innings of Ashes 2023! England players walk out to the field as Aussie openers, David Warner and Usman Khawaja make their way out to the middle too. Stuart Broad has taken his hat off and will start the proceedings with the ball. David Warner awaits at the other end, here we go...
... FINAL INNINGS ....
Talking of cricket, England have added 6 runs this morning and the pitch still is pretty good to bat on. However, Aussies need to be more proactive than they were in the first innings and a good start will be critical in their pursuit here. Todd Murphy and Mitchell Starc have picked four wickets each to give Australia a chance here and let's see how things pan out. Also, on this day, in 2011, Stuart Broad picked up an hattrick against India in a Test match. It wil be quite a moment if he does that in his final game too. Stay tuned for Australia’s final reply.
That’s it! England have been bowled out for 395 and Australia need 384 runs to win this series by a 3-1 margin. We have seen the last of the Anderson-Broad pair with bat in hand but they would be itching to get their hands on that red cherry now and hunt down the Aussies in tandem for one last time. Broad has retired but there is uncertainty over Anderson’s future too, so let’s embrace the spectacle that is coming our way.
OUT! LBW! Todd Murphy gets his fourth of the game and England's innings has come to an end within two overs of Day 4! Todd Murphy loops this one full and pitching just outside off. The ball comes into the stumps with the angle as James Anderson goes for the reverse sweep once again. He does not connect this time and the ball hits him on his pad. A loud appeal from the bowler and the umpire takes a long time before raising his finger. James Anderson goes for the review and replays show that the ball is quite far from the bat. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and the on-field decision stands. England have been bowled out for 395 and Stuart Broad remains unbeaten in his last Test inning as the set the visitors a target of 384.
Well outside the off stump on a fullish length. James Anderson throws the kitchen sink at this but the ball is too far for him to connect.
Flighted wide outside the off pole on a fuller length. James Anderson goes for the all-mighty swing but only manages to slice it just short of the backward point fielder.
Tosses this full and in line with the stumps. James Anderson goes for the reverse sweep and connects well enough to get this to deep backward point. The do not take a run.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside the off stump. James Anderson is happy to leave this one alone.
Todd Murphy will start the day from the other end. Three wickets so far in his 22 overs.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 395/9
S Broad8 (8)
J Anderson8 (14)
M Starc20-2-100-4
SIX! Finally gets hold of one to the delight of the crowd! This is bowled short as well and on an off-stump line. Stuart Broad goes deep in the crease and pulls this handsomely over deep square leg for six runs.
Bangs this in short and in line with the stumps. Stuart Broad makes room and wields his blade but does not connect as the ball goes through to the keeper.
On a shortish length once again and outside the off pole. Stuart Broad pulls this well towards the fielder at deep square leg but does not take a run.
Bowls this back of a length and into the batter. Stuart Broad looks to swat this one away but misses and gets hit on the body.
Continues to bowl full and outside the off stump. Stuart Broad swings his blade hard and gets an inside edge towards deep backward square leg. They do not take a single though.
Mitchell Starc starts with a fullish delivery served just outside off. Stuart Broad dabs this towards the cover fielder.
So, we are all set for Day 4! England have not declared and Anderson-Broad are walking down the stairs as Aussies are ready with their Guard of Honour! Stuart Broad wanted Anderson to accompany him but Anderson stopped and has allowed Broad to soak in all the applause. Stuart Broad will take the strike as well as Mitchell Starc starts the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
As far as Australia is concerned, they did not do their chances any good on Day 3 of this Test match. England came out with their typical Bazball antics and scored runs at almost five runs per over to put Australia in a tricky position now. Root, Crawley, and Bairstow all scored runs at a rapid rate and though Australia found ways to take wickets, they need their batters to step up now to register an unlikely win here. Aussies would first have to take England’s final wicket though and it would be quite a spectacle to watch James Anderson and Stuart Broad bat together one final time in Test cricket. However, there is a possibility that rain might ruin that spectacle as the weather does not look promising. If we get a delayed start to the proceedings, England might just declare and not take any chances after what happened in Manchester. Get ready for a roller-coaster day at a jam-packed Kennington Oval.
Hello and a very warm welcome, folks! We are ready for what could be a pretty emotional day at the historic Kennington Oval. If this turns out to be the last day of the Ashes 2023, it will also be the final day for Stuart Broad in international cricket. The man is a legend of the game and only the second pacer to take more than 600 wickets in Test cricket. The match is also poised beautifully for him to waive his magic as England are 377 ahead with just one wicket in hand and it will all come down to the English bowling group. The pair of Anderson-Broad will also be seen one last time in Test cricket and it promises to be a day full of nostalgia.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is it from another riveting Day of Test cricket action where England have completely changed the game and are way ahead at the moment. They have a lot of time barring any rain to level the series while Australia need something really special to get a favourable result. Before we bid you farewell, there is big news coming through as STUART BROAD HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT claiming that this will be his last game of cricket. The man who recently crossed 600 wickets in Test cricket has chosen a big stage to hang his boots as England hunt for a win to level the Ashes series. This makes the action on Day 4 of this fifth and final Test even more intriguing. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in adavance for the build-up. Cheers!
The hosts still have one wicket left and will look to extend the lead even more on Day 4. Australia, on the other hand, were pretty lacklustre with their bowling effort and things weren't happening for them. They conceded a lot of runs and let England build several big partnerships throughout the batting order. They struggled hard for two sessions to pick up wickets but made a spirited comeback in the third session and picked up five wickets. Todd Murphy was brilliant and picked up three wickets while Mitchell Starc once again claimed a four-fer. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one but they still have a lot to do and their batters will have to be at their best to chase down any target that will be set. England will be hoping their final pair can push them beyond the 400-run mark for some psychological advantage.
England got off to a great start courtesy of both the openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley keeping the runs flowing. They notched up another half-century opening stand and saw out the first hour. Duckett got out on 42 but Crawley carried on with Ben Stokes and built another big partnership before the former got dismissed on 73 at the start of the second session. That did not affect them as Joe Root and Ben Stokes didn't have much trouble and scored runs pretty easily. Stokes holed out after getting to a start but Root stayed there and breezed to 91 runs but unfortunately missed out on his hundred. Jonny Bairstow looked like a man on a mission and smashed 78 runs off just 103 balls to help the hosts to get past the 300-run mark. Moeen Ali made a decent contribution despite his injury but the lower order couldn't do much.
SESSION SUMMARY - 124 runs and 5 wickets in 31 overs. It may have been a session that belonged to Australia but it has been absolute domination by England on Day 3! It is called the 'moving day' and this game has certainly moved massively in favour of the hosts as they lead by a huge margin of 377 runs. The Aussies looked tired out there as they weren't able to execute their plans and despite a late comeback in the last session, they find themselves way behind in this game with a lot of time still left.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 389/9
J Anderson8 (14)
S Broad2 (2)
T Murphy22-0-110-3
Loops this one full and outside the off stump. James Anderson goes for the slog sweep again but is nowhere near the ball this time. That is STUMPS on DAY 3!
James Anderson survives a close call and England have not been bowled out yet! Todd Murphy flights this full and in line with the stumps. England's number eleven adopts the reverse sweep once again but skims his bat against the turf and does not connect with the ball. It hits him on his forearm in front of the stumps and the Australians are convinced that this is out! The umpire agrees and raises his finger but James Anderson opts for the review. UltraEdge confirms there is no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that the ball is going over the stumps. England still nine wickets down as James Anderson survives.
FOUR! Two boundaries in a row and the crowd are absolutely loving this from their beloved fast bowler! Another tossed-up delivery bowled full and outside the off stump. James Anderson slogs this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.
FOUR! Connects well this time to the delight of the crowd who are on their feet cheering for James Anderson! Todd Murphy bowls this full as well and outside the off stump. James Anderson reverse sweeps this towards deep backward point for four runs.
Floats this one full and outside the off pole. James Anderson goes for the sweep this time but misses.
Todd Murphy bowls this slightly short and outside off. Stuart Broad gets forward and swats this towards deep square leg for a single.
Commentary
All set to begin Day 3! The players are making their way out in the middle now.
England, on the other hand were pretty disciplined with their bowling but luck wasn't in their favour. Although they managed to get crucial breakthroughs from time to time but the inability to get Steven Smith out and conceding over 50 runs to the tail-enders of the Aussies has put them in a difficult situation. Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood shared six wickets equally on Day 2 while Joe Root also filled the position of injured Moeen Ali to pick up a couple as well. James Anderson also bowled good spells but only had one wicket to his name. By the time they bowled out Australia, there wasn't much time left and stumps was called. Now, their batters will come out to bat knowing that the first hour will be crucial for both sides and could prove to be decisive. Stay tuned for all the action on Day 3.
Australia batted the whole of Day 2 and managed to take a lead of just 12 runs. They opted for an old-fashioned approach which could backfire if their bowlers do not back it up. Steven Smith showed his class once again with a brilliant half-century but the talking point was how Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy added 49 runs together with both finishing in the 30s and helped the Aussies get past England's total which gives them a psychological advantage now. Their bowlers will be fired up especially Mitchell Starc on the back of a four-fer in the first innings to restrict the hosts, but they will need to take their catches or else it could cost them in the end.
Hello and a warm welcome folks! We are heading towards Day 3 of this final Ashes Test. This match has moved at a rapid pace and neither team is ahead at the moment. It is pretty even but as this is also the 'Moving Day', we can expect the game to open up and one team to take advantage of it. Will it be England with their batting? Or will the Aussies provide another bowling masterclass? We will find out soon.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is from an exciting Day 2 where there is not much difference between the sides. England will start their second innings on Day 3 while Australia will look to restrict them to a low total and then chase it down. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
Australia batted for almost double the overs and took a lead of 12 runs in the process. We saw two different approaches from the two sides and both were entertaining to watch. After a decent enough start by the openers, the visitors couldn't really get going. Usman Khawaja looked to be struggling out in the middle as he faced 157 deliveries to get to 47 before losing his wicket soon after Lunch. Barring Steven Smith, no one looked comfortable out there and the positive intent was missing too. Smith was the top scorer with 71 runs as their middle order couldn't really contribute much. It was the 54-run partnership between Smith and Pat Cummins that got them out of a troublesome situation or they could have surrendered a big lead. In the end, a few lusty blows from Todd Murphy who scored 34 in 39 deliveries helped the Aussies go past the English total.
England started Day 2 well with James Anderson and Mark Wood bowling three maidens on a trot between themselves. However, they could not really get any breakthroughs upfront up until Joe Root took an absolute stunner just after the hour mark to get rid of Marnus Labuschagne. The floodgates opened after Lunch when Stuart Broad dismissed Usman Khawaja and Travis Head in quick succession and James Anderson managed to get rid of Mitchell Marsh too. They struggled to get Steven Smith out but a controversial run-out call didn't go in their favour which cost them a few runs. Chris Woakes managed to get that big fish ending with three wickets but the English bowlers once again conceded loads of runs to the middle and lower order. Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Joe Root chipped in with two wickets each for the hosts.
SESSION SUMMARY - 109 runs and 3 wickets in 28.1 overs. A riveting Day of Test cricket comes to an end! England were on top for most of it but luck wasn't in their favour. Australia showed great fight and determination and there is nothing to choose between the sides as we head into the moving day of Test cricket. Australia played much more freely in this session and as a result, managed to take a crucial lead despite being bowled out. England would have been frustrated for most parts as they would have hoped to bat before Stumps but will now be looking to post a strong target over the next couple of days.
OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Stokes shows remarkable composure at the boundary and pulls off a remarkable catch! Joe Root is rewarded with his second wicket and Australia's inning comes to an end having taken a lead of 12 runs. Joe Root floats this one full and in line with the stumps. Pat Cummins looks to make room and clears his front foot out of the way. Heaves the ball towards the long on fence where Ben Stokes is standing right at the ropes. He leaps up and grabs hold of the ball but the momentum is taking him over the boundary. He flings the ball into the air before landing and steps back into the field of play to complete a very difficult catch. England would have liked to wrap up this inning earlier but they have managed to do so just at the stroke of STUMPS on DAY 2!
Some spin as Joe Root comes into the attack.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 103 overs : 295/9
J Hazlewood6 (7)
P Cummins36 (85)
J Anderson26-9-67-1
Angles this into the stumps on a fullish length. Josh Hazlewood shuffles into the leg side and tucks this towards mid-wicket.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood defends this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump from 'round the wicket. Josh Hazlewood punches this towards deep point for a couple of runs.
Strays onto the pads on a good length. Pat Cummins tucks this towards fine leg and has to settle for a single. Josh Hazlewood has three balls to negotiate in this over.
Short this time and just outside the off pole. Pat Cummins pulls this towards deep square leg but refuses to take a single.
James Anderson bowls a slow loopy full toss at the stumps. Pat Cummins is early into the shot but gets bat on the ball and keeps it out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 102 overs : 292/9
J Hazlewood4 (4)
P Cummins35 (82)
C Woakes25-8-61-3
Nails the yorker this time served just outside the off stump. Josh Hazlewood digs this out back down the pitch and the ball ricochets off the non-striker towards mid on.
On a good length once again and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood backs away slightly but blocks this solidly towards mid off.
FOUR! Josh Hazlewood is off the mark with a good-looking shot! This is bowled on a good length but width is offered outside off. Josh Hazlewood strokes this towards deep backward point and picks up four runs to open his account.
This is on a good length and outside the off stump. Josh Hazlewood pushes this towards the fielder at cover.
Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.
OUT! LBW! England finally get a breakthrough and it is Chris Woakes who strikes for the hosts claiming his thrid wicket! Todd Murphy's enterprising inning comes to an end and Australia are now nine wickets down. This is bowled on a good length and angled into the stumps from outside off. Todd Murphy looks to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball goes onto hit him flush on the pads. The bowler goes up in appeal instantly and the umpire raises his finger after some thought. Todd Murphy goes upstairs for the review and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and the onfield decision stands.
Chris Woakes bowls from 'round the wicket to the southpaw and delivers the just outside off on a good length. Todd Murphy dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 101 overs : 288/8
P Cummins35 (82)
T Murphy34 (37)
J Anderson25-9-64-1
A maiden after a long time from England and James Anderson is the one who delivers it! This is bowled slightly full and outside the off pole. Seems to be a slower ball as Pat Cummins is early into the shot and the ball beats his outside edge.
Back to bowling full and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins strokes this towards the short cover fielder.
Attacks the stumps once again on a good length. Pat Cummins pushes this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Continues to bowl full and angles this into the stumps. Pat Cummins dabs this bac towards the bowler who lets this pass him towards the mid off fielder.
Goes full and just outside the off pole. Pat Cummins blocks this solidly towards mid off.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins dabs this into the pitch and the ball bounces back onto his body.
Commentary
We are back for Australia's effort as the umpires walk out to the middle. The English players take their respective positions on the field as Usman Khawaja and David Warner stride out to open the innings for Australia. Stuart Broad has the new ball in his hand and is ready to begin proceedings. Let's play...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
Australia will be really disappointed mostly with their catching because their bowlers created a lot of chances for them. They took time to get suited to the conditions but didn't let the hosts get away with it. They could have restricted England to a lower total than this if they took their five dropped catches which could make a difference. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowler again with four wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy got a couple each. Pat Cummins who bowled really well chipped in with the one. Join us in a bit for Australia's reply.
England have been finally bowled out for 283! It was a solid batting performance from them considering the conditions out there. The two openers got them to a very good start adding 62 together. However, Ben Duckett was dismissed for 41 and they suffered a mini collapse as they went from 62-0 to 73-3. However, Harry Brook was brilliant and took his chance well after getting dropped on 5 by Alex Carey. He was the top scorer for them with an excellent 85 while Moeen Ali supported him well before he suffered a groin injury and had to go all-out attack which resulted in his downfall. Even though they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, crucial contributions from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood took them to a good total.
OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc ends up with a four-wicket haul and Chris Woakes' useful inning has come to an end! England have been bowled out for what they will feel is an under-par first-inning total but on the other end, the Aussies will be walking back to the dressing room with their tails up. This is bowled short and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes throws the kitchen sink at this as he attempts to pull the ball over deep square leg for a maximum. He does not time this well and the ball goes towards the fielder who is placed there. Travis Head is well ahead of the ropes and has to back paddle a bit but grabs hold of another comfortable catch. Australia will hope that their batters are able to play England out of this game with their batting effort.
FOUR! Chris Woakes finds the gap to perfection here! Mitchell Starc bowls this short and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes slaps this between the fielder at deep cover-point and deep backward point to find the ropes for four runs.
Bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Chris Woakes clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
SIX! That is a hefty blow from the English all-rounder! Mitchell Starc bowls this full and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes clears his front foot out of the way and thumps this back over the bowler's head for a straight six.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 273/9
J Anderson0 (3)
C Woakes26 (32)
T Murphy6-0-22-2
Floats this one full and into the off pole. James Anderson reverse sweeps this time and finds the fielder at short third man.
Loops this one full and outside the off pole. James Anderson goes for the sweep and hits it towards deep square leg. They do not take a single through.
Another dropped catch! Todd Murphy flights this full and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes charges down the wicket and hits it towards the bowler. He expects it to come a lot quicker and looks to take evasive action before sticking his hands out. Goes through his palms for a sinhle to long off.
Turning into the pads on a fullish length. Chris Woakes misses the ball as he looks to work this leg side.
Strays down the pads on a shortish length. Chris Woakes misses his flick and the keeper collects it.
Todd Murphy floats this in full and into the stumps. Chris Woakes flicks this towards deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 270/9
J Anderson0 (1)
C Woakes23 (28)
M Starc14-1-72-3
Bowls this one full and into the batter. James Anderson looks to defend but misses and gets hit flush on the pads. The Aussies appeal but the umpire remains unmoved. Pat Cummins goes for the review and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and James Anderson survives. Australia do not lose a review though.
James Anderson is the last man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! Stuart Broad perishes as he looks to throw his bat at everything! Mitchell Starc gets his third wicket of the inning and Australia need just one more wicket to bowl their opponents out on Day 1 after winning the toss. This is delivered short and outside the off pole. Stuart Broad backs away once again and looks to slap this towards the off side. He does not get his timing right and the ball goes off the top-edge towards the cover-point fielder. Travis Head settles under this one and despite the crowd trying to put him off, he holds onto this one safely. Australia's opening batters will already be thinking about their job in hand.
Angles this into the pads and on a good length. Stuart Broad makes room and lofts this just over mid on for a couple of runs.
FOUR! Stuart Broad finds the gap this time and gets his first boundary! This is bowled on a good length and wide outside off. Stuart Broad hits this uppishly past gully towards deep backward point for a couple of runs.
Continues to pull his length back and outside the off stump. Stuart Broad dabs this towards the point fielder.
Mitchell Starc bowls this slightly short and outside the off pole. Chris Woakes cuts this towards deep point and picks up a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 263/8
C Woakes22 (27)
S Broad1 (1)
T Murphy5-0-19-2
Tosses this one full and on an off-stump line. Chris Woakes pushes this towards the fielder at mid on.
Bowls this short and in line with the stumps. Chris Woakes cross-bats this towards mid-wicket.
Bowls this full and onto the pads. Stuart Broad flicks this through mid-wicket and takes a single to get off the mark.
Stuart Broad is the new batter at the crease.
OUT! TIMBER! Todd Murphy strikes and this attacking partnership finally comes to an end! This is bowled slightly short and in line with the stumps. Mark Wood looks to make room and heave this into the off side but misses. The ball goes on to dismantle the stumps and England lose their eighth wicket. Mark Wood has played an entertaining cameo here but has to depart. Just what Australia wanted after the break and they will now want to claim the last two wickets quickly.
FOUR! That has found the boundary and runs keep flowing for England! Todd Murphy floats this full and outside off. Mark Wood drills this towards deep cover and collects four runs.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and into the stumps. Mark Wood dabs this back down the pitch.
Todd Murphy will share the attack and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 257/7
C Woakes21 (25)
M Wood24 (26)
M Starc13-1-65-2
Length again, on middle, Chris Woakes is solid in his defense again.
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D Warner c J Bairstow b C Woakes |
60 | 106 | 9 | 0 | 56.60 |
U Khawaja lbw b C Woakes |
72 | 145 | 8 | 0 | 49.65 |
M Labuschagne c Z Crawley b M Wood |
13 | 33 | 2 | 0 | 39.39 |
S Smith c Z Crawley b C Woakes |
54 | 94 | 9 | 0 | 57.44 |
T Head c J Root b M Ali |
43 | 70 | 6 | 0 | 61.42 |
M Marsh c J Bairstow b M Ali |
6 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 66.66 |
A Carey c J Bairstow b S Broad |
28 | 50 | 1 | 1 | 56 |
M Starc c Z Crawley b C Woakes |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
P Cummins c B Stokes b M Ali |
9 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 64.28 |
T Murphy c J Bairstow b S Broad |
18 | 39 | 3 | 0 | 46.15 |
J Hazlewood not out | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 50 |
|
Extras
(b 10,lb 10,w 5,nb 2,Penalty 0) |
27 | ||||
|
Total
94.4 (RR: 3.53)
|
334/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(D Warner, 41.2 ov) (U Khawaja, 43.2 ov) (M Labuschagne, 49 ov) (T Head, 73.3 ov) (S Smith, 75 ov) (M Marsh, 75.5 ov) (M Starc, 76.3 ov) (P Cummins, 81.2 ov) (T Murphy, 91 ov) (A Carey, 94.4 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S Broad |
20.4 | 4 | 62 | 2 | 3.00 |
J Anderson |
14 | 4 | 53 | 0 | 3.78 |
C Woakes |
19 | 4 | 50 | 4 | 2.63 |
M Ali |
23 | 2 | 76 | 3 | 3.30 |
J Root |
9 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 4.33 |
M Wood |
9 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 3.77 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Z Crawley c S Smith b P Cummins |
73 | 76 | 9 | 0 | 96.05 |
B Duckett c A Carey b M Starc |
42 | 55 | 7 | 0 | 76.36 |
B Stokes c P Cummins b T Murphy |
42 | 67 | 3 | 1 | 62.68 |
J Root b T Murphy |
91 | 106 | 11 | 1 | 85.84 |
H Brook c A Carey b J Hazlewood |
7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 116.66 |
J Bairstow c A Carey b M Starc |
78 | 103 | 11 | 0 | 75.72 |
M Ali c J Hazlewood b M Starc |
29 | 38 | 4 | 0 | 76.31 |
C Woakes c U Khawaja b M Starc |
1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
M Wood c M Marsh b T Murphy |
9 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 81.81 |
S Broad not out | 8 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 100 |
J Anderson lbw b T Murphy |
8 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 42.10 |
|
Extras
(b 0,lb 4,w 0,nb 3,Penalty 0) |
7 | ||||
|
Total
81.5 (RR: 4.83)
|
395/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(B Duckett, 17 ov) (Z Crawley, 26.3 ov) (B Stokes, 39.3 ov) (H Brook, 40.5 ov) (J Root, 65.3 ov) (J Bairstow, 72.4 ov) (C Woakes, 74.1 ov) (M Ali, 77 ov) (M Wood, 77.2 ov) (J Anderson, 81.5 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M Starc |
20 | 2 | 100 | 4 | 5.00 |
J Hazlewood |
15 | 0 | 67 | 1 | 4.46 |
P Cummins |
16 | 0 | 79 | 1 | 4.93 |
M Marsh |
8 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 4.37 |
T Murphy |
22.5 | 0 | 110 | 4 | 4.81 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U Khawaja lbw b S Broad |
47 | 157 | 7 | 0 | 29.93 |
D Warner c Z Crawley b C Woakes |
24 | 52 | 3 | 0 | 46.15 |
M Labuschagne c J Root b M Wood |
9 | 82 | 0 | 0 | 10.97 |
S Smith c J Bairstow b C Woakes |
71 | 123 | 6 | 0 | 57.72 |
T Head c J Bairstow b S Broad |
4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 80 |
M Marsh b J Anderson |
16 | 28 | 1 | 1 | 57.14 |
A Carey c B Stokes b J Root |
10 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 43.47 |
M Starc c B Duckett b M Wood |
7 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 38.88 |
P Cummins c B Stokes b J Root |
36 | 86 | 4 | 0 | 41.86 |
T Murphy lbw b C Woakes |
34 | 39 | 2 | 3 | 87.17 |
J Hazlewood not out | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
|
Extras
(b 17,lb 12,w 1,nb 1,Penalty 0) |
31 | ||||
|
Total
103.1 (RR: 2.86)
|
295/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(D Warner, 16.5 ov) (M Labuschagne, 42.5 ov) (U Khawaja, 51.5 ov) (T Head, 53.4 ov) (M Marsh, 60.4 ov) (A Carey, 67.5 ov) (M Starc, 72.5 ov) (S Smith, 90 ov) (T Murphy, 101.2 ov) (P Cummins, 103.1 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S Broad |
20 | 5 | 49 | 2 | 2.45 |
J Anderson |
26 | 9 | 67 | 1 | 2.57 |
M Wood |
22 | 4 | 62 | 2 | 2.81 |
C Woakes |
25 | 8 | 61 | 3 | 2.44 |
J Root |
7.1 | 1 | 20 | 2 | 2.79 |
H Brook |
3 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2.33 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Z Crawley c S Smith b P Cummins |
22 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 59.45 |
B Duckett c A Carey b M Marsh |
41 | 41 | 3 | 0 | 100 |
M Ali b T Murphy |
34 | 47 | 3 | 2 | 72.34 |
J Root b J Hazlewood |
5 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 45.45 |
H Brook c S Smith b M Starc |
85 | 91 | 11 | 2 | 93.40 |
B Stokes b M Starc |
3 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 18.75 |
J Bairstow b J Hazlewood |
4 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 |
C Woakes c T Head b M Starc |
36 | 36 | 4 | 1 | 100 |
M Wood b T Murphy |
28 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 96.55 |
S Broad c T Head b M Starc |
7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 140 |
J Anderson not out | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Extras
(b 9,lb 7,w 0,nb 2,Penalty 0) |
18 | ||||
|
Total
54.4 (RR: 5.18)
|
283/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(B Duckett, 12 ov) (Z Crawley, 12.4 ov) (J Root, 15.3 ov) (M Ali, 33.3 ov) (B Stokes, 38.3 ov) (J Bairstow, 42 ov) (H Brook, 42.3 ov) (M Wood, 51.3 ov) (S Broad, 52.5 ov) (C Woakes, 54.4 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M Starc |
14.4 | 1 | 82 | 4 | 5.59 |
J Hazlewood |
13 | 0 | 54 | 2 | 4.15 |
P Cummins |
13 | 2 | 66 | 1 | 5.07 |
M Marsh |
8 | 0 | 43 | 1 | 5.37 |
T Murphy |
6 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 3.66 |
Commentary
Right then, that's all from the 73rd edition of the Ashes. Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes get together and pose with the Ashes Series Trophy. After the photographs are done, Cummins calls over his teammates to lift the coveted Ashes urn. This year's Ashes has ended with a 2-2 scoreline and it is Australia who will take the urn back home having won the last series. Both teams will take a month's break before they shift attention to the T20I format. England's next assignment sees them host New Zealand for a four-match T20I series while Australia travel to South Africa for a three-match T20I series. In the meantime, there's plenty of cricketing action happening across the globe. On Tuesday, 1st of August, West Indies and India will square off in the deciding game of their three-match ODI series. The first ball will be bowled at 7.00 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). From here, it is goodbye and cheers!
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia says that two high-quality teams participated in this series and most of the sessions were shared so he agrees that a drawn series is a fair result. Claims that right from the start they wanted to win the Ashes so from the word go in this run chase, they were looking to win. Mentions that they can be proud of retaining the Ashes against a quality side. Adds that it is the same side as the one that toured in 2019 so they are proud of the effort that they put in this time around. Informs that the Ashes is a difficult series not only out on the field but also with the fans and the media getting to you but he does not want to change anything about it. Reckons that there is no point looking at what they could change so 2-2 it is. Ends by paying tribute to Stuart Broad by saying that he is a great competitor who saves his best against Australia. Adds that he has played only one-third of the games that Broad has played and he cannot even think of playing that many matches so congratulations to him.
Ben Stokes, the skipper of England says that it is a really good feeling. Mentions that 2-2 is a fair reflection of two teams going toe-to-toe. Reckons that not many teams would have been able to respond after being 0-2 down. Feels pretty content with what they have achieved. Credits David Warner and Usman Khawaja for the way they batted in the fourth innings. Adds that it was always going to be tough chasing in the final inning with the scoreboard pressure. On Chris Woakes, he says that he says come good with the ball as well as with the bat in the lower order. On Mark Wood, he says that he could hardly walk but kept running in regardless. On Stuart Broad, he says that he has been an unbelievable performer for England and adds that it was written in the stars. On Moeen Ali, he says that he performed when it mattered the most for England and adds that he changed the game for them. Reckons that this series was what Test cricket needed.
Chris Woakes gets three awards as he is adjudged England’s Player of the Series, Man of the Match for this game as well as the Player of the Series for claiming 19 wickets in 6 innings. He says that it has been an amazing feeling to get into the side and win games. Claims that they still believed that they could come back despite being 2-0 down and 2-2 is a fair result. Informs that he was out of contention before so he just wanted to come into the side and contribute in order to help the team win a Ashes Test. Reckons that he felt like the opportunity would come, didn’t know when it will be but he needed to be prepared. Mentions that taking an early wicket when he was picked helped settle a few nerves. Adds that he got his rhythm going and some luck also went his way so he is grateful. About Stuart Broad, he says that the way he is going out is amazing and they will be hearing for a long time how he got a six on the last ball while batting and a wicket on his last delivery. Goes on to say that Australia are a pretty good team and it is not easy to take the wickets of big players so it was amazing to be able to do so. Admits that they were happy with the ball change and you have to have to some luck for it to work in your favour. Ends by saying that he does not know if he will continue playing Test cricket as he leaves that decision to Ben Stokes and the management but he would love to contribute and be a part of the toughest format of cricket.
Mitchell Starc is Australia's Player of the Series. He says that all five Test matches were incredible. Adds that it was exciting with the ebbs and flows throughout the series. On this loss, he says that it happened quickly and reckons that it was the nature of the series. Congratulates Stuart Broad on his retirement and says that he could not have written any better. Mentions that it was a fantastic tour to express himself. States that he got backing from Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald. Feels that it was a pretty successful tour with a resilient group and a fantastic support staff.
Joe Root picks up the MVP award and the match officials collect their tokens. Now for some of the main awards and interviews...
The man of the moment, Stuart Broad is in for a chat. He starts by saying that it was absolutely wonderful. Adds that Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set the tone after the rain interruption. Shares that once they got a couple of wickets, they started to believe. Mentions that the crowd was loud and says that they jumped on the back of it. States that it feels special to take the two wickets and contribute to the team's win. On his six off his last ball, he jokingly says that it was the only ball he middled all year. On Moeen Ali, he says that he has not officially announced his retirement yet and says that to be able to put in this performance will be special for him. Mentions that he did a lot of research into bowling against David Warner. Reckons that knowing about weaknesses is as important as knowing strengths. On switching the bails, he says that had he learnt it 10 years ago, he would have been away. Shares that new ball skidded onto the bat and run-scoring became easier. States that it was great to see the crowd wearing headbands and adds that it made him smile.
Joe Root played remarkably well the second time around to score 91 in 106 balls and stitched together a 110-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow who notched up a half-century as well. The tail could not contribute heavily but James Anderson and Stuart Broad managed to play through to Stumps on Day 3. It was after that day's play that Broad announced that he was hanging his boots in international cricket and the crowd saw him hit his last delivery in Test cricket for a maximum the following morning. England were bowled out for 395 setting the visitors a target of 384 and Australia were off to a great start scoring 135 runs without losing a wicket on Day 4 before the game was called off due to rain. They lost three wickets early on the final day as both the openers departed after getting to their half centuries and Marnus Labuchagne could not make much of an impact.
In their first effort, David Warner got into his 20s and gave away his wicket but Usman Khawaja held up one end scoring 47 runs in 157 deliveries. Steven Smith looked good enroute his 71 but a flurry of wickets had them 98 runs behind the England total with three wickets in hand. The tail wagged as Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy made 30-plus scores and helped the Aussies take a first-inning lead of 12 runs. Chris Woakes was really good once again taking three crucial wickets with Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, and Joe Root adding a couple each to their kitty. England came out to bat for the second time with only aggression on their mind. Zak Crawley scored 73 runs in 76 deliveries to get the hosts off to a flier and Ben Duckett along with his skipper Ben Stokes, who promoted himself to number 3, were dismissed 8 runs short of a half-century but they were consistently scoring at over 5 runs per over.
Pat Cummins won his first toss of the series and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions and it seemed like a masterstroke as the visitors were able to bowl out their opponents in a little more than two sessions. England had however managed to score at a brisk rate and were bowled out for 283 runs in 54.4 overs. Harry Brook top scored for his side with 85 in 91 deliveries and the top three batters Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Moeen Ali all got off to decent starts but could not make the most of it. Cameos from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood helped them reach a decent total in the first inning. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers claiming 4 wickets and was well supported by Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy who chipped in with two wickets each. While we witnessed an exhibition of ‘Bazball’ from England, Australia adopted a completely different approach as they decided to be defensive and play for time.
SESSION SUMMARY - 96 runs and 7 wickets in 28.4 overs. There were a total of 47 overs scheduled to be played in the final session of this Test series after a long stoppage in play and with 146 runs needed to win, Australia were firm favourites with two set batters at the crease along with seven wickets in hand. Steven Smith got to his fifty as he looked to be playing another valuable knock in his team’s cause. Moeen Ali got his first wicket of the game to break the 95-run fourth-wicket partnership on the very next ball as he dismissed Travis Head 7 runs short of his half-century. Things turned quickly thereafter as Chris Woakes dismissed Steven Smith on 54 in the next over and Moeen Ali came back to send Mitchell Marsh back to the shed. Both the bowlers claimed one more wicket each dismissing Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins as Australia were reduced from 264 for 3 to 294 for 8. Alex Carey and Todd Murphy did try to fight back but the script was already written and they had to stumble under the euphoria surrounding the man of the hour Stuart Broad.
ENGLAND WIN THE FIFTH AND FINAL ASHES TEST MATCH! They have managed to level the series in dramatic fashion! Let us not forget the extraordinary story of a cricketing legend Stuart Broad who claimed the last two wickets to end his illustrious career with an Ashes Test win! The emotions around the stadium are pretty high at the moment as the great fast bowler walks off the cricket ground as a player for the last time. It was not too long back when we had a resumption after the rain interval and at that time there were talks about how Australia are well on course to clinch this game to win the series 3-1. It did not take long for England to flip the odds and condemn the Aussies to a devastating loss by 49 runs. Australia did manage to retain the Ashes but they will be thanking the rain gods for washing out the game at Old Trafford as they conceded an early 2-0 lead to finish the series on level terms.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! There it is, a fairytale ending to Stuart Broad's career! Broad nips out Carey and makes him the final victim of his career! Serves it on a good length, in the channel on off, angling in this time, from 'round the wicket, Alex Carey looks to get on the front foot and gets his bat out in front to defend. The ball nibbles away after pitching and does the trick for Broad. Catches the outside edge and Jonny Bairstow behind the wickets does the rest. Stuart Broad is delighted and so are his teammates. The Oval crowd is up on their feet to applaud what has been a magnificent career. England win by 49 runs!
Bumper this time, on middle, Alex Carey ducks underneath quickly and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
Nagging length, angling in, on leg, Alex Carey tucks it in the vacant square leg region and stays put.
Lands it on a good length, just outside off, Alex Carey takes a stride forward and punches it towards point. Wants to run but in the end, refuses the single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 334/9
J Hazlewood4 (8)
A Carey28 (46)
M Ali23-2-76-3
Floated up, on off, Josh Hazlewood blocks it out off the front foot.
Tosses this full and at the stumps. Josh Hazlewood smothers the ball into the pitch.
FOUR! That is a good-looking shot from Australia's number 11! This is bowled a tad bit short as well and outside off. Josh Hazlewood goes deep in the crease and punches this towards deep cover-point for four runs.
Loops this one full and on and off-stump line. Josh Hazlewood dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Onto the pads, Josh Hazlewood blocks it out off the front foot.
Short this time and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood makes room and swings his blade. Gets an under edge onto the pads on the keeper.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 330/9
A Carey28 (46)
J Hazlewood0 (2)
S Broad20-4-62-1
Beaten again! In the channel again, on a good length, on off, Alex Carey has a feel for the delivery. The ball moves away late and zips past his outside edge.
DROPPED! Zak Crawley has put down a tough chance at second slip! Another good-length delivery, angling in, around off, Alex Carey looks to defend away from the body. Gets an outside edge that travels low to second slip. Zak Crawley does get down low but the ball hits his wrist and pops out.
Beaten! On a nagging length, outside off, shaping away, Alex Carey has a loose poke at the delivery. He is lucky not to edge it behind.
On a good length and angling into the pads, Alex Carey misses the tuck and wears it on the thigh pad.
Keeps it full and angling in, on off, Alex Carey works it through mid on and denies the single again.
Goes full and honing in at the stumps, Alex Carey clips it towards wide mid on. Refuses the single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 330/9
J Hazlewood0 (2)
A Carey28 (40)
M Ali22-2-72-3
Josh Hazlewood survives! Fullish delivery, on middle and leg, The batter watchfully keeps it out into the leg side.
Flights this one full and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood dabs this towards silly point with soft hands.
Continues to bowl short and outside the off stump. Alex Carey goes deep in the crease and punches this towards deep cover for a run.
Slightly short this time and at the stumps. Alex Carey rocks back and keeps the ball out with a straight bat.
Tosses this one full and in line with the stumps. Alex Carey shimmies down the pitch and pushes this towards the bowler.
Moeen Ali floats this one full and just outside off. Alex Carey attempts the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the body.
Josh Hazlewood is the last batter for Australia!
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 91 overs : 329/9
T Murphy18 (39)
A Carey27 (36)
S Broad19-3-62-1
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Who else, but Stuart Broad! The stars have finally aligned for a dream farewell! Continues to bowl it in the corridor of uncertainty, on off, much straighter this time, Todd Murphy is made to play at the delivery which brings about his downfall. The ball nips away after pitching and catches the outside edge. The ball travels quickly to the left of Jonny Bairstow who moves well and takes a clean catch. The end is near for Australia as they are now 9 down.
In the channel, on off, Todd Murphy plays inside the line as he tried to defend. The ball nips away and beats Murphy on the outside edge.
Goes back on a good length, shaping away, around off, Todd Murphy has a feel for the delivery and is lucky to not edge this one behind.
FOUR! Murphy pulls and pulls well! Broad bowls a bumper, on middle, Todd Murphy gets into a good position nice and early and pulls it hard towards deep backward square leg for a boundary.
On a good length, angling in, on middle and leg, Alex Carey gets squared as he tried to clip it away. Gets a soft leading that rolls in front of cover for a run.
Nails the yorker, on middle, from 'round the wicket, Todd Murphy digs it out in front of point for a single.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 90 overs : 323/8
A Carey26 (35)
T Murphy13 (34)
M Ali21-2-71-3
Floated up, on off, kept out on the off side by Carey.
SIX! Good use of the feet and this is hit straight as an arrow by Carey! Tossed up, on middle by Ali, Alex Carey shimmies down the track and thumps it back over the bowler's head for a flat maximum.
Full again, on middle, blocked out by Carey.
Pushed through this time, full on middle, Alex Carey blocks it out off the front foot.
Angled in again, full and on middle, Todd Murphy clips it past short leg and rotates the strike.
Darted in, full and around off, Alex Carey takes a stride forward to defend. The ball rolls on the leg side off the inner half of the bat. A single taken.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 89 overs : 315/8
T Murphy12 (33)
A Carey19 (30)
S Broad18-3-56-0
Bumper by Broad, at the batter, Todd Murphy swivels and goes for the pull a bit too early. Misses and wears it on the body.
Hurls it on a hard length, shaping away, outside off, Todd Murphy does well on this occasion to not go chasing at the delivery.
Fullish delivery, outside off by Broad, Todd Murphy squeezes it out towards point.
Angling in, on a good length, Alex Carey gets forward and punches it sweetly towards extra cover for one.
Slanting down leg, on a fuller length, Alex Carey charges down the track and looks to help it away but misses.
On a yorker length, down leg, Todd Murphy gets inside the line and clips it towards deep backward square leg. Gets across for a run.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 88 overs : 313/8
A Carey18 (28)
T Murphy11 (29)
M Ali20-2-63-3
Drops it short this time, on middle, Alex Carey rocks back and pushes it straight to cover.
Low full toss, on middle, Todd Murphy drives it with soft hands towards extra cover for one.
Shortens his length and serves it on off, Alex Carey goes on the back foot and cuts it to deep cover for a single.
Uppish but safe! Tossed up, full and outside off, Todd Murphy gets on the front foot and lofts it over mid off for a single.
With the angle this time, on off, Todd Murphy gets a stride forward and defends it past silly point.
A bit slow and short, turning away, outside off, Alex Carey plays with the turn and dabs it towards deep backward point for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 87 overs : 309/8
T Murphy9 (26)
A Carey16 (25)
S Broad17-3-54-0
Bowls on a yorker length, on middle, Todd Murphy watchfully digs this one out down the wicket.
Lands it on a hard length, going away, on off and middle, Todd Murphy looks to work it across the line but misses. Wears it high on the back leg.
Serves it full this time, on off, Todd Murphy knocks it back to the bowler.
Beaten again! Angling away, outside off, on a good length, Todd Murphy looks to defend but gets beaten yet again as the ball nips away.
Shaping away, on a good length, outside off, Todd Murphy hangs back in the crease to defend. Does not go chasing at the delivery and misses.
Broad with a tempter this time, full and wide outside off, Alex Carey reaches out and drives it through covers. Comes back for the third run before Stokes tidies it up.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 86 overs : 306/8
T Murphy9 (21)
A Carey13 (24)
M Ali19-2-59-3
Loops this one full and outside the off pole. Todd Murphy gets his front foot forward and dabs this towards the fielder at short cover.
Bowls this slightly short and at the stumps. Todd Murphy rocks back and blocks this back towards the bowler.
Bowls it full and on the off stump line, Todd Murphy pushes it back to Ali.
Flighted delivery, full around off, Todd Murphy works it straight to cover.
Fuller and on off, Todd Murphy takes a stride forward and keeps it out on the off side.
Floated up, on off, Todd Murphy gets forward and blocks it out on the off side.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 85 overs : 306/8
A Carey13 (24)
T Murphy9 (15)
S Broad16-3-51-0
Fuller and at the stumps, Alex Carey pushes it with a straight bat towards Broad.
Broad goes short this time, on middle, Todd Murphy swivels and pulls it uppishly but well in front of the deep square leg fielder for a single.
Fuller this time, on off, Todd Murphy strokes it along the ground towards mid on.
This one holds it line, on a good length, on middle, Todd Murphy hangs back in the crease to defend but misses. Gets hit high on the back leg.
FOUR! Whoa, where has that come from? Broad hoes full again, on middle and leg, Todd Murphy steps out of the crease and clips it aerially towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Angling in, full on middle, Alex Carey clips it through mid on and gets across for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 84 overs : 300/8
T Murphy4 (11)
A Carey12 (22)
M Ali18-1-59-3
Fired in, on middle, Todd Murphy with the forward stride again, looks to defend. Gets it off the inner half of the bat towards short leg.
Pushed through, on middle, Todd Murphy takes a good stride forward and blocks it out.
Full and slower, on off, Todd Murphy works this one off the front foot towards cover.
Short this time, on middle, Todd Murphy gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.
Gives the ball air again and serves it on off, Alex Carey uses his feet and strokes it down to long off for a single.
Tossed up, around off, Alex Carey gets forward and defends it on the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 83 overs : 299/8
T Murphy4 (7)
A Carey11 (20)
S Broad15-3-45-0
Back of a length this time, angling in, outside off, Todd Murphy has a feel for the delivery and gets beaten again.
FOUR! Streaky but Australia will take it! Lands it on a good length, outside off, Todd Murphy shapes to defend this one. Gets an outside edge that rolls wide of gully for a boundary.
Beaten! Angled in, on a good length, around off, Todd Murphy gets forward to defend. The ball nips away and beats Murphy on the outside edge.
On a length and outside off, Alex Carey uses his feet and pushes through backward point for a single.
Strays down leg this time, on a good length, Alex Carey looks to tickle it fine but misses.
Angling into the batter, on a hard length, Alex Carey tucks this one off the pads on the leg side.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 82 overs : 294/8
T Murphy0 (4)
A Carey10 (17)
M Ali17-1-58-3
Continues to flight it full and outside off. Todd Murphy knocks this through cover and Alex Carey refuses the single as he wants to keep strike.
Loops this one full as well and outside off. Todd Murphy puts in a confident stride forward and keeps the ball out.
Floats this one full and into the stumps. Todd Murphy blocks this back down the pitch to the left of the bowler.
A stifled appeal for catch but turned down! Tossed up, full and outside off, Todd Murphy goes for the drive away from the body but misses. The ball deflects off Bairstow's gloves and goes into the hands of Root at first slip. A bit of an enquiry by the English players but the umpire says no.
Todd Murphy is the new batter at the crease.
OUT! TAKEN! Another bites the dust as the pairing of Ali and Woakes continues to do the damage! Moeen Ali bowls this one short, turning in, on middle, Pat Cummins swivels in the crease and shapes to pull it hard. He swings his bat a little too early and gets an inside edge on it. The ball deflects off the edge onto the pad and lobs to the left of leg slip. Ben Stokes moves swiftly to his left and clings onto the catch this time around. Third wicket for Moeen Ali and England are now two wickets away from a famous win.
Slower and fuller, around off, Alex Carey with the paddle yet again and works it to fine leg for one.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 293/7
A Carey9 (16)
P Cummins9 (13)
C Woakes19-4-50-4
Angled in yet again, on a hard length, on middle, Alex Carey eases it in front of mid on and keeps the strike with a single.
Switches to 'round the wicket and bowls it slightly short, outside off, Alex Carey uses his feet to cut this one away but misses.
Angles this one across, full on off and middle, Alex Carey pushes it off the outer half of the bat towards cover.
Continues to bowl from over the wicket, full and around off, Alex Carey plants his foot forward and knocks it towards mid off.
Fuller and honing in at the stumps, Pat Cummins drives it on the up towards mid off and gets across for a single.
FOUR! Smart batting by the Aussie skipper! Woakes lands it on a back of a length, around off, Pat Cummins waits back in the crease for the ball to arrive. Opens the bat face and steers it past gully for a boundary.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 287/7
A Carey8 (12)
P Cummins4 (11)
M Ali16-1-57-2
Much straighter this time, full on off, Alex Carey prods forward and blocks it out.
Floated up again, on off, Alex Carey gets forward and defends it towards cover.
In the air...but safe! Goes back to fuller length, on off and middle, Alex Carey gets down to sweep once again. Gets a top edge that luckily for him, eludes Chris Woakes at deep backward square leg. Two runs taken.
Bowls it short, on off, Alex Carey opts to stay on the back foot and keeps it out.
Nicely tossed up, around off, Pat Cummins drills it hard and wide of mid off for a single.
Slower and shorter, turning in, on middle, Pat Cummins uses the depth of the crease to clip it past short leg. Fails to get any bat on it and the ball lobs off his thigh pad in front of first slip.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 284/7
P Cummins3 (9)
A Carey6 (8)
C Woakes18-4-44-4
Back of a length again, outside off, Pat Cummins opens the bat face and dabs this one down to deep backward point for a single.
Bends his back and goes into the wicket, outside off, Pat Cummins ducks underneath and lets it go.
Fuller this time and wide outside off, Pat Cummins leans and drives it straight to cover.
Hurls it on a good length, on middle, Pat Cummins shuffles and pats it back to Woakes.
Beauty! Fraction fuller and shaping away, in the channel on off, Pat Cummins has a feel for the delivery away from the body and is lucky to not edge it behind.
Leg bye! On a nagging length, on middle, Alex Carey looks to clip it through square leg. Gets hit high on the thigh pad and the ball rolls in front of point for a leg bye.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 282/7
P Cummins2 (4)
A Carey6 (7)
M Ali15-1-54-2
Moeen Ali bowls it fraction short, around off, Pat Cummins goes back in his crease and defends it down the wicket.
Drifts down leg, on a full length, Alex Carey gets down and paddles it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
FOUR! Neatly done by Carey! Fired in, full and on off, Alex Carey gets into the position quickly and uses the pace of the delivery. Paddles it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Pushed through, around off, Alex Carey pushes it off the front foot towards cover.
Tossed up again, around off, Alex Carey gets on the front foot and blocks it out.
Floated up, on middle, Alex Carey gets to the pitch of the ball and keeps it out on the off side.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 277/7
P Cummins2 (3)
A Carey1 (2)
C Woakes17-4-43-4
Angling into the batter, on a back of a length, on middle, Pat Cummins looks to work it across the line but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.
Fullish delivery, outside off by Woakes, Pat Cummins carves this one wide of point and gets off the mark with a couple of runs.
Almost another edge! In the channel on off, on a hard length, Pat Cummins waits in the crease to defend. The ball keeps a bit low and sneaks past the bottom edge of the bat.
Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia has a massive task in hand to help bail his team out of trouble. Will he be able to do it?
OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and it's that man again, Chris Woakes! Woakes goes slightly full and angles it across, outside off, Mitchell Starc with a loose shot away from the body. Pushes with hard hands and pays the price. Gets an outside edge which goes straight into the hands of Zak Crawley at second slip. Australia's slide continues and they are now 7 down.
Pulls his length back and delivers it around middle and leg, Alex Carey hangs back and tucks it through square leg. Opens his account with a single.
On a good length, at the stumps, Alex Carey plants his foot forward and defends it on the off side.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 274/6
M Starc0 (1)
A Carey0 (0)
M Ali14-1-49-2
Tossed up just outside off stump, spins away from the left-hander. Mitchell Starc plays the front foot defence, gets the outside edge which falls short of the second slip to end the over.
Mitchell Starc walks out to the middle with lots of work to do here!
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Three wickets in three consecutive overs and the game has turned in a flash! Australia are absolutely crumbling here and it is England who are right on top in this tie! Moeen Ali has two quick wickets and he was bound to make an impact on this game despite his injury! This is tossed up full and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh pushes forward to defend and the ball takes the inside edge while spinning back towards the stumps. It goes on to hit the pads and lobs up to the right of the wicketkeeper. Jonny Bairstow sticks his hand out and grabs the ball as he falls over but does not let his elbow hit the ground. Mitchell Marsh does not even wait for the umpire to decide as he turns around and begins his walk back to the pavilion. Australia have lost six wickets now and England are four scalps away from leveling the series!
Tossed up on the stumps. Mitchell Marsh offers the front foot defence. Ball rolls to short leg.
Dropped short. Mitchell Marsh flicks it to mid wicket.
Tossed up full. Mitchell Marsh pushes it straight to mid off.
Dropped short, turning sharply towards the off stump. Mitchell Marsh blocks it off from the back foot.
Alex Carey strides out to the middle.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 274/5
S Smith54 (94)
M Marsh6 (4)
C Woakes16-4-40-3
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! A massive wicket for England and Chris Woakes has brought them right back into the game! Comes from over the wicket and serves it on a good length, around off, Steven Smith shuffles across in the crease to defend. The ball nips away after pitching and catches the outside edge of Smith's bat. The ball travels at a good height to Zak Crawley at second slip who does the rest. Australia have now lost both their set batters and find themselves in a spot of bother.
Just short on the middle stump this time. Steven Smith blocks it off from the crease.
Hits the good length outside off stump allowing Steven Smith to play the front foot defence.
Just short again on the off stump. Steven Smith blocks it from the crease.
FOUR! Just short at the body of Steven Smith who pulls it away from the crease towards deep square leg boundary. What a shot.
Hits the good length outside off. Mitchell Marsh pushes it on the front foot towards sweeper for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 269/4
M Marsh5 (3)
S Smith50 (89)
M Ali13-0-49-1
Sweeps again from outside the off stump towards the deep square leg for a single to end the over.
FOUR! Sweeps and sweeps well on his 2nd ball. Moeen Ali loops one outside off, Mitchell Marsh gets down on one knee and sweeps it to the right of deep square leg for a welcome boundary.
Looped up on the offstump. Mitchell Marsh plays the front foot defence.
Mitchell Marsh is the new man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! Moeen Ali gets his first wicket of the game and it may be a huge scalp in the context of the game! Travis Head's attacking ability could have taken the game away from the hosts in a jiffy but he perishes 7 runs short of his half-century. Moeen Ali flights this one full and outside the off stump. Travis Head goes for the expansive drive through covers but the ball lands on the rough and turns away from the bat sharply. Takes the outside edge of the bat and goes towards slip where Joe Root makes the catch look really easy. Australia lose their fourth wicket early in the final session and England will have their tails up as they look for a few more quick wickets.
FIFTY for Steven Smith! Runs in the first innings and Smith has backed it up in the second innings as well. Pitched up slow outside off, Steven Smith pushes it to long on for a single to pick up his 50.
Short outside off, cut away by the batter towards sweeper for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 262/3
S Smith49 (88)
T Head42 (68)
C Woakes15-4-35-2
Hits the stumps from the good length. Steven Smith blocks it off from the crease to end the over.
Pitched up again outside off. Steven Smith pushes it off the front leg towards mid off.
FOUR! What a shot off the front foot to a ball pitched outside off stump on the good length. No swing for Chris Woakes this time and Steven Smith capitalizes by opening his arms and playing a delightful cover drive for a boundary.
Hits the good length again, targetting the off stump. Steven Smith blocks it off straight to the bowler from the crease.
Just short, outside the off stump. Steven Smith is happy to let it go from the crease.
Length ball on the stumps, swinging in. Steven Smith blocks it off to mid wicket from the crease.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 258/3
T Head42 (68)
S Smith45 (82)
M Ali12-0-42-0
Tossed up again on the stump. Travis Head gets this one to hit his back leg while playing the front foot defence, huge appeal for LBW but turned down. The players discuss whether to go for a review but Ben Stokes decides against it. A good decision as this was going over the leg pole.
Tossed up on the off stump. Travis Head drill this straight to the fielder at short cover.
Short on the pads, Steven Smith flicks it off his pads to pick up a single towards backward square leg.
Tossed up outside off, Steven Smith offers the front foot defence.
Before the start of this over, the umpires got together to inform Ben Stokes regarding the number of possible overs. There seems to have been a miscalculation by the umpires before the resumption and they have now informed Stokes that the number of overs to be bowled in this final session is 47.
Short and slow on the middle stump. Steven Smith flicks it to mid wicket.
Short ball on the off stump, pushed towards sweeper cover on the backfoot for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 256/3
S Smith44 (79)
T Head41 (65)
C Woakes14-4-31-2
Length ball at the stumps. Steven Smith blocks it off from the crease.
Dropped short at the body. Travis Head pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Dragged the inswinger on the pads from the good length. Steven Smith flicks it towards fine leg and picks up a single.
Pitched on the good length around off. Steven Smith blocks it off from the front foot towards the cover fielder.
Bowls this back of a length and just outside off. Steven Smith gets across the stumps and clips this towards mid-wicket.
Chris Woakes bowls this slightly short and outside off. Travis Head cuts this late towards deep point for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 253/3
S Smith43 (75)
T Head39 (63)
M Ali11-0-40-0
Tosses this full and just outside off. Steven Smith clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Loops this one full and outside the off stump. Steven Smith gets a good stride forward but the ball turns, beats the inside edge and raps him on his pads. A loud appeal from the bowler but the impact is clearly outside off.
Short again outside off. Travis Head pushes it to deep point and runs a single.
Dropped short on the off stump. Travis Head pushes it straight to mid off.
On a shorter length once again and just outside off. Travis Head rocks back and punches this towards cover.
Moeen Ali bowls this short and turns this into the stumps. Steven Smith tucks this towards deep square leg for one.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 251/3
T Head38 (60)
S Smith42 (72)
C Woakes13-4-28-2
FOUR! Pitched up and on the pads, Travis Head pushes it from the front foot to the right of mid on and picks up a handsome boundary for his team.
Pitched up, outside off stump, Travis Head plays the front foot drive but straight to mid off.
What a ball this time to the left hander. Angling away from the short length just outside off. Travis Head looks to play the back foot push but is beaten completely.
Short this time and wide outside the off stump. Some vicious bounce off the surface. Steven Smith leaves this one alone and Jonny Bairstow spills the ball moving to his right. The ball goes towards third man and they take a bye.
Just short on the off stump nipping back a little, Steven Smith looks to play at this but misses and the ball rolls off the pads towards point. Smith wants to get to the other side but is sent back by his partner.
Hits the perfect length just outside off stump with some late out swing movement. Steven Smith looks to play this over the top but is completely beaten on this occasion.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 246/3
S Smith42 (69)
T Head34 (57)
M Ali10-0-38-0
Floated up, on middle, the ball straightens a bit, Steven Smith opens the bat face and steers it towards point for a run.
Pushed through, on middle and leg, Travis Head looks to defend. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for a single.
Steven Smith steps down to a looped-up ball outside off stump. Plays it toward the covers gap and picks a single.
Looped up on the legs. Travis Head looks to flick it but misses, ball hits his pads and the batters pick up 3 runs from fine leg.
Looped up on the off stump. Travis Head plays the front foot defence towards short extra cover.
Pitched short outside off. Travis Head cuts it off the back foot towards deep point and runs a double.
It will be the spin of Moeen Ali from the other end.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 238/3
S Smith40 (67)
T Head31 (53)
C Woakes12-4-24-2
Another out swinger from the stump. Steven Smith plays it straight to mid wicket.
Hits the good length just outside off. Steven Smith blocks it from the crease towards mid off.
What a ball, just short outside off stump, swinging away from the right-hander. Steven Smith is completely beaten off the back foot.
Another outswinger from the good length, just around off stump. Steven Smith blocks it off from the crease towards mid on.
Bowls the length ball on the off stump, gets a hint of outswing. Steven Smith walks around and blocks it off from the crease.
Hits the good length outside off stump to start. Steven Smith lets this one go.
We are all set for the post-Tea session to begin. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Australia's two batters, Steven Smith and Travis Head are all set to resume their innings. Chris Woakes has the ball in hand and is raring to go. Here we go...
... DAY 5, SESSION 3 ...
UPDATE - 8.33 pm IST (3.03 pm GMT) - We have good news folks! The umpires have decided that the game will resume at 8.50 pm IST (3.20 pm GMT) as the ground staff have done remarkably well to dry the outfield out. Folks, we have a game on our hands at the Kennington Oval. A total of 52 overs are to be bowled in this last session subject to light and weather. Australia require 146 more runs while England are 7 wickets away from ending the series on level terms. Do join us shortly for live-action...
UPDATE - 7.54 pm IST (2.24 pm GMT) - Right then, since the ground staff are in the process of drying up the outfield, the umpires have decided to take Tea now. Provided there is no further rain, we should get the final session of this year's Ashes underway after the Tea interval. More promising signs as the umpires have decided that there will be a pitch inspection at 8.30 pm IST (3 PM GMT). Let's keep our fingers crossed that the weather holds up and we can have some positive news regarding the resumption.
UPDATE - 7.37 pm IST (2.07 pm GMT) - The wait continues and there is not much news to bring to you guys unfortunately. We have started losing overs though and soon the equation will be getting tougher for Australia. Just as we say this the intensity of the rain seems to be getting low and the umbrellas are being folded in the crowd. Does this mean we will be getting some movement now in an attempt to restart the game? We will find out soon...
UPDATE - 7.11 pm IST (1.41 pm GMT) - The rain has settled in now and it looked like we are in for a long wait. It could be a disappointing end to what has been an enthralling series as once again the rain gods have decided to ruin the hard work that the players have put in for most of the Test match. We will still keep an optimistic approach in the hope that the downpour subsides and the efficient ground staff bring us some cricket soon after that. Stay tuned for more updates.
UPDATE - 6.38 pm IST (1.08 pm GMT) - Sigh! Just when we were nearing the start of the post-Lunch session, it started to rain again. The two umpires and players had taken their respective positions, only to be sent back by what looks like a mizzle at the moment. It has gotten heavier and the entire square has been covered for now. The radar does not look promising either but let's hope this is just a passing shower. Stick around for further updates.
... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...
UPDATE - 6.32 pm IST (1.02 pm GMT) - Uh oh! It has started to rain and the covers have come on. A few minutes later, the drizzle has disappeared and the covers have come off. We should be getting underway with the post-Lunch session soon.
England needed wickets early this morning to keep their hopes alive in this game as their opponents were absolutely cruising towards the target. Chris Woakes was the man to provide them with the breakthrough as he drew first blood with the wicket of Warner. Things got better for the hosts when Woakes dismissed the other Aussie opener in his very next over to lift the morale of his teammates. Mark Wood managed to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne not too long after and it seemed like Australia were on a brink of a collapse. It has been Australia’s game though since the drinks break as Steven Smith remains unbeaten on 40 and Travis Head is giving him good company with 31 runs in his kitty. England still have seven wickets to get and it is the visitors who are currently favourites to pull off a record run-chase at this venue. Do join us at 6.35 pm IST (1.05 pm GMT) for the second session of the final day in this Ashes series.
SESSION SUMMARY - 102 runs and 3 wickets in 28 overs. A bit of controversy again towards the end of the session as this Ashes continues to give! This tie could still go either way still or we could even have the rain gods playing a crucial role in this fixture. Australia are inching towards the target as they hunt for their first series win in England since 2001 and they need 146 runs for victory but they did not start the day the way they would have liked. The Australian openers added 5 runs to the overnight score to take their partnership to 140 runs setting up a lovely platform for the Aussies to push for a win. However, they lost David Warner and Usman Khawaja in quick succession and Marnus Labuschagne edged one to slip within the first hour. Just when it looked like the hosts were on top, Steven Smith and Travis Head have put on a 69-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket to settle any sort of nerves building in the dressing room.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 238/3
S Smith40 (61)
T Head31 (53)
M Ali9-0-33-0
Floats this one full and just outside off. Steven Smith eases this down to long on for a single. That will be LUNCH on DAY 5!
Flighted yet again, turning in, on middle and leg, Steven Smith clips it straight to mid-wicket.
Continues to give the ball air and serves it on middle, Steven Smith gets behind the line and keeps it out.
Tossed up again, at the stumps, Steven Smith blocks it out solidly.
Floated up, turning in, on middle, Steven Smith works it with the turn on the leg side.
Now then, what has happened here? Tossed up, turning in, on middle, Steven Smith lunges forward to defend. The ball lobs off the gloves of Smith and goes towards leg slip. Ben Stokes times the jump to perfection and takes a one-handed stunner. However, as he went to celebrate, his palm hit his knee and the ball popped out. England think they have got Steven Smith caught at leg slip but Ben Stokes does not seem convinced. He still goes for the review though. The third umpire deems that Stokes was not in control of the catch and adjudges it as not out. Boos ring around the Kennington Oval and the English players are bemused as well.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 237/3
T Head31 (53)
S Smith39 (55)
M Wood9-0-34-1
Another shortish delivery, angled across by Wood, Travis Head drops his hands and lets it go through to Jonny Bairstow.
Comes from over the wicket this time, short and on off, Travis Head sways away and leaves the ball alone.
Slightly back of a length, around off, Travis Head stays on the back foot and pushes it away from the body towards cover.
Directs another bumper, but this time at the batter, Travis Head rises and does well to keep it out down the wicket.
Switches to 'round the wicket and bowls a bumper, on middle, Travis Head ducks underneath and leaves the ball alone.
Back of a length, on middle by Wood, Steven Smith hangs back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 236/3
S Smith38 (54)
T Head31 (48)
M Ali8-0-32-0
Full again, on middle, Steven Smith gets forward and strokes it down to long on for a single.
Loops it up, full on middle, Steven Smith gets to the pitch of the ball and pushes it to short leg.
Flighted delivery, on off, Steven Smith goes back in his crease and blocks it out.
FOUR! Steven Smith gets it away this time! Pushed through, on middle, Steven Smith is up to the task as he helps it through short fine leg for a boundary.
Full and tossed up, at the stumps, Steven Smith plants his foot forward and defends it to short mid-wicket.
Floated up, on middle and leg, slower as well, Steven Smith works it towards backward square leg.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 231/3
T Head31 (48)
S Smith33 (48)
M Wood8-0-33-1
Back of a length but a bit down leg, Travis Head does think of helping it fine on the leg side but decides against it.
From over the wicket, banged in short, on middle, Travis Head ducks and leaves the ball alone.
Another bumper, directed at the batter, Steven Smith hooks it down to fine leg for one.
Bangs it in short, on middle, Steven Smith ducks underneath and lets the ball go through to the keeper. Wood falls over in his follow through but no harm done.
FOUR! Nicely driven! Wood goes full this time, on off, Steven Smith stays in his crease and drives it through the vacant mid off region for a boundary.
Persists with short length, on middle, Travis Head gets on his toes and fends it through the vacant point region for a boundary.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 225/3
S Smith28 (45)
T Head30 (45)
M Ali7-0-27-0
Full and turning in, on off and middle, Steven Smith takes a stride forward to defend. The ball spins in and strikes the front pad of Smith.
Drifts on the pads, on a full length, Travis Head gets down and sweeps it hard towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Fullish delivery, on leg, Travis Head jams this one out to the left of the bowler.
Angled in, on off, fraction short, the ball does keep a bit low and Travis Head does well to keep it out on the off side.
Tossed up, on off, Steven Smith gets on the front foot and strokes it through mid on for a single.
Flatter, outside off, Steven Smith goes back and defends it down the wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 223/3
T Head29 (42)
S Smith27 (42)
M Wood7-0-27-1
Switches to 'round the wicket and goes short, on middle, Travis Head stays on the back foot and fends it towards silly point.
Angled across, short and outside off, Travis Head gets his gloves out of the way and lets the ball go.
Continues to bowl into the wicket, on middle, Travis Head gets on top of the bounce and keeps it out on the off side.
Keeps it short again, on middle, Steven Smith stands tall and pulls it to fine leg for a single.
Goes short again, on middle, the ball does not rise as expected, Steven Smith ducks underneath and lets it go.
Bends his back and bangs it in, short at the batter, Travis Head fends it a bit awkwardly and gets it through the vacant leg slip region for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 221/3
S Smith26 (40)
T Head28 (38)
M Ali6-0-25-0
Short and turning in sharply, on leg, Steven Smith looks to clip it away but does not make any contact with the bat. The batters run two as the ball rolls off the pads to the fine leg fence. The umpire reckons that Smith did not play a shot and signals a dead ball.
Drops it short and on off, Travis Head rocks back and eases it on the off side for a single.
Flighted delivery, full and at the stumps, Travis Head pushes it back to Ali.
Inside edge but no harm done! Fraction short and around off, turning in, Steven Smith shuffles to defend. The ball keeps a bit low and Smith gets an inside edge. Luckily for him, the ball sneaks past the stumps for a single.
Gives the ball air again, on off, Steven Smith defends it with soft hands on the leg side.
FOUR! Steven Smith welcomes Moeen Ali with a boundary! Starts with a loosener, full and outside off, Steven Smith gets on the front foot and creams the drive through wide mid off for a boundary.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 215/3
T Head27 (36)
S Smith21 (36)
S Broad14-3-40-0
Fuller and angling in, in the channel on off, Travis Head prods forward and keeps it out on the off side.
Bends his back and bangs it in short, down leg, Travis Head swivels in the crease to hook it away but misses. Jonny Bairstow dives to his right and pouches it safely. A couple of slip fielders go up in appeal but the umpire is unmoved.
Continues to go full and on off, Travis Head times the drive straight to cover.
FOUR! A gift by Broad and Head accepts it gleefully! Strays on the pads, on a full length, Travis Head brings his wrists into play and clips it aerially but in the gap towards deep backward square leg for a boundary.
Much straighter this time, on a good length, on off and middle, Travis Head gets behind the line and blocks it out.
Another beauty by Stuart Broad! Makes use of the angle again from 'round the wicket, on a length, just outside off, Travis Head gets on the front foot to defend. The ball straightens after pitching and goes past the outside edge.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 211/3
S Smith21 (36)
T Head23 (30)
J Anderson14-4-53-0
Close! On a back of a length, shaping away, outside off, Steven Smith looks to leave the ball alone but he keeps his bat hanging. The ball rolls off the bottom part of the bat towards the keeper.
Great stop by Mark Wood! Shaping in, full, on middle, Travis Head drives it firmly and to the right of mid on. Mark Wood stationed there dives to his right and keeps it to one.
Switches to back of a length, on middle, Travis Head gets on his toes and tries to work it across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad.
Hurls it full this time, outside off, Travis Head does not chase the delivery and lets it go.
Much tighter this time, on a hard length, on off, Travis Head punches it off the back foot towards cover.
Comes from over the wicket and angles it across, on a good length, outside off, Travis Head watchfully lets it go.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 210/3
S Smith21 (35)
T Head22 (25)
S Broad13-3-36-0
Delivers it on a good length, wide outside off, from over the wicket, Steven Smith lets it go through to the keeper.
Angling in, on a fuller length, outside off, Steven Smith defends this one off the front foot.
Lands it on a length, just outside off, Steven Smith moves to the off side again and keeps it out towards mid on.
Tailing in, full and at the stumps, Steven Smith gets behind the line and pushes it towards mid on.
Fullish delivery, outside off, Steven Smith shuffles to drive down the ground but yorks himself up a bit. Digs it out down to mid off.
FOUR! Steven Smith gets into the act now! Broad pitches it up, swinging in, around off, Steven Smith gets on the front foot quickly and times the drive to perfection. Hits it to the left of Moeen Ali at mid off for a boundary.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 206/3
T Head22 (25)
S Smith17 (29)
J Anderson13-4-52-0
A bit too wide by Anderson, full as well, Travis Head opts not to offer a shot.
Angled into the hips, on a back of a length, Travis Head tucks it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.
Going away, full and outside off, Travis Head shoudlers arms yet again.
Another tempter, full and wide outside off, Travis Head is happy to leave the ball alone.
FOUR! Another full delivery and Travis Head helps himself to a boundary! Anderson overpitches it again, full and wide outside off, Head gets the width he needs and smacks it through covers for four more runs.
FOUR! Travis Head continues to punish loose deliveries! Anderson misses his length a bit and bowls it too full, on middle and leg, Travis Head isn't one to miss out as he clips this crisply and wide of mid on for a boundary.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 198/3
T Head14 (19)
S Smith17 (29)
S Broad12-3-32-0
Pulls his length back a bit and strays on the pads, Travis Head flicks it along the ground to deep square leg. Keeps the strike with a single.
FOUR! Easy pickings for a batter of Head's calibre! Broad drifts slightly on the pads, on a full length, Travis Head lets the ball to come to him and clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Pitched up this time, swinging away, outside off, Travis Head does go chasing and has a tentative push at the delivery. The ball moves away and goes past his outside edge.
Goes wide of the crease again and serves it on a back of a length, around off, Travis Head hops in the crease and pushes it down the wicket.
Nagging length, on middle, angling in, Steven Smith rolls his wrists and helps it wide of leg slip. Collects a single as the ball rolls to fine leg.
Continues from 'round the wicket and delivers it full, going away, on off, Travis Head prods forward and drives it towards wide mid off for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 191/3
T Head8 (14)
S Smith16 (28)
J Anderson12-4-44-0
Tailing in sharply, on a good, on the off stump line, Travis Head accounts for the inward movement and runs it down to third man for a single.
Hurls it full and outside off, a hint of away movement, Travis Head watchfully lets the ball pass.
Continues to test Head on a full length, outside off, left alone.
FOUR! Lovely shot by the southpaw! Pitched up, outside off by James Anderson, Travis Head opens the bat face slightly and drives it square. Does not time it well but the ball has enough legs to reach the deep point fence for a boundary.
A bit short by Anderson, outside off, Steven Smith allows the ball to come to him and drops it in front of mid-wicket for a single.
Lands it on a good length, outside off, Steven Smith plants his foot forward and smothers the ball down the wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 185/3
T Head3 (10)
S Smith15 (26)
S Broad11-3-25-0
Beauty! Goes wide of the crease and slants it in, on a length, in the channel on off, Travis Head has a nibble at this delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Serves it on a hard length, angling in, outside off, Travis Head with a loose shot again as he pushes away from the body. Luckily for him, he does not edge this one behind.
Goes back to bowling short, around off, Travis Head rises and gets on top of the bounce. Punches it sweetly, along the ground and gets it through point for a couple of runs.
A tempter by Broad, full and moving away, wide outside off, Travis Head does not take the bait and lets the ball pass.
Back of a length this time, on off, Travis Head opts to stay on the back foot and guides it towards point.
Starts from 'round the wicket and angles it in, on a length, outside off, Travis Head looks to defend away from the body and without much foot movement. The ball nips away and zips past his outside edge.
Stuart Broad has been brought back into the attack.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 183/3
S Smith15 (26)
T Head1 (4)
J Anderson11-4-38-0
FOUR! Cracking shot! Anderson goes full searching for swing, on off, Steven Smith does not miss as he presents a straight bat and creams the drive through mid on for a boundary.
Much straighter this time, back of a length, just outside off, Steven Smith hangs back in the crease and shoulders arms.
Keeps it full and wide outside off, Steven Smith is happy to leave the ball alone again.
Fraction fuller and shaping away, outside off, Steven Smith walks across and leaves the ball alone.
Four Leg Byes! On a good length, on middle, Steven Smith with the movement again, looks to tickle it fine on the leg side. The ball comes off the thigh pad and rolls to the fine leg fence.
Beaten! Starts on a back of a length, outside off, Steven Smith shuffles in the crease and has a go at the delivery. The ball straightens a bit and sneaks past the inside edge.
Drinks Break! It has been a dream start for England in the first hour. It was Chris Woakes who set the tone with the replaced ball, sending back both Aussie openers in successive overs. Brought in as the first change, Mark Wood joined in on it to remove the busy-looking Marnus Labuschagne. Australia have found it tough to negate the movement so far and find themselves in a spot of bother at the moment. Steven Smith holds the key for Australia here if they are to stay in the game.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 175/3
T Head1 (4)
S Smith11 (20)
M Wood6-0-25-1
Some swing on offer here as Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and just outside off. The ball shapes back in as Travis Head blocks this out into the off side.
On a good length this time and pitching outside leg. Travis Head clips this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Goes full this time and into the pads. Steven Smith looks to flick this into the leg side but gets a leading edge towards deep backward point for a lucky run.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off pole. Steven Smith stands tall and dabs this towards the fielder at cover.
Bowls this at the stumps and on a good length as well. Travis Head flicks this down to fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and pitching outside leg stump. Travis Head looks to block but misses and gets hit high on the back leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 173/3
S Smith10 (18)
T Head0 (0)
C Woakes11-3-24-2
Shaping away, on a length, outside off, Steven Smith walks across in the crease and defends with a straight bat towards mid on.
FOUR! A bit of aggression from Steven Smith and he is rewarded with a boundary! Chris Woakes bowls this one full and outside the off stump. Steven Smith hits this aerially but into the gap towards deep cover for four runs.
On a good length this time and outside off. Steven Smith shoulders his arms to this one as well.
BAck to bowling on a good length and outside the off pole. Steven Smith is not interested to play at this one and lets it go past him towards the keeper.
Slightly short and just outside off. Steven Smith gets across the stumps and raises his arms high as the ball goes onto hit the back pad.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside off. Steven Smith is happy to leave the ball alone.
Travis Head is the new man in.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 169/3
M Labuschagne13 (33)
S Smith6 (12)
M Wood5-0-23-1
OUT! CAUGHT! What an extraordinary first hour this has been for England on Day 5! They were absolutely flat on Day 4 but have come roaring back to send the top three Australian batters back to the shed. It is Mark Wood who joins the party this time and gets rid of the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne early. This is bowled on a good length and just outside the off pole from wide of the crease. Marnus Labuschagne plays for the angle but the ball straightens to square the batter up. Takes the outside edge of the bat and flies towards second slip where Zak Crawley takes a fine catch inches off the ground. Australia have now lost three wickets and England are bossing the game now.
Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne is watchful and allows to keeper to collect this one.
FIVE WIDES! Bangs this in short and going well over the batter and the keeper's head. Jonny Bairstow has no chance of collecting this one and the ball races towards the ropes. The umpire says it is too high and it will be five wides.
Just outside the off pole and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne blocks this solidly towards the fielder at mid on.
Bowls this on a good length and well outside off. Marnus Labuschagne raises his arms high and leaves the ball alone.
Bowls it into wicket, on off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on his toes and dabs it with soft hands towards backward point.
Mark Wood bowls this slightly wide outside off and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne is content in leaving this one through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 164/2
S Smith6 (12)
M Labuschagne13 (27)
C Woakes10-3-20-2
Back of a length this time and just outside off. Steven Smith gets across and tucks this towards square leg as he looks for a run. Marnus Labuschagne sends him back.
Delivers this in line with the stumps and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne is watchful this time as he shoulders his arms to this one.
An absolute beauty from Chris Woakes! This is bowled in the channel just outside off and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne plays for the line and the lateral movemnt away from the bat beats him all ends up.
NO BALL! Chris Woakes bowls this one a good length and just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks this out solidly. The bowler has overstepped though and it will be a no ball.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. More bounce on offer and Marnus Labuschagne does well to leave it at the last moment.
Chris Woakes bowls this back of a length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne swats this straight to the fielder at cover.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 162/2
S Smith6 (11)
M Labuschagne12 (21)
M Wood4-0-18-0
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. Steven Smith is watchful and leaves the ball alone.
Pitches this on a good length and well outside off. Steven Smith does not offer a shot and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Delivers this on a good length and oustide off. The ball shoots off the surface and Steven Smith sways out of the way to negotiate the extra bounce.
Bowls this a tab bit full and outside the off stump. Steven Smith pushes this towards cover-point with no real timing.
Angles this into the pads on a good length. Steven Smith clips this towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.
Moeen Ali did test out his calf there with the stop near the ropes and looks fine to stay on.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Steven Smith is content in leaving this one alone and having a look at what the ball is dloing.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 160/2
M Labuschagne12 (21)
S Smith4 (5)
C Woakes9-3-18-2
Another in-swinger bowled full and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne goes hard at this and gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a couple of runs.
Well outside the off stump and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders his arms to this one and gladly lets it go through to the keeper.
Delivers this on a good length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and dabs this towards mid-wicket.
Continues to bowl on a good length and in the channel outside off. Marnus Labuschagne judges the line well and leaves the ball alone.
On a good length this time and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne dabs this back down the pitch.
FOUR! Great use of the wrists by Marnus Labuschagne as he collects yet another boundary to help release the pressure! Chris Woakes bowls this full and in line with the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and collects four runs.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 154/2
S Smith4 (5)
M Labuschagne6 (15)
S Broad10-3-23-0
Continues to bowl full and outside the off pole. Steven Smith pushes at this and gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Gets the ball to nip back in from a fuller length and just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne gets this off the inside part of his bat towards deep square leg for a run.
FOUR! A cracking shot from the blade of Marnus Labuschagne! Stuart Broad bowls this full and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne gets a good stride forward and drills this towards deep cover for four runs.
FOUR BYES! Bowls this going leg on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick but the ball moves viciously after passing the batter. Jonny Bairstow has no chance and the ball goes to fine leg for four byes.
Goes full this time and angles this into the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Stuart Broad bowls this back of a length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne rides the bounce and dabs this into the leg side.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 145/2
S Smith4 (4)
M Labuschagne1 (10)
C Woakes8-3-12-2
FOUR! Streaky boundary and Steven Smith is off the mark! This is bowled on a good length as well and outside off. Steven Smith pushes at this and gets an outside edge towards third man for four runs.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Steven Smith walks across the line of the stumps and leaves the ball alone. Gets hit on the back leg but well outside off.
Bowls this on a good length and just outside off. Steven Smith looks to defend but gets squared up by the movent away.
Bowls this slightly full and angles this into the stumps. Steven Smith gets this off his inside edge to the right of mid-wicket.
Steven Smith walks out to the middle.
OUT! PLUMB! England have two quick wickets and it is Chris Woakes once again as he claims two wickets in two overs to get his side roaring back into this game! This is bowled full and pitching on leg. The ball shapes back in and Usman Khawaja is unable to keep his balance as he looks to work this one away. Beats the inside edge of his bat and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals as he looks convinced and the umpire raises his finger this time. Usman Khawaja goes for the review and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has three red and Australia have now lost both their openers in quick time.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and angling away from the left-hander, outside off. Usman Khawaja raises his bat into the air and leaves the ball alone.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 141/1
M Labuschagne1 (10)
U Khawaja72 (143)
S Broad9-3-18-0
Continues to bowl on a fullish length and outside the off pole. The ball comes back in and beats the inside edge of Marnus Labuschagne's bat. Hits him on the back pad and there is another appeal. The umpire remains unmoved and Ben Stokes goes for the review this time. UltraEdge confirms there is no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows impact is outside the off stump. England lose a review.
Goes fuller this time and on and off-stump line. Marnus Labuschagne gets squared up and the ball takes the leading edge back towards the bowler.
Gets the ball to nip back in sharply from a good length and into the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne is out of his crease as he looks to work this leg side but gets beaten on the inside edge and hit on the pads. The bowler appeals but this seems to be hitting the pads a bit high.
In the channel just outside off and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne blocks this into the leg side towards mid-wicket.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne opts to leave the ball alone this time.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne feels for the ball and gets beaten comprehensively.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 141/1
M Labuschagne1 (4)
U Khawaja72 (143)
C Woakes7-3-8-1
Pulls his length back and bowls it slightly short, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and eases it towards backward square leg. Opens his account with a single.
Offers width this time, full and wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne crouches and reaches out. Drives it firmly but straight to cover.
Beaten! On a good length, in the channel on off, Marnus Labuschagne leans forward to defend. The ball nips away a touch and beats Labuschagne on the outside edge.
Gets the ball to nip in off the surface from a good length. Marnus Labuschagne blocks his first delivery solidly.
Marnus Labuschagne walks in at number 3.
OUT! CAUGHT! England have finally managed to draw first blood and it is Chris Woakes who gets the breakthrough! He has revolutionized this team since his inclusion and he claims another important wicket in the series! This is bowled on a good length and just outside the off pole. David Warner looks to defend but pushes at the ball tentatively. Gets a faint outside edge through to the keeper and Jonny Bairstow makes no mistake grabbing hold of this one. Good start from the hosts this morning and they will hope to get a few more quickly.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a fuller length and in line with the stump. David Warner looks to work this leg side but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 140/0
U Khawaja72 (143)
D Warner60 (104)
S Broad8-2-18-0
Goes full this time and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja looks to play at this one and gets beaten all ends up.
This is on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja steps out of the crease and dabs this into the off side.
Bowls this one back of a length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja looks to swat this away but misses.
Goes a tad bit fuller this time and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja knocks this firmly to the cover fielder.
Usman Khawaja is on the move again. This is bowled on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja trods down the pitch and drill this towards mid off.
Stuart Broad continues to bowl from 'round the wicket into the stumps and on a good length. Usman Khawaja walks down the wicket and punches this towards long on for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 138/0
U Khawaja70 (137)
D Warner60 (104)
C Woakes6-3-7-0
Strays onto the pads on a good length. Usman Khawaja tucks this through the mid-wicket region and sets off for a single off the last ball to keep strike.
This is on a good length as well and in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja blocks this one solidly back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Bowls this on a good length and pitching outside leg. Usman Khawaja looks to work this away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal by the bowler and the umpire takes his time before saying not out.
On a good length this time and on an off-stump line. Usman Khawaja gets squared up and the ball goes off the outside part of his bat towards the fielder at point.
Continues to bowl full and outside the off pole. David Warner pushes this through cover to the right of widish mid off to pick up a single.
Chris Woakes bowls this full and just outside the off stump. David Warner gets a stride forward and defends this towards the cover fielder.
It will be Chris Woakes to steam in from the other end.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 136/0
U Khawaja69 (133)
D Warner59 (102)
S Broad7-2-16-0
Beaten! Bowls this on a fullish length as well and outside the off stump. The ball straighten after pitching as Usman Khawaja looks to poke at this one. The ball zips past the outside edge.
Back to bowling full and in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja clips this towards the fielder at square leg.
Attacks the stumps once again but on a good length this time. Usman Khawaja covers the line of the ball and blocks this back down the pitch with a straight bat.
Goes full this time and into the stumps. David Warner shimmies down the pitch and looks to work the ball leg side. Gets an inside edge onto his pad to save him.
Wide outside the off stump this time and on a good length. David Warner raises his arms high into the air and leaves the ball alone.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a good length and outside off from 'round the wicket. David Warner blocks this solidly towards the cover fielder.
All in readiness for the play to commence on Day 5. Overcast conditions greet the two umpires and players as they make their way out to the middle. The two overnight batters of Australia, David Warner and Usman Khawaja are all set to resume their innings. Stuart Broad is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings with the ball for England. Off we go...
UPDATE - 3.29 pm IST (9.59 am GMT) - Oops! There were some showers early in the morning which means that we are going to have a delayed start by 10 minutes. The action on Day 5 will begin at 3.40 pm IST (10.10 am GMT) with no overs lost. Updated session timings are as follows: Morning session - (3.40 pm IST - 5.55 pm IST), Lunch - (5.55 pm IST - 6.35 pm IST), Afternoon session - 6.35 pm IST - 8.50 pm IST), Tea - (8.50 pm IST - 9.10 pm IST), Evening session - (9.10 pm IST - 11.10 pm IST). A possible 98 overs to be bowled in the day. The last hour will start at 10.10 pm IST or 83 overs whichever is later weather permitting.
On the other hand, the visitors wasted no time and took only 11 balls to take the last wicket. In their pursuit of 384 runs, David Warner and Usman Khawaja gave a good account of themselves and were watchful at the start. As the ball got older, run-scoring became easier, and Warner, in particular, was severe in punishing the loose deliveries. As a result, Australia are in pole position to clinch an away Ashes series win for the first time since 2001. Will they succeed in doing so? Or will Stuart Broad have a fairytale ending to his career? We will have all the answers as the action on Day 5 is coming up shortly.
It was an emotional start to Day 4 as Stuart Broad, in his last Test, made his way out to the middle after receiving a guard of honour from Australian players. Leading by 377 runs at the start of the day, Broad's 55th six in Test cricket were the only runs the hosts were able to add to their overnight score. With the ball, the English bowlers toiled hard, but they were just unable to ruffle the feathers of the two Australian openers. In what will be the final day of his swansong Test, Stuart Broad will surely want to bow out on a high by bowling England to a victory.
Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of Day 5 of the fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia at Kennington Oval in London. 249 runs and 10 wickets separate the two sides before the start of the fifth and final day of the final Ashes Test. Having done all the hard work on Day 4, Australia do start as favourites to make it 3-1, while it would require an extraordinary bowling effort from England to end the series on a 2-2 scoreline.
... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...
For England, they need to do way better with the ball than they did on Day 4. It’s the last time we will see Stuart Broad and we can be pretty sure that he will give his all. There is James Anderson too, whose Test future is uncertain and with how this Ashes has gone, we might see a twist in the tale on the final day of this series. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
Australia though have done everything they could do on Day 4 to win this series, something that many people did not anticipate when they tuned in for the action at the start of the day. England could add only six runs to their overnight score courtesy of six by Stuart Broad on his last delivery in Test cricket and 384 was the target set for the Aussies. However, David Warner and Usman Khawaja have delivered a superb counter-punch and Australia now need 249 runs with all 10 wickets intact. Khawaja is on 69 and Warner is on 58 and with the way the pitch is behaving, the target is within the reach of the Kangaroos now.
Oh, match officials have decided to call it STUMPS for Day 4! The rain has won the battle and it has made sure that 31st July, will be the final day in the office for Stuart Broad. Also, we are going into the scheduled final day of the Ashes 2023 with all three results possible and if the rain stays away, we might see some enthralling action.
UPDATE - 9.05 pm IST (3.35 pm GMT) - The rain eased out a bit but returned with even further velocity a little while later. The crowd seems to have accepted their fate and the stands look empty as it has become dark and gloomy despite the floodlights being on. It seems even less likely that we will have any more action on Day 4 but the umpires are optimistic that the rain could give way. This is England after all and there will be very few who can predict the weather here with absolute surety! Stay tuned for more updates...
UPDATE - 8.24 pm IST (2.54 pm GMT) - The rain continues to keep us waiting and if the conditions do ease up now, it would be an opportunity for England to make some inroads. We have often seen games changing after a rain break and it might be a blessing in disguise for England this time. The question though is how long will cricket suffer because of these rain breaks? We surely are in an age where we can find solutions for it. It's high time cricket community comes up with some serious discussions on this issue.
UPDATE - 8.04 pm IST (2.34 pm GMT) - It looks really bleak out there and even if the rain was to stop, the ground staff will have their work cut out getting the conditions suitable for play. There are plenty of overs left for Australia to chase this target down but as we start losing overs the equation does start getting trickier. England will be hoping that they can get something to work after this interruption but a wet outfield could also make their task more difficult. We will get you more news of the conditions and till then we will sit back and hope.
UPDATE - 7.35 pm IST (2.05 pm GMT) - The rain has got heavier, folks! More covers have been brought in and it has got very dark now. Looks like we are in for a long delay. The umpires have decided to take early Tea in the hope to save some time if the downpour subsides. Do join us shortly for more updates.
UPDATE - 7.14 pm IST (1.44 pm GMT) - The umpires have decided! The ground staff has been called on to cover the centre patch and the players are trudging off the field. The rain does not seem to be too heavy and we hope it passes through quickly. We shall keep our fingers crossed and bring you further updates soon.
DRINKS! The players will take some refreshments and England need to rework their plans here as the game seems to be slipping out of their grasp. Australia are absolutely cruising at this point and the two openers have set up an outstanding platform to push for a miraculous win. Both the Aussie batters have notched up their half-centuries and have added an unbeaten partnership of 135 runs. The English bowlers have been really flat and they have not been able to utilize the overhead conditions to their advantage. Australia still need 249 runs to win and the game is still there for both teams to win as we expect there to be more twists and turns! There is a bit of drizzle out there and the ground staff are taking their positions along the boundary line. All eyes are on the umpires.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 135/0
U Khawaja69 (130)
D Warner58 (99)
C Woakes5-3-5-0
On a length, on off. Khawaja with a solid block this time.
A full delivery on leg. Warner tries to flick it but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards the leg side and a leg bye is taken.
A fullish delivery and outside off. Warner lets it go.
On a good length, around off. Warner defends it towards point.
Serves it fuller and outside off. Warner leaves it alone nicely.
On a length, around off. Warner defends it nicely towards cover-point.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 134/0
U Khawaja69 (129)
D Warner58 (94)
M Wood3-0-16-0
On a good length, on off. Khawaja tries to defend it but gets a leading edge towards the point region. Couple of runs taken.
Nice! That is what England need from Mark Wood! A sharp bouncer at 144 kph on middle. Khawaja gets away from the line this time.
On a length and around off. Khawaja fends it towards point.
FOUR! Well played! Short of good length, around off. Khawaja plays it late, opens the bat face as the ball runs away through the backward point region for a boundary.
A fullish delivery, angling into middle and leg. Khawaja works it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.
The physio is out to do the mandatory concussion check on Usman Khawaja. He looks really shaken out there. In the meantime, the umpires have decided to change the ball after consistent complaints from the English players. Khawaja has a smile on his face which is a good sign and a new helmet is being brought out. We are all set to resume...
Oh, that's hit Usman Khawaja's helmet! Wood bowls a pacy short delivery angling in from 'round the wicket. Khawaja takes his eyes off the ball and looks to dodge it but gets hit on the back of his helmet.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 126/0
D Warner58 (94)
U Khawaja61 (123)
J Root9-0-39-0
FOUR! Warner seems to be getting into his groove now! Dangerous signs for England! Tossed up and on off. Warner kneels and slog-sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
FOUR! Second boundary of the over! Short and wide outside off. Warner cuts it past point for a boundary.
On the shorter side, on off. Usman Khawaja punches it through covers for a single.
FOUR! Runs are flowing now for Australia and there is a sense of anxiousness in the crowd! Shortish and around off. Usman Khawaja goes back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
Bowls it quicker and on off. Usman Khawaja blocks it off the back foot.
A fuller and down the leg side. Usman Khawaja tries to sweep it but misses.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 113/0
D Warner50 (92)
U Khawaja56 (119)
M Wood2-0-8-0
On a length and around off. Warner fends it towards the off side.
On the shorter side again, angling into body and Warner taps it into the turf with ease.
FIFTY for David Warner! Bowls it short and on off. Warner takes the challenge and pulls it uppishly towards deep square leg. The fielder in the deep does well to keep it inside the fence. Saves two runs for his side but it will be a fifty for David Warner. He needed it badly and would look to convert this into a big one.
On the shorter side again, on off. Warner fends it off the back foot calmly.
Shorter and on middle. Warner blocks it out.
Mark Wood bowls this back of a length and an off-stump line. Usman Khawaja rides the bounce and tucks this towards deep backward square leg for one.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 110/0
U Khawaja55 (118)
D Warner48 (87)
J Root8-0-26-0
Short once again and outside off. Usman Khawaja punches this towards deep point and collects a single to keep strike.
Wide outside the off pole this time and continues to bowl full. Usman Khawaja is happy to leave this one alone.
Bowls this in line with the stumps and slightly short. Usman Khawaja rocks back and blocks this one out.
FOUR! Streaky boundary for Usman Khawaja but they all count! Joe Root fires this one full and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja gets his bat down and gets an outside edge through the keeper's leg for four runs.
Floats this one full and outside the off stump. David Warner knocks this towards long off and takes a run.
Slower through the air, outside off. Warner leaves it.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 104/0
U Khawaja50 (114)
D Warner47 (85)
M Wood1-0-5-0
A fullish delivery on middle. Usman Khawaja drives it back to the bowler.
A length delivery on middle. Khawaja blocks it.
Short delivery on off. Usman Khawaja ducks under it.
Shorter in length, on off. Khawaja hops and blocks it.
FOUR! That's a good delivery but it is a boundary! Back of a length, on off. Khawaja gets squared up a bit but gets an outside edge that runs away between the slip fielder and gully for a boundary.
Back of a length, on middle. Warner works it to deep square leg for a single. 100 up for Australia! Quite a good start this for Australia, exactly what they needed!
Mark Wood has finally been brought into the attack.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 99/0
U Khawaja46 (109)
D Warner46 (84)
J Root7-0-20-0
Touch short, around off. Khawaja late cuts it to short third man.
Tossed up nicely on off. Usman Khawaja fends it off the front foot.
Slower through the air and outside off. Good leave from Khawaja.
Flatter and quicker on off. Khawaja fends it off the back foot.
Tossed up, on off. Khawaja blocks it off the front foot.
Slower through the air, on middle. Warner works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 98/0
D Warner45 (83)
U Khawaja46 (104)
J Anderson10-4-34-0
On a length, on leg. Warner works it to deep square leg for a single.
NO BALL AND FOUR! Oh, that is a wild one from James Anderson! A Beamer angling into the body of Warner. Warner jumps and just somehow manages to get his bat in the middle. The ball goes off the outside half of his blade towards the third man fence. NO BALL Signalled!
On a length, on off. Warner blocks it off this time.
FOUR! Up and Over! That's the David Warner we know! A fullish delivery, around off. Warner gets low, almost on his knee and plays a lofted drive towards long off for a boundary.
Anderson angles a length delivery on middle. Warner works it onto the pitch.
Back of a length, on leg. Khawaja works it to deep square leg for an easy single.
On a length, around off. Khawaja hangs on the back foot and fends it off the outside half of his blade towards point.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 87/0
D Warner36 (78)
U Khawaja45 (102)
J Root6-0-19-0
Slower through the air, outside off. Turning away and Warner leaves it.
Shortish and on middle. Khawaja pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Fires it quicker and on middle. Khawaja with a solid block again.
A fullish delivery again on off. Khawaja though goes back again and blocks it.
Fires it quicker and on off. Khawaja blocks it off the back foot.
Tossed up on middle. Khawaja works it to backward square leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 86/0
D Warner36 (77)
U Khawaja44 (97)
J Anderson9-4-23-0
FOUR! Opens the face of the bat, David Warner plays it late under his eyes and finds the third man boundary. An intentional approach to a dragged-down delivery outside off stump.
David Warner steps down to a good length ball on the off stumps and plays a push straight to mid-off.
Keeps this one back a little on the off-stump line. David Warner blocks it off the back foot.
Hits the good length hard on the off stump. David Warner comes with a good front foot block straight to short point.
Just short on the off stump channel. David Warner pushes it on the back leg towards short point.
Pitches it up on the off stump. David Warner blocks it on the front leg.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 82/0
D Warner32 (71)
U Khawaja44 (97)
J Root5-0-18-0
Tossed up on off. Warner takes it on the full and drives it to long off for a single.
Angles it quicker on off. Warner blocks it solidly off the front foot.
Tossed up again outside off. The batter lets the ball go.
Tossed up away from the stumps, saw David Warner coming down the track who stays in the crease and lets the ball go.
Short ball outside off stump, Usman Khawaja pushes it to sweeper and takes a run.
Tossed up on the pads, David Warner pushes it to mid-wicket and runs a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 79/0
U Khawaja43 (96)
D Warner30 (66)
J Anderson8-4-19-0
Another pitched up ball on the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays it straight to covers on the front foot.
Pitches up on the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays the cover drive but straight to the man at covers.
Pitched up on the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays the cover drive and picks up 2 runs from covers.
Outside the off stump, from the length. Usman Khawaja lets this one go.
Back of a length from the angle, hits the elbow of Usman Khawaja and drops down.
Hits the good length on the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays it straight to mid-off from the front foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 77/0
D Warner30 (66)
U Khawaja41 (90)
J Root4-0-15-0
Flatter and quicker on off.Warner plays it late as he fends it towards the off side.
Tossed up and outside off. Warner drives it off the outside half of his blade towards backward point.
Beats David Warner, short and wide on this occasion. Warner cuts and gets beaten.
Short length outside off. Usman Khawaja pushes it to sweepers on the back leg and runs a single.
Bowls slow and short on the off stump. The batter blocks it off the back foot.
Tossed up slow on the stump. Usman Khawaja goes to the backfoot and blocks it.
Joe Root to start from the other end. Two left-handers in the middle, so an expected move this with Moeen Ali not 100 percent fit.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 76/0
D Warner30 (63)
U Khawaja40 (87)
J Anderson7-4-17-0
Fuller length again on the off-stump line. David Warner pushes it to covers on the front foot.
Pitched up outside off, swinging in. David Warner plays it straight to point on the front leg.
Outside the off stump, pitches further up. Usman Khawaja plays the cover drive and runs a single from the left of point.
Back of length on the off stump this time. Usman Khawaja blocks it from the crease.
On the good length again, hint of inswing, on the off stump. Usman Khawaja pushes it on the front leg to silly mid off.
Hits the good length outside off, Usman Khawaja plays the front foot block to point.
We are all set for the second session of Day 4! The players are on the field and it is Usman Khawaja who is on strike against James Anderson. Here we go...
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
Just as the players walked back to the dressing room, there seemed to be a slight drizzle around the stadium and the ground staff brought the covers on to protect the centre patch. Hopefully, it is a passing shower and we will return post Lunch for the afternoon session. Will Australia continue their good work and inch towards the target? Or will England be able to use the overcast conditions and get a few quick wickets after the break? Do join us at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) to find out how the second session of Day 4 plays out.
Australia got what they wanted this morning and did not allow the last-wicket stand to frustrate them. Todd Murphy struck in his first over as he trapped the England number eleven in front of the stumps and Australia has close to two days to chase down a mammoth target. The Day 4 pitch at the Kennington Oval has been kind to the batters so far as the Australian openers took a positive approach to this run chase. They did not get bogged down by the English fast bowlers and took the attack to the injured Moeen Ali. The opening stand is currently unbeaten on 75 with David Warner on 30 and Usman Khawaja 11 runs short of his half-century, and both batters will be hoping to continue the good work as they set up a remarkable run chase.
SESSION SUMMARY - 81 runs and 1 wicket in 25.5 overs. Australia have dominated proceedings this morning and have given themselves a sniff at the target as they go into Lunch with all their wickets intact. The day started in an emotional manner as the Aussies lined up for a Guard of Honour in respect of the retiring Stuart Broad. He smashed one maximum to the delight of the crowd before James Anderson lost his wicket in the second over of the Day. The hosts set a target of 384 and it seemed like an uphill task for the visitors but the lack of help from the surface for the English bowlers has made this game really exciting. Australia still need 309 runs to win while England are still to draw first blood in their quest to bowl their opponents out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 75/0
D Warner30 (61)
U Khawaja39 (83)
J Root3-0-14-0
An appeal for an LBW on the last ball before Lunch! No damage done though as it is clearly pitched outside leg. Root tosses it up, around leg and Warner tries to work it towards the leg side. However, the ball turns and hits Warner on the pad. An appeal follows but the umpire is not interested. It is Lunch on Day 4!
On the shorter side, on middle. Khawaja nudges it to square leg for a single.
A flatter delivery again, on middle. Warner tucks it to mid-wicket.
Quicker and on middle. Khawaja works it to square leg for a single.
Bowls it way outside off. Entices the batter to go after it but Khawaja is not interested.
Tossed up, outside off. Khawaja though is happy to let it go.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 72/0
D Warner29 (59)
U Khawaja37 (79)
J Anderson6-4-16-0
Bowls a fullish delivery this time, around off. Warner drives it to the short cover fielder. A maiden from Anderson!
On a length and outside off. Warner lets it go.
On a length and outside off. Warner leaves it alone. Hint of away movement there for Anderson.
Back of a length, around off. Warner dabs it to cover-point.
Goes fuller and on off. Warner drives it back to the bowler.
On a length, on off. Warner fends it nicely back to Anderson.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 72/0
U Khawaja37 (79)
D Warner29 (53)
J Root2-0-11-0
On the shorter side, on off. Khawaja punches it back to the bowler.
Fuller and outside off. Khawaja leaves it alone.
Quicker and flatter on off. Khawaja blocks it off the back foot.
FOUR! Nicely played! Shortish and around off. Khawaja goes back and plays it very late. He punches it off the outside half of his blade and the ball runs away towards the deep backward point fence.
FOUR! Boundary for Australia after a long time! Tossed up and around off. Khawaja strides forward and fends it with soft hands The ball catches the outside edge but runs away from the first slip fielder for a boundary.
Tossed up on off. Warner drives it to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 63/0
U Khawaja29 (74)
D Warner28 (52)
J Anderson5-3-16-0
The plan almost worked! Very full from Anderson, outside off. Khawaja tries to steer it with an angled blade because of the catches towards the cover region and almost nicks it off.
Serves it fuller and outside off. It's a trap for Khawaja with three catchers in front of him on the off side and Khawaja does well to let it go.
On a length, on off. Khawaja with a solid defence.
Serves it fuller and outside off. Khawaja though leaves it alone.
Short of good length and outside off. Khawaja lets it go this time.
Anderson starts off with a back-of-a-length delivery, around off. Khawaja fends it towards backward point.
James Anderson (4-2-16-0) has been brought back into the attack.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 63/0
D Warner28 (52)
U Khawaja29 (68)
J Root1-0-2-0
Floats it up, outside off. Warner drives it through the extra cover region and takes two.
Gives it a bit of air, on off. Warner shimmies down the track and defends it.
Fires it quicker and on off. Warner with a solid defence.
Slower and pitching outside off. It turns away and Warner leaves it.
A fuller delivery on off. Warner drives it to Root.
Starts from 'round the wicket and bowls it fuller on middle. Warner fends it off the front foot.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 61/0
U Khawaja29 (68)
D Warner26 (46)
S Broad6-2-15-0
Serves it fuller and on off. Khawaja drives it to the cover region.
A slower length delivery, at 120 kph. Angling into off and Khawaja blocks with his stoic presence again.
Short and way down the leg side. Khawaja does not bother to go after it.
Bowls it fuller and around off. Khawaja tries to drive it but mistimes it to mid off.
Oh, bowls a yorker this time. Angles it on middle as Khawaja blocks it out.
Serves it on a length, on off. Khawaja fends it off the front foot. A slower delivery again.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 61/0
D Warner26 (46)
U Khawaja29 (62)
M Ali5-0-19-0
Tossed up delivery on middle. Warner gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it to the short cover fielder.
Fires it quicker and on middle. Khawaja works it to deep square leg for a single.
Fuller delivery, on off. Khawaja drives it to the short cover fielder.
Nice loopy delivery on off and equally well played by Khawaja with a nice defence right under his eyes.
Tosses it up on middle. Warner skips down the track and drives it to long off for a single.
Fuller delivery and around off. Warner fends it off the front foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 59/0
U Khawaja28 (59)
D Warner25 (43)
S Broad5-1-15-0
Serves it fuller and on middle. Khawaja drives it to the mid on fielder.
A leg-cutter from Broad this time! On a length and around off. Khawaja leaves it watchfully and the ball goes off the bounce to the keeper.
Goes wide of the crease and lands a length delivery on off. Khawaja blocks it solidly.
Goes fuller and around off. Khawaja drives it to the cover region.
On a length, on middle. Khawaja works it to mid-wicket this time.
Serves it full and on leg. Warner nudges it to the right of square leg for a quick single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 58/0
D Warner24 (42)
U Khawaja28 (54)
M Ali4-0-17-0
Flights this one on off. Warner skips down the track and mistimes his drive it to Anderson at deepish mid on for a single.
On the shorter side again, on middle. Usman Khawaja tucks it to square leg for a single.
Fires it bit quicker on off as Khawaja goes back and fends it.
Nicely bowled, gives it a big loop and Khawaja stays patient to block it.
Touch shorter and quicker, outside off. Khawaja chops it to backward point this time.
Nice tossed up delivery, around off. Khawaja with a front foot defence.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 56/0
D Warner23 (41)
U Khawaja27 (49)
S Broad4-1-14-0
Angles it on the pads as Warner tucks it to square leg. He looks for a single but Khawaja sends him back.
Goes fuller, on middle and leg. Khawaja works it through mid-wicket and takes three as Brook cuts it off.
Shorter in length, on off. Khawaja tries to pull it but is early on his shot and toe-ends it to cover-point.
Lovely delivery! Classis Stuart Broad! Angles it, on a fullish length from 'round the wicket and gets it to nip away from the left-hander. Khawaja makes a good leave.
Serves it on a length, on off. Khawaja is solid in defence.
Broad is back into the attack and comes 'round the wicket. He angles it full, on middle and Khawaja works it to deep square leg for a couple.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 51/0
D Warner23 (40)
U Khawaja22 (44)
M Ali3-0-15-0
Nice loopy delivery, outside off. Warner watches it carefully and lets it go.
Oh, that spuns off the footmark. Fuller in length and around off. Khawaja drives but the ball goes off the upper half of his blade and uppishly towards covers. A single is taken.
Slower through the air, around off. Khawaja defends it off the front foot.
This one goes on with the arm. Quicker through the air as well and Khawaja blocks it off the back foot.
Touch shorter and turning away from off. Warner punches it through extra cover for a single. 50 up for Aussies!
Flatter and quicker on off from 'round the wicket as Warner fends it off the front foot.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 49/0
U Khawaja21 (41)
D Warner22 (37)
C Woakes4-2-5-0
Attacks the stumps this time on a good length. Usman Khawaja defends this firmly back down the pitch. Yet another maiden for Chris Woakes.
Angles this in from outside off on a good length as he changes the angle to 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja blocks this one out solidly.
Continues to bowl short and just outside off. Usman Khawaja pulls this straight to square leg.
Back of a length this time and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja gets on his toes and pushes this towards cover-point.
A tad bit fuller and pitching outside leg stump. Usman Khawaja flicks this straight to the fielder at square leg.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja tucks this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Drinks break! Australia have started well and both Warner and Khawaja are looking solid. There was not much swing for the English bowlers with the new ball but Moeen Ali did get a couple of balls to turn. England would be hoping to get at least one wicket before Lunch while for Warner and Khawaja it is a great opportunity to take their team to a strong position at Lunch. An interesting phase of the game coming up...
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 49/0
D Warner22 (37)
U Khawaja21 (35)
M Ali2-0-13-0
FOUR! Poor delivery from Moeen Ali and David Warner manages to find the gap well! This is short and outside the off stump. David Warner pulls this to the left of mid on towards the wide long on boundary for four runs.
Fires this one full and into the pads. David Warner is down the wicket as well and clips this towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Flights this one full and in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja shimmies down the wicket and knocks this towards long off for a single.
Loops this one full and just outside off. Usman dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Serves this on an off-stump line and keeps it full. Usman Khawaja smothers this into the pitch.
FOUR BYES! Massive turn off the surface and this should encourage the bowler! Moeen Ali tosses this full and outside off. Usman Khawaja looks to defend and the ball goes past the batter and between the keeper and slip for four byes.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 38/0
D Warner16 (35)
U Khawaja20 (31)
C Woakes3-1-5-0
A maiden over by Chris Woakes! This is bowled on a good length and outside off. David Warner pushes this towards the fielder at cover-point.
Continues to bowl on a good length but just outside off this time. David Warner blocks this solidly towards mid off.
Delivers this into the pads on a good length. David Warner tucks this towards square leg. He looks a bit shifty here!
Wide outside the off pole and on a good length. David Warner throws his bat at this one and but slaps it straight to the fielder at cover.
Bowls this on a good length and on a leg-stump line. David Warner dabs this into the pitch.
Chris Woakes bowls this full and in line with the stumps. David Warner covers the line of the ball and defends this towards the mid off fielder.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 38/0
U Khawaja20 (31)
D Warner16 (29)
M Ali1-0-6-0
Continues to bowl short and just outside off. Usman Khawaja goes back in the crease and punches this towards cover.
Back to bowling short and on an off-stump line. Usman Khawaja goes onto the back foot and blocks this back towards the bowler.
A full toss this time bowled outside the off pole. David Warner looks to swat this into the leg side but toes-ends this just over the mid-wicket fielder for a single.
Tosses this full and outside the off stump. David Warner gets forward and blocks this towards cover.
FOUR! Poor delivery once again and David Warner does not miss out on this one! This is slightly short as well and strays onto the pads. David Warner goes deep in the crease and glances this towards fine leg for four runs.
Moeen Ali bowls this short and outside the off stump, a loosener to begin. Usman Khawaja rocks back and cuts this towards deep point for a single.
It's Moeen Ali time now! Let's see what he can offer with his off-breaks.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 32/0
U Khawaja19 (28)
D Warner11 (26)
C Woakes2-0-5-0
Bangs this in short and aims for the batter. Usman Khawaja takes this one and pulls this towards the man at square leg. He does not stop this cleanly and the batters cross for a single. Usman Khawaja will retain strike.
A tad bit fuller and in the channel just outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one as well.
Well outside the off stump this time and still on a good length. Usman Khawaja raises his bat high into the air and allows the keeper to collect this.
Delivers this at the stumps on a good length. Usman Khawaja blocks this solidly and the ball rolls towards mid off.
Continues to bowl full and in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja knocks this firmly towards cover-point.
Chris Woakes bowls this full and pitching outside leg stump. Usman Khawaja flicks this straight to the fielder at square leg.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 31/0
D Warner11 (26)
U Khawaja18 (22)
J Anderson4-2-16-0
Delivers this one really full and into the batter. David Warner is unable to get this one away and gets hit on the pads. A massive appeal from the English players but this is clearly going down leg.
On a good length once again and outside off. David Warner walks down the crease and looks to clip this one away. Does not connect and the ball lobs off the pads into the off side.
Continues to bowl on a good length but strays onto the pads. Usman Khawaja goes deep in the crease and flicks this towards deep backward square leg. The fielder gives chase but the batters are able to complete three runs in the meantime.
Angles this into the stumps on a good length. Usman Khawaja tucks this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
FOUR! Three boundaries in three balls as Usman Khawaja looks to be playing much more positively in this inning! James Anderson bowls full this time and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja drills this towards deep cover this time and collects four more runs.
FOUR! That is a cracking shot from Usman Khawaja as he holds his pose after executing it! James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside off. Usman Khawaja walks down the pitch and knocks this with a straight bat towards long on for his first boundary.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 20/0
D Warner11 (24)
U Khawaja7 (18)
C Woakes1-0-4-0
FOUR! A confident shot by David Warner and this has been a steady start by Australia! Chris Woakes bowls this full and outside the off pole. David Warner gets a good stride forward and punches this past the fielder in the circle towards long off for four runs.
On a good length this time and delivered on an off-stump line. David Warner taps this towards cover with soft hands.
Continues to bowl full and into the pads. David Warner clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Goes full and in line with the stumps. David Warner knocks this back towards the bowler with a straight bat.
Back of a length this time and on a leg-stump line. David Warner rides the bounce and dabs this towards mid-wicket.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump, angling away from the left-hander. David Warner hangs his bat out to dry and gets beaten all ends up.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 16/0
U Khawaja7 (18)
D Warner7 (18)
J Anderson3-2-5-0
Beaten! On a fuller length and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja looks to hit through the line but the ball straightens a touch after pitching. The ball zips past the outside edge.
Pulls his length back this time and serves this at the batter. Usman Khawaja looks to work this away but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Into the pads this time on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja clips this straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.
Angles this in from outside off on a fullish length. Usman Khawaja knocks this back towards the bowler.
Goes full this time and continues to bowl outside off. Usman Khawaja blocks this solidly back down the pitch.
James Anderson continues from 'round the wicket and outside the off stump on a shortish length. Usman Khawaja dabs this towards the fielder at point.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 16/0
D Warner7 (18)
U Khawaja7 (12)
S Broad3-1-9-0
Back of a length, on middle. Warner works it to mid-wicket and looks for a single but Usman Khawaja is not interested.
Pitches it up around the off-stump channel, gets a hint of in-swing. David Warner plays the front foot push straight to Ben Stokes at short cover point.
Beautifully bowled, finds an edge but does not carry! Serves it on a good length and angles it across Warner. The southpaw gets opened up a bit and tries to defend it but the ball goes off the outside edge to the left of third slip. Ben Duckett dives and makes a good stop.
Outside off stump, swinging in from the length. David Warner plays the front foot pust towards mid off.
On the stump from the good length, David Warner blocks it from the front foot towards mid on.
Good length on the off stump. David Warner pushes it to mid-off from the front foot.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 16/0
D Warner7 (12)
U Khawaja7 (12)
J Anderson2-1-5-0
Delivers this on a good length but pitching outside leg. David Warner looks to work this leg side but misses and the ball goes off his thigh pad towards deep backward square leg for a leg bye.
Hits the good length on the leg stump again. David Warner flicks it from the crease but straight to mid wicket
On the money again, James Anderson hits a good length on the stumps. David Warner looks to walk down to cut the swing and blocks it off.
Bowls this on a shortish length and outside off. David Warner walks down the wicket and blocks this solidly into the off side.
Gets a little outswing on this occasion from the good length around the off stump. David Warner plays the front-foot defence back to the bowler.
Hits the good length on the leg stump line. David Warner blocks it off the crease.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 15/0
U Khawaja7 (12)
D Warner7 (6)
S Broad2-0-9-0
Angles this down leg on a good length. Usman Khawaja is happy to let this pass-through for the keeper to collect.
On the pads again from a short length. David Warner flicks it to fine leg and runs a single.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja rides the bounce and punches this towards deep point for a run.
On the money this time, Stuart Broad hits the good length on the off stump, with a hint of in-swing. Usman Khawaja blocks it off the crease.
On the pads again from the length. Usman Khawaja waits on it and plays a flick from the crease for 2 runs, right of square leg.
Down the leg side to start with. Stuart Broad looking to create the angle from around the wicket drags one down the leg side this time. Usman Khawaja lets it go.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 11/0
U Khawaja4 (7)
D Warner6 (5)
J Anderson1-0-5-0
Strays onto the pads and a tad bit short. Usman Khawaja tucks this towards deep backward square leg and takes a run to keep strike.
On a good length and just outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja covers the line of the ball and defends this back down the pitch with a straight bat.
Hits the good length on the off stump. Usman Khawaja blocks it off the front foot towards mid off.
Outswinger from the good length outside off, David Warner hits it from the front foot to the left of point and steals a single.
Hint of outswing again from the good length. David Warner blocks it off from his crease.
Starts from over the stump on the back of length on the leg stump. Gets a hint of outswing. Usman Khawaja stays on his crease and flicks it between mid wicket and mid on for 3 runs.
James Anderson to start the proceedings from the other end on his 41st birthday!
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 6/0
D Warner5 (3)
U Khawaja0 (3)
S Broad1-0-5-0
FOUR! That is the first boundary for Australia and it comes off the bat of David Warner! Stuart Broad bowls this slightly full and outside the off pole. David Warner gets a confident stride forward this time and strokes this towards deep cover-point for four runs.
Strays down leg side once again on a good length. David Warner is unable to get bat on this and Jonny Bairstow does a good job collecting this one.
Continues to bowl full and going down leg. Usman Khawaja misses his flick and Jonny Bairstow is unable to collect the ball cleanly behind the stumps. The batters cross for a bye.
Bowls this on a fullish length and just outside off. Usman Khawaja dabs this towards the fielder at cover.
Goes full this time and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja defends this confidently into the off side.
Stuart Broad starts with a back-of-a-length delivery served outside the off stump from 'round the wicket. David Warner feels for this one and gets an inside edge towards deep backward square leg to get off the mark with a single. Not a confident start from David Warner.
Commentary
We are all set for the final innings of Ashes 2023! England players walk out to the field as Aussie openers, David Warner and Usman Khawaja make their way out to the middle too. Stuart Broad has taken his hat off and will start the proceedings with the ball. David Warner awaits at the other end, here we go...
... FINAL INNINGS ....
Talking of cricket, England have added 6 runs this morning and the pitch still is pretty good to bat on. However, Aussies need to be more proactive than they were in the first innings and a good start will be critical in their pursuit here. Todd Murphy and Mitchell Starc have picked four wickets each to give Australia a chance here and let's see how things pan out. Also, on this day, in 2011, Stuart Broad picked up an hattrick against India in a Test match. It wil be quite a moment if he does that in his final game too. Stay tuned for Australia’s final reply.
That’s it! England have been bowled out for 395 and Australia need 384 runs to win this series by a 3-1 margin. We have seen the last of the Anderson-Broad pair with bat in hand but they would be itching to get their hands on that red cherry now and hunt down the Aussies in tandem for one last time. Broad has retired but there is uncertainty over Anderson’s future too, so let’s embrace the spectacle that is coming our way.
OUT! LBW! Todd Murphy gets his fourth of the game and England's innings has come to an end within two overs of Day 4! Todd Murphy loops this one full and pitching just outside off. The ball comes into the stumps with the angle as James Anderson goes for the reverse sweep once again. He does not connect this time and the ball hits him on his pad. A loud appeal from the bowler and the umpire takes a long time before raising his finger. James Anderson goes for the review and replays show that the ball is quite far from the bat. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and the on-field decision stands. England have been bowled out for 395 and Stuart Broad remains unbeaten in his last Test inning as the set the visitors a target of 384.
Well outside the off stump on a fullish length. James Anderson throws the kitchen sink at this but the ball is too far for him to connect.
Flighted wide outside the off pole on a fuller length. James Anderson goes for the all-mighty swing but only manages to slice it just short of the backward point fielder.
Tosses this full and in line with the stumps. James Anderson goes for the reverse sweep and connects well enough to get this to deep backward point. The do not take a run.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside the off stump. James Anderson is happy to leave this one alone.
Todd Murphy will start the day from the other end. Three wickets so far in his 22 overs.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 395/9
S Broad8 (8)
J Anderson8 (14)
M Starc20-2-100-4
SIX! Finally gets hold of one to the delight of the crowd! This is bowled short as well and on an off-stump line. Stuart Broad goes deep in the crease and pulls this handsomely over deep square leg for six runs.
Bangs this in short and in line with the stumps. Stuart Broad makes room and wields his blade but does not connect as the ball goes through to the keeper.
On a shortish length once again and outside the off pole. Stuart Broad pulls this well towards the fielder at deep square leg but does not take a run.
Bowls this back of a length and into the batter. Stuart Broad looks to swat this one away but misses and gets hit on the body.
Continues to bowl full and outside the off stump. Stuart Broad swings his blade hard and gets an inside edge towards deep backward square leg. They do not take a single though.
Mitchell Starc starts with a fullish delivery served just outside off. Stuart Broad dabs this towards the cover fielder.
So, we are all set for Day 4! England have not declared and Anderson-Broad are walking down the stairs as Aussies are ready with their Guard of Honour! Stuart Broad wanted Anderson to accompany him but Anderson stopped and has allowed Broad to soak in all the applause. Stuart Broad will take the strike as well as Mitchell Starc starts the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
As far as Australia is concerned, they did not do their chances any good on Day 3 of this Test match. England came out with their typical Bazball antics and scored runs at almost five runs per over to put Australia in a tricky position now. Root, Crawley, and Bairstow all scored runs at a rapid rate and though Australia found ways to take wickets, they need their batters to step up now to register an unlikely win here. Aussies would first have to take England’s final wicket though and it would be quite a spectacle to watch James Anderson and Stuart Broad bat together one final time in Test cricket. However, there is a possibility that rain might ruin that spectacle as the weather does not look promising. If we get a delayed start to the proceedings, England might just declare and not take any chances after what happened in Manchester. Get ready for a roller-coaster day at a jam-packed Kennington Oval.
Hello and a very warm welcome, folks! We are ready for what could be a pretty emotional day at the historic Kennington Oval. If this turns out to be the last day of the Ashes 2023, it will also be the final day for Stuart Broad in international cricket. The man is a legend of the game and only the second pacer to take more than 600 wickets in Test cricket. The match is also poised beautifully for him to waive his magic as England are 377 ahead with just one wicket in hand and it will all come down to the English bowling group. The pair of Anderson-Broad will also be seen one last time in Test cricket and it promises to be a day full of nostalgia.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is it from another riveting Day of Test cricket action where England have completely changed the game and are way ahead at the moment. They have a lot of time barring any rain to level the series while Australia need something really special to get a favourable result. Before we bid you farewell, there is big news coming through as STUART BROAD HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT claiming that this will be his last game of cricket. The man who recently crossed 600 wickets in Test cricket has chosen a big stage to hang his boots as England hunt for a win to level the Ashes series. This makes the action on Day 4 of this fifth and final Test even more intriguing. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in adavance for the build-up. Cheers!
The hosts still have one wicket left and will look to extend the lead even more on Day 4. Australia, on the other hand, were pretty lacklustre with their bowling effort and things weren't happening for them. They conceded a lot of runs and let England build several big partnerships throughout the batting order. They struggled hard for two sessions to pick up wickets but made a spirited comeback in the third session and picked up five wickets. Todd Murphy was brilliant and picked up three wickets while Mitchell Starc once again claimed a four-fer. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one but they still have a lot to do and their batters will have to be at their best to chase down any target that will be set. England will be hoping their final pair can push them beyond the 400-run mark for some psychological advantage.
England got off to a great start courtesy of both the openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley keeping the runs flowing. They notched up another half-century opening stand and saw out the first hour. Duckett got out on 42 but Crawley carried on with Ben Stokes and built another big partnership before the former got dismissed on 73 at the start of the second session. That did not affect them as Joe Root and Ben Stokes didn't have much trouble and scored runs pretty easily. Stokes holed out after getting to a start but Root stayed there and breezed to 91 runs but unfortunately missed out on his hundred. Jonny Bairstow looked like a man on a mission and smashed 78 runs off just 103 balls to help the hosts to get past the 300-run mark. Moeen Ali made a decent contribution despite his injury but the lower order couldn't do much.
SESSION SUMMARY - 124 runs and 5 wickets in 31 overs. It may have been a session that belonged to Australia but it has been absolute domination by England on Day 3! It is called the 'moving day' and this game has certainly moved massively in favour of the hosts as they lead by a huge margin of 377 runs. The Aussies looked tired out there as they weren't able to execute their plans and despite a late comeback in the last session, they find themselves way behind in this game with a lot of time still left.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 389/9
J Anderson8 (14)
S Broad2 (2)
T Murphy22-0-110-3
Loops this one full and outside the off stump. James Anderson goes for the slog sweep again but is nowhere near the ball this time. That is STUMPS on DAY 3!
James Anderson survives a close call and England have not been bowled out yet! Todd Murphy flights this full and in line with the stumps. England's number eleven adopts the reverse sweep once again but skims his bat against the turf and does not connect with the ball. It hits him on his forearm in front of the stumps and the Australians are convinced that this is out! The umpire agrees and raises his finger but James Anderson opts for the review. UltraEdge confirms there is no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that the ball is going over the stumps. England still nine wickets down as James Anderson survives.
FOUR! Two boundaries in a row and the crowd are absolutely loving this from their beloved fast bowler! Another tossed-up delivery bowled full and outside the off stump. James Anderson slogs this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.
FOUR! Connects well this time to the delight of the crowd who are on their feet cheering for James Anderson! Todd Murphy bowls this full as well and outside the off stump. James Anderson reverse sweeps this towards deep backward point for four runs.
Floats this one full and outside the off pole. James Anderson goes for the sweep this time but misses.
Todd Murphy bowls this slightly short and outside off. Stuart Broad gets forward and swats this towards deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 380/9
J Anderson0 (9)
S Broad1 (1)
M Starc19-2-94-4
James Anderson survives the over! Mitchell Starc bangs this in short and at the batter. James Anderson takes his eye off the ball as he takes evasive action and ducks under it.
Nails the yorker this time but missing leg stump. James Anderson tries to dig this out but does not get bat on it and gets hit on the pads.
Misses the yorker and bowls a low full toss going down leg. James Anderson tries to flick this fine but misses.
Continues to bowl this back of a length and in line with the stumps. James Anderson fends this away but almost steps on teh stumps once again.
Bowls this short and into the batter. James Anderson is late to react and gets hit on the arm. He almost goes back onto the stumps and just about manages to dodge it.
Mitchell Starc bowls this on a good length and angles this into the stumps. Stuart Broad clips this towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run to get off the mark. James Anderson on strike now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 379/9
J Anderson0 (4)
S Broad0 (0)
T Murphy21-0-101-3
Bowls this slightly short and angles this into the pads. James Anderson blocks this towards the mid on fielder.
Fires this one full and outside the off pole. James Anderson attempts the reverse sweep again but misses. The bowler and the keeper appeal for a caught behind but the umpire remains unmoved. Pat Cummins reviews this and UltraEdge confirms that the ball has not hit the bat and the noise came from the bat hitting the ground.
Tosses this full and just outside off. James Anderson looks to reverse sweep but does not connect.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside the off stump. James Anderson leaves the ball alone.
OUT! CAUGHT! Todd Murphy gets into the act and has his third wicket of this inning! England have crumbled from a strong position and given Australia a sniff here! This is flighted full and outside the off stump. Mark Wood looks to heave this into the leg side but gets it off the bottom part of his bat. The connection is not clean and the ball flies towards the deep mid-wicket fielder. Mitchell Marsh gets down on one knee and catches the ball with a reverse cup with his bucket-sized hands. England are now nine wickets down and the current lead is 367. 400 looks quite a distance away now. James Anderson is the last batter for England.
FOUR! Good innovation from Mark Wood as he finds a boundary for his side! Todd Murphy floats this full and outside off. Mark Wood reverse paddles this towards third man for four runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 375/8
M Ali29 (38)
M Wood5 (9)
M Starc18-2-93-4
OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc continues to wrap up the tail and Moeen Ali's short cameo comes to an end! This is banged in short and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali shapes up for the pull and decides against it at the last moment. He sticks his bat out though and it takes the top edge towards third man. Josh Hazlewood places himself under this on at the ropes and takes a comfortable catch. Australia have claimed eight wickets now and they may just be able to bowl out their opponenst before Stumps.
Wide outside the off pole and on a fullish length. Mark Wood swings his bat wildly and goes off the toe end towards third man for another single.
Delivers this short and into the batter. Moeen Ali swivels and pulls this towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Goes full this time and at the stumps. Moeen Ali makes room and smashes this towards cover. Pat Cummins dives to stop the ball and saves a few runs.
Bowls this back of a length and in line with the stumps. Moeen Ali goes for the full-bloodied hoick into the leg side but does not connect.
Mitchell Starc bangs this in short and going down leg. Moeen Ali looks to pull this away but misses and the ball goes through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 373/7
M Wood4 (8)
M Ali28 (33)
T Murphy20-0-97-2
Loops this one full and outside off. Mark Wood gets forward and dabs this back towards the bowler.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside off. Mark Wood shimmies down the wicket and looks to clip this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. Todd Murphy appeals and the umpire raises his finger. Chris Woakes reviews straight away. The ball is far from the bat and Ball Tracking has umpires call on impact but it seems to be turning over the leg stump. The decision has to be reversed and Chris Woakes survives once again.
Sharp turn on offer as this is bowled short and outside the off stump. The ball comes into the stumps as Mark Wood looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Floats this one full and outside the off pole. Mark Wood hits this hard but straight to the fielder at cover.
This is short as well and outside the off stump. Mark Wood blocks this towards the fielder at cover.
Todd Murphy bowls this slightly short and outside off. Mark Wood guides this towards deep backward point for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 371/7
M Wood2 (2)
M Ali28 (33)
M Starc17-2-91-3
Pitched up, a half volley on the middle stump. Mark Wood hits it hard, straight back to the bowler. Mitchell Starc gets a hand to the ball to stop it, but the ball hits his hand and rolls towards the mid-off fielder. The batters pick up another single to end the over.
Another short pitch delivery on the body of Moeen Ali who pulls it towards fine leg and runs a single.
Hits the back of length hard on the off stump. Moeen Ali steps down the wicket to hit the ball over mid-off but fails to get any timing on it. The ball rolls back to the bowler.
FOUR! Short ball at the body. Moeen Ali plays the pull in front of deep square leg fielder for a one-bounce boundary.
Hits the just short length on the body of Mark Wood. The batter plays a pull shot between mid-wicket and mid-on to grab a single.
Mark Wood walks out to bat now.
OUT! CAUGHT! Australia are minimizing the damage with some quick wickets here as Mitchell Starc gets his second in the last two overs. Takes his match tally to three and England are stumbling here slightly. Mitchell Starc bowls this full and just outside off. Chris Woakes makes room for himself and looks to drive the ball into the off side. He is early into his shot and lobs this straight down the throat of Usman Khawaja at cover. The hosts are seven wickets down now but they will be hoping their tail can push their lead past the 400-run mark.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 364/6
M Ali23 (30)
C Woakes1 (4)
T Murphy19-0-95-2
Continues to bowl full and outside off. Moeen Ali drills this towards the fielder at cover.
Loops this one full as well and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali defends this solidly towards cover.
Tosses this full and just outside off. Chris Woakes works this towards long on a nd takes a run.
Flights this full and spinning into the stumps. Chris Woakes pushes forward to defend and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits the pads and the Australian appeal loudly. The umpire says not out and Pat Cummins decides to go upstairs for the review. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting as the ball would go on to clip the bails. Australia retain their review and Chris Woakes survives.
Angles this into the stumps on a fullish length. Moeen Ali drives this towards deep cover and takes a single.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and in line with the stumps. Moeen Ali lofts this into the air towards deep cover and picks up a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 360/6
C Woakes0 (2)
M Ali20 (26)
M Starc16-2-84-2
Pitched up again on the off stump. Chris Woakes plays the front-foot drive but straight to the fielder.
Run out chance! Mitchell Starc bowls one up to the batter on the stumps. Chris Woakes flicks it towards mid-wicket and looks for a single. Brilliant work by Marnus Labuschagne to pick the ball up with a dive onto his left side but the throw missed the stump at the striker's end. Lucky day for Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes comes out to the middle now.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jonny Bairstow has played a few lazy shots in this over and it has cost him his wicket! Mitchell Starc gets his second wicket of the game and the English wicket-keeper will be kicking himself as he was close to yet another Test century. Mitchell Starc goes wide of the crease and angles this in from 'round the wicket, outside off. There is width on offer and Jonny Bairstow slashes at the ball with no real conviction. The ball takes a faint edge and Alex Carey takes a fine catch diving low in front. England have lost their sixth wicket with the lead two runs shy of the 350-run mark.
Another ball from the good length towards the leg stump. Jonny Bairstow looks to play the pull shot but is beaten again. Mitchell Starc appeals for another LBW but is turned down by the umpire. Looks like the ball is missing the leg stump.
Angles one into the right-hander from around the wicket targetting the stumps. Jonny Bairstow looks to play at it but gets a slight inside edge onto the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but, turned down. Pat Cummins goes for the review and UltraEdge confirms the edge and Bairstow survives. Australia lose a review!
Hits the good length on the middle stump from the angle. Jonny Bairstow blocks it from the crease towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 360/5
J Bairstow78 (99)
M Ali20 (26)
T Murphy18-0-91-2
Flights this outside the off stump on a fuller length. Jonny Bairstow flicks this towards long on for another single.
Short once again and outside off. Moeen Ali rocks back and cuts this towards deep point for a run.
Loops this full and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali pushes this to the right of the bowler.
Slightly short this time and outside the off pole. Moeen Ali goes onto the back foot and looks to cut this but gets an inside edge to the leg side.
Tosses this full and just outside off. Moeen Ali knocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside off. Moeen Ali keeps this one out.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 358/5
J Bairstow77 (98)
M Ali19 (21)
M Starc15-1-84-1
Hits the good length hard on the off stump. Jonny Bairstow blocks it off well on the front foot.
Short ball at the body again by Mitchell Starc. Moeen Ali plays a pull shot, gets his glove and the ball rolls over towards fine leg as they pick up a single.
Pitched up straight at the off stump. Moeen Ali drives it on the front foot but straight to the bowler.
DROPPED AND FOUR! Mitchell Starc goes for another short ball at the batter. Moeen Ali plays the pull shot, gets a top edge, and the ball flies towards the fine leg fielder where Josh Hazlewood runs to his right and dives but drops the catch and the ball rolls over to the boundary. Ali gets a life now!
Another short ball at the body. The ball fails to bounce as much as expected. Moeen Ali blocks it off the back foot for no run.
Halt! Moeen Ali got hit on the helmet and a mandatory concussion check is happening now. We are ready to continue now.
Well directed bouncer first ball of the over at the helmet of Moeen Ali. Hits the glove and takes his helmet. Mitchell Starc testing the batter on this occasion.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 353/5
J Bairstow77 (97)
M Ali14 (16)
T Murphy17-0-89-2
Looped up, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow defends it on the front foot.
FOUR! Nice shot! This is flighted, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow goes down and nails his sweep towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Flights this full and in line with the stumps. Moeen Ali clips this towards the long fielder for a single.
Bowls this short as well and outside off. Moeen Ali dabs this towards the fielder at backward point.
Bowls this short and outside off. Jonny Bairstow knocks this towards deep cover off the back foot for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 347/5
M Ali13 (14)
J Bairstow72 (93)
M Starc14-1-79-1
Pitched up on the pads this time by Mitchell Starc. Moeen Ali plays the flick from the crease but straight to mid-wicket.
Just short outside off stump from around the wicket. Jonny Bairstow plays it late from the crease towards deep point and picks a single.
Length ball on the off stump. Jonny Bairstow pushes it towards covers on the front foot.
Hits the length hard on this occasion, targetting the middle stump. Jonny Bairstow blocks it off on the front foot straight back to the bowler.
Good length ball outside the off stump. Moeen Ali plays the front foot cover drive towards the sweeper for a single.
FOUR! Creamed past the bowler from the front foot. Moeen Ali plays a lovely on-drive to a ball pitched full and at the stumps by Mitchell Starc. What a way to start the over!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 341/5
M Ali8 (11)
J Bairstow71 (90)
T Murphy16-0-83-2
Delivers this short as well and on an off-stump line. Moeen Ali rocks back deep into the crease and punches this towards deep cover for a single to keep strike.
Slightly short this time and outside off. Moeen Ali goes onto the back foot and knocks this towards point.
FOUR! Moeen Ali seems to be feeling much better! This is bowled full and outside off. Moeen Ali shows no discomfort getting down on one knee and sweeps this towards deep square leg for four runs.
Loops this one full and outside off. Moeen Ali pushes this to the right of the cover fielder.
Tosses this full as well and outside off. Moeen Ali dabs this straight to the fielder at cover.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and just outside off. Moeen Ali blocks this towards cover.
DRINKS! The players will take some refreshments as we have our final drinks break of the day. England have continued along their merry way with Jonny Bairstow reaching his half-century and adding 110 runs for the fifth wicket with Joe Root Australia are on the back foot and have been forced to spread the field out in order to protect the boundaries but that has allowed the English batters to rotate the strike with ease. Despite losing Root on 91, the hosts are reaching a position in the match from where it will be really difficult for them to lose and are giving their bowlers ample time to bowl their opponents out. Will we see a deceleration before Stumps?
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 336/5
J Bairstow71 (90)
M Ali3 (5)
P Cummins16-0-79-1
Another full delivery, on off, Jonny Bairstow blocks it towards short covers.
On a length and angling into leg, Moeen Ali nudges it through square leg for one.
Pitched up, on middle, Jonny Bairstow clips it wide of mid-wicket for a run.
Back of a length and outside off, Moeen Ali punches it towards deep point for a single.
Full again and on middle, Moeen Ali knocks it towards mid on.
Fuller one, on off, angling in, Moeen Ali taps it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 333/5
J Bairstow70 (88)
M Ali1 (1)
T Murphy15-0-78-2
Fires this one full and outside off, Jonny Bairstow offers no shot at it.
Slower through the air, short and on off, turning in, Jonny Bairstow stays back and keeps it out to the leg side.
Flatter, full and on middle, Moeen Ali works it off the inner half through square leg for a single and gets off the mark.
Moeen Ali does come out to bat and we do no expect him to stick around blocking.
OUT! TIMBER! Todd Murphy gets the big fish, Joe Root! He falls short of his hundred this time. Murphy tosses this one up, on off, lands on the rough, and turns in sharply with no real bounce on it, Joe Root strides forward for the drive but there is a huge gap between his bat and pad and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Australia finally have a breakthrough and they will look to build on this now. England lose half their side now!
Short again and around off, Joe Root mistimes his punch back to the bowler.
Quicker, short and on middle, Joe Root stays back and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 332/4
J Root91 (103)
J Bairstow70 (86)
P Cummins15-0-76-1
Short again and around leg, Joe Root pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
FOUR! Two in two! Classic Root! Pat Cummins sets the field for a bouncer but bowls this full, on off, Joe Root extends his arms and drills it through covers for a beautiful boundary.
FOUR! A streaky boundary now! Pat Cummins bangs this short and around off, angling in, Joe Root sways away but keeps his bat there as the ball goes off the outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.
Back of a length and on off, Joe Root late-cuts it straight to gully.
Pat Cummins rolls his wrists this time and bowls this full, on middle, angling in, Joe Root flicks it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. That brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters.
Full and around off, Joe Root drives it straight to mid off.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 321/4
J Root80 (97)
J Bairstow70 (86)
M Marsh8-0-35-0
Short of a length and around off, Joe Root guides it towards the backward point region for a run.
Fullish and around leg, Jonny Bairstow nudges it through backward square leg for a single.
Marsh loses his line and serves this full, but down the leg, Jonny Bairstow tries to flick it away but misses.
Pulls his length back, on off, Jonny Bairstow pushes it towards mid off.
Goes fuller, on middle, Jonny Bairstow turns it to silly mid on again.
On a length and on middle, Jonny Bairstow blocks it towards silly mid on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 319/4
J Root79 (96)
J Bairstow69 (81)
P Cummins14-0-65-1
Overpitched this time, on middle, angling in, Joe Root dead-bats back to the bowler.
BEATEN! Pat Cummins serves another fuller one, on off, shaping away sharply, Joe Root goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Pitched up once more from Cummins, on off this time, Joe Root drives it well but straight to mid off.
Full again and on middle too, Joe Root stays there and knocks it towards mid on.
Fuller and on middle, Joe Root moves across and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Pat Cummins begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off, Pat Cummins dabs it through cover-point or a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 318/4
J Root79 (91)
J Bairstow68 (80)
M Marsh7-0-33-0
Short of a length and on off, Joe Root taps it towards short covers.
Pitches this one up, on off, Jonny Bairstow drives it in front of mid off where a fumble from Pat Cummins allows the single.
Length again, on off, Jonny Bairstow keeps it out to the off side.
On a length and around off again, Jonny Bairstow pushes it towards mid off.
A bit fuller, on off, Jonny Bairstow goes for the drive but miscues it back to the bowler.
Back of a length and around off, Jonny Bairstow pats it down towards short covers.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 317/4
J Root79 (90)
J Bairstow67 (75)
J Hazlewood15-0-67-1
This is pitched up, on middle, Joe Root moves across but mistimes his drive towards mid on.
Back of a length, on off, Joe Root keeps it out in front of short covers.
Length again, on off too, Joe Root strides forward to defend but it hits the pad first and rolls to the off side.
This is on a good length and around off, nips back in sharply, Joe Root looks to play at it but misses and gets hit on the box. That must have hurt!
Goes fuller, on middle, Joe Root solidly blocks it out onto the pitch.
Short and on middle, Jonny Bairstow pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 316/4
J Root79 (85)
J Bairstow66 (74)
M Marsh6-0-32-0
FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Mitchell Marsh serves this full but on the pads, Joe Root just tickles it away towards the fine leg fence to pick up an easy boundary.
Pulls his length back, on leg this time, Jonny Bairstow works it through square leg for one. England lead by 300 now!
Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Jonny Bairstow mistimes his flick wide of mid-wicket.
On a length and on middle, Jonny Bairstow gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.
A slower one, full and on middle, Joe Root nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Fuller one and on middle, Joe Root tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 310/4
J Root74 (82)
J Bairstow65 (71)
J Hazlewood14-0-66-1
On the leg stump from the good length. Joe Root flicks it from the front foot towards deep square leg to pick up a single on the last ball of the over.
Pitches it up outside the off stump, wants the batter to drive. Jonny Bairstow plays the cover drive from the front foot and picks up a single at deep point.
Hits the good length hard this time finding some extra bounce on the leg stump. Jonny Bairstow blocks it off well from the crease.
Attacks the stumps from a good length this time. Jonny Bairstow blocks it off the front foot towards mid wicket.
Hits the good length hard on this occasion right around the off stump. Jonny Bairstow plays the front foot defence towards mid off.
Pitches the ball just short on the off stump. Joe Root plays it very late from the crease and picks up a single from the deep point area.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 307/4
J Bairstow64 (67)
J Root72 (80)
T Murphy14-0-77-1
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries as Jonny Bairstow is well and truly on the charge now! Todd Murphy tosses this full and offers width outside off. Jonny Bairstow smashes this towards deep cover for four more runs.
FOUR! Jonny Bairstow finds the fence this time! This is flighted, full and around off, Jonny Bairstow stays there and smashes it wide of mid off for a boundary.
Flatter, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow drills it towards mid off this time.
Short and around middle, turning in, Jonny Bairstow flicks it towards square leg.
Floated, full and on middle, Joe Root clips it towards mid on for a single.
Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root uses his feet and drives it towards mid off.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 298/4
J Bairstow56 (63)
J Root71 (78)
J Hazlewood13-0-63-1
Misses the outside edge, what a ball by Josh Hazlewood from the good length swinging away from the off stump. Jonny Bairstow has no reply to the ball and gets completely beaten off the front foot.
Pitched up on the stump, cramps him for room. Jonny Bairstow blocks it of the front foot straight back to the bowler.
FOUR! A little back of length this time by Josh Hazlewood just outside off stump. Jonny Bairstow waits for the ball on the crease and plays it very late finding the gap between the slip and gully, to find a boundary towards the third man area.
FOUR! FIFTY FOR BAIRSTOW! He gets to it in style as well! This has been a fine display of batting from him and he will look to score more now. Josh Hazlewood serves this full and around off, Jonny Bairstow absolutely creams it through covers for a boundary.
Pitched up with a hint of inswing, on the stumps. Jonny Bairstow plays the flick to the right of the deep square leg fielder and picks up a couple for his team.
Bowls the good length ball on the leg stump. Jonny Bairstow looks to flick it for a run but misses the ball, gets a hit on the thigh pad and the ball rolls towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 288/4
J Root71 (78)
J Bairstow46 (57)
T Murphy13-0-68-1
Goes short and around leg, Joe Root flicks it straight to square leg.
Looped up, full and on off, Joe Root prods forward and defends it to the off side.
Flighted, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow eases it towards long on for a run.
Tossed up, full and on off, keeps going straight, Jonny Bairstow looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Floated, full and on middle, Joe Root misreads the length and goes for the sweep and gets a bottom edge towards fine leg for a single.
Shorter in length and around middle, Joe Root clips it towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 286/4
J Root70 (74)
J Bairstow45 (55)
M Starc13-1-73-1
Pitched up outside off stump. Joe Root pounds on it with a cover drive but only finds the fielder at deep point. Gets a single to end the over.
A length ball around the off-stump channel. Jonny Bairstow plays it late from the crease and picks up a single placing the ball on the right of the second slip.
Looking for some swing there Mitchell Starc bowls this one outside the leg stump. Jonny Bairstow looks to flick it but misses on the shot.
Bouncer from around the wicket but way over the helmet of the batter. Jonny Bairstow sees this one through.
Around the good length area once more, targetting the middle stump. Jonny Bairstow blocks it back to the bowler from the crease.
Hits the short of length on the off stump from around the wicket. Joe Root goes on his toes and places it towards deep point for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 283/4
J Bairstow44 (51)
J Root68 (72)
T Murphy12-0-66-1
Short again and around off, Jonny Bairstow punches it straight to covers this time.
FOUR! Short and punished! Todd Murphy lands this short again and outside off, Jonny Bairstow quickly moves on his back foot and cuts it hard and wide of deep point for a boundary.
Flighted, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow taps it to the off side.
Goes short and outside off, Jonny Bairstow moves back and cuts it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.
Floated, full and on middle, Joe Root drives it towards long on for a single.
Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root blocks it out towards short covers.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 276/4
J Root67 (70)
J Bairstow38 (47)
M Starc12-1-70-1
Bowls this full and well outside the off pole. Joe Root reaches for it and slices this towards deep backward point for a single.
Full toss outside off stump by Mitchell Starc on this occasion. Joe Root misses it completely while playing the front foot cover drive.
Hits the good length area on the middle leg stump. Joe Root plays the front foot on drive but finds the fielder at mid on.
Pitched on the good length this time and just outside off stump. Jonny Bairstow waits for it on the crease and plays it towards deep point for another single.
Full-length ball again on the middle stump. Joe Root uses his wrists to flick it towards deep square leg fielder for another single.
Hits the short length hard at the body of the batter. Jonny Bairstow looks to play the pull but misses the ball, gets his thigh pads on the way and rolls over through point for a leg bye.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 272/4
J Root65 (66)
J Bairstow37 (45)
T Murphy11-0-59-1
Flighted, full and on on ff, Joe Root pushes it towards covers.
Floated, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow drills it towards long on for a run. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.
Tossed up, full and on off, turning in, Jonny Bairstow leans on and lets it go to the keeper.
Another short delivery, on off, turning in, Jonny Bairstow pats it down to first slip.
Short again and around off, Joe Root moves across and punches it through covers for a single.
Shortish and on middle, Joe Root stays back and pushes it to the bowler.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 270/4
J Bairstow36 (42)
J Root64 (63)
M Starc11-1-67-1
Hits the fuller length on this occasion, targetting the off stump. Jonny Bairstow plays the front foot push and finds the fielder at mid-off.
Same ball again on the off stump line from the good length. Joe Root stays back on his crease and places it in the cover point gap for a run.
Hits the good length from the angle on the off stump line. Jonny Bairstow opens the face of his bat to place it towards sweeper cover and run a single.
Pitches up this time outside off stump. Jonny Bairstow plays the front foot drive but finds the fielder at mid-off
Good length again on the off stump this time. Jonny Bairstow plays the front foot defence straight back to the bowler.
Hits the good length hard on the leg stump first up. Joe Root plays the front foot defence, gets an inside edge between mid wicket and square leg and runs a single.
Mitchell Starc will share the attack after Tea and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 267/4
J Bairstow35 (38)
J Root62 (61)
T Murphy10-0-57-1
Gives this one some air again, on off, Jonny Bairstow drives it towards covers.
Flighted, full and around off, Joe Root moves across and goes down to paddle it towards fine leg for a run.
Slower through the air, on off, Joe Root keeps it out to the off side.
Tossed up, full and on off, Joe Root defends it on the front foot towards short covers.
Short and outside off, Jonny Bairstow cuts it towards deep point for a single.
Todd Murphy starts with a beauty! He floats this up, full and around off, Jonny Bairstow looks to push it away but misses it completely.
We are back for the third and final session of Day 3 as the umpires make their way out to the middle. The Australian players take their respective positions on the field as Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow stride out to the middle to continue their partnership for England. Todd Murphy has the ball in his hand and is ready to begin proceedings. Let's go...
... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ....
Zak Crawley looked really ominous going into Lunch but could not make an impact after the break as he edged one to Steven Smith at slip to bring an end to the 61-run second-wicket partnership in 57 deliveries. Joe Root came out to bat and looked like a man on a mission as he scored freely from the word go. He added 73 runs in 79 balls with Ben Stokes for the third wicket as he reached his half-century in just 42 deliveries. The English skipper perished in the quest for some quick runs 8 runs short of his fifty and Harry Brook could not follow up his first-inning performance with another good score. Jonny Bairstow came out with destruction on his mind as he raced to 34 in 35 balls and England seem to be cruising at the moment. Do join us at 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT) for more entertainment in the final session of Day 3.
SESSION SUMMARY - 135 runs and 3 wickets in 24 overs. Australia have put in a much better performance in this session with the ball but with England scoring at well above 5 runs per over, the game seems to be creeping away from them. Pat Cummins struck in the second over post Lunch but the visitors could not get a breakthrough for almost an hour after that. Todd Murphy managed to dismiss the England skipper after the drinks break and Josh Hazlewood got a wicket in the very next over to give Australia some hope of restricting the scoring rate. That was not the case however as the hosts continued playing their shots without losing any further wickets swelling the lead to 253. Josh Hazlewood has been slightly economical as compared to his teammates who have all faced the brunt of ‘Bazball’ cricket.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 265/4
J Root61 (58)
J Bairstow34 (35)
P Cummins13-0-64-1
A bit fuller, on off, Joe Root strides forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3!
Back of a length and around off, Jonny Bairstow steers it through point for a single.
Pulls his length back, on middle, angling in, Jonny Bairstow nudges it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
A slower one now from Cummins, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow blocks it out towards short covers.
On a length and on middle, Jonny Bairstow turns it towards square leg.
In the air...safe! This is full and around off, Jonny Bairstow goes for the drive but is a bit early through his shot as the ball goes in the air but lands well short of mid off.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 262/4
J Root61 (57)
J Bairstow31 (30)
T Murphy9-0-55-1
Driting onto the leg this one, fuller too, Joe Root fails to get it past square leg once again.
Another short delivery around leg, Joe Root flicks it towards square leg again.
Slightly short and around leg, Jonny Bairstow makes room and punches it towards deep point for a run.
Goes short again, on middle, turning in, Jonny Bairstow works it towards square leg.
FOUR! Jonny Bairstow dealing in boundaries here! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow gets his front leg out of the way and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Shortish and on leg, Joe Root moves back and clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 256/4
J Bairstow26 (27)
J Root60 (54)
J Hazlewood12-0-53-1
FOUR! Great shot! Josh Hazlewood bangs this short and around off, Jonny Bairstow knows there is no fielder in the deep and waits for it to upper-cut it towards the vacant third man fence for a boundary.
Back of a length and outside off, Jonny Bairstow punches it towards sweeper covers and comes back for the second. Good running!
FOUR! Easy pickings! Josh Hazlewood strays from his line and serves this full but down the leg side, Jonny Bairstow glances it with his back foot up towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Touch fuller, on off, Jonny Bairstow stays in his crease and blocks it back to the bowler.
This is on a good length, on middle, nips back in, Joe Root looks to play at it but his bottom hands come off as the ball goes off the inside edge towards deep square leg. They cross.
Fuller one and on middle, Jonny Bairstow tucks it wide of mid on for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 244/4
J Bairstow15 (22)
J Root59 (53)
T Murphy8-0-49-1
Gives this one some air, on middle, Jonny Bairstow drives it towards long on for a run.
Quicker one, full and on off, Jonny Bairstow thinks about the big shot but taps it in front of point in the end.
Flighted, full and on middle Jonny Bairstow turns it towards short mid-wicket.
Flatter, full and around off, goes on with the arm, Jonny Bairstow leans on to block and plays for the turn but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Floated, full and on middle, Jonny Bairstow drills it straight back to the bowler.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Joe Root eases it towards mid on for a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 242/4
J Bairstow14 (17)
J Root58 (52)
J Hazlewood11-0-41-1
Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer now, on off, goes over the batter as Jonny Bairstow sways away. He looks to at the umpire to see if it is a wide, but no signal from the umpire.
Short of a length and outside off, Jonny Bairstow punches it towards deep point for a couple of runs.
Pitches it on a good length on the off stump and gets a hint of inswing. Jonny Bairstow plays the front foot push towards the mid-off fielder.
Goes fuller and on middle, Jonny Bairstow drills it towards mid on.
Short of a length and on off, Jonny Bairstow mistimes his pull towards square leg.
FOUR! Width offered this time from Josh Hazlewood from the good length. Jonny Bairstow slaps it in front of point from the front foot for a welcome boundary.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 236/4
J Root58 (52)
J Bairstow8 (11)
P Cummins12-0-61-1
Another full delivery around off, Joe Root drives it straight towards mid off.
This is pitched up and on middle, Jonny Bairstow clips it towards deep square leg for a run.
Goes fuller, on off, angling in, Jonny Bairstow knocks it to the left of the bowler.
FOUR! Lovely shot! Pat Cummins lands this back of a length, outside off, Jonny Bairstow accepts the width on offer and cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
On a length and on off again, Joe Root runs it down to third man for a single.
Full and around off, Joe Root strides forward and pushes it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 230/4
J Bairstow3 (8)
J Root57 (49)
J Hazlewood10-0-35-1
A good length ball to end the over on the off stump. Jonny Bairstow blocks it off from the crease.
Full and wide outside off stump by Josh Hazlewood this time. Jonny Bairstow plays the cover drive and picks up two runs towards deep cover-point.
Good length with a little bit of outswing from the middle stump. Jonny Bairstow opens up his stance a little but is able to block it towards the point fielder.
Pitches it further up on the middle stump this time. Jonny Bairstow defends it off the front foot straight back to the bowler.
Hits the good length attacking the body of Jonny Bairstow, who blocks it from the crease towards the square leg fielder.
Bowls on a shortish length at the off stump to start the over. Joe Root pulls it away from the crease and picks up a single at deep square leg.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 227/4
J Root56 (48)
J Bairstow1 (3)
P Cummins11-0-55-1
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, shaping in, Joe Root works it off the inner half through square leg for one.
Overpitched and on off, Jonny Bairstow mistimes his drive wide of mid off for a quick run.
Full again and outside off, shaping in, Jonny Bairstow lets it go to the keeper.
Goes fuller and around middle, Joe Root nudges it towards deep square leg for a single.
This is on a good length and around off, Joe Root guides it off the outer half past gully for a brace.
Fuller one and around off, Joe Root moves across and blocks it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 222/4
J Bairstow0 (1)
J Root52 (44)
J Hazlewood9-0-32-1
A good set-up delivery from the good length outside off stump for the new batter. Jonny Bairstow raises his arms up and lets the ball go through.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Absolute beauty! Josh Hazlewood strikes now! He lands this on a hard length and around off, lands and nips away slightly with extra bounce, Harry Brook tries to play it but gets opened up as the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the keeper where Alex Carey pouches it safely. There is an appeal for it, and Brook starts walking. Australia coming into the game now!
Slightly back of a length and on off stump this time. Harry Brook blocks it from the crease. Another dot ball for the over.
Beauty by Josh Hazlewood from the good length just outside the off stump. Harry Brook gets beaten from the front foot.
Pitches this one on the good length and in line with the off pole. Harry Brook plays the front foot defence.
Hits the fuller length on the middle stump this time, looking for some in swing. Joe Root plays it straight off the front foot to the left of mid-on and runs a single.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 221/3
H Brook7 (2)
J Root51 (43)
T Murphy7-0-47-1
SIX! BANG! Brook makes his intentions clear! This is tossed up and around off, Harry Brook skips down the track and tonks it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Short again, on middle, Joe Root moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.
A bit short and around off, Harry Brook dabs it towards point for a single and gets off the mark.
Harry Brook is the new batter at the crease. The physio is out in the middle as well to treat Joe Root.
OUT! TAKEN! A huge wicket for Australia! It has come against the run of play as Ben Stokes holes out this time. Murphy with the breakthrough! He flights this one up and around middle, Ben Stokes clears his front leg and goes for the slog, but fails to get under it properly and miscues it towards wide mid on where Pat Cummins who is a bit deep, settles under it and takes a good catch. Stokes cannot believe it but England lose their third wicket.
Flatter, full and around leg, Ben Stokes clips it straight to short mid-wicket.
FIFTY FOR ROOT! A quick-fire half-century from him as he reaches the landmark in just 42 balls. This is tossed up, full and on middle, Joe Root tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 212/2
J Root49 (41)
B Stokes42 (65)
M Starc10-1-64-1
On a good length and outside the off stump. Joe Root pushes this towards deep point and collects a single. The lead is exactly 200!
Delivers this one full and outside off. Joe Root gets his bat down and blocks this away solidly into the off side.
FOUR! Three boundaries in a row! Joe Root is showing excellent enterprise here! This is banged in short and outside the off stump. Joe Root uses the pace of the ball and opens the face of his bat to ramp this over the slip cordon for four more runs.
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the former English captain. Mitchell Starc pitches it short outside the off stump this time. Joe Root looks to cut it hard but gets the under edge of the bat and the ball bounces over the wicketkeeper's head for another boundary to third man.
FOUR! Typical Joe Root on-drive off the front foot! Mitchell Starc pitches it up to him on the leg stump and gets punished for it. Joe Root finds the gap between the bowler and mid-on and gets a boundary.
Swing, and a miss. Mitchell Starc bowls just short outside the off stump. Joe Root looks to cut it late but misses it completely.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 199/2
J Root36 (35)
B Stokes42 (65)
T Murphy6-0-38-0
Back to bowling short and into the pads. Joe Root tucks this towards deep backward square leg for a single and will retain strike.
Loops this one full and in line with the stumps. Joe Root flicks this towards the fielder at mid-wicket once again.
A fraction short and spinning into the stumps. Joe Root goes deep into the crease and clips this towards mid-wicket.
Short once again and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes pulls this away hard but straight to the deep square leg fielder for a run.
Floats this one full and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes blocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
FOUR! Ben Stokes helps himself to an easy boundary after the break! This is bowled slightly short and going down leg. Ben Stokes glances this towards fine leg for four runs.
Drinks! Another hour dominated by the England batters. They did lose Zak Crawley early in the session but Joe Root and Ben Stokes have steadied things and scored runs at a good rate too. Australia failed to build on the breakthrough given by Mitchell Starc and are playing catch-up now. They need to come up with something or else this game could get away from them. We can expect some exciting action in the next hour or so.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 193/2
J Root35 (32)
B Stokes37 (62)
M Starc9-1-51-1
Pitches it up this time on the off stump, Joe Root plays the front foot push but finds the fielder at mid-off.
FOUR! What a cracker off the back foot by Joe Root. Mitchell Starc bowls a short ball at the body of the batter. Joe Root pulls it away from the backfoot towards the deep square leg boundary.
Attacks the leg stump from the good length this time. The batter blocks off the front foot towards mid on.
Another good-length delivery outside the off pole. Joe Root plays the front foot cover push and finds the fielder at covers.
Pitches it up on the off stump. Joe Root plays the front foot push straight to mid-off.
Hits the back of a length from over the wicket, creating the angle on the off stump. Joe Root plays the backfoot defence for no run.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 189/2
B Stokes37 (62)
J Root31 (26)
T Murphy5-0-32-0
Fires this one full and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes goes for a reverse sweep but does not connect.
Flights this one full and in line with the stumps. Ben Stokes flicks this to the left of mid-wicket and Marnus Labuschagne does well to prevent a run.
Short this time and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes punches this towards the fielder at backward point.
Tosses this full and outside the off pole. Joe Root sweeps this towards deep square leg for a single.
Floats this one full and into the pads. Ben Stokes shimmies down the wicket and clips this towards long on for a run.
Todd Murphy bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Joe Root goes deep in the crease and plays this late towards deep backward point for one.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 186/2
J Root29 (24)
B Stokes36 (58)
M Starc8-1-47-1
Bowls the good length outside off stump this time. Joe Root plays the front foot push between covers and mid-off and runs a single to end the over.
On the pads again, pitches up to Ben Stokes who flicks it from the crease towards the deep square leg and picks up another single.
Pitches up on middle this time. Joe Root flicks it to the right of mid-wicket and steals a single.
Another ball on the stumps from the good length. Joe Root blocks it from the crease back to the bowler.
Hits the good length on this occasion at the stumps. Joe Root plays the front foot defense towards widish mid-on.
Pitches up at the stumps, gets a hint of in-swing. Ben Stokes flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 182/2
J Root27 (20)
B Stokes34 (56)
M Marsh5-0-26-0
FOUR! Easy pickings for Joe Root and he does not miss out on this one! Mitchell Marsh sprays this one down leg on a fullish length. Joe Root gets enough bat on this one to tickle it towards fine leg for four runs.
SIX! Joe Root has looked like a man on a mission since he has come out to the middle! Mitchell Marsh bowls this full and just outside the off pole. Joe Root reverse ramps this over thrid man for six runs. He has played this shot several times in the series and he just knows the perfect moment to execute it.
Angled into the stumps on a good length. Ben Stokes whips this off his pads towards deep backward square leg for one.
Continues to bowl full and on an off-stump line. Ben Stokes defends this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
A tad bit fuller and outside off from 'round the wicket. Ben Stokes charges down the pitch and thumps this towards the fielder at mid off.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this short and outside the off stump. Joe Root pulls this towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 170/2
B Stokes33 (53)
J Root16 (17)
P Cummins10-0-50-1
Back of a length this time and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes opens the face of his bat and guides this down to deep backward point for a run. He will keep strike.
On a good length and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes blocks this solidly back down the pitch.
Just outside the off pole and on a good length once again. Joe Root tucks this towards deep square leg for a run.
Bowls this on a good length and just outside off. Ben Stokes pushes at this and gets an inside edge into the leg side. Joe Root calls his skipper through for a run and Ben Stokes is late to respond. Pat Cummins runs towards the ball and has a direct hit at the non-striker's end but Stokes has made it into the crease.
Pulls his length back a fraction and serves this outside off. Ben Stokes looks to cut this away off the back foot but gets beaten by the extra bounce.
Delivers this on a good length and outside the off stump. Joe Root pushes this through cover-point and takes a single.
Angles this into the pads on a good length. Ben Stokes clips this through mid-wicket for a run.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 163/2
J Root14 (15)
B Stokes29 (48)
J Hazlewood8-0-31-0
FOUR! Beautiful use of the wrists by Joe Root as he times this to perfection! Josh Hazlewood bowls this full and outside off. Joe Root walks down the pitch and flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.
Short this time and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes pulls this hard but straight to the fielder and deep backward square leg for one.
On a good length and bowled at the stumps. Ben Stokes pushes this towards the mid on fielder.
Short of a length and on off, angling in, Ben Stokes gets opened up a bit but keeps it out down the pitch.
Back of a length and around off, Ben Stokes forces it towards mid off.
This is on a good length and outside off, Ben Stokes lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 158/2
J Root10 (14)
B Stokes28 (43)
P Cummins9-0-43-1
FOUR! Joe Root calls for a new bat before the ball and hits the boundary straight away! This is bowled short as well and into the batter. Joe Root pulls this really fine and finds the fine leg fence for four runs.
Short this time and going down leg. Ben Stokes rocks onto his backfoot and pulls this towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Delivers this on a good length and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes blocks this back towards the bowler.
Goes 'round the wicket and serves this back of a length, outside off. Ben Stokes raises his hands high into the air and leaves the ball alone.
On a good length and angled into the stumps. Joe Root clips this down to fine leg and picks up a run.
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Joe Root is happy to leave the ball alone.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 152/2
J Root5 (11)
B Stokes27 (40)
J Hazlewood7-0-26-0
Bangs this in short and going down leg. Joe Root looks to pull and gets a top edge into the vacant fine leg region for a run.
Outside the off stump on a good length. Joe Root pokes at this one and it seems to have hit the pads first before the bat. A huge appeal from the Australian players as they thin this is out. Steven Smith is convinced this is out and Pat Cummins goes for the review. UltraEdge confirms that it is pad first and Ball Tracking has umpires call on impact. Joe Root survives a close call!
Bowls this back of a length and outside off. Ben Stokes walks down the pitch and gets onto his toes to push this towards deep point for a run.
On a good length once again and just outside the off stump. Ben Stokes dabs this towards the cover-point region.
Continues to bowl on a good length and into the off pole. Ben Stokes defends this to the bowler's right.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and outside off from 'round the wicket. Ben Stokes blocs this to the fielder at cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 150/2
J Root4 (9)
B Stokes26 (36)
P Cummins8-0-37-1
Gets this to nip back in off the surface from a good length and outside off. Joe Root pushes at this and gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Joe Root defends this solidly towards the bowler.
FOUR! Joe Root is stamping his authority as well! Pat Cummins bangs this in short and just outside off. Joe Root swivels as he goes onto the back foot and pulls this towards deep square leg for four runs.
This is on a good length as well and at the stumps. Joe Root blocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Joe Root seems to have hurt himself a bit. This is bowled a fraction short and in line with the stumps. Joe Root is surprised by the extra bounce and in unable to get any bat on this. The ball hits him on his hips and he yelps in pain.
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and angled into pads. Ben Stokes clips this down to fine leg and takes a run.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 145/2
J Root0 (4)
B Stokes25 (35)
J Hazlewood6-0-24-0
Goes full this time and outside the off pole. Joe Root walks towards the line of the ball and looks to work this leg side. Gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball lobs towards the slip cordon.
Bowls this on a good length and into the pads. Ben Stokes tucks this towards deep square leg for one.
FOUR! This delivery was asking to be hit and Ben Stokes oblidges gladly! This is bowled short and wide outside off. Ben Stokes slaps this away with disdain towards the deep point for four runs.
Gets this closer to the off pole and continues to bowl on a good length. Ben Stokes blocks this solidly towards cover.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes is happy to leave this one alone.
Josh Hazlewood bowls from 'round the wicket and serves this just outside off on a good length. Ben Stokes taps this towards the gully fielder.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 140/2
J Root0 (3)
B Stokes20 (30)
P Cummins7-0-32-1
Continues to bowl in the channel just outside the off stump. Joe Root dabs this back down the pitch.
Goes a touch fuller this time and outside off. Joe Root punches this back towards the bowler with a straight bat.
This is bowled on a good length and just outside off. Joe Root blocks this one out solidly.
Joe Root, former English Captain walks out to the middle to bat.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Pat Cummins strikes straight after Lunch! Just what Australia needed as Zak Crawley goes after a fine knock. Cummins serves this fuller and around off, inviting the drive, Crawley goes for it without much footwork and away from the body. As a result, he only manages to get an outside edge towards second slip where Steven Smith makes no mistake. England two down now!
On a length and around off, Zak Crawley guides it through backward point for a couple of runs.
Pat Cummins begins with a fuller delivery, on off, angling in, Zak Crawley defends it off the inner half to the leg side.
Pat Cummins will share the attack after Lunch and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 138/1
B Stokes20 (30)
Z Crawley71 (73)
J Hazlewood5-0-19-0
Oh..extra bounce! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and just around off, takes off, Ben Stokes tries to have a poke at it but gets beaten by the bounce as the ball goes past the outside edge.
Full again, on off, Ben Stokes blocks it down the pitch.
Touch fuller, on off, Ben Stokes pushes it towards mid off.
DROPPED AND SIX! Mitchell Starc lets go off a big chance! Josh Hazlewood bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Ben Stokes goes for the pull but gets a top edge towards the fine leg fence where Starc fails to judge it and spills it over the ropes for a maximum.
Josh Hazlewood sees the batter advance and serves this full, on leg, angling in, Ben Stokes manages well to clip it wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second. Good running!
Josh Hazlewood starts with a hard-length delivery around off, Ben Stokes stay back and pats it down back towards the bowler.
We are back for the second session! The umpires have made their way to the middle along with the Australian fielders who have taken their place on the field. Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley are making their way to the pitch to resume play after Lunch. Josh Hazlewood has the ball in his hand and is ready to start the afternoon session on Day 3. Let's go...
.. DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
England came out to bat in a typical manner as they looked to score runs quickly and overcame the deficit of 12 runs in the first over itself. Ben Duckett was off the blocks quickly as he scored 42 runs in 55 balls in the 79-run opening partnership before edging one to the keeper. He will be disappointed in missing out after a good start but the momentum was not lost as Zak Crawley took over from his partner and began scoring at a quick rate. Ben Stokes promoted himself to number 3 and added a 51-run unbeaten partnership with Crawley as England now lead by 118 runs. A chastening session for the visitors and they will be hoping to get some footing in this game before the hosts plunder their way to a strong second-innings total. Do join us at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) to find out how the second session of Day 3 plays out.
SESSION SUMMARY - 130 runs and 1 wicket in 25 overs. What a session of Test cricket we have witnessed but this is not the kind of red-ball cricket we have witnessed over the years! This English side have shown that they know no fear and when Zak Crawley thumped the first ball to the fence to the delight of the crowd, it was evident that the visitors were going to be up against it. The Aussie fast bowlers tried their best to get an early wicket but were up against two openers who had the freedom to be positive and play their shots. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins conceded boundaries far too easily releasing any pressure that was being built by Josh Hazlewood from the other end. They got some respite at the end of the 17th over when Starc managed to draw first blood but it has been all about England since then.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 130/1
B Stokes12 (24)
Z Crawley71 (73)
M Starc7-1-43-1
Overpitched and on leg, Ben Stokes flicks it towards deep square leg for a single. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3!
Another full delivery, outside off, Ben Stokes is not interested in playing at that.
Back of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes stays back and pats it to the leg side.
Touch fuller and around off, Ben Stokes offers no shot at it.
On a length and around off, Ben Stokes keeps it out in front of point.
Fuller and outside off, shaping away, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 129/1
Z Crawley71 (73)
B Stokes11 (18)
T Murphy4-0-29-0
Quicker, short and on middle, Zak Crawley stays back to defend it well.
FOUR! Two in two! Poor bowling from Murphy! He darts this one full and down the leg again, Zak Crawley once again nails his sweep in front of square on the leg side this time for four more runs.
FOUR! Another boundary! This is flatter, full and around leg, Zak Crawley goes down on one knee and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Floated, full and on off, Zak Crawley winds up for the slog-sweep, but tucks it towards short mid-wicket in the end.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it out to the right of the bowler.
Short and around off, Ben Stokes punches it through covers for a single.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 120/1
Z Crawley63 (68)
B Stokes10 (17)
M Starc6-1-42-1
Pitched and on leg, Zak Crawley nudges it wide of deep square leg for two more runs.
FOUR! Brilliant shot! Mitchell Starc bangs this short and around middle, Zak Crawley gets on top of the bounce well and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Full again, on off, Zak Crawley taps it towards short covers.
Goes fuller and around leg, Ben Stokes clips it wide of mid on for a single.
Length again, on off, Ben Stokes pats it down towards short covers.
On a length and around leg, Zak Crawley misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye is taken.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 112/1
B Stokes9 (15)
Z Crawley57 (64)
T Murphy3-0-20-0
Flighted, full and on middle, Ben Stokes reverse-sweeps it to point.
Short again, on middle, Ben Stokes keeps it out to the leg side.
A bit short and on off, Ben Stokes stays back and blocks it out.
Flatter, full and on middle, Zak Crawley sweeps it through square leg for a single. England lead by 100 now!
FOUR! Nice use of the feet! This is floated and around off, Zak Crawley skips down the track to go for the big slog but ends up slicing it over extra covers for a boundary.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Zak Crawley looks to reverse-sweep it but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards third man. Two runs taken and it is given as runs.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 105/1
B Stokes9 (12)
Z Crawley50 (61)
M Starc5-1-35-1
On a length and around off, Ben Stokes taps it in front of point.
Overpitched and on off, Ben Stokes knocks it back to the bowler again.
BEATEN! Mitchell Starc lands this on a good length and on off, shaping away, Ben Stokes looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Pitched up, on off, Ben Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
FOUR! Fine timing! This is full again and around middle, Ben Stokes stays there and uses his wrist to whip it wide of deep square leg where Todd Murphy runs to his right and dives but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.
FIFTY FOR CRAWLEY! Another fine knock from him and he is enjoying his cricket in this series. He will look to make it big now. This is full and on off, Zak Crawley pushes it wide of mid off where Pat Cummins slides to his left but lets it through and then chases it again to stop it. Three runs taken.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 98/1
Z Crawley47 (60)
B Stokes5 (7)
T Murphy2-0-13-0
Quicker one, on middle, Zak Crawley gets to the pitch of it and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
FOUR! Fabulous shot! Todd Murphy flights this one up, on off, Zak Crawley dances down the track and creams it through extra covers for a boundary.
Flatter, full and on off, Zak Crawley uses his feet and pushes it wide of the bowler where Murphy dives to his right to stop it.
Flighted, full and on middle, Zak Crawley works it towards square leg.
Floated, full and on middle, Ben Stokes clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Ben Stokes leans on and blocks it down the pitch.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 92/1
B Stokes4 (5)
Z Crawley42 (56)
M Starc4-1-28-1
This is full again, on middle, swinging away a bit, Ben Stokes looks to block with a straight bat but gets an outside edge along the ground through point for one more.
Short of a length and around off, Zak Crawley pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Goes fuller and on the pads, Ben Stokes flicks it uppishly but it lands well in front of deep mid-wicket. They cross.
Length again, on off, Zak Crawley steers it towards deep point for another run.
On a length and around leg, Ben Stokes nudges it through square leg for a run.
Full and on middle, Zak Crawley tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 86/1
B Stokes1 (2)
Z Crawley39 (53)
T Murphy1-0-7-0
Slower through the air, on off, turning away, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.
Looped up, full and on middle, Zak Crawley uses his feet and drills it towards long on for a run.
FOUR! Lovely shot! This is flatter, full and around middle, Zak Crawley goes down and nails his sweep towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Just short! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Ben Stokes strides forward to defend but gets an inside edge which falls just in front of Marnus Labuschagne at leg slip. They cross.
Floated, full and on middle, Zak Crawley clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Todd Murphy begins with a flighted delivery, full and on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it out well.
Ben Stokes, the skipper of England has decided to walk out to the middle at number 3. Todd Murphy has been immediately brought into the attack as well.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 79/1
B Duckett42 (55)
Z Crawley33 (49)
M Starc3-1-22-1
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mitchell Starc draws first blood! An excellent review from Australia! Mitchell Starc serves this fuller and just around off, nips away again sharply, Ben Duckett goes for the drive but nicks it behind where Alex Carey grabs it. He looks confident and appeals for it while Starc believes too. However, Warner does not look convinced at first slip, but Cummins goes for the review. UltraEdge shows a big spike when the ball is close to the bat and the on-field decision is changed. Duckett looks at his bat but he has to walk back now. England lose their first wicket!
BEAUTY! Mitchell Starc lands this on good length, on the fourth stump line, lands and nips away sharply, Ben Duckett looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Pitched up, on off again, Ben Duckett knocks it towards mid off again.
This is on a good length and around off, Ben Duckett forces it towards mid off.
An outswinger now, full and on middle, swinging away, Ben Duckett stays there and jams it out back towards the bowler.
Fullish and on off, Ben Duckett pushes it wide of covers where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 79/0
Z Crawley33 (49)
B Duckett42 (49)
M Marsh4-0-14-0
Another full delivery from Marsh, on off, Zak Crawley keeps it out down the pitch as the ball rolls towards mid off.
Overpitched and outside off, Zak Crawley goes for the drive but slices it through backward point for a couple of runs.
Full again and around off, Zak Crawley strides forward and defends it on the front foot.
This is pitched up, on off, shaping away a bit, Zak Crawley knocks it wide of short covers.
Back of a length and outside off, Ben Duckett cuts it towards deep point for a single.
Fuller one and on off, Ben Duckett blocks it out towards mid off.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 76/0
Z Crawley31 (45)
B Duckett41 (47)
P Cummins6-0-30-0
Angles this into the stumps and continues to bowl on a good length. Zak Crawley tucks this towards deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
Delivers this outside the off stump and on a good length. Zak Crawley blocks this solidly towards mid off.
FOUR! The partnership is growing to dangerous proportions for Australia! Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and outside off. Zak Crawley lets the ball come onto the bat as he guides this towards deep backward point for four runs.
On a fullish length this time and outside off. Ben Duckett dabs this with soft hands towards cover and sets off for a quick single.
Angles this down leg stump on a good length. Ben Duckett looks to get bat on this but misses.
Pat Cummins bowls this full and on and off-stump line. Zak Crawley flicks this towards deep square leg and takes one.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 68/0
Z Crawley24 (41)
B Duckett40 (45)
M Marsh3-0-11-0
Continues to bowl full and in line with the stumps. Zak Crawley clips this towards deep mid-wicket and collects a single to keep strike.
Angles this into the pads on a fuller length. Ben Duckett flicks this towards deep backward square leg and takes a run.
On a good length and outside the off stump. Ben Duckett dabs this with soft hands towards cover.
Bowls this full and outside the off pole. Ben Duckett defends this solidly towards the cover fielder.
Goes full and just outside the off stump. Ben Duckett gets across the stumps and eeps the ball out.
Mitchell Marsh angles this into the stumps from 'round the wicket. Ben Duckett clips this into the leg side.
Drinks! England has again gotten off to a flying start courtesy of both openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. They have scored runs freely and put together another half-century opening stand and will look to keep it going. Aussie pacers have struggled with the new ball and have leaked runs without causing much trouble for the batters. They needed this break to revisit their plans and devise something different or better execution. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 66/0
Z Crawley23 (40)
B Duckett39 (40)
P Cummins5-0-22-0
Good delivery to end the over! This is bowled on a good length and in the channel outside the off pole. Zak Crawley hangs his bat out to dry and gets beaten all ends up.
Slightly short this time and offers width outside the off stump. Ben Duckett pushes this towards deep point and takes one.
Delivers this on a good length and pitching outside off from 'round the wicket. Ben Duckett plays down the wrong line as the ball straightens after pitching and zips past his outside edge.
Continues to bowl on a good length and just outside the off pole. Zak Crawley uses his wrists well and flicks this towards deep square leg for a single.
On a good length once again and outside off. Zak Crawley pokes at this one and gets an outside edge that falls short of the third slip fielder.
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley gets a small stride forward and blocks this out solidly.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 64/0
B Duckett38 (38)
Z Crawley22 (36)
M Marsh2-0-9-0
Pulls his length bac a fraction and outside the off pole. Ben Duckett gets surprised by the extra bounce but manages to fend this into the leg side.
Strays down leg side and on a good length once again. Ben Duckett loos to play at this but the ball is far from his bat as it goes through to the keeper.
Continues to bowl on a good length but offers width outside off. Ben Duckett punches this towards deep point and picks up a couple of runs.
Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley hit this on the up towards deep cover-point and adds one to his score.
NO BALL! Bowls this a fraction full and outside off. Ben Duckett knocks this towards deep point and takes an easy run. Mitchell Starc has overstepped and it will be a no ball.
On a good length and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley dabs this towards point with soft hands and sets off for a quick single.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a fullish length and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley is watchful as he blocks this out with a straight bat.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 58/0
Z Crawley20 (33)
B Duckett35 (34)
P Cummins4-0-20-0
Gets this to come in with the angle on a fuller length. Zak Crawley gets his front foot forward and clips this towards deep square leg for a run to retain strike.
A tad bit full once again and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley dabs this back towards the bowler.
Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and serves this into the pads on a fullish length. Ben Duckett flicks this towards deep square leg for a run.
Angles this into the pads on a good length. Zak Crawley tucks this towards deep backward square leg and picks up a single.
This is bowled on a good length as well and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley decides to shoulder his arms to this one. A rare leave by an England batter!
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and angled into the stumps. Zak Crawley loos to work this leg side but gets a leading edge to the left of the bowler.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 55/0
B Duckett34 (33)
Z Crawley18 (28)
M Marsh1-0-3-0
Bangs this in short and angling away outside off. Ben Duckett looks to pull but adjusts his shot and cross-bats this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley goes onto the back foot and works this towards deep bacward point for three runs.
Continues to bowl on a good length and just outside the off stump. Zak Crawley blocks this back down the pitch towards Mitchell Marsh.
Wide outside off and on a good length. Zak Crawley throws his bat at this one and gets an under edge towards the keeper.
Slightly back of a length and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley stands tall and pushes this into the off side.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley pushes this towards the fielder at cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 52/0
B Duckett34 (32)
Z Crawley15 (23)
P Cummins3-0-17-0
Angles this into the pads on a good length. Ben Duckett gets squared up but manages to dab this back down the pitch.
Slightly back of a length and outside the off pole. Ben Duckett pokes at this one and gets beaten by the lateral movement and bounce.
FOUR! A boundary after a while in terms of 'Bazball' cricket! This is bowled short and going down leg. Ben Duckett takes on the bouncer and goes for the pull shot. Gets a top edge towards fine leg for four runs.
Delivers this in line with the stumps and on a good length. Ben Duckett blocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Play and miss this time! Pat Cummins bowls this on fuller length once again and outside the off stump. Gets the ball to move away from the southpaw after pitching. Ben Duckett goes for the expansive drive but gets beaten.
Pat Cummins continues from around the wicket to the left-hander and on a fullish length, outside off. Ben Duckett defends this into the cover region.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 48/0
Z Crawley15 (23)
B Duckett30 (26)
J Hazlewood4-0-11-0
Continues to bowl full and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley drives this confidently but straight to the fielder at cover.
On a fuller length this time and outside the off pole. Ben Duckett pushes this towards cover-point and takes another run to keep rotating the strike.
Bowls this short and at the batter. Zak Crawley gets on top of the bounce and pulls this towards deep square leg for one.
Decides to bowl this on a good length and outside the off stump. Ben Duckett taps this into the off side with soft hands and sets off for a single.
Goes full this time and just outside off. Ben Duckett knocks this towards the fielder at mid off.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this back of a length and outside off from 'round the wicket. Ben Duckett gets up on his toes and dabs this down into the pitch.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 45/0
Z Crawley14 (21)
B Duckett28 (22)
P Cummins2-0-13-0
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside off. The ball gets stuck in the pitch a bit and Zak Crawley is early into his shot. The ball lobs just short of the fielder at cover.
Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley feels for this one and gets beaten all ends up.
Angles this in from outside off on a slightly fullish length. Zak Crawley dabs this into the mid on region.
Goes fuller this time and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley pushes this to the right of mid off and a half-stop by the fielder allows them to tae a couple of runs.
On a good length once again and outside the off pole. Zak Crawley blocks this towards the fielder at cover.
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Zak Crawley tucks this towards fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 41/0
B Duckett28 (22)
Z Crawley10 (15)
J Hazlewood3-0-8-0
A bit fuller, on middle, shaping in this time, Ben Duckett misses his clip and gets hit high on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.
On a length and on middle, shaping away a shy bit, Ben Duckett stays there and blocks it back towards the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood bangs in a sharp bouncer, on leg, angling in, Ben Duckett tries to hook it but fails to connect.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Zak Crawley nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Full again and around off, Zak Crawley drives it nicely but straight to mid off this time.
Fuller one, on middle, Zak Crawley moves across and uses his feet to tuck it towards mid on.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 40/0
B Duckett28 (19)
Z Crawley9 (12)
P Cummins1-0-9-0
This is pitched up, on off, Ben Duckett drives it straight to extra covers. 10 runs off the over then!
FOUR! Deft touch! Pat Cummins lands this on a hard length and around off, Ben Duckett waits for it and uses the pace to guide it with an opened face of the bat towards the third man fence for another boundary.
Fuller one, on middle, angling in this time, Zak Crawley misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.
Back of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Ben Duckett hops up but manages well to steer it through point for a single.
FOUR! Through the gap! Pat Cummins goes a bt fuller and around middle, Ben Duckett stays there and flicks it with nice timing past square leg for a boundary.
Pat Cummins starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, Ben Duckett clips it towards square leg.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 30/0
Z Crawley9 (11)
B Duckett19 (14)
J Hazlewood2-0-7-0
BEATEN! Much better from Josh Hazlewood as he bowls this in the channel just outside off and on a good length. Zak Crawley feels for this one and teh ball zips past the outside edge.
Delivers this on a good length and outside off. Zak Crawley pushes at this and gets an outside edge that fall short of the slip fielder.
Strays down leg on a good length. Zak Crawley looks to flick this fine but misses as the ball goes through to the keeper.
Adjusts his line and bowls this outside off on a good length. Ben Duckett punches this to deep point and collects one.
FOUR! Great timing on this one as the ball races to the fence! Josh Hazlewood bowls this slightly fuller and onto the pads. Ben Duckett clips this towards deep square leg and adds four more runs to his kitty.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and pitching outside leg. Ben Duckett tucks this towards the square leg fielder.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 25/0
Z Crawley9 (8)
B Duckett14 (11)
M Starc2-0-22-0
FOUR! Second boundary of the over and the English batters seem to have decided to go after Mitchell Starc! This is bowled full and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley throws his bat at this and gets a thickish outside edge over gully towards deep backward point for four runs. Another good over for England!
Attacks the stumps on a good length. Zak Crawley blocks this with a straight bat back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Outside the off stump this time and on a good length. Zak Crawley blocks this towards the fielder at mid off.
On a good length this time and at the stumps. Ben Duckett tucks this through square leg and takes one.
Goes full once again and in line with the stumps. Ben Duckett gets this off his bat onto his pads. Mitchell Starc appeals but the umpire indicates that there is some bat on it. Pat Cummins does not go for a review.
FOUR! Mitchell Starc has been far too expensive so far! He serves this full and into the pads. Easy picking for Ben Duckett who flicks this towards deep square leg for four runs.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 16/0
Z Crawley5 (5)
B Duckett9 (8)
J Hazlewood1-0-2-0
Bowls this on a good length and outside off. Zak Crawley covers the line of the ball and blocks this comfortably.
Goes fuller this time and angles this into the stumps. Zak Crawley knocks this towards mid on.
On a good length once again and outside the off stump. Ben Duckett gets squared up as the ball goes through cover-point for a run.
Pitching outside leg once again and continues to bowl on a good length. Ben Duckett clips this towards the fielder at square leg.
Bowls this on a leg stump line and on a good length. Ben Duckett looks to work this into the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Delivers this outside the off stump and on a good length. Ben Duckett defends this solidly towards cover.
NO BALL AND LEG BYE! Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and just outside the off stump. Zak Crawley looks to tuck this away but misses and the ball goes off the pads through square leg for a leg bye. The bowler oversteps though and it will be a no ball.
Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 13/0
B Duckett8 (4)
Z Crawley5 (2)
M Starc1-0-13-0
FOUR! England lead by 1 run now as the openers are off to an ominous start here! Mitchell Starc bowls this full and onto the pads. Ben Duckett clips this towards deep mid-wicket for the third boundary of the over. 13 runs coming from the first over!
FOUR! Ben Duckett opens his account with a boundary as well as England are off to a good start! This is bowled slightly full as well and on and off-stump line. Ben Duckett times this beautifully and the ball races to the long on fence for four runs.
A tad bit fuller once again and in line with the stumps. Ben Duckett looks to work this leg side but gets squared up and the ball goes off the outside part of his bat into the off side.
Angles this into the stumps on a fullish length. Ben Duckett dabs this towards the fielder at mid on.
On a good length this time and outside off. Zak Crawley pushes at this and gets an inside edge towards backward square leg and picks up a single.
FOUR! The crowd roars as Zak Crawley smashes this on the up and finds the first boundary for England! Mitchell Starc bowls this full and offers width outside off. Zak Crawley reaches for it and thumps this towards deep cover-point for four runs to get himself and Australia off the mark.
Commentary
All set to begin Day 3! The players are making their way out in the middle now.
England, on the other hand were pretty disciplined with their bowling but luck wasn't in their favour. Although they managed to get crucial breakthroughs from time to time but the inability to get Steven Smith out and conceding over 50 runs to the tail-enders of the Aussies has put them in a difficult situation. Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood shared six wickets equally on Day 2 while Joe Root also filled the position of injured Moeen Ali to pick up a couple as well. James Anderson also bowled good spells but only had one wicket to his name. By the time they bowled out Australia, there wasn't much time left and stumps was called. Now, their batters will come out to bat knowing that the first hour will be crucial for both sides and could prove to be decisive. Stay tuned for all the action on Day 3.
Australia batted the whole of Day 2 and managed to take a lead of just 12 runs. They opted for an old-fashioned approach which could backfire if their bowlers do not back it up. Steven Smith showed his class once again with a brilliant half-century but the talking point was how Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy added 49 runs together with both finishing in the 30s and helped the Aussies get past England's total which gives them a psychological advantage now. Their bowlers will be fired up especially Mitchell Starc on the back of a four-fer in the first innings to restrict the hosts, but they will need to take their catches or else it could cost them in the end.
Hello and a warm welcome folks! We are heading towards Day 3 of this final Ashes Test. This match has moved at a rapid pace and neither team is ahead at the moment. It is pretty even but as this is also the 'Moving Day', we can expect the game to open up and one team to take advantage of it. Will it be England with their batting? Or will the Aussies provide another bowling masterclass? We will find out soon.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is from an exciting Day 2 where there is not much difference between the sides. England will start their second innings on Day 3 while Australia will look to restrict them to a low total and then chase it down. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
Australia batted for almost double the overs and took a lead of 12 runs in the process. We saw two different approaches from the two sides and both were entertaining to watch. After a decent enough start by the openers, the visitors couldn't really get going. Usman Khawaja looked to be struggling out in the middle as he faced 157 deliveries to get to 47 before losing his wicket soon after Lunch. Barring Steven Smith, no one looked comfortable out there and the positive intent was missing too. Smith was the top scorer with 71 runs as their middle order couldn't really contribute much. It was the 54-run partnership between Smith and Pat Cummins that got them out of a troublesome situation or they could have surrendered a big lead. In the end, a few lusty blows from Todd Murphy who scored 34 in 39 deliveries helped the Aussies go past the English total.
England started Day 2 well with James Anderson and Mark Wood bowling three maidens on a trot between themselves. However, they could not really get any breakthroughs upfront up until Joe Root took an absolute stunner just after the hour mark to get rid of Marnus Labuschagne. The floodgates opened after Lunch when Stuart Broad dismissed Usman Khawaja and Travis Head in quick succession and James Anderson managed to get rid of Mitchell Marsh too. They struggled to get Steven Smith out but a controversial run-out call didn't go in their favour which cost them a few runs. Chris Woakes managed to get that big fish ending with three wickets but the English bowlers once again conceded loads of runs to the middle and lower order. Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Joe Root chipped in with two wickets each for the hosts.
SESSION SUMMARY - 109 runs and 3 wickets in 28.1 overs. A riveting Day of Test cricket comes to an end! England were on top for most of it but luck wasn't in their favour. Australia showed great fight and determination and there is nothing to choose between the sides as we head into the moving day of Test cricket. Australia played much more freely in this session and as a result, managed to take a crucial lead despite being bowled out. England would have been frustrated for most parts as they would have hoped to bat before Stumps but will now be looking to post a strong target over the next couple of days.
OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Stokes shows remarkable composure at the boundary and pulls off a remarkable catch! Joe Root is rewarded with his second wicket and Australia's inning comes to an end having taken a lead of 12 runs. Joe Root floats this one full and in line with the stumps. Pat Cummins looks to make room and clears his front foot out of the way. Heaves the ball towards the long on fence where Ben Stokes is standing right at the ropes. He leaps up and grabs hold of the ball but the momentum is taking him over the boundary. He flings the ball into the air before landing and steps back into the field of play to complete a very difficult catch. England would have liked to wrap up this inning earlier but they have managed to do so just at the stroke of STUMPS on DAY 2!
Some spin as Joe Root comes into the attack.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 103 overs : 295/9
J Hazlewood6 (7)
P Cummins36 (85)
J Anderson26-9-67-1
Angles this into the stumps on a fullish length. Josh Hazlewood shuffles into the leg side and tucks this towards mid-wicket.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood defends this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump from 'round the wicket. Josh Hazlewood punches this towards deep point for a couple of runs.
Strays onto the pads on a good length. Pat Cummins tucks this towards fine leg and has to settle for a single. Josh Hazlewood has three balls to negotiate in this over.
Short this time and just outside the off pole. Pat Cummins pulls this towards deep square leg but refuses to take a single.
James Anderson bowls a slow loopy full toss at the stumps. Pat Cummins is early into the shot but gets bat on the ball and keeps it out.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 102 overs : 292/9
J Hazlewood4 (4)
P Cummins35 (82)
C Woakes25-8-61-3
Nails the yorker this time served just outside the off stump. Josh Hazlewood digs this out back down the pitch and the ball ricochets off the non-striker towards mid on.
On a good length once again and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood backs away slightly but blocks this solidly towards mid off.
FOUR! Josh Hazlewood is off the mark with a good-looking shot! This is bowled on a good length but width is offered outside off. Josh Hazlewood strokes this towards deep backward point and picks up four runs to open his account.
This is on a good length and outside the off stump. Josh Hazlewood pushes this towards the fielder at cover.
Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.
OUT! LBW! England finally get a breakthrough and it is Chris Woakes who strikes for the hosts claiming his thrid wicket! Todd Murphy's enterprising inning comes to an end and Australia are now nine wickets down. This is bowled on a good length and angled into the stumps from outside off. Todd Murphy looks to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball goes onto hit him flush on the pads. The bowler goes up in appeal instantly and the umpire raises his finger after some thought. Todd Murphy goes upstairs for the review and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and the onfield decision stands.
Chris Woakes bowls from 'round the wicket to the southpaw and delivers the just outside off on a good length. Todd Murphy dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 101 overs : 288/8
P Cummins35 (82)
T Murphy34 (37)
J Anderson25-9-64-1
A maiden after a long time from England and James Anderson is the one who delivers it! This is bowled slightly full and outside the off pole. Seems to be a slower ball as Pat Cummins is early into the shot and the ball beats his outside edge.
Back to bowling full and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins strokes this towards the short cover fielder.
Attacks the stumps once again on a good length. Pat Cummins pushes this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Continues to bowl full and angles this into the stumps. Pat Cummins dabs this bac towards the bowler who lets this pass him towards the mid off fielder.
Goes full and just outside the off pole. Pat Cummins blocks this solidly towards mid off.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins dabs this into the pitch and the ball bounces back onto his body.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 100 overs : 288/8
T Murphy34 (37)
P Cummins35 (76)
C Woakes24-8-57-2
A tad bit fuller and outside the off pole. Todd Murphy knocks this firmly but finds the fielder at mid off.
Sightly wide outside off on a fuller length. Todd Murphy looks to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Edged and falls short! This is bowled on a good length and outside the off stump. Todd Murphy pokes at this and gets an outside edge between the two slip fielders. The ball creeps through and the batters pick up a couple of runs towards third man.
Goes full this time and attacks the stumps. Todd Murphy dabs this watchfully towards the mid off fielder.
On a good length this time and pitches on middle. Todd Murphy clips this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Chris Woakes bangs this in short and in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy takes on the short ball once again and pulls this towards fine leg for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 99 overs : 284/8
T Murphy30 (31)
P Cummins35 (76)
J Anderson24-8-64-1
Australia have managed to take a lead in the first inning! James Anderson bowls this onto the pads on a fuller length. Todd Murphy flicks this towards deep square leg and takes a single to keep strike.
Angles this into the stumps on a good length. Todd Murphy blocks this towards the fielder at mid on.
FOUR! The scores are level now as Todd Murphy tickles this away to the boundary! James Anderson bowls this full from 'round the wicket and strays onto the pads. Todd Murphy plays this towards fine leg and collects four runs.
Slightly wide outside off and continues to bowl on a good length. Pat Cummins dabs this through point and taes a run.
Delivers this in line with the stumps and on a good length. Pat Cummins clips this towards mid-wicket.
Just short of the fielder and a close call for Pat Cummins! James Anderson bowls this on a fullish length and outside off. Pat Cummins pushes at this and gets an outside edge to the left of wide slip.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 98 overs : 278/8
T Murphy25 (28)
P Cummins34 (73)
C Woakes23-8-53-2
Decides to bowl this full and on an off-stump line. Todd Murphy pushes this towards the mid off fielder.
On a good length this time and just outside off. Todd Murphy tucks this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Attacks the stumps once again and bowls a touch fuller. Pat Cummins clips this towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Delivers this in line with the stumps and on a good length. Pat Cummins dabs this into the leg side.
Goes full this time and outside the off stump with some pace taken off. Pat Cummins strokes this straight to the fielder at cover.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and in the channel outside off. Pat Cummins defends this solidly to the left of the bowler.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 97 overs : 277/8
P Cummins33 (69)
T Murphy25 (26)
J Anderson23-8-58-1
This is slightly short as well and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins guides this towards deep backward point and takes a single to keep strike. Australia now trail by just 6 runs.
Bowls from 'round the wicket to the left-hander and delivers this on a good length, outside off. Todd Murphy pushes at this and gets an outside edge towards deep backward point for one.
Pulls his length back slightly and serves this close to the off pole. Pat Cummins tucks this towards deep backward square leg for a run.
This is on a good length and just outside off. Pat Cummins pokes at this and gets an inside edge past the stumps towards the keeper.
Goes a fraction fuller this time but continues to bowl in the channel outside off stump. Pat Cummins raises his bat into the air and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins shoulders his arms to this one.
James Anderson comes into the attack.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 96 overs : 274/8
T Murphy24 (25)
P Cummins31 (64)
C Woakes22-8-52-2
Continues to bowl on a good length and at the stumps. Todd Murphy keeps this out watchfully towards cover.
On a good length this time and pitching in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy defends this towards the fielder at mid on.
Pulls his length back a fraction and serves this outside the off stump. Pat Cummins pushes this through cover-point and takes a run.
Bowls this on a good length and on an off-stump line. Pat Cummins dabs this towards the fielder at cover.
Goes really full this time and just outside off with the pace taken off. Pat Cummins is early into his shot but manages to knock this towards mid on.
Chris Woakes bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins drops his glove down and ducks onto the floor to the let the ball go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 95 overs : 273/8
T Murphy24 (23)
P Cummins30 (60)
M Wood22-4-62-2
Delivers this on a good length and into the stumps. Todd Murphy blocks this solidly towards the mid on fielder.
Strays down leg this time and continues to bowl short from 'round the wicket this time. Todd Murphy is not backing away as he looks to pull this away but does not connect.
SIX! Todd Murphy is taking Australia closer to the England total as he gets his third maximum! This is going down leg on a shortish length. Todd Murphy pulls this with ease over the deep backward square leg fence for six more runs.
WIDE! Bangs this in short once again and at the batter. Goes well over his head and the umpire calls this wide.
Keeps bowling short and pitching outside leg. Todd Murphy looks to pull but does not connect this time.
SIX! Todd Murphy is paying quite a cameo here! Mark Wood bowls short once again and just outside off. The ball does not rise much and Todd Murphy pulls this just over the deep backward square leg fielder for six more runs. Australia now trail by just 17 runs.
Mark Wood bowls this short and pitches in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy gets on his toes and keeps the ball out.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 260/8
T Murphy12 (17)
P Cummins30 (60)
C Woakes21-8-51-2
Another short ball bowled just outside off. Todd Murphy looks to defend but gets an inside edge into the leg side and takes a single to keep strike.
FOUR! Todd Murphy is showing that he is more than handy with the bat! Chris Woakes offers width outside the off stump. Todd Murphy cuts this late towards deep backward point and picks up four runs.
Bowls this back of a length as well and just outside off. Todd Murphy gets on his toes and dabs this back towards the bowler.
Slightly short and outside off. Pat Cummins cross-bats this to the right of mid on and takes a run.
FOUR! A bit of fortune going Pat Cummins' way and Australia will accept these runs gladly! This is bowled full and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins looks to go aerial but gets an outside edge over second slip towards third man for four runs.
Chris Woakes starts the over with a well-directed short ball. Pat Cummins ducks out of the way and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 250/8
T Murphy7 (14)
P Cummins25 (57)
M Wood21-4-49-2
Bowls a bouncer to the left-hander from 'round the wicket. Todd Murphy is not shy about playing his shots and looks to pull but does not get bat on it.
Bowls this on a good length and going down leg. Pat Cummins looks to whip this away but misses and the ball goes off the pads towards deep backward square leg for a leg bye.
Back of a length and in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy rides the bounce and works this towards deep backwards square leg for a single.
Bangs this in short as well and outside off. Todd Murphy looks to pull once again but does not connect this time.
SIX! This is the reason why Todd Murphy is being given the strike! He is off the mark with a dismissive shot off the bowling of one of the fastest bowlers in the world! This is short and just outside the off stump. Todd Murphy pulls this over deep backward square leg for six runs.
A single off the first ball by Pat Cummins once again! Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and into the stumps. Pat Cummins tucks this towards deep backward square leg for a run.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 241/8
T Murphy0 (10)
P Cummins24 (55)
C Woakes20-8-41-2
Continues to bowl full and outside the off pole. Todd Murphy looks to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Goes 'round the wicket now and bowls this on a good length, into the stumps. Todd Murphy dabs this into the leg side.
Delivers this on a good length and outside off. Todd Murphy drills this straight to the fielder at cover.
Bowls this full and in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy blocks this solidly down the pitch towards mid off.
Attacks the pads on a good length. Todd Murphy clips this into the square leg region.
Pat Cummins is not worried about giving Todd Murphy the strike here! Chris Woakes bowls this a fraction full and outside the off stump. Pat Cummins dabs this towards deep backward point and collects a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 91 overs : 240/8
T Murphy0 (5)
P Cummins23 (54)
M Wood20-4-41-2
Pulls his length back once again and strays down leg from over the wicket. Todd Murphy attempts another pull shot but does not connect.
Decides to bowl this on a good length and at the stumps. Todd Murphy blocks this solidly with a straight bat back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Continues to bowl on a shortish length and in line with the stumps. Todd Murphy shapes up to play a shot but decides to duck under this at the last moment.
Back of a length once again but going down leg. Todd Murphy looks to pull this away but misses and the ball is collected by the keeper.
Bowls this short but wide outside off from 'round the wicket to the left-hander. Todd Murphy drops his bat down and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Mark Wood bowls this back of a length and in line with the stumps. Pat Cummins gets across the line and tucks this towards deep backward square leg for one.
DRINKS! The players will take some refreshments and we as viewers also need a break from action having not been able to take our eyes off it. England would have been hoping to wrap up the Australian inning soon but the visitors have fought back hard in the final session of Day 2 and are now just 44 runs behind the England total. Steven Smith continued to show his class but fell just before the break in the quest to get some quick runs. This game has swung like a pendulum and we will not be surprised if England come back stronger after this short interval. Todd Murphy is the new batter out in the middle.
A rash shot from Steven Smith has cost him his wicket. Will England find an opening now?
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 90 overs : 239/8
S Smith71 (123)
P Cummins22 (53)
C Woakes19-8-40-2
OUT! TAKEN! Chris Woakes gets his man this time! Steven Smith goes back to the hut now as he tries to do something unusual here. This is a knuckleball from Woakes, full and around leg, Steven Smith looks to whip it away but goes through the shot very early and only manages to get a leading edge as the ball goes high in the air behind the short third man region. Jonny Bairstow runs backwards, settles under it and grabs it with his gloves to take a fine catch under pressure. Smith goes after a decent knock but will be disappointed with the dismissal. England finally get the breakthrough and Australia eight down now!
Overpitched and on middle, Pat Cummins clips it through mid-wicket for a run.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Steven Smith drops it towards short covers for a quick single.
In the air...safe! This is full again, on off, Steven Smith uses his feet and tries to loft it away but mistimes it badly in the air. However, it lands well over Broad who runs back from mid off. Two runs taken.
Goes fuller and on off, Steven Smith lets it go to the keeper.
Back of a length and outside off, keeps low, Steven Smith looks to cut it away but it goes under his bat and on the bounce to the keeper.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 89 overs : 235/7
P Cummins21 (52)
S Smith68 (118)
M Wood19-4-40-2
This is on a good length and on off, Pat Cummins drops it in front of short covers and calls for the run but is sent back and rightly so.
Back of a length and on off, Pat Cummins hops up and dabs it towards short covers.
Short of a length and around leg, Pat Cummins looks to glance it away but misses.
On a length and on middle, Steven Smith tries to heave it away but mistimes it on the bounce towards deep square leg for a single. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.
Full again and on middle, Steven Smith drives it straight to mid off.
Full and around leg, Steven Smith nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 88 overs : 232/7
P Cummins21 (49)
S Smith65 (115)
C Woakes18-8-36-1
Overpitched and on off, Pat Cummins drills it down the pitch where Chris Woakes gets a hand to it to stop it.
Goes fuller and around off, Pat Cummins stays there to blocks it towards short covers.
Back of a length and on off, Pat Cummins dabs it towards point.
Full again, on middle, shaping away late, Pat Cummins adjusts well to knock it towards mid off.
EDGED AND FOUR! Chris Woakes serves a low full toss, outside off, Pat Cummins throws his bat at it but gets an inside edge towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Fuller one and on off, Pat Cummins pushes it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 87 overs : 228/7
S Smith65 (115)
P Cummins17 (43)
S Broad20-5-49-2
Stuart Broad bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Steven Smith winds for the pull but bails out at the last moment. He looks at the umpires but there is no signal of a wide.
Goes back to his fuller length, on off, Pat Cummins looks to defend but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for one.
Length again, on leg, Steven Smith works it off the inner half towards square leg for a run.
On a length and on middle, shaping in, Steven Smith looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on his body.
Full again and around leg, Pat Cummins tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Full and on middle, Pat Cummins drills it towards mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 86 overs : 225/7
P Cummins15 (40)
S Smith64 (112)
J Anderson22-8-55-1
Overpitched and on middle, shaping away this time, Pat Cummins pushes it in front of short covers for a quick run.
Fullish and on middle, Pat Cummins knocks it towards mid on.
Length again, on middle, shaping in, Pat Cummins dead-bats it down the pitch.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Pat Cummins steers it towards cover-point.
Full and on middle, Steven Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
On a length and around off, Steven Smith moves across and blocks it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 85 overs : 223/7
P Cummins14 (36)
S Smith63 (110)
S Broad19-5-46-2
Back of a length and outside off, Pat Cummins is happy to let it go to the keeper.
Goes fuller but down the leg side, Pat Cummins misses his glance.
FOUR! Almost for Broad! He bangs this short and on middle, shaping in, Pat Cummins tries to sway away but keep his bat up and the ball goes the off the outside edge towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Full again, on off, Pat Cummins drives it wide of short covers where Ben Stokes moves to his right to grab it.
Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Pat Cummins tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Back of a length and outside off, Steven Smith cuts it towards deep backward point for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 84 overs : 218/7
P Cummins10 (31)
S Smith62 (109)
J Anderson21-8-53-1
Full again, on off, shaping away, Pat Cummins offers no shot at it.
Fullish and on off, Steven Smith reaches for it and pushes it through covers without much timing, but enough to get three runs.
This is on a good length and outside off, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
FOUR! Great shot! James Anderson bangs this short and around leg, Steven Smith swivels and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Nice bowling! James Anderson goes a bit fuller, on off, shaping in sharply, Steven Smith goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.
On a length and around off, Steven Smith blocks it out.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 83 overs : 211/7
P Cummins10 (30)
S Smith55 (104)
S Broad18-5-41-2
A huge appeal for LBW, and given! Pat Cummins goes for the review after some discussion with Smith. Broad bowls the perfect inswinger landing on off and shapes in sharply, Pat Cummins plays all over it and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that it is doing too much and missing the wickets. Good review from Australia!
Pitched up, on off, Steven Smith pushes it towards covers for a single.
Another tempting full delivery from Broad, outside off, Steven Smith is happy to let it go again.
Full again and around middle, shaping in a long way, Steven Smith looks to flick but misses.
Fuller one and outside off, shaping away, Steven Smith lets it go to the keeper.
On a length and on middle, Steven Smith pats it down towards silly mid on.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 82 overs : 210/7
P Cummins10 (29)
S Smith54 (99)
J Anderson20-8-46-1
Goes fuller, on off, shaping in, Pat Cummins solidly defends it towards mid off.
Pulls his length back on this occasion, outside off, Pat Cummins offers no shot at it.
Full again and on middle, Pat Cummins knocks it towards mid on.
Risky leave! This is touch fuller, on off, nips back in sharply, Pat Cummins lets it go as the ball just goes past the off pole.
Back of a length and on off, Pat Cummins dabs it towards cover-point.
This is on a good length and around off, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 210/7
S Smith54 (99)
P Cummins10 (23)
S Broad17-5-40-2
FOUR! Two in two! This is full again and on leg, Steven Smith drills it towards the long on fence again where James Anderson from mid on chase it and slides forward to keep it in but he flicks it into his trailing hand when his body is touching the ropes. Another boundary!
FOUR! FIFTY FOR SMITH! A gritty knock from him and he will look to reduce the trail even more. Stuart Broad serves this full and around middle, Steven Smith shows the full face of the bat and crunches it down the ground towards the long on fence for a boundary.
This is pitched up, on middle, Steven Smith drives it straight to wide mid on.
Touch fuller, on the sixth stump line, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.
This is on a good length and around leg, angling in, Steven Smith lets it go to the keeper.
Fuller one and around off, Pat Cummins looks to drive but gets an outside edge along the ground towards backward point for a single.
The new ball is available now for England. Will they take it immediately? Yes, they have! Stuart Broad (16-5-31-2) is brought back into the attack as well.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 201/7
S Smith46 (94)
P Cummins9 (22)
J Root7-1-20-1
A maiden over! This is quicker, full and on middle, Steven Smith works it towards mid-wicket this time.
Another short delivery, on leg, Steven Smith nudge it towards square leg.
Floated, full and on middle, Steven Smith tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Goes short again around leg, Steven Smith pats it down towards square leg.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Steven Smith turns it to the leg side.
Shorter in length and around leg, Steven Smith clips it towards square leg.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 201/7
P Cummins9 (22)
S Smith46 (88)
H Brook3-1-7-0
Flatter, full and on middle, shaping in, Pat Cummins turns it towards short mid-wicket.
Short again and outside off, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.
Short and outside off, Steven Smith cuts it towards deep point.
Quicker, full and around middle, Pat Cummins flicks it through backward square leg for a single.
Shortish and on middle, angling in, Pat Cummins stays back to defend well.
Fires this one full but down the leg side, Steven Smith misses his flick and Jonny Bairstow only manages to parry it behind, A bye is taken.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 198/7
P Cummins8 (18)
S Smith45 (86)
C Woakes17-8-32-1
Pulls his length back once again and serves this outside the off pole. Pat Cummins dabs this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Goes full this time and into the stumps. Pat Cummins knocks this through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Steven Smith rides the bounce and tucks this towards deep square leg for a run.
Almost a disaster for Australia! This is on a good length and on middle. Steven Smith tucks it with soft hands towards deep square leg and comes back for the second, but stumbles a bit when he turns. The substitute fielder George Ealham comes running in from deep and releases a quick throw at the batter's end where Jonny Bairstow takes the bails off in a flash with Smith putting in a desperate dive. The first replay shows that Smith is short of the crease and England players start celebrating. However, the third umpire asks for another angle where we can see that Bairstow breaks the stumps before collecting the ball but the bails are still on top, and when they are removed Smith is inside the crease. A lucky escape for Smith!
Full again, on off, angling in, Steven Smith taps it towards short covers.
Fuller one, on off, Steven Smith blocks it back towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 193/7
P Cummins6 (16)
S Smith42 (82)
H Brook2-1-5-0
FOUR! Easy pickings! Harry Brook darts this full and down the leg again, Pat Cummins just glances it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Slower through the air, short and on off, turning in, Pat Cummins stay stays back to defend but misses it.
Fires this one full and down the leg, angling in, Pat Cummins misses his flick as Jonny Bairstow stops it well behind the stumps.
Shortish and on middle, Pat Cummins tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Floated, short and on off, turning away, Pat Cummins keeps it out onto the pitch.
Harry Brook begins with a flatter delivery, full and on off, Steven Smith drives it wide of mid off for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 188/7
S Smith41 (81)
P Cummins2 (11)
C Woakes16-8-27-1
Another full delivery, on middle, Steven Smith clips it in front mid-wicket for a quick run.
Pitched up, on off, Steven Smith knocks it towards short covers.
Full again, on middle, shaping in this time, Pat Cummins works it through square keg for a single.
Touch fuller and outside off, shaping away again, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.
Length again, on off, Pat Cummins taps it towards cover-point.
A beauty to start with! Chris Woakes lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away, Pat Cummins looks to play at it but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge.
We are back for the final session of Day 2 as the umpires make their way out to the middle. The England players will have their tails up as they take their respective positions on the field. Steven Smith and Pat Cummins will look to battle hard and take Australia towards safety. 5 overs left for the new cherry to be taken and it is Chris Woakes who has the old ball in his hand as he is ready to begin proceedings. Let's go...
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Steven Smith has held up one end though and is unbeaten on 40 with the hopes of his team resting firmly on his shoulders. He is joined by his skipper Pat Cummins and they have loads of work to do as they are still trailing by 97 runs. Stuart Broad was outstanding right from the word go in this session and claimed a wicket in his very first over. He followed it up by dismissing Travis Head in his next over and in the process not only became the highest wicket-taker in the series but also took his Ashes wicket tally to 150. James Anderson, Joe Root and Mark Wood claimed a wicket each after that to get England right on top in this tie. They will be eager to bowl their opponents out at the earliest and take a healthy first-inning lead going into their second essay. Will Australia be able to fight back? Do join us at 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT) to finds out how the final session of Day 2 plays out.
SESSION SUMMARY - 71 runs and 5 wickets in 24 overs. This is the first session in this game that has well and truly belonged to the hosts. They were absolutely stunning right from the first over after the Lunch break and have the visitors firmly on the back foot. Australia have collapsed and they have themselves to blame as they have been far too cautious in this inning. They went into Lunch just 2 wickets down trailing by 168 runs and Usman Khawaja was just 3 runs short of his half-century. He was dismissed right after the break without adding any runs to his score having faced 157 deliveries and Travis Head followed him to the shed soon after. Mitchell Marsh played a few lusty blows but ended up chopping one back onto his stumps. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc tried to stick around for a bit but were dismissed while playing rash shots.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 186/7
S Smith40 (79)
P Cummins1 (7)
H Brook1-1-0-0
Another maiden over! This is darted full and around middle, Steven Smith is solid in his defense again. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2!
Shortish and on off, Steven Smith pats it onto the wicket.
Pushed through quicker again, outside off, skids through as well, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.
Fires this one full and outside off, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
Flatter, short and on off, angling away, Steven Smith pushes it back to the bowler.
Harry Brook begins with a quicker delivery, full and on off, Steven Smith knocks it towards mid on.
Another surprise from Ben Stokes as Harry Brook is brought into the attack.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 186/7
P Cummins1 (7)
S Smith40 (73)
C Woakes15-8-25-1
Overpitched and around middle, swinging in, Pat Cummins misses his flick to get hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down. A maiden over though!
Back of a length and around, shaping away, Pat Cummins leaves it alone.
BEATEN! This is on a good length and around off, straightens after hitting the decke, Pat Cummins looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Pitched up, on off, Pat Cummins drives it towards mid off.
Full again and around off, Pat Cummins looks to play but gets an outside edge on the bounce to slip cordon.
Full and on middle, Pat Cummins clips it towards square leg.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 186/7
P Cummins1 (1)
S Smith40 (73)
M Wood18-4-37-2
Fullish and on middle, Pat Cummins drills it through mid on for one.
Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia makes his way out to the middle with his team in all sorts of trouble.
OUT! TAKEN! Mark Wood strikes! A short stay for Mitchell Starc comes to an end! Wood bangs in another good bouncer, on middle and leg, Mitchell Starc goes for the pull shot this time but gets hurried and the ball goes off the top edge in the air as Ben Duckett from fine leg runs forward, settles under it and takes a good catch. Australia seven down now!
Another bumper, on leg, Mitchell Starc ducks under it well.
Wood bangs this short and on middle, Steven Smith pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.
Back of a length and on leg again, Mitchell Starc nudges it through mid-wicket for a single. James Anderson picks up and throws to the keeper's end where Smith and Bairstow clashes and the ball goes through with no back up, but the batters do not take an extra run.
Short of a length and around leg, Mitchell Starc pats it down wide of short leg.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 183/6
M Starc6 (14)
S Smith39 (72)
J Root6-0-20-1
Looped up, full and on off, Mitchell Starc drills it between the bowler and short extra covers for one.
Shorter in length and outside off, Mitchell Starc cuts it towards deep point where Dan Lawrence runs to his left, picks it up and loops it in the air as he goes over the ropes and then catches it while jumping inside. Two runs taken!
Flighted, full and on off, Mitchell Starc knocks it to the right of the bowler.
Slower through the air, on middle, Mitchell Starc stays back and keeps it out to the leg side.
Floated, full and outside off again, Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.
Tossed up, full and outside off, Mitchell Starc leans on but lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 180/6
S Smith39 (72)
M Starc3 (8)
M Wood17-4-34-1
Goes fuller, on off, Steven Smith strides forward and defends it towards mid off.
Mark Wood bangs this short, on leg, Mitchell Starc gets hurried but manages to hook it towards fine leg for another run.
This is on a good length and on middle, shaping away sharply, Mitchell Starc looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a length and around off, Mitchell Starc pushes it wide of short covers.
Fuller one, on middle, Steven Smith tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run, he wants the second but is sent back by Starc.
Back of a length and around leg, Mitchell Starc nudges it through backward square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 177/6
M Starc1 (4)
S Smith38 (70)
J Root5-0-17-1
Fires this one full and on off, Mitchell Starc drives it through covers for one.
Flighted, full and around off, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards covers.
Quicker, full and on leg, Steven Smith clips it through mid-wicket fro a single.
A bit short, on middle, Steven Smith turns it to the leg side.
A low full toss, on off, Steven Smith drives it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Steven Smith knocks it to the right of the bowler.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 173/6
M Starc0 (2)
S Smith35 (66)
M Wood16-4-31-1
Length again, on middle, Mitchell Starc dead-bats it down the ground.
On a length and around middle, Steven Smith flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Mark Wood bangs in a quick bouncer now, on middle, Steven Smith ducks underneath it well.
Goes fuller, on middle, Steven Smith nudges it towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second, Starc is a bit slow to react but makes it in the end as the throw isn't a good one from the deep.
This is on a hard length and around off, Steven Smith looks to push it away but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.
Fuller one, on middle, Steven Smith blocks it out towards mid on.
Mark Wood (15-4-28-1) has been brought back into the attack to kill the game.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 170/6
M Starc0 (1)
S Smith32 (61)
J Root4-0-13-1
Pushed through quicker, on middle, Mitchell Starc keeps it out to the off side.
Mitchell Starc is the new batter at the crease.
OUT! TAKEN! Joe Root has the last laugh! A brilliant catch from Ben Stokes as well! Root gives this one some air as well, outside off, luring the batter to drive, Alex Carey takes the bait and goes for it, but checks his shot at the last moment as the ball goes uppishly and wide of short covers where Ben Stokes flings himself to the right and takes a fine low diving catch. Carey is disappointed with himself, but he has to make that long walk back to the hut now. Australia six down now!
SIX! BANG! Alex Carey goes big now! This is flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey goes down on one knee and drags his slog-sweep over the long on fence for a biggie.
Floated, full and on middle, Alex Carey prods forward and defends it well.
Tossed up, full and on off, Alex Carey uses his feet nad drills it down the ground where Root dives to his right to make a good stop.
Flatter, full and on middle, Alex Carey blocks it to the left of the bowler.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 164/5
S Smith32 (61)
A Carey4 (18)
J Anderson19-7-46-1
Length again, on off, angling in this time, Steven Smith judges it well and makes a good leave.
Absolute beauty! James Anderson lands this on a hard length, on off, lands and nips away sharply, Steven Smith has a poke at it but just gets beaten on the outside edge.
Another full delivery, on middle, Steven Smith nudges it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Overpitched and around off, Steven Smith drives it with hard hands and finds mid off.
Full again, but outside off this time, Steven Smith lets it go to the keeper.
Fuller one, swinging in, on middle, Steven Smith mistimes his drive towards mid on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 162/5
A Carey4 (18)
S Smith30 (55)
J Root3-0-7-0
Flatter, full and on off again, Alex Carey knocks it towards covers this time.
Looped up, full and on off, Alex Carey blocks it towards short covers.
A bit short and around off, angles away, Steven Smith stays back and pushes it through covers for a single.
Flighted, full and around middle, Steven Smith flicks it towards square leg.
Floated, full and on middle, Steven Smith tucks it wide of short mid-wicket.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Steven Smith turns it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 161/5
A Carey4 (16)
S Smith29 (51)
J Anderson18-7-44-1
FOUR! Fine shot! James Anderson serves this a bit too full, on off, Alex Carey leans onto his drive and creams it wide of mid off for a boundary.
James Anderson bowls the inswinger, but to Carey, this is full and around off, angling in, Alex Carey misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. There is a slight appeal for LBW, but nothing doing for the umpire.
Anderson continues with the fuller length, on off, Steven Smith steers it through point for a single.
This is pitched up and around off again, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.
Similar length and similar line as well, Steven Smith is happy to let it go to the keeper. Anderson is setting Smith up for the inswinger here.
Fuller one, outside off, no movement this time, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 156/5
S Smith28 (47)
A Carey0 (14)
J Root2-0-6-0
Flighted, full and on leg, Steven Smith flicks it through square leg for a single.
Quicker, short and on middle, sticks to the surface, Steven Smith knocks it back to the bowler.
Flatter, full and around off, Alex Carey goes down for the paddle-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards mid-wicket. A leg bye is taken. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. However, Ben Stokes goes for the review. Ultraedge shows a slight spike but it is not from the bat, and Ball Tracking indicates the impact is outside off. England lose a review!
Floated, full and on leg, Alex Carey flicks it towards square leg.
Tossed up, full and around off, Alex Carey drills it straight to short extra covers.
Shortish and around leg, Steven Smith moves back and clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Drinks! England have been brilliant after Lunch especially Broad who started things for the hosts in this session. They have managed to pick up three wickets and are all over the Aussies at the moment. However, Steven Smith is still at the crease and will look to build up a partnership with Alex Carey to get them out of this difficult situation. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 153/5
A Carey0 (11)
S Smith26 (44)
J Anderson17-7-39-1
Goes full this time and outside the off stump. Alex Carey mistimes this to the left of the point fielder and is unable to take a run.
On a good length once again and outside the off pole. Alex Carey pushes this towards the fielder at cover.
Gets this to nip back in sharply from outside off and on a good length. Alex Carey gets beaten on the inside edge and hit on the pads.
Slightly wide outside off and on a fullish length. Alex Carey gets a long stride forward and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
On a good length this time and just outside off. Steven Smith walks across the stumps and tucks this towards deep backward square leg for a run.
James Anderson bowls this a tad bit full and outside the off stump. Steven Smith leaves the ball alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 152/5
A Carey0 (7)
S Smith25 (42)
M Wood15-4-28-1
On a good length this time and outside off. Alex Carey punches this firmly but straight to the cover fielder.
Bowls this on a yorker length outside the off stump. Alex Carey tries to dig this one out but gets an inside edge towards square leg.
Wide outside the off pole and on a good length. Alex Carey does not need to play at this one and does exactly that.
On a good length this time and just outside off. Alex Carey is watchful and he raises his arms to let the keeper collect the ball.
Bangs this in short and at the batter. Alex Carey takes evasive action and ducks under this one. Should wake up the new batter.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. The ball rises sharply off the surface but Steven Smith negotiates it well to guide it towards deep backward point for a run.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 151/5
A Carey0 (2)
S Smith24 (41)
J Anderson16-7-38-1
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Alex Carey dabs this towards point. Another successful over for England as James Anderson gets them a crucial wicket.
Goes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and angles this into the stumps from a good length. Alex Carey looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. The English players are pumped and go up in appeal but this seems quite high.
Who will walk out now?
OUT! CHOPPED ON! James Anderson gets his first wicket of the inning and both the pace bowling stalwarts of England are dismantling the Australian batting order in this session! This is bowled on a good length as well and in the channel outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh pokes at this tentatively and the ball takes the inside edge to go on to hit the leg pole. Marsh looked dangerous in his short stay but has to make the long walk back to the pavilion. Australia have lost half their side and England have their tails up at the moment.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh walks towards the ball and dabs this towards the point fielder.
This is wide outside off and on a good length. Mitchell Marsh is happy to leave this one alone and let the keeper collect it.
Delivers this on a good length as well and just outside off. Mitchell Marsh plays at this one and gets an inside edge onto his pads.
NO BALL! James Anderson bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Mitchell Marsh pushes this towards mid on. The bowler has overstepped and it will be a no ball.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 150/4
S Smith24 (41)
M Marsh16 (23)
J Root1-0-4-0
Loops this one into the pad and keeps it full. Steven Smith clips this towards the fielder placed at square leg.
Strays down leg on a fuller length. Steven Smith swivels and helps it towards fine leg for a couple of runs.
Fires this one full and just outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh drills this down to long off and collects one.
Tosses this one full as well and on middle. Mitchell Marsh defends this solidly back down the pitch.
A full toss this time bowled at the stumps. Mitchell Marsh misses out as he knocks this back towards the bowler.
Joe Root floats this one full and in line with the stumps. Steven Smith flicks this towards deep square leg and takes a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 146/4
M Marsh15 (20)
S Smith21 (38)
C Woakes14-7-25-1
FOUR! This is a cracking shot from Mitchell Marsh and he holds his pose! This is bowled a fraction fuller and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh punches this down the ground powerfully with a straight bat and collects four runs.
A slower delivery bowled on a good length and outside off. Mitchell Marsh is early into his shot but manages to dab this towards mid on.
Back to bowling on a good length and in the channel outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh defends this towards the cover fielder.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh gets surprised by the bounce but does well to guide this towards deep backward point. They run well to pick up a couple of runs.
Attacks the stumps and delivers this on a good length as well. Steven Smith tucks this behind square on the leg side and collects a run.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Steven Smith raises his bat and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 139/4
M Marsh9 (16)
S Smith20 (36)
S Broad16-5-31-2
Goes back to bowling full and wide outside off. Mitchell Marsh gets a massive stride forward and looks to go hard at the ball but miscues his shot towards mid on.
Continues to bowl on a good length and angled in from outside off. Mitchell Marsh looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Bowls this on a good length and just oustide the off stump. Steven Smith tucks this towards deep sqaure leg and picks up a run.
Strays onto the pads and continues to bowl full. Mitchell Marsh flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and collects a single.
Angles this into the stumps on a fuller length. Mitchell Marsh defends this one into the leg side and the ball goes towards mid on.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh blocks this solidly towards mid off.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 137/4
S Smith19 (35)
M Marsh8 (11)
C Woakes13-7-18-1
Persists with the good-length delivery served slightly wider outside the off pole. Steven Smith shoulders his arms to this one. Another maiden over for Chris Woakes.
Another peach of a delivery from Chris Woakes! Continues to bowl on a good length and angles this in from outside off. Steven Smith plays down the wrong line and the ball zips past the outside edge.
An absolute beauty from Chris Woakes! This is bowled on a good length and just outside off. Steven Smith feels for this one and gets beaten all end up.
Goes full and just outside the off pole. Steven Smith pushes this to the right of the bowler towards mid on.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside off. Steven Smith walks across the line of the stumps and dabs this back down the pitch.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Steven Smith opts to leave the ball alone.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 137/4
M Marsh8 (11)
S Smith19 (29)
S Broad15-5-29-2
On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Mitchell Marsh steps out of his crease again but dabs this one towards point.
SIX This has come out of nowhere and it is just an exhibition of the strength Mitchell Marsh possesses! Stuart Broad bowls this slightly full and outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh walks down the pitch and bludgeons this over long off for six runs.
Attacks the stumps once again and on a good length. Mitchell Marsh misses his defence and the ball hits him on his pads. The bowler appeals but everyone reckons that it is too high.
Goes full and into the stumps. Mitchell Marsh knocks this firmly towards the fielder at mid on.
On a good length and outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh raises his bat and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Stuart Broad bowls this full and angled into the pads. Steven Smith flicks this towards deep backward square leg and collects a run.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 130/4
M Marsh2 (6)
S Smith18 (28)
C Woakes12-6-18-1
Decides to bowl this one full and outside off. Mitchell Marsh knocks this back to the bowler's left.
Wide outside the off stump this time and on a good length. Mitchell Marsh shoulders his arms to this one.
Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off pole. Mitchell Marsh dabs this towards the fielder at point.
Goes full this time and at the stumps. Mitchell Marsh flicks this towards deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs to get off the mark.
Continues to bowl on a good length and just outside off. Steven Smith gets across the line of the ball and tucks this towards deep square leg for one.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Steven Smith dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 127/4
M Marsh0 (2)
S Smith17 (26)
S Broad14-5-22-2
Slightly wide outside off on a good length. Mitchell Marsh is content in leaving this one alone. Another successful over for Stuart Broad!
Bowls this into the stumps on a good length. Mitchell Marsh pushes this towards the fielder at mid on.
Mitchell Marsh walks out to bat with the Aussies in a spot of bother.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Stuart Broad gets two wickets in two overs and he has turned the tie in favour of England right after Lunch with a remarkable spell of fast bowling! This is bowled on a good length and in the channel outside the off stump. The ball straightens a fraction after pitching and Travis Head pokes at the ball with no real conviction. Takes a faint outside edge and goes through the keeper. Jonny Bairstow has the easiest of catches to take and the England players at ecstatic. Australia suddenly find themselves four wickets down and with an urgent need to rebuild. What a start to the session for the hosts!
FOUR! Travis Head is off the mark in typical fashion as he collects his first boundary! This is a tad bit fuller and outside the off stump. Travis Head clips this past the diving mid on fielder and collects four runs to long on.
Delivers this on a good length as well and just outside the off pole. Travis Head plays down the wrong line and the ball zips past the outside edge.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a good length and angled in from outside off delivered from 'round the wicket. Travis Head blocks this solidly towards the cover fielder.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 123/3
S Smith17 (26)
T Head0 (1)
C Woakes11-6-15-1
FOUR BYES! Strays down leg and bowls this slightly full. Steven Smith misses his flick and the ball moves away from the keeper after passing the stumps. The ball does to fine leg for four byes.
Slightly wider outside the off pole and on a good length. Steven Smith is happy to leave this one alone.
On a good length this time and on an off-stump line. Steven Smith dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Goes full once again and in line with the stumps. Steven Smith clips this towards mid-wicket as well.
Continues to bowl full and just outside off. Steven Smith dabs this towards the fielder at mid-wicket
FOUR! Chris Woakes has fed one Steven Smith in his strong zone and the Australian batter does not miss out. This is bowled full and at the stumps. Steven Smith flicks this with ease towards deep mid-wicket and gets four runs. First runs for Australia after the break.
Chris Woakes to share the attack.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 115/3
T Head0 (1)
S Smith13 (20)
S Broad13-5-18-1
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. Travis Head is happy to leave this one alone. Stuart Broad starts with a maiden-wicket over right after the Lunch break.
Travis Head is the next man in.
OUT! PLUMB! Stuart Broad gets his man right after the break and Usman Khawaja's long vigil comes to an end! It is remarkable how Stuart Broad can do this consistently over the years as he once again gets a crucial wicket for his side. This is bowled full and into the stumps. Usman Khawaja is stuck in the crease and misses his block as the ball goes onto rap against the pads. The bowler goes up in appeal instantly and the batter has a worried look on his face. The umpire finally raises his finger and after some consultation, Usman Khawaja goes upstairs for the review. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved and Ball Tracking has three reds. Stuart Broad gets his 150th Ashes wicket and Australia are three wickets down.
Goes a tad bit full and angles this into the stumps from outside off. Usman Khawaja looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. A polite enquiry from the fielders around the bat but this is clearly going down leg.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja dabs this towards the fielder at point.
Stuart Broad starts off with a fullish delivery bowled just outside off from 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja dabs this back down the pitch watchfully.
We are back for the second session! The players are making their way out in the middle now. Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith to continue the batting for Australia. Stuart Broad to start proceedings with the ball.
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
We expected the English pacers to use the overcast conditions and they did with James Anderson and Mark Wood bowling brilliant spells at the start which included three maidens in a row. However, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne came out looking to survive the first hour and looked solid except for a few tough questions. England needed something special to get their mojo back and Joe Root provided that with a one-handed stunner at slips to get rid of Labuschagne. They bowled well after that but couldn't breach the defense of the Aussies again as Steven Smith and Khawaja saw the rest of the session out scoring some useful runs. Both the batters will look to increase the rate of scoring a bit while the hosts will hope for some quick wickets when they come out after Lunch. Join us at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) to see how things pan out in the second session.
SESSION SUMMARY - 54 runs and 1 wickets in 26 overs. A patience-testing session! It was proper old-fashioned Test cricket where not many runs were scored and not many wickets fell too. Australia came out with a defensive approach and stuck to it while the hosts asked some questions here and there but couldn't really get on top. Aussies still trail by 168 runs but with wickets in hand, they have a good platform as we head into Lunch.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 115/2
U Khawaja47 (152)
S Smith13 (20)
M Wood14-4-27-1
Goes full this time and into the legs of the batter. Usman Khawaja tries to clip this away but misses and the ball rolls off the pads towards deep backward square leg. The will take a leg bye and it will be LUNCH on DAY 2!
Mark Wood responds with a bouncer pitching just outside leg. Usman Khawaja takes evasive action and ducks under the ball.
FOUR! Easy pickings for Usman Khawaja and he gets enough bat on this to help himself to a boundary! Mark Wood bowls this on a good length but strays onto the pads. Usman Khawaja glances this towards fine leg and collects four runs.
Goes full this time and attacks the pads. Usman Khawaja flicks this towards the fielder at square leg.
On a good length this time and angled in from just outside off. Steven Smith clips this through the vacant mid-wicket region for one.
Mark Wood bowls this wide outside the off pole and on a good length. Steven Smith is not interested in playing at this one.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 109/2
U Khawaja43 (148)
S Smith12 (18)
J Anderson15-7-37-0
Delivers this on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one as well to play out yet another maiden from James Anderson.
Well outside the off pole and on a fullish length. Usman Khawaja remains cautious this time and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Attacks the stumps on a good length. Usman Khawaja gets his bat down in time and clips this towards square leg.
A fraction fuller this time and angled in from outside off. Usman Khawaja gets across the stumps and knocks this towards mid on.
On a good length once again and just outside off. Usman Khawaja raises his bat high and leaves the ball alone.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and going down leg from 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja misses his flick and Jonny Bairstow does really well once again to grab the ball.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 109/2
U Khawaja43 (142)
S Smith12 (18)
M Wood13-4-22-1
Slightly back of a length and into the pads. Usman Khawaja tucks this towards deep backward square leg and picks up a single to retain strike.
Goes full and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja looks to drive with no real foot movement and gets beaten on the outside edge.
FOUR! A streaky boundary from Usman Khawaja but he has played this with soft hands! Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja pushes at this tentatively and the ball goes off the outside edge past slip towards third man for four runs.
Bangs this in short and at the batter. Usman Khawaja ducks just in time and Jonny Bairstow does really well to collect the ball behind the wicket.
Bowls this slightly short and going down leg. Usman Khawaja looks to clip this fine but misses and the ball is collected by the keeper.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and angling away from the left-hander outside off. Usman Khawaja pokes at this one and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 104/2
S Smith12 (18)
U Khawaja38 (136)
J Anderson14-6-37-0
Decides to bowl this on a good length and outside the off pole. Steven Smith gets back to leaving the ball alone.
FOUR! Two boundaries in a row now and James Anderson has been far too full in this over! This is bowled outside the off stump and Steven Smith drives this to the right of the short mid off fielder for four runs to long off this time.
FOUR! That is a classy shot from a high-quality batter! James Anderson goes back to bowling full and just outside off. Steven Smith drills this back past the bowler form a straight boundary.
On a good length this time but still outside the off stump. Steven Smith does not offer a shot once again.
Continues to bowl on a fuller length and outside off. Steven Smith gets a stride forward and shoulders his arms to this one as well.
James Anderson serves this full and well outside the off pole. Steven Smith opts to leave this one alone.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 96/2
U Khawaja38 (136)
S Smith4 (12)
M Wood12-4-17-1
Comes 'round the wicket to the left-hander and serves this on a good length, outside off. Usman Khawaja blocks this solidly towards cover.
Just outside the off pole this time and on a good length. Steven Smith covers the line of the ball and tucks this towards deep square leg for one.
Goes full once again and outside the off pole. Steven Smith gets forward and knocks this towards mid off.
Delivers this onto the pads on a fullish length. Usman Khawaja clips this through muid-wicket and takes a run.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja blocks this solidly towards the fielder at mid off.
Mark Wood bowls this short and into the batter. Usman Khawaja rides this bounce and dabs this into the leg side.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 94/2
S Smith3 (10)
U Khawaja37 (132)
J Anderson13-6-29-0
Delivers this one short and outside the off stump. Steven Smith looks to cut it at the last moment and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Continues to bowl full and outside the off pole. Steven Smith drills this straight to the man placed at cover-point.
Attacks the stumps and keeps it full. Steven Smith pushes this into the leg side towards mid-wicket.
Bowls this a tad bit fuller as well and outside the off stump. Steven Smith pushes at this and gets an outside edge towards backward point. The fielder misfields and the batter picks up a couple of runs.
Goes full this time and just outside off. Steven Smith clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. Steven Smith raises his bat high and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 92/2
U Khawaja37 (132)
S Smith1 (4)
M Wood11-4-15-1
Bangs this in short and pitching outside leg. Usman Khawaja takes evasive action and ducks under this one.
Wide outside off and on a fullish length. Usman Khawaja leaves the ball alone and is not tempting into a shot.
Goes a tad bit fuller this time and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja pushes at this and gets an inside edge towards the fielder at square leg.
Angles this into the stumps from a good length. Steven Smith walks across and tucks this towards deep square leg for a single.
Continues to bowl on a good length but still outside the off stump. Steven Smith shoulders his arms to this one as well and lets the keeper collect the ball.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and well outside the off pole. Steven Smith is content in not offering a shot.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 91/2
U Khawaja37 (129)
S Smith0 (1)
J Anderson12-6-27-0
On a fuller length this time and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler. A maiden from James Anderson to follows up a successful over from Mark Wood.
Back to bowling on a good length and just outside off. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
Delivers this full as well and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja pushes this past the bowler towards mid off.
Bowls a touch fuller this time and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja gets this off the outside part of his bat towards point.
Continues to bowl on a good length and into the stumps. Usman Khawaja clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and into the batter from 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja looks to play this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 91/2
S Smith0 (1)
U Khawaja37 (123)
M Wood10-4-14-1
Bowls this on a good length and attacks the stumps. Steven Smith tucks this towards the man at mid-wicket.
Steven Smith comes out to the middle now.
OUT! CAUGHT! Joe Root has snatched the ball out of thin air and it needed something spectacular from England to break this stubborn partnership! What an exhibition of fast bowling this has been and Mark Wood bowls yet another peach. This is bowled on a good length and angled in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend the line of the ball but it straightens a touch after pitching. Takes the outside edge and flies into the gap between the wicketkeeper and first slip. Joe Root stretches his left hand out and grabs the ball as it looks to have passed him. His teammates are absolutely thrilled with the blinder he has taken and Australia lose their second wicket.
Continues to bowl with his length pulled back a fraction and gets this to nip back in off the surface. Marnus Labuschagne looks to leave and gets hit on the flaps of his pads.
Slightly back of a length this time and into the batter. Marnus Labuschagne tucks this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
An absolute jaffa! This is bowled on a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne pokes at this tentatively and the zips past the outside edge.
Mark Wood starts off with a slightly fullish delivery served at the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne pushes this towards the fielder at mid on.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 91/1
U Khawaja37 (123)
M Labuschagne9 (77)
C Woakes10-6-11-1
Delivers this in line with the stumps and back of a length. Usman Khawaja raises his arms high and allows the ball to go over the stumps towards the keeper.
FOUR BYES! Bowls this short as well but going down leg. Usman Khawaja looks to pull the ball away but misses. It swings viciously after passing the batter and Jonny Bairstow is unable to get to it despite a full-length dive to his right. The ball goes to the fine leg fence for four byes.
Short this time and wide outside off, asking to be hit. Usman Khawaja cuts this straight to the fielder at backward point.
Goes full this time and pitches on an off-stump line. Usman Khawaja dabs this back down the pitch.
Slightly back of a length and just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne gets across the line of the stumps and tucks this towards deep square leg for a single.
Chris Woakes gets the ball to nip back in from a good length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne judges the length well and leaves the ball at the last moment.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 86/1
U Khawaja37 (119)
M Labuschagne8 (75)
S Broad12-4-18-0
Gets this to angle away from the left-hander from a good length and outside off. Usman Khawaja hangs his bat out to dry and gets beaten all ends up.
Bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne dabs this towards mid-wicket with soft hands and sets off for a quick single.
On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne gets forward and defends this of the middle of his bat.
Delivers this one full as well and in line with the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne is watchful as he blocks this out solidly.
Goes fuller this time and just outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja strokes this beautifully towards deep cover and Ben Stokes gives chase. Just manages to pull the ball back inside the rope but the batters take three runs in the meantime.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a good length and outside off from 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja dabs this watchfully towards point.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 82/1
M Labuschagne7 (72)
U Khawaja34 (116)
C Woakes9-6-10-1
Bangs this in short and wide outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne shapes up to duck but realises that the ball is far from him so he lets it go through to the keeper. Sixth maiden for Chris Woakes in his 11 overs now.
Goes fuller this time and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne gets a confident stride forward and knocks this towards the fielder at mid off.
Pulls his length back a fraction and just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne taps this into the ground and the ball rolls towards point.
Gets this closer to the off pole and continues to bowl on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne blocks this solidly into the off side.
Even wider outside the off stump and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne is happy to leave this one alone and let it go through to the keeper.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne raises his arms high and leaves the ball alone.
DRINKS! The players will take some refreshments and England will need to rework their plans. Australia have gotten off to a cautious start in the first hour of Day 2 as they have accumulated just 21 runs in the 14 overs that have been bowled this morning. Just 13 of those runs have come from the bat as the England pacers have bowled with discipline. That said, they have failed to get a breakthrough and for the hosts, wickets are the need of the hour. They will be hoping two claim a couple of scalps before the Lunch break while Australia will know that they need to bat as long as possible to make this series theirs.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 82/1
U Khawaja34 (116)
M Labuschagne7 (66)
S Broad11-4-14-0
Another maiden then! Broad pulls his length slightly back and around off, Usman Khawaja is solid in his defense again.
This is pitched up and outside off, swinging away, Usman Khawaja is not interested in playing that.
Full again and around off, Usman Khawaja knocks it down the pitch.
Goes back to the fuller length, on off, Usman Khawaja steers it towards point.
On a length and around leg, Usman Khawaja nudges it towards mid-wicket.
Fuller one, on off, angling in, Usman Khawaja taps it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 82/1
M Labuschagne7 (66)
U Khawaja34 (110)
C Woakes8-5-10-1
Overpitched and on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and defends it onto the pitch.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it again.
Full again and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne stays there and blocks it back to the bowler.
A bit fuller, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns it towards short mid-wicket.
This is on a hard length and on off, shaping in with extra bounce, Marnus Labuschagne is happy to leave it again.
Back of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 82/1
M Labuschagne7 (60)
U Khawaja34 (110)
S Broad10-3-14-0
Just short! This is on a hard length and around middle, shaping in, Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it away but gets an inside edge which falls just short of leg slip. They cross.
BEAUTY! Stuart Broad lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, nips away this time, Marnus Labuschagne gets squared up as the ball just goes past the outside edge.
A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! Stuart Broad sets up the batter nicely and serves a full inswinger, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Stokes opts against the review as it is going down the leg.
On a length and outside off this time, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it.
Full again, on off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to block but gets an outside edge along the ground towards gully.
Fuller one and around off, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 81/1
M Labuschagne6 (54)
U Khawaja34 (110)
C Woakes7-4-10-1
Fullish and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it towards deep square leg for a run.
This is on a good length and around off, shaping further away, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go to the keeper as Jonny Bairstow collects it diving to his right.
Pitched up, on middle, shaping in, Marnus Labuschagne solidly defends it back towards the bowler.
Full again and around leg, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Touch fuller, on middle, Usman Khawaja clips it towards short mid-wicket.
On a length and on off, Usman Khawaja blocks it down the pitch.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 79/1
M Labuschagne5 (51)
U Khawaja33 (107)
S Broad9-3-13-0
Another full delivery, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne taps it towards short covers.
Overpitched and around off, Marnus Labuschagne miscues his drive back to the bowler. Ben Stokes is not happy with the ball, but it is still going through the ring and they will have to continue with it.
FOUR BYES! This is on a good length and around leg, angles in further, Marnus Labuschagne misses his glance while Jonny Bairstow dives to his left and gets a hand but it is not enough to stop it from going to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Broad continues with his fuller length, outside off this time, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
Full again and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it nicely but straight to covers.
BEATEN! Stuart Broad begins with a full delivery as well from wide of the crease, on off, nips away a bit, Marnus Labuschagne looks to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Change from both ends as Stuart Broad (8-2-13-0) has been given the ball now.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 75/1
U Khawaja33 (107)
M Labuschagne5 (45)
C Woakes6-4-8-1
Woakes starts with a maiden as well! This is another full delivery, on middle, shaping away, Usman Khawaja looks to defend but gets an outside edge along the ground towards point.
This is pitched up and around off, shaping in a bit, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.
Goes back to his fuller length, on off, Usman Khawaja knocks it to the left of the bowler.
On a length and on off, Usman Khawaja blocks it down the pitch.
Full again and around off, shaping further away again, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
Chris Woakes starts with a full delivery, on middle, shaping away, Usman Khawaja guides it off the outer half of the bat towards point.
The first change of the morning as Chris Woakes (5-3-8-1) has been brought into the attack.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 75/1
M Labuschagne5 (45)
U Khawaja33 (101)
M Wood9-3-14-0
Full again, on off, shaping in this time, Marnus Labuschagne watches it through and lets it go to the keeper.
Fullish and on off, Marnus Labuschagne opens the face of the bat and drives it wide of point for a brace.
Another bumper but well outside off, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it.
Short of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne drops his shoulder and lets it go to the keeper.
Mark Wood bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.
Full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out towards short covers.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 73/1
U Khawaja33 (101)
M Labuschagne3 (39)
J Anderson11-5-27-0
Pitched up, on middle, shaping in, Usman Khawaja defends it off the inside half of the bat wide of short mid-wicket. Another maiden from James Anderson!
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Usman Khawaja hops up and keeps it out to the leg side.
Overpitched this time, on off, angling in, Usman Khawaja mistimes his drive towards mid on.
Full again and on leg again, Usman Khawaja stays there and works it towards short mid-wicket again.
Goes fuller and around leg, Usman Khawaja tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
This is on a hard length and outside off, takes off a bit, Usman Khawaja lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 73/1
M Labuschagne3 (39)
U Khawaja33 (95)
M Wood8-3-12-0
On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it towards mid on.
Mark Wood serves this full from wide of the crease, on off, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne taps it towards short covers.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down towards mid on.
Fuller one, on leg, Usman Khawaja clips it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Short of a length and around off, Usman Khawaja gets behind and keeps it out to the off side.
Back of a length and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drops it in front of point for a quick single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 71/1
U Khawaja32 (93)
M Labuschagne2 (35)
J Anderson10-4-27-0
On a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja hops up and keeps it out to the left of the bowler as Anderson gathers it moving to that side.
Overpitched and on middle, Usman Khawaja drills it through mid on for a couple of runs.
Fuller again and outside off, shaping in, Usman Khawaja goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the inside edge this time.
FOUR! First runs off the bat! James Anderson strays away from his line and serves this full, but down the leg side, Usman Khawaja just tickles it away towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Fuller one, on middle, shaping in, Usman Khawaja turns it towards short mid-wicket.
Back of a length and around off, Usman Khawaja taps it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 65/1
M Labuschagne2 (35)
U Khawaja26 (87)
M Wood7-3-10-0
Pitched up, on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards mid off.
FOUR BYES! First runs of the Day, but in the form of extras! Mark Wood bangs this onto the wicket, on middle, lands and nips in to the leg side a long way, Marnus Labuschagne is nowhere near it and Jonny Bairstow fails to stop it as well with a dive to his left, and the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Goes fuller and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it. Still no runs for Australia on Day 2!
Short of a length and on off again, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down to the off side.
Good leave! This is on a good length again, on off, nips back in sharply, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it on length as the ball goes over the off pole.
Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and on off, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it off the shoulder of the bat due to the extra bounce.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 61/1
U Khawaja26 (87)
M Labuschagne2 (29)
J Anderson9-4-21-0
Three maidens in a row! This is on a hard length and on middle, straightens a bit, Usman Khawaja misses his flick and gets hit high on the pads.
Pitched up, on middle, shaping in, Usman Khawaja tucks it off the inner half towards short mid-wicket.
On a length and around off again, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
BEAUTY! James Anderson serves this a bit fuller, on the sixth stump line, skids through and nips away, Usman Khawaja looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Fuller one, on middle, Usman Khawaja knocks it towards mid off.
Short of a length, on middle, angling in, Usman Khawaja looks to clip it away but misses and gets hit high on the body as the ball goes nowhere.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 61/1
M Labuschagne2 (29)
U Khawaja26 (81)
M Wood6-2-10-0
Another maiden over! Mark Wood bangs this a bit short, on off, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper. Good start from England!
This is pitched up and around off, zips through the surface, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it.
BEATEN! Mark Wood lands this on a good length, angles in and then nips away after landing, Marnus Labuschagne has a poke at it but misses as the ball just goes past the outside edge.
Goes much fuller, on middle this time, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out towards mid on.
This is on a good length and around off, shaping in, Marnus Labuschagne is happy to leave it alone.
Mark Wood begins with a hard-length delivery, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne lets if go to the keeper.
Mark Wood will share the attack and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 61/1
U Khawaja26 (81)
M Labuschagne2 (23)
J Anderson8-3-21-0
A maiden over to start Day 2! This is back of a length and outside off, angling in, Usman Khawaja makes another good leave.
Pulls his length back further, on off again, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.
Touch fuller, on off, lands and shapes awa a bit, Usman Khawaja looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Back of a length and around off, no movement, Usman Khawaja lets it go to the keeper.
This is on a hard length and around off, angling in, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
James Anderson starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Usman Khawaja hops up and keeps it out to the off side.
Update - The news from the England Cricket Board is that Moeen Ali will not take the field following his groin injury on Day 1 and will be assessed further. The conditions for Day 2 are overcast as well and we can expect little to no rain.
England will be disappointed by the lack of application shown by the batters and despite losing wickets consistently, they tried to keep the scoring rate high. Both openers got off to decent starts but were dismissed playing loose shots but what hurt them most was the lack of contribution from their senior group comprising Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow. Harry Brook survived a dropped catch early in his inning to score 85 runs but will be gutted about missing out on a Test century. There were contributions from Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood but their efforts were not enough to get the hosts over the 300-run mark. Woakes drew first blood for England when they came out to bowl but they will have their task cut out to get back in this game. Do join us soon to catch the first ball of Day 2 in this final Ashes Test.
Pat Cummins finally managed to win a toss in this series and his bowlers backed his decision to field first with a good performance. They will be aware that if their fielders had not dropped a total of 5 catches through the inning and taken their chances, they would have been all over their opponents. The new ball did not offer much help in the first hour but once the lacquer came off the ball, Mitchell Marsh was able to break the opening partnership. Mitchell Starc claimed four crucial wickets with his new ball partner Josh Hazlewood chipping in with two and Todd Murphy bowled just 6 overs but it was sufficient for him to get two scalps under his belt. David Warner’s poor run in the tournament continued as he was dismissed once again after getting off to a start but Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne looked solid up until Stumps.
Hello, and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen to our coverage of Day 2 of the fifth and final Test match in the Ashes with Australia finding themselves in a better position than the hosts courtesy of their performance on Day 1. The visitors won the toss and elected to field under overcast conditions and it proved to be a good decision as they managed to bowl England out for 283 in little more than two sessions. They currently trail by 222 with 9 wickets in hand and the performance in the morning session will pave the way for what the two teams achieve through the day.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is all we have from this eventful Day 1 of this final Test where the game is nicely poised at the moment. Australia are ahead and will look to get close to the England total soon while the hosts will hope for some early inroads on Day 2. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) but you can join us well in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
Australia, on the other hand, were good with the ball but they will be kicking themselves for all the missed chances as they dropped five catches. Things would have been much worse for the hosts had Alex Carey managed to hold onto his opportunity to dismiss Harry Brook for 5. The young English batter made the Aussies pay for their lapse in concentration with an attacking inning. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets with Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy chipping in with two each. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh also had a wicket apiece as all the Australian bowlers found success. After coming out to bat, David Warner and Usman Khawaja looked solid and added 49 before the former got out and failed to convert another start but Marnus Labuschagne came out and soaked in the pressure.
England were forced to bat first but that didn't affect them much as their openers handled the Aussie pace attack well in the first hour building up a half-century stand. However, three quick wickets before Lunch had them on the back foot. Harry Brook continued his sublime form with a fine 85 and built a good partnership with Moeen Ali of 111 runs. A groin injury to Moeen Ali will worry the English camp as it could cost them more in their bowling effort. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow had a poor outing and it was some handy contributions from Mark Wood and Chris Woakes that helped them reach close to the 300-run mark. They will be disappointed with their batting effort and the wicket by Chris Woakes has given them some hope as they look to get through a strong Australian batting line-up.
Session Summary - 94 runs and 4 wickets in 29.4 overs. A fascinating Day of Test cricket comes to an end! It was filled with excitement and some unusual moments from both teams. Australia will be the happier side having bowled out their opponents on Day 1 after winning the toss but there is a long way to go in this game which is moving at a good pace. Australia managed to wrap up the last three English wickets in quick time after the break and bowled the hosts out for 283 runs. They started well with the bat and now trail by 222 runs with 9 wickets in hand as they will look to build their advantage on Day 2.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 61/1
M Labuschagne2 (23)
U Khawaja26 (75)
S Broad8-2-13-0
On a good length and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne is glad that he does not have to play at this one and allows the keeper to collect the ball behind the wicket. That will be STUMPS on DAY 1!
Goes full once again and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne is watchful as he pushes this towards the mid off fielder.
Continues to bowl full and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne knocks this firmly towards covers.
Attacks the stumps once again and bowls this a tad bit fuller. Marnus Labuschagne clips this towards the fielder at mid on.
Angles this into the off pole from a good length and just oustide off. Marnus Labuschagne blocks this solidly back down the pitch.
FOUR LEG BYES! Stuart Broad bowls this full and going down leg. Marnus Labuschagne tries to flick this fine but misses and the ball goes off the pads towards fine leg for four leg byes. Useful runs for Australia here.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 57/1
U Khawaja26 (75)
M Labuschagne2 (17)
J Anderson7-2-21-0
In the channel outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja defends this confidently towards short cover fielder.
Slightly short and aimed at the stumps. Usman Khawaja looks to ride the bounce and work this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but this is clearly going over the stumps.
Into the pads this time and on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja flicks this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Goes back to bowling full and at the stumps. Usman Khawaja defends this solidly back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Angles this in from outside off and back of a length. Usman Khawaja raises his bat to let the ball through. The ball hits the flap of the pads on it way to the keeper.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja pokes at this one and gets an outside edge that goes to the left of the fourth slip. Just short of the fielder as Ben Duckett does well to stop the ball with a dive.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 57/1
M Labuschagne2 (17)
U Khawaja26 (69)
S Broad7-1-13-0
Bowls this one on a good length and just outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne judges the line well and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
Delivers this full from 'round the wicket and at the stumps. Usman Khawaja taps this through the point region and takes a run.
Goes really full this time and just outside off. Marnus Labuschagne punches this back past the bowler to the left of mid on for a single.
On a good length this time and outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne is content in leaving this one alone with the clock inching towards Stumps.
Goes full and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne dabs this firmly towards the fielder at point.
Stuart Broad bowls this on a yorker length outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne digs this out back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 55/1
U Khawaja25 (68)
M Labuschagne1 (12)
J Anderson6-1-21-0
Bowls this one back of a length and into the stumps. Usman Khawaja raises his arms high into the air and allows the ball to go through.
FOUR! This should help release some of the pressure that was being built by the English bowlers! James Anderson goes full this time and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja connects the middle of his bat onto the ball this time and strokes this towards deep cover for four runs.
Continues to bowl outside off on a good length. Usman Khawaja opts to leave this one alone as well.
Well outside the off pole this time and on a good length. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one and allows the keeper to collect it.
Angles this one in from outside the off stump bowling 'round the wicket to the left-hander. This is back of a length and Usman Khawaja leaves this one alone comfortably.
James Anderson bowls this in line with the stumps and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne tucks this towards deep backward square leg and picks up a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 50/1
U Khawaja21 (63)
M Labuschagne0 (11)
S Broad6-1-11-0
Angles this one down leg on a good length. Usman Khawaja looks to leave this one alone but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls through square leg but they do not take a leg bye as no shot was offered by the batter. Another maiden bowled.
Pulls his length back this time and angles this into the batter. Usman Khawaja rides this bounce and dabs this towards the square leg fielder.
Goes fuller this time and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja goes for the expansive drive and gets beaten all ends up.
Continues to bowl on a good length and in the channel outside off. Usman Khawaja dabs this tentatively towards the point fielder.
Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays for the angle but the ball straightens after pitching to beat his outside edge.
Stuart Broad starts this spell from 'round the wicket and serves this full into the stumps. Usman Khawaja pushes this towards the fielder at mid one.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 50/1
M Labuschagne0 (11)
U Khawaja21 (57)
J Anderson5-1-16-0
Leaves this wonderfully on length! This is bowled at the off pole from outside off and on a good length. There is some extra bounce on offer and Marnus Labuschagne realizes that the ball is going over the stumps. Gets his pads out of the way and allows the keeper to collect the ball. Another maiden over for England.
A tad bit fuller and in the channel outside off. Marnus Labuschagne remains watchful and shoulders his arms to this one as well.
On a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne raises his arms high and leaves the ball alone.
Well outside the off pole and on a good length. Marnus Labuschagne is not interested in playing at this one.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Marnus Labuschagne gets across the stumps and dabs this to the left of the bowler.
James Anderson bowls this on a good length and offers width outside off. Marnus Labuschagne does not offer a shot and allows the keeper to collect this one.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 50/1
U Khawaja21 (57)
M Labuschagne0 (5)
C Woakes5-3-8-1
Way outside the off pole, tempting the batter to play at the fullish delivery. Usman Khawaja remains patient and is content with leaving this one alone. Back-to-back maiden overs from Chris Woakes.
Slightly back of a length this time and pitching in line with the stumps. Usman Khawaja covers the line of the ball and blocks the ball back down the pitch.
Delivers this one full as well and on an off-stump line. Usman Khawaja pushes this towards the short cover fielder.
Goes fuller this time and outside off. Usman Khawaja raises his arms and does not offer a shot.
Pulls his length back a fraction and outside the off pole. Usman Khawaja dabs this towards the fielder at backward point.
Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length angling away from the left-hander outside off. Usman Khawaja shoulders his arms to this one and allows the keeper to collect the ball.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 50/1
M Labuschagne0 (5)
U Khawaja21 (51)
M Wood5-1-10-0
Slightly back of a length and just outside the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne stands tall and blocks this into the pitch towards the leg side.
Follows it up with a full delivery bowled at the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne digs this out towards the fielder at mid on.
Short once again and in line with the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne drops his gloves low and sway out of the way letting the ball go through.
On a good length this time and angling in outside off from wide of the crease. Marnus Labuschagne judges the line well and leaves the ball alone.
Strays onto the pads on a good length. Usman Khawaja looks to flick it away but misses and the ball goes off the pads into the vacant short fine leg region for a leg bye
Mark Wood bangs this in short and going down leg from 'round the wicket. Usman Khawaja ducks under this one and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 49/1
M Labuschagne0 (1)
U Khawaja21 (49)
C Woakes4-2-8-1
Length again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it towards mid-wicket. A wicket maiden from Chris Woakes!
Marnus Labuschagne makes his way out to the middle at number 3.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Chris Woakes draws first blood! David Warner fails to convert his start yet again in this Ashes. England have got their breakthrough! Woakes lands this on a good length and around off, angling away, David Warner stays there and tries to guide it away but the extra bounce takes the outside edge of his bat and Zak Crawley at second slip dives to his right to take a stunning catch. Australia lose their first wicket!
Fullish and on off, David Warner is solid in his defense again.
Back of a length and around off, David Warner dabs it in front of gully this time.
Length again and around off, David Warner steers it towards point.
On a length and around off, David Warner pats it down onto the pitch. He then scoops it up with his bat and gives it to the keeper.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 49/0
U Khawaja21 (49)
D Warner24 (47)
M Wood4-0-10-0
Another full delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja keeps it out to the leg side.
Goes back to his fuller length, on middle, Usman Khawaja solidly blocks it out.
On a length and around leg, David Warner nudges it towards fine leg for a single.
Mark Wood bangs in a quick bumper now, on middle, David Warner winds up for the hook but ducks under it.
Full again and on middle, David Warner clips it to short mid-wicket again.
Full and on middle, angling in, David Warner turns it wide of short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 48/0
U Khawaja21 (47)
D Warner23 (43)
C Woakes3-1-8-0
This is on a good length and well outside off, Usman Khawaja did not bother playing at it.
Pitched up, on leg, Usman Khawaja turns it towards short mid-wicket.
FOUR! Classic shot! Chris Woakes serves this full and on middle, Usman Khawaja sits back and shows the full face of the bat to drive it past the bowler for a beautiful boundary.
Full again and outside off this time, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
Touch fuller, on middle, Usman Khawaja gets his bat down and taps it towards covers.
On a length and on off, Usman Khawaja blocks it out as the ball rolls towards mid off.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 44/0
D Warner23 (43)
U Khawaja17 (41)
M Wood3-0-9-0
Just short! This is on a good length and around middle, shaping away, David Warner has a poke at it and gets an outside edge but it lands just in front of Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
Mark Wood bangs in a sharp bouncer at 146 clicks, on middle and leg, David Warner ducks under it well in the end.
Pitched up again, on middle, David Warner mistimes his drive towards short mid-wicket.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, David Warner tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Fuller one and around off, David Warner drills it through covers for a brace.
This is on a hard length and around middle, angling in, David Warner gets hurried as he tries to work it away and gets hit on this thigh pads.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 42/0
U Khawaja17 (41)
D Warner21 (37)
C Woakes2-1-4-0
Pitched up, on middle, Usman Khawaja keeps it out towards short covers. A maiden over then!
Touch fuller and just around off, shaping in on this occasion, Usman Khawaja judges it well and lets it go.
Goes back to his fuller length but down the leg side this time, Usman Khawaja looks to glance it but misses.
On a length and outside off, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.
Full again, on off, Usman Khawaja taps it towards short covers.
Full and around off, angling away, Usman Khawaja lets it go to the keeper.
DRINKS! Great start for Australia as they have managed to play out almost an hour without losing a wicket. The English fast bowlers have been unable to make an impact early as there has been very little on offer from this surface. The visitors will be hoping their openers can continue the good work that they have done so far while the home crowd will be desperate for some wickets.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 42/0
D Warner21 (37)
U Khawaja17 (35)
M Wood2-0-7-0
At the stumps, pitched up to the batter. David Warner takes a step forward and offers a defence straight to mid-on.
Comes round the wicket and angles on at the stumps. Usman Khawaja finds his inside edge which takes the ball to the fine-leg fielder and he picks up another single.
Short ball but not in the desired direction. Way outside the leg stump. Usman Khawaja is happy to let it go.
Same length outside off stump. David Warner pushes it towards the gap at covers and runs a quick single.
A good ball outside the off stump from a good length. David Warner plays a cover drive on the front foot towards the gap at covers and picks up 2 runs.
Pitched short at the stumps this time. Usman Khawaja plays a backfoot defence, finds the inside edge towards fine leg, and runs a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 37/0
D Warner18 (34)
U Khawaja15 (32)
C Woakes1-0-4-0
Back of a length and around off, David Warner gets behind the line and pats it towards covers.
Full again and around off, David Warner pushes it towards covers.
A slower one now, on a length and on middle, David Warner keeps it out to the leg side.
Full again and around off, David Warner taps it towards point.
Fuller one, on middle, David Warner blocks it down the pitch.
FOUR! David Warner greets Chris Woakes with a boundary! Woakes begins with a fullish delivery around off, David Warner shows the full face of the bat and drives it uppishly and wide of covers for four more runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 33/0
U Khawaja15 (32)
D Warner14 (28)
M Wood1-0-2-0
Hits the length hard outside off stump, gets a bit of outswing this time Mark Wood. The batter lets it go behind to the wicketkeeper.
Drifting one onto the pads from a good length. Usman Khawaja tries to flick it but misses the bat completely. The ball hits his thigh pads and is through to the wicketkeeper.
Pitched up on the off stump on this occasion. Usman Khawaja pushes it straight past the bowler from the front foot and collects 2 runs.
Tries a short ball but lands it outside the leg stump. Usman Khawaja bends down to let the ball go to the wicketkeeper.
Bowls this one on an off-stump line and on a shortish length. Usman Khawaja leaves this one alone and allows the keeper to collect it. The ball brushes the pads on it way to the keeper.
Starts off with a ball on bowled back of a length and around the off-stump channel. Usman Khawaja judges the height well and leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 31/0
D Warner14 (28)
U Khawaja13 (26)
S Broad5-0-11-0
Another full delivery, on middle, David Warner drives it straight to short mid-wicket.
Pitched up, on middle, angling in, David Warner keeps it out down the pitch.
Full again, on off, Usman Khawaja drops it to the off side and scampers across for a single.
Goes fuller this time, outside off, Usman Khawaja thinks about chasing it but decides to let it go in the end.
Short of a length and around leg, Usman Khawaja looks to pull it away but misses.
On a length and around off, Usman Khawaja tries to withdraw his bat but ends up dabbing it towards slip cordon.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 30/0
D Warner14 (26)
U Khawaja12 (22)
J Anderson4-0-16-0
Pitches it up on the stumps from around the wicket this time. David Warner walks a step forward and blocks it straight to mid-wicket.
Another good length ball on the stumps this time and David Warner dabs this into the off side.
Comes around the wicket to David Warner and bowls an outswinger outside off stump. David Warner blocks it off on the front foot towards mid-off.
Good length ball again on the off stump. Usman Khawaja knocks it off the front foot into the gap at mid on to take a run.
Right on the money this time around good length and on the off stump. Usman Khawaja plays the front foot and pushes this straight to mid off.
FOUR! Easy picking for Usman Khawaja and he does not miss out. Tries the outswinger but misses the line this time as he drifts this one onto the pads. Usman Khawaja only has to meet the bat with the ball to flick this towards fine leg boundary for four runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 25/0
D Warner14 (23)
U Khawaja7 (19)
S Broad4-0-10-0
Fullish once more, on middle, David Warner knocks it towards mid on.
Overpitched and on leg, David Warner tucks it nicely through mid-wicket and comes back for the second.
On a length and on middle, angling in, David Warner moves across and keeps it out towards the bowler.
Touch fuller, on middle, David Warner blocks it down the pitch.
A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! England looks a bit confident and Ben Stokes takes the review. Broad bangs this short of a length and around middle, lands and nips away sharply, David Warner gets opened up and misses as the ball goes off his forearm to the keeper where Jonny Bairstow takes the catch. UltraEdge confirms the same and England lose a review.
Back of a length and around off, David Warner dabs it towards point.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 23/0
U Khawaja7 (19)
D Warner12 (17)
J Anderson3-0-11-0
On a good length and pitching outside the leg stump. Usman Khawaja clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Goes full and into the pads. David Warner flicks this down to deep backward square leg for a single.
David Warner steps down the wicket to cut the swing of James Anderson. Good length ball on off stump. It is blocked by the batter straight to mid-on.
Attacks the stumps this time from the good length. David Warner nuggles across and blocks it finding the fielder.
Outswinger just outside off stump from the length. David Warner looks to play it but gets beaten from the crease on this occasion.
FOUR! Welcome boundary for David Warner. Wasn't that short of a ball outside the off stump, but David Warner used the width and the lack of pace to go back deep in the crease and punch it through the covers for four runs.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 18/0
D Warner7 (12)
U Khawaja7 (18)
S Broad3-0-8-0
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, David Warner taps it towards point for a quick single.
Stuart Broad continues with the fuller length, on middle, David Warner negotiates it well towards short covers.
Pitched up this time, on middle, David Warner looks to block but gets an outside edge along the ground towards backward point.
Full again and on the pads, David Warner flicks it nicely wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, David Warner turns it in front of short mid-wicket.
Back of a length and on middle, angling in, David Warner comes forward and pats it down onto the pitch.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 15/0
U Khawaja7 (18)
D Warner4 (6)
J Anderson2-0-6-0
Bowls another good-length delivery on off stump. Usman Khawaja blocks it off from the crease into the off side.
FOUR! Pitched up this time by James Anderson on the stumps as he gets a little greedy for the wicket and pays the price. Usman Khawaja pushes it on the front foot to find the middle of his bat and places it right next to the bowler for a straight boundary.
James Anderson continues to exploit the channel oustide off but this a touch wide outside off on a good-length. Usman Khawaja watches the ball well and leaves it alone.
Beats the outside edge again, Usman Khawaja living dangerously. James Anderson with another outswinger to the left-handed batter bowled slightly back of a length. Usman Khawaja wanted to block it from the crease but is completely beaten on this occasion.
Another peach around the off-stump channel from a good length. James Anderson swinging the ball well. Usman Khawaja raises his arms from the crease and lets the ball go.
Great start to the over by James Anderson. That famous out swinger to the left-hander from the good length just outside the off stump. Completely beats the in-form Usman Khawaja on this occasion.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 11/0
D Warner4 (6)
U Khawaja3 (12)
S Broad2-0-5-0
Back of a length and on off, David Warner steers it towards point.
FOUR! Just wide! This is full again and down the leg again, David Warner this time tickles it fine just wide of the keeper where Jonny Bairstow dives to his right as the ball kisses his gloves and goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Warner get off the mark but this will count as dropped chance for Bairstow.
FOUR LEG BYES! Stuart Broad sprays this full but down the leg side, David Warner misses his glance as the ball goes off his pads towards the fine leg fence for four leg byes.
Stuart Broad lands this on a hard length and outside off, shaping away, David Warner lets it go to the keeper.
Touch fuller, on off, David Warner uses his feet and taps it towards point again.
On a length and around off, David Warner guides it towards point.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 3/0
U Khawaja3 (12)
D Warner0 (0)
J Anderson1-0-2-0
Pitched up on this occasion outside off stump. Usman Khawaja pushes it well on the front foot towards the gap at mid-off and picks up 2 runs for his side.
Comes back with the outswinger for the left-handed batter. James Anderson hits the perfect length outside off. Usman Khawaja is watchful and does not offer a shot.
Outside the leg stump this time, James Anderson looking to bring one in from the length. Usman Khawaja looks to play the flick but misses the ball as it goes through to the keeper.
Hitting that good length hard outside off stump with a hint of outswing. Usman Khawaja does not offer a shot. Another well-judged leave by the batter.
Another ball on the same length outside off stump, gets a little swing this time around. Usman Khawaja lifts his hands and lets it go.
Pitched outside off stump on a good length, James Anderson looking for some swing first up. Usman Khawaja stays on his crease and lets it go.
James Anderson will share the attack and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 1/0
U Khawaja1 (6)
D Warner0 (0)
S Broad1-0-1-0
Usman Khawaja and Australia are finally underway! Broad continues with the fuller length, on leg, Usman Khawaja clips it through square leg for a single.
This is pitched up, on middle, Usman Khawaja blocks it down the pitch.
Stuart Broad lands this on a hard length and on middle, Usman Khawaja misses his flick again and gets hit around his box.
Goes fuller again but sprays it down the leg side, Usman Khawaja misses his glance.
This is on a good length and around off, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! Ben Stokes decides against the review! Exciting start! Broad starts with a full delivery, on middle and leg, angling in, Usman Khawaja looks to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. It looks to be missing leg.
Commentary
We are back for Australia's effort as the umpires walk out to the middle. The English players take their respective positions on the field as Usman Khawaja and David Warner stride out to open the innings for Australia. Stuart Broad has the new ball in his hand and is ready to begin proceedings. Let's play...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
Australia will be really disappointed mostly with their catching because their bowlers created a lot of chances for them. They took time to get suited to the conditions but didn't let the hosts get away with it. They could have restricted England to a lower total than this if they took their five dropped catches which could make a difference. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowler again with four wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy got a couple each. Pat Cummins who bowled really well chipped in with the one. Join us in a bit for Australia's reply.
England have been finally bowled out for 283! It was a solid batting performance from them considering the conditions out there. The two openers got them to a very good start adding 62 together. However, Ben Duckett was dismissed for 41 and they suffered a mini collapse as they went from 62-0 to 73-3. However, Harry Brook was brilliant and took his chance well after getting dropped on 5 by Alex Carey. He was the top scorer for them with an excellent 85 while Moeen Ali supported him well before he suffered a groin injury and had to go all-out attack which resulted in his downfall. Even though they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, crucial contributions from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood took them to a good total.
OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc ends up with a four-wicket haul and Chris Woakes' useful inning has come to an end! England have been bowled out for what they will feel is an under-par first-inning total but on the other end, the Aussies will be walking back to the dressing room with their tails up. This is bowled short and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes throws the kitchen sink at this as he attempts to pull the ball over deep square leg for a maximum. He does not time this well and the ball goes towards the fielder who is placed there. Travis Head is well ahead of the ropes and has to back paddle a bit but grabs hold of another comfortable catch. Australia will hope that their batters are able to play England out of this game with their batting effort.
FOUR! Chris Woakes finds the gap to perfection here! Mitchell Starc bowls this short and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes slaps this between the fielder at deep cover-point and deep backward point to find the ropes for four runs.
Bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Chris Woakes clips this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
SIX! That is a hefty blow from the English all-rounder! Mitchell Starc bowls this full and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes clears his front foot out of the way and thumps this back over the bowler's head for a straight six.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 273/9
J Anderson0 (3)
C Woakes26 (32)
T Murphy6-0-22-2
Floats this one full and into the off pole. James Anderson reverse sweeps this time and finds the fielder at short third man.
Loops this one full and outside the off pole. James Anderson goes for the sweep and hits it towards deep square leg. They do not take a single through.
Another dropped catch! Todd Murphy flights this full and outside the off stump. Chris Woakes charges down the wicket and hits it towards the bowler. He expects it to come a lot quicker and looks to take evasive action before sticking his hands out. Goes through his palms for a sinhle to long off.
Turning into the pads on a fullish length. Chris Woakes misses the ball as he looks to work this leg side.
Strays down the pads on a shortish length. Chris Woakes misses his flick and the keeper collects it.
Todd Murphy floats this in full and into the stumps. Chris Woakes flicks this towards deep square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 270/9
J Anderson0 (1)
C Woakes23 (28)
M Starc14-1-72-3
Bowls this one full and into the batter. James Anderson looks to defend but misses and gets hit flush on the pads. The Aussies appeal but the umpire remains unmoved. Pat Cummins goes for the review and UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting and James Anderson survives. Australia do not lose a review though.
James Anderson is the last man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! Stuart Broad perishes as he looks to throw his bat at everything! Mitchell Starc gets his third wicket of the inning and Australia need just one more wicket to bowl their opponents out on Day 1 after winning the toss. This is delivered short and outside the off pole. Stuart Broad backs away once again and looks to slap this towards the off side. He does not get his timing right and the ball goes off the top-edge towards the cover-point fielder. Travis Head settles under this one and despite the crowd trying to put him off, he holds onto this one safely. Australia's opening batters will already be thinking about their job in hand.
Angles this into the pads and on a good length. Stuart Broad makes room and lofts this just over mid on for a couple of runs.
FOUR! Stuart Broad finds the gap this time and gets his first boundary! This is bowled on a good length and wide outside off. Stuart Broad hits this uppishly past gully towards deep backward point for a couple of runs.
Continues to pull his length back and outside the off stump. Stuart Broad dabs this towards the point fielder.
Mitchell Starc bowls this slightly short and outside the off pole. Chris Woakes cuts this towards deep point and picks up a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 263/8
C Woakes22 (27)
S Broad1 (1)
T Murphy5-0-19-2
Tosses this one full and on an off-stump line. Chris Woakes pushes this towards the fielder at mid on.
Bowls this short and in line with the stumps. Chris Woakes cross-bats this towards mid-wicket.
Bowls this full and onto the pads. Stuart Broad flicks this through mid-wicket and takes a single to get off the mark.
Stuart Broad is the new batter at the crease.
OUT! TIMBER! Todd Murphy strikes and this attacking partnership finally comes to an end! This is bowled slightly short and in line with the stumps. Mark Wood looks to make room and heave this into the off side but misses. The ball goes on to dismantle the stumps and England lose their eighth wicket. Mark Wood has played an entertaining cameo here but has to depart. Just what Australia wanted after the break and they will now want to claim the last two wickets quickly.
FOUR! That has found the boundary and runs keep flowing for England! Todd Murphy floats this full and outside off. Mark Wood drills this towards deep cover and collects four runs.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and into the stumps. Mark Wood dabs this back down the pitch.
Todd Murphy will share the attack and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 257/7
C Woakes21 (25)
M Wood24 (26)
M Starc13-1-65-2
Length again, on middle, Chris Woakes is solid in his defense again.
On a length and on middle, Chris Woakes gets behind the line to defend it.
DROPPED! Chris Woakes gets another life! The catching has been woeful from the Aussies. This is full again and outside off, Chris Woakes throws his bat at it but gets an outside edge towards gully where Mitchell Marsh lets it burst through his hands. Two runs taken
FOUR! Lovely shot! This is full and outside off, Chris Woakes reaches for it and slices it over cover-point for a boundary.
A huge appeal for LBW, and given! However, Chris Woakes opts for the review! Starc bowls this on a good length and around off, angling in sharply, Chris Woakes looks to block it out but misses and gets hit on the pads. He looks unsure but UltraEdge shows that there is a big inside edge and he is safe for now. Good review!
Mitchell Starc starts with a good-length delivery, outside off, Mark Wood crunches it towards deep point for a single.
We are back for the third and final session of Day 1 as the umpires make their way out to the middle. The Australian players have taken their respective positions on the field and will be eager to bowl out their opponents in quick time. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood will hope to add as many runs as possible and push their team beyond the 300-run mark. Mitchell Starc has the ball in his hand and will begin proceedings. Let's go...
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood have added 38 runs in 45 balls for the eighth wicket as they look to take their team to a reasonable first-inning total. Australia will be thrilled with their bowling effort so far as they have managed to run through the English batting order within two sessions. They will be hoping that the tail does not wag for the hosts and they can wrap this inning up at the earliest. Moeen Ali was dismissed by Todd Murphy in his very first over and that opened the floodgates as wickets fell in a bundle. Mitchell Starc managed to dismiss the English skipper and Josh Hazlewood claimed his second of the game with the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. Starc then got the big wicket of Harry Brook but the Australian pacers have been taken for a few runs by the two English fast bowlers. Do join us at 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT) to find out how the last session of Day 1 in this final Ashes Test plays out.
SESSION SUMMARY - 119 runs and 4 wickets in 24 overs. Another session that began really well for the hosts but a bunch of wickets towards the end has shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the visitors. The game has moved on at a fast pace and England have continued with their attacking intent despite the fall of wickets. They went into Lunch having lost three wickets and with 131 runs on the board. Harry Brook was two runs short of his fifty and reached his landmark soon after the break. He added 111 runs for the fourth wicket in just 108 balls with Moeen Ali who seemed to injure his groin during his inning. He changed his strategy after receiving treatment and began to go after the bowlers but lost his wicket in the quest to be aggressive. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow could not trouble the batters much and when Harry Brook was dismissed on 85 in 91 deliveries, England looked to be in all sorts of trouble.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 250/7
M Wood23 (25)
C Woakes15 (20)
T Murphy4-0-13-1
Goes short and on off, Mark Wood pushes it towards covers for a run. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!
Floated, full and around off, Mark Wood leaves it alone.
Quicker one, full and on off, drifts through, Mark Wood leans on to block but misses it completely.
Flatter, full and around off, Chris Woakes drills it towards deep point for a single.
Short again and around off, Chris Woakes mistimes his punch towards short covers.
A bit short and on middle, Chris Woakes stays back and defends it on to the pitch.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 248/7
M Wood22 (22)
C Woakes14 (17)
P Cummins13-2-66-1
Swing and a miss! Pat Cummins lands this on a hard length and on middle, shaping away, Mark Wood backs away and slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
FOUR! Great batting! Pat Cummins serves this fuller and outside off, Mark Wood makes some room and slices it over covers as the ball lands on the practice wickets and races to the fence for a boundary.
Length again and around off, Chris Woakes taps it towards the vacant point region for an easy run.
On a length and on middle, angling in, Chris Woakes moves across but only manages to push it towards mid on.
Goes fuller, on leg, Mark Wood clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Short of a length and on middle, Mark Wood miscues his pull shot but it falls well in front of mid on.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 242/7
C Woakes13 (15)
M Wood17 (18)
M Marsh8-0-43-1
This is on a good length and on off, Chris Woakes guides it off the outer half towards slip cordon.
Back of a length and around off, Mark Wood steers it through point for one.
Sweet timing! This is full again and around middle Chris Woakes flicks it with lovely timing wide of mid on as Josh Hazlewood chases it and dives forward to push it inside. Three runs taken!
Fuller and on middle, Chris Woakes knocks it towards mid on.
FOUR! Up and over! Chris Woakes goes big now! Mitchell Marsh serves this full and around off, Chris Woakes skips down the track and lofts it towards the long off fence where it just bounce in front of the ropes for a boundary.
On a length and on off, Chris Woakes blocks it out towards mid off.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 234/7
M Wood16 (17)
C Woakes6 (10)
P Cummins12-2-60-1
Full this time and outside the off pole. Mark Wood pushes this towards point and looks for a single. Marnus Labuschagne puts in a dive to stop the ball and Chris Woakes sends his partner back. No direct hit at the striker's end and Mark Wood survives.
FOUR! Fortune favours the brave here! Pat Cummins bowls a well-directed bouncer at the helmet of Mark Wood who tries to pull it away and finds the top edge of the bat. The ball flies towards the fine leg boundary for a one-bounce four.
Outside off again but pulls his length back a fraction. Mark Wood does not offer a shot and lets it go through to the keeper.
FOUR! What a cracking shot through covers! Pat Cummins is not happy with the ball he has bowled as it is outside off stump on a fuller length. Mark Wood plays the front foot cover drive to perfection towards deep cover-point for four runs and he moves into double figures.
Delivers it outside off stump from the good length. Mark Wood lifts his arms and lets the ball go through.
Bowls it short off length on the body to start the over. Mark Wood blocks it off from the back foot into the leg side.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 226/7
M Wood8 (11)
C Woakes6 (10)
M Marsh7-0-35-1
Back of a length and around off, Mark Wood dabs it wide of point for a quick run.
On a length and on middle, Chris Woakes nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Full again and around off, Chris Woakes defends it on the front foot this time.
Goes fuller, on off, Chris Woakes looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads this time.
Back of a length and around off, takes off a bit, Chris Woakes tries to withdraws his bat at the last moment but the ball hits the face and goes towards point.
This is on a good length and around off, shaping away sharply, keeps low too, Chris Woakes hops up to push it away but misses as the ball dies before going to the keeper.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 224/7
M Wood7 (10)
C Woakes5 (5)
M Starc12-1-58-2
Delivers this on a good length and outside the off stump. Mark Wood is surprisingly watchful this time as he leaves the ball alone.
Goes full this time and wide outside the off pole. Mark Wood swings his blade hard but catches thin air. The England batters at throwing their bat at everything here!
Delivers a full toss wide outside off stump as the ball seems to have slipped out of his hands. Mark Wood leaves this one alone as it lands just in front of Alex Carey behind the stumps.
Bowls at the body again from the back of a length. Chris Woakes flicks it off the backfoot towards deep backward square leg to pick up a single.
Bowls this one short and at the body of the batter. Mark Wood gets on his toes to flick it away at the last moment and finds a single through mid-wicket. No foot movement again from the batter.
Bowls outside off stump to start the over. Mitchell Starc hits the good length hard to get some bounce. Mark Wood throws his bat at it without any foot movement but couldn't find a connection.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 222/7
C Woakes4 (4)
M Wood6 (5)
J Hazlewood13-0-54-2
Bowls this short and into the batter. Chris Woakes rides the bounce and keeps it out.
FOUR! Fine shot! This is a bit fuller again and around off, Chris Woakes leans onto his drive and creams it through extra covers where Marnus Labuschagne gets a hand to it but it still has enough legs to go for a boundary.
Back of a length and on off, Chris Woakes defends it off the inside half of the bat to short mid-wicket.
Touch fuller, on middle, Mark Wood steers it through point for a single.
FOUR! SMASHED! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and on middle, Mark Wood stays there and jabs it well over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Full and on off, Mark Wood blocks it out towards short covers.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 213/7
C Woakes0 (1)
M Wood1 (2)
M Starc11-1-56-2
Delivers on the body this time, from the good length. Chris Woakes makes room and blocks it from the crease towards cover.
Mitchell Starc hits the length consistently around the off stump. Mark Wood pokes at it from the crease making the ball take the outside edge of the bat towards third man for a single. He gets off the mark.
Angling the ball outside off stump, pitches it up but too far from the batter. Mark Wood lets it go.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Mitchell Starc gets the big fish, Harry Brook! England are falling apart now! After bowling the previous one on the stump line, Starc serves this one full and well outside off. It is angling away as well as he lures the batter into the shot. Harry Brook takes the bait and goes for the big booming drive without any footwork and away from his body. He only manages to get a thick outside edge to second slip where Steven Smith takes a sharp catch. A fine knock from Brook comes to an end and England have now lost seven wickets. Mark Wood comes out to bat at number 9.
FOUR! What wonderful timing from Harry Brook! This is quite straight at the stumps and pitched up asking to be hit. Harry Brook plays the front foot straight drive to perfection. Beats the bowler and beats everyone for a classy boundary.
Bowls a short ball down leg stump. Harry Brook looks to ride the bounce and flick it using his wrists into the leg side but misses it completely.
Chris Woakes has some work to do here to bail his team out of trouble as he makes his way out to the middle.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 208/6
J Bairstow4 (14)
H Brook81 (88)
J Hazlewood12-0-45-2
OUT! CHOPPED ON! Josh Hazlewood gets his man now! The plan has worked for him and Australia. Hazlewood serves another very full delivery, outside off this time, Jonny Bairstow backs away and tries to reach for it away from his body, but only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. His short stay at the crease comes to an end as England are six down now!
FOUR LEG BYES! Josh Hazlewood serves another inswinger, full and on leg, a bit too much swing, Jonny Bairstow looks to glance but hits his foot with his bat as the ball goes off his pads towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
This is pitched up, on off, Jonny Bairstow strides forward and blocks it towards short covers again.
Another full delivery around off, shapes away a bit, Jonny Bairstow gets opened up but manages to tap it towards short covers.
Full again, on middle, Harry Brook clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
A slower one now, full and on off, Harry Brook pushes it back to the bowler as his bottom hand comes off the bat.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 203/5
H Brook80 (86)
J Bairstow4 (10)
M Starc10-1-51-1
This is a touch short and outside the off stump this time. Harry Brook pushes it from the crease towards deep point to pick up a single to retain strike.
Delivers this on a good length outside off stump from over the wicket while creating the angle away from the batter. Harry Brook plays an uppish cover drive between covers and mid-off to pick up a couple of runs.
Pitched full outside off stump on this occasion. Jonny Bairstow looks to drive it but only finds an inside edge to fine leg for a single. Brings up the 200 for England in quick time but it will be the wickets column that worries them.
Wayward bowling outside off stump, too wide to disturb the batter. Jonny Bairstow lets it go.
Bowls this on a shortish length and going down leg. Jonny Bairstow allows this to fly over his head straight to the wicketkeeper.
Hits the hard length outside the leg stump. Harry Brook accepts it gleefully and flicks it from the crease towards fine leg for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 198/5
J Bairstow3 (7)
H Brook76 (83)
J Hazlewood11-0-44-1
Josh Hazlewood continues with the fuller length, on middle this time, swinging in sharply, Jonny Bairstow misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and outside off, shapes further away, Jonny Bairstow offers no shot at it.
Full again, on middle, angling in, Jonny Bairstow just manages to tuck off the inner half to short mid-wicket
Goes fuller this time, on off, Jonny Bairstow drives it nicely through covers for a couple of runs.
Length again, on the sixth stump line, angling in, Jonny Bairstow leaves it alone.
On a length and around off, Harry Brook drops it in front of point for a quick single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 195/5
J Bairstow1 (2)
H Brook75 (82)
M Starc9-1-46-1
Angles one away again outside off stump from a length. Jonny Bairstow sees this one through to the wicketkeeper.
Movement away from the right-hander outside the off stump and on a good length. Harry Brook pokes at it on the front foot and gets an edge that goes towards third man for a single.
Pitches one at the stumps, up to the batter. Jonny Bairstow pushes this one towards covers and picks up a single to open his account.
Jonny Bairstow is the new batter at the crease with his team in a spot of bother.
OUT! BOWLED'EM! What an absolute corker! Mitchell Starc at his best and this is a dream dismissal for a left-arm pacer. Starc steams in and serves this a touch fuller, on middle, nips away a shy bit and skids through too, Ben Stokes looks to turn it to the leg side but closes the face a bit too early. As a result, he gets squared up and misses the ball which goes through to shatter the stumps. The English skipper is gone for a low score and the hosts have lost half their side now.
Swings one away from the left-hander from outside leg stump. Ben Stokes looks to flick it but misses completely. Alex Carey with a good stop behind the stumps.
Pitched up outside the off stump for the batter to hit. Ben Stokes plays the cover drive but straight to the fielder at covers.
Drinks! England dominated the first hour of this second session. Harry Brook completed his fifty and is still scoring at a decent rate. However, Moeen Ali had some issues with his groin and after hitting a few lusty blows got out. Australia need to stop the hosts from building another big partnership and quickly get through their batting line-up. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 193/4
H Brook74 (81)
B Stokes3 (13)
T Murphy3-0-11-1
Loops this one full and outside off. Harry Brook gets forward and knocks this towards the fielder at mid off.
Back to bowling short and outside the off stump. Harry Brook rocks onto his back foot towards the leg side and punches this towards deep point for a couple of runs.
Tosses this one full and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes taps this towards cover-point and sets off for a quick single.
Continues to bowl short and in line with the stumps. Ben Stokes shimmies down the wicket and pushes this into the leg side.
Slightly short and outside the off pole. Harry Brook goes deep in the crease and dabs this through point for a single.
Todd Murphy floats this one full and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes drills this towards deep cover for a run.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 188/4
H Brook71 (78)
B Stokes1 (10)
M Starc8-1-44-0
Angles this away from the right-hander outside off on a fuller length. Harry Brook pushes at this and gets an outside edge just short of the slip fielder.
Goes full and into the pads. Ben Stokes flicks this through the mid-wicket region and collects a run.
Strays onto the pads and bowls this a touch fuller. Harry Brook clips this down to fine leg for a single.
Mitchell Starc bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Harry Brook dabs this with soft hands into the leg side.
Fuller and on middle, Harry Brook drills it to the right of the bowler where Pat Cummins makes a good stop.
Mitchell Starc bowls this slightly back of a length and outside off. Harry Brook pokes at this and gets an inside edge onto his body.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 186/4
B Stokes0 (9)
H Brook70 (73)
T Murphy2-0-6-1
Loops this one full and in line with the stumps. Ben Stokes gets forward and dabs this into the off side.
Tosses this full and at the stumps. Ben Stokes shimmies down the wicket and flicks this straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.
Angles this into the stumps on a shortish length. Ben Stokes rocks back and dabs this down the pitch towards the bowler.
Continues to bowl short and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes slaps this straight to the fielder at cover.
Slightly short this time and outside the off stump. Ben Stokes looks to cut but gets cramped for room and is beaten on the outside edge.
Todd Murphy bowls this short and going down leg. Harry Brook pulls this towards fine leg and picks up a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 185/4
B Stokes0 (4)
H Brook69 (72)
P Cummins11-2-52-1
Gets this to nip back in off the surface from a good length. Ben Stokes looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. Goes down onto the floor in dramatic fashion.
Bowls this slightly short and outside the off pole. Harry Brook cuts this towards deep backward point and picks up a single.
This is on a good length and on off Harry Brook is solid in his defense again.
BEAUTY! Pat Cummins lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away, Harry Brook has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Length again, off, nips back in a long way, Harry Brook looks to play at it but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
On a length and on off, Harry Brook keeps it out to the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 184/4
B Stokes0 (3)
H Brook68 (67)
T Murphy1-0-5-1
A tad bit short and outside the off pole. Ben Stokes pushes at this and gets it off the inside part of his bat into the leg side.
Loops this into the stumps on a fuller length. Ben Stokes pushes this back towards the bowler.
Floats this one full and outside off. Ben Stokes knocks this towards the cover fielder.
The England skipper, Ben Stokes walks out to bat now
OUT! TIMBER! Moeen Ali entertainment comes to a premature end! Todd Murphy attacks the stumps this time and Moeen Ali looks to continue being aggressive but is unable to get this one away. His stumps have been shattered and he will have to take the long walk back to the shed. This has been coming for a while now since the left-hander injured his groin but he has provided some impetus to this inning. The 100-run stand has come to an end as England lose their fourth wicket.
FOUR! Moeen Ali does not want the spinner to settle in here! This is bowled short once again and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali swats this towards deep mid-wicket and picks up four runs.
Todd Murphy starts with a short ball outside the off stump. Harry Brook cuts this to deep point for a single.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 179/3
M Ali30 (45)
H Brook67 (66)
P Cummins10-2-51-1
FOUR! Moeen Ali continues his onslaught and this partnership is building to dangerous proportions for Australia! This is bowled short and into the batter. Moeen Ali sways back and ramps this over the keeper's head for four runs. The left-hander has upped his scoring rate drastically over the last few overs.
Goes back to bowling full and into the stumps. Harry Brook flicks this towards deep square leg and collects a run.
Bowls this full outside off. Moeen Ali gets forward and drills this towards deep cover for one.
On a good length this time and into the pads. Harry Brook tucks this towards deep square leg and takes a single. Brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters.
Angles this into the stumps on a fullish length. Moeen Ali gets this off the inside part of his bat through square leg and collects a run.
SIX! Moeen Ali has decided to abandon caution and is going for everything now since his injury! Pat Cummins bangs this in short and just outside off. Moeen Ali goes through with the pull shot and gets a top edge over fine leg for six runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 165/3
M Ali18 (41)
H Brook65 (64)
J Hazlewood10-0-41-1
Bowled short this time on the body. Moeen Ali uses his wrists to flick it towards fine leg for a single to end the over.
Hits the body again, Josh Hazlewood looks to bowl just back of the length. Harry Brook looks to use his wrists and flick it but misses completely. The ball hits the thigh pad and ricochets towards square leg. The batters pick up a leg bye.
The bowler hits the hard length on the body of Harry Brook. He looks to play the pull shot but misses the timing on it, finds mid on.
Hits the length again on the off stump. Harry Brook taps it to point from the crease to look for a single. Sent back by his partner as Ali is really struggling to run,
Good length outside off stump. Harry Brook plays the front foot cover drive to perfection but finds the fielder at covers.
Just short on the off stump to start the over. Harry Brook tries to play it late from the crease but finds the fielder at cover-point.
Runs Scored 19 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 163/3
M Ali17 (40)
H Brook65 (59)
P Cummins9-2-37-1
FOUR BYES! Runs flowing easily for England now as this ball is close to the stumps! Pat Cummins gets this to nip back into the stumps from a good length. Moeen Ali swings his blade but does not connect and the ball goes just over the middle pole. The angle keeps taking the ball away from Alex Carey behind the wicket towards fine leg for four byes.
SIX! Moeen Ali uses the long handle and deposits it over the stands with ease! Pat Cummins delivers this full and pitching outside leg stump. Moeen Ali is standing well down leg side and just picks up the ball over deep mid-wicket for six runs. He has made this look super easy.
Angles this into the stumps on a fuller length. Harry Brook flicks this towards deep square leg and takes a single.
Delivers this one a good length and angled in from outside off. Harry Brook dabs this into the off side with caution.
FOUR! Two boundaries in a row and Harry Brook is making it look really easy out there! Pat Cummins delivers this full and in line with the stumps. Harry Brook knocks this straight towards long on and collects four more runs.
FOUR! Harry Brook is looking in song here! Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and offers width outside off. Harry Brook gets a good stride forward and punches this towards deep cover-point for four runs.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 144/3
M Ali11 (38)
H Brook56 (55)
J Hazlewood9-0-40-1
Hits the short length again on the batter's body. Moeen Ali blocks it on the back foot straight to the fielder at covers.
Halt! Moeen Ali looks to be struggling with his groin and the physio is in to check on him. We are ready to continue now.
This is on a good length and just outside the off pole. Harry Brook pushes at this and gets an inside edge onto his inner thigh as the ball rolls to the leg side, he hobbles to the other end for a run.
Play and a miss! Bowled outside the off stump this time from the length, nips back in sharply, Harry Brook tries to keep it out but misses and gets hit on the thigh pads.
Good length on the stumps again. Harry Brook blocks it from the crease towards mid-wicket.
FOUR! Short and wide on this occasion to Harry Brook. He punches it from the backfoot finding a boundary behind the sweeper. Exquisite timing by the batter.
Hits the good length on the stumps first up. Harry Brook stays on the crease and defends it straight to mid on.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 139/3
H Brook51 (50)
M Ali11 (37)
P Cummins8-2-22-1
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside off. Harry Brook dabs this with soft hands into the off side and sets off for a run. Pat Cummins runs to his left and collects the ball before throwing it towards the non-striker's end. A direct hit and Harry Brook would have been a goner. Close call for England and they need to be a bit careful.
Another delivery that comes back in sharply off the surface from a good length, outside off. Harry Brook pushes at this and gets beaten on the inside edge.
Goes full this time and into the stumps. Harry Brook digs this out towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Angles this into the stumps and gets it to nip back in sharply from a good length. Harry Brook looks to work this leg side but misses and the ball hits him high on the pads.
Delivers this on a good length and slightly wide outside off. Harry Brook plays away from his body and pokes at this one as the ball zips past his outside edge.
Pat Cummins bowls this a tad bit short and outside the off stump. Harry Brook rides the bounce and taps this towards cover-point.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 138/3
M Ali11 (37)
H Brook50 (44)
J Hazlewood8-0-35-1
Short ball away from the body to end the over. Moeen Ali lets it go to the wicketkeeper.
FIFTY FOR BROOK! Josh Hazlewood hits the length hard on the off stump, allowing the batter to place it between covers and point on the front foot for a run. A quick-fire knock from him and he will look to make it big now.
Another good length ball on the stumps this time. Harry Brook blocks it on the front foot straight back to the bowler.
A good length ball on the stumps this time. Moeen Ali offers the front foot defence and gets a thick inside edge towards fine leg to pick up a single.
Creating the angle from over the wicket, pitching it on the good length outside off. Moeen Ali lets it go to the wicketkeeper.
Pitched on the good length, first ball on the off stump. Harry Brook pushes it through covers on the front foot for a single.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Josh Hazlewood.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 135/3
M Ali10 (34)
H Brook48 (41)
P Cummins7-2-21-1
Angles this into the stumps on a good length. Moeen Ali is well behind the line of the ball as he taps this towards the fielder at mid-wicket. Pat Cummins starts the session with a maiden but England got four extra runs in it.
On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali looks really solid as he defends this towards cover.
FOUR BYES! Bangs this in short and into the batter. Moeen Ali keeps his eye on the ball and sways back out of the way. The ball swivels after going past the batter and Alex Carey is unable to grasp this diving to his right. The ball runs away to the boundary for four byes.
Pulls his length back this time and strays down leg side. Moeen Ali gets his gloves out of the way and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Goes a fraction fuller this time and at the stumps. Moeen Ali blocks this solidly back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Pat Cummins starts the session from 'round the wicket to the left-hander. He bowls this on a good length and into the stumps. Moeen Ali dabs this gently towards mid-wicket.
We are back for the second session! The players are already out in the middle. Moeen Ali and Harry Brook are to resume batting for England. Pat Cummins to start proceedings with the ball.
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
It could have been worse for England, but the visitors were really poor with their catching as they dropped a few too many as per their standards. Harry Brook took full advantage of this and racked up the runs and is already into the 40s while Moeen Ali also held the other end well. Both these batters will look to build this stand even further in the post-Lunch session while Australia will hope to make some early inroads and expose the lower middle order of the hosts as soon as possible. Join us at 6.10 pm IST (12.40 pm GMT) to see how things pan out in the second session.
After being forced to bat first, the two English openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley got off to a flying start adding 62 runs in no time. The Aussie pacers couldn't use the overcast conditions that well but once the skipper Pat Cummins came into the attack, things started to happen and he was good with the changes as well. Just at the hour mark, Mitchell Marsh got rid of Duckett with one straying down the leg which was followed by two quick wickets from Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to reduce the hosts from 62-0 to 73-3.
SESSION SUMMARY - 131 runs and 3 wickets in 26 overs. A session of two halves! England scored runs at a pretty good rate and there were a lot of boundaries, but Australia too managed to get the breakthroughs and haven't let the hosts get away with it. It was full of exciting cricket as both teams went hard at each other and we can expect the same throughout this final Test.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 131/3
H Brook48 (41)
M Ali10 (28)
M Marsh6-0-33-1
Delivers this one full and outside the off pole. Harry Brook strokes this towards deep cover-point and picks up a couple of runs.
Goes full and angles this into the stumps. Harry Brook blocks this watchfully towards the fielder at mid on.
On a good length and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali taps this towards point with soft hands and sets off for a quick single.
Bowled on a fuller length and outside off. Harry Brook hits this hard towards the fielder at cover. He manages a half-stop and allows the batters to pick up a run.
Bowls this on a good length and into the stumps. Harry Brook dabs this towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this slightly back of a length and going down leg. Alex Carey is unable to collect the ball cleanly and the batters steal a bye.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 126/3
H Brook45 (37)
M Ali9 (26)
M Starc7-1-42-0
SIX! Harry Brook is making a mockery of Mitchell Starc's bowling as he seems to be having loads of fun out in the middle! Mitchell Starc bowls this short and outside off. Harry Brook gets across the line of the ball and hooks this over deep backward square leg for six runs. 14 runs from the over and brings up the 50-run partnership between these two.
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries as Harry Brook is countering the Aussies with some fireworks here! This is short and outside the off stump. Harry Brook makes room from himself on the leg side and slaps this towards deep point for four more runs.
FOUR! Harry Brook continues to be aggressive as he gets himself yet another boundary! Mitchell Starc serves this full and outside the off pole Harry Brook drills this towards deep cover for four runs.
Well down leg side this time and on a good length. Harry Brook tries to get bat on this but misses and the ball goes through to the keeper.
Pitching outside leg stump and on a good length. Harry Brook looks to play this leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads.
Mitchell Starc bowls this full and outside the off stump. Harry Brook strokes this firmly but straight to the wide mid off fielder.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 112/3
M Ali9 (26)
H Brook31 (31)
M Marsh5-0-29-1
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off pole. Moeen Ali remains watchful as he blocks this into the off side,
Delivers this just outside off and on a good length. Moeen Ali dabs this towards covers with soft hands.
Goes full this time and in line with the stumps. Harry Brook clips this towards deep square leg and picks up a run.
Onto the pads on a good length. Moeen Ali tucks this to the left of mid-wicket and picks up a single.
Strays down leg side this time and on a good length. Moeen Ali looks to play this fine but the ball is far from the bat. Alex Carey does well to stop the ball diving to his right.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a good length and outside off. Moeen Ali shoulders his arms to this one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 110/3
H Brook30 (30)
M Ali8 (21)
M Starc6-1-28-0
Decides to bowl this on a good length and outside off. Harry Brook knocks this towards mid off and shouts no, no, nooo!
Back of a length this time and outside off. Harry Brook walks down the wicket and is surprised by the length. Just about manages to keep this down into the off side.
Bowls this full and in the channel just outside off. Harry Brook blocks this solidly into the off side.
Goes full and outside off. Moeen Ali knocks this towards deep point and picks up an easy single.
On a good length this time and outside the off stump. Moeen Ali looks to drive this on a the up but gets beaten all ends up.
Mitchell Starc bowls this short and outside the off pole. Moeen Ali sways back and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 109/3
H Brook30 (27)
M Ali7 (18)
M Marsh4-0-27-1
Fuller this time and just outside the off stump. Harry Brook clips this towards the mid on fielder. A good over for England with 12 runs coming off it.
Continues to bowl on a good length and outside the off stump. Harry Brook defends this solidly towards the fielder at cover.
Slightly wide outside the off pole and on a good length. Harry Brook guides this late towards deep backward point and collects a couple of runs.
On a good length this time and outside off. Harry Brook dabs this with soft hands towards gully.
SIX! Harry Brook is treating Mitchell Marsh with absolute disdain as he has dismissed the ball out of sight! This is bowled slightly short and into the stumps. Harry Brook whips this off his hips towards deep mid-wicket for a massive six.
FOUR! No luck is required here for Harry Brook as he plays a cracking cover drive to show his class! Mitchell Marsh bowls this full and outside the off stump. Harry Brook gets his front foot forward and strokes this towards deep cover for four runs.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 97/3
H Brook18 (21)
M Ali7 (18)
M Starc5-1-27-0
Goes fuller and just outside off. Harry Brook digs this out through cover-point and picks up a single to keep strike.
FOUR! Another streaky boundary from Harry Brook and he seems to be living a charmed life out in the middle. This is bowled on a good length and outside the off stump. Harry Brook pushes at this and gets it into the gap in a packed slip cordon for four runs to third man.
On a good length and outside the off pole. Harry Brook blocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Angles this into the pads on a fuller length. Moeen Ali looks to flick this into the leg side but misses and the ball goes off the pads towards square leg for a leg bye.
Goes full and on and off-stump line. Moeen Ali blocks this back down the pitch watchfully.
FOUR! Poor bit of fielding in the deep get Moeen Ali a boundary as well! Mitchell Starc bowls this on a good length and outside off. Moeen Ali punches this towards deep cover-point and a misfield from Usman Khawaja in the deep gives the batter four runs.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 87/3
H Brook13 (18)
M Ali3 (15)
J Hazlewood7-0-32-1
FOUR! Harry Brook gets a hold of this one and the ball flies away to the fence! This is bowled full and outside the off pole. Harry Brook throws his bat at this one and drill this ball towards deep point for four runs.
Angled into the stumps on a good length. Harry Brook dabs this into the leg side.
A tad bit fuller and on and off-stump line. Harry Brook blocks this solidly towards cover.
Back to bowling on a good length and outside off. Harry Brook dabs this towards rthe fielder at point.
Slightly back of a length and outside the off pole. Harry Brook feels for this one but gets beaten by the movement away and the bounce.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Harry Brook defends this towards the cover fielder.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 83/3
M Ali3 (15)
H Brook9 (12)
P Cummins6-1-21-1
Gets this to nip into the pads from a good length. Moeen Ali is unable to get bat on this and gets hit on the pads.
Angled into the stumps on a good length. Moeen Ali looks to work this leg side but gets a leading edge back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Continues to bowl short and in line with the stumps. Moeen Ali rides the bounce and dabs this into the pitch.
Bowls this back of a length and into the batter. Moeen Ali drops his hands and takes the ball onto his body.
On a good length this time and into the pads. Moeen Ali dabs this towards the fielder at short leg.
Pat Cummins bowls this full and outside off from 'round the wicket. Moeen Ali blocks this solidly into the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 83/3
H Brook9 (12)
M Ali3 (9)
J Hazlewood6-0-28-1
FOUR! A bit of fortune going Harry Brook's way but he will take it gladly! This is wide outside off and on a fuller length. Harry Brook goes hard at the ball and slices this through the slip cordon towards third man for four runs.
Back to bowling full and outside the off stump. Harry Brook defends this solidly towards cover.
Wide outside the off pole this time and on a good length. Harry Brook is happy to not offer a sht and leave the ball alone.
Goes fuller this time and in line with the stumps. Moeen Ali dabs this with soft hands towards cover and sets off for a quick single.
Length again, on off, Moeen Ali looks to keep it out but gets a bottom edge that bounce over the stumps to the keeper.
On a length and on off, Moeen Ali blocks it down the pitch.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 78/3
H Brook5 (9)
M Ali2 (6)
P Cummins5-0-21-1
Back of a length and outside off, Harry Brook offers no shot at it.
Fullish and on middle, Harry Brook negotiates it well.
DROPPED! Another chance goes begging! This is full and around off, Harry Brook goes for the big drive, but gets a thick outside edge behind where Alex Carey misjudges it and goes with only his right-hand diving to his right, but spills it out. Brook survives!
This one nips back in from a good length and outside off. Harry Brook looks to work this leg side but get beaten and hit high on the pads.
Bowls this back of a length and outside the off pole. Harry Brook looks to get on top of the bounce and defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
FOUR! Harry Brook gets his first boundary but this does not look very convincing! Pat Cummins bowls this slightly full and outside the off pole. Harry Brook looks to drive and gets it off the outside part of his bat towards deep backward point for four runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 74/3
H Brook1 (3)
M Ali2 (6)
J Hazlewood5-0-23-1
On a good length once again and nips back in as well from just outside off. Harry Brook pushes at this and gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Harry Brook blocks this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Delivers this on a good length and outside the off stump. Harry Brook raises his bat and allows the ball to go through to the keeper.
Harry Brook is the next man in.
OUT! CHOPPED ON! Australia are roaring back into the game and they have got rid of England's best batter, Joe Root! Josh Hazlewood has his first wicket of the game and Australia are right on top now. This is bowled slightly back of a length and outside the off stump. Joe Root looks to guide this down to third man but the ball nips back in and cramps him up for room. The ball takes the inside edge of the bat and goes on to shatter the stumps to the delight of the Australian players. England lose their third wicket and are in a spot of bother as they look to play out these difficult conditions.
On a good length once again and just outside off. Joe Root dabs this with soft hands towards the third slip fielder.
Josh Hazlewood bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Joe Root blocks this solidly towards the fielder at cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 73/2
J Root5 (8)
M Ali2 (6)
P Cummins4-0-17-1
Goes fuller and outside the off stump. Joe Root pushes this to the right of the mid off fielder and picks up a singe to retain strike.
Bowls this slightly back of a length and outside the off pole. Joe Root hangs his bat out to dry and gets beaten all ends up.
FOUR! Joe Root has timed this really well and used the pace of the bowler! Pat Cummins delivers this on a good length and outside off. Joe Root dabs this with soft hands into the gap towards deep backward point for four runs.
On a good length this time and gets the ball to nip back in from outside off. Joe Root tries to keep this out but gets beaten and hit high on the pads.
Bowls this slightly short and outside off. Joe Root cuts this hard but straight to the man at backward point.
Pat Cummins bowls this full and on an off-stump line. Joe Root gets his bat down and defends the ball next to his pads. Steven Smith at slip feels this has hit the pads and appeals loudly but the rest of his teammates are not interested.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 68/2
M Ali2 (6)
J Root0 (2)
M Marsh3-0-15-1
In the channel just outside off and on a good length. Moeen Ali blocks this solidly towards the mid off fielder.
Goes fuller this time and over adjusts by bowling into the pads. Moeen Ali flicks this down to fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.
Continues to bowl outside the off pole and on a good length. Moeen Ali does not off a shot once again as he remains watchful.
Angling away from the left-hander and on a good length, outside off. Moeen Ali is content in not playing at this one as it goes through to the keeper.
Slightly wide outside off and on a good length. Moeen Ali gets his front foot forward and shoulders arms to this one.
Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a good length and just outside off. Moeen Ali judges this line well and leaves the ball alone.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 66/2
J Root0 (2)
M Ali0 (0)
P Cummins3-0-12-1
Continues to bowl on a good length and in the channel outside the off stump. Joe Root dabs this with soft hands towards gully.
Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length and outside off. Joe Root pokes at this one and gets an outside edge short of the wide slip fielder.
Joe Root walks out to the middle.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Pat Cummins strikes now! Two in two overs for Australia and they are right back in the game. Pat Cummins lands this short of a length and around off, nips slightly away, Zak Crawley stays there to clip it away but closes the face too early and gets an outside edge towards second slip where Steven Smith makes no mistake this time. Two new batters at the crease for England now!
FOUR! Fine shot! Pat Cummins serves this full and around off, Zak Crawley strides forward and drills it through covers for a boundary.
Back of a length and on off, nips back in, Zak Crawley comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pads.
On a length and around leg, angling further down the leg, Zak Crawley misses his flick.
DRINKS! The players will take some refreshments. England are off to an absolute flier once again but the visitors have got some reprieve as they have managed to break the opening stand. The Aussies needed the breakthrough as the game seemed to be going away from them early after winning the toss and now they will sense an opening. England need to build a partnership now as Moeen Ali walks out to bat.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 62/1
B Duckett41 (41)
Z Crawley18 (33)
M Marsh2-0-13-1
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mitchell Marsh draws first blood! A wicket against the run of play and a soft dismissal as well. Marsh lands this back of a length and down the leg side, Ben Duckett looks to glance it away but the ball just brushes against his gloves and goes straight towards the keeper where Alex Carey makes no mistake. There is an appeal but turned down. Pat Cummins goes for the review and they look confident. UltraEdge shows a spike to confirm it and Duckett has to go back to the hut. A solid knock from him, but England lose their first wicket!
Full again, on middle, Ben Duckett tucks it towards short mid-wicket.
Fullish and on middle, angling in, Zak Crawley loses his balance but still manages to work it through the inner half towards square leg for a run.
On a length and on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it out.
FOUR! Beautiful shot! Mitchell Marsh bowls this a bit full again, on middle, Zak Crawley skips down the track and shows the full face of the bat to punch it down the ground for a lovely boundary.
Touch fuller, on middle, Zak Crawley knocks it towards mid on. No Ball called for overstepping again.
Back of a length and around off, Ben Duckett punches it through covers for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 55/0
Z Crawley13 (29)
B Duckett40 (38)
P Cummins2-0-8-0
Delivers this one a good length as well and outside off. Zak Crawley blocks this towards mid off.
This is great bowling from Pat Cummins! This is on a good length as well and angled in from outside off. The ball straightens after pitching and squares Zak Crawley up as the ball passes the outside edge.
BEATEN! Bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Zak Crawley hangs his bat out to dry and the ball zips past the outside edge.
On a shortish length once again and outside off. Zak Crawley slashes at this and gets beaten by the extra bounce.
Bowls this back of a length but strays down leg. Zak Crawley allows this to go through to the keeper.
Pat Cummins bowls this back of a length and outside off. Ben Duckett charges down the wicket to make room and slaps this towards deep cover for three runs.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 52/0
Z Crawley13 (24)
B Duckett37 (37)
M Marsh1-0-6-0
DROPPED! A very tough chance though! This is on a hard length and outside off, Zak Crawley tries to cut it away but gets a thick outside edge wide of third slip where Steven Smith flies to his right and gets his outstretched right hand to it but fails to grab hold of it. Two runs taken.
On a length and around leg, Ben Duckett nudges it towards fine leg for a single. It is called a No Ball for overstepping.
Mitchell Marsh bangs in a bouncer, on off, Ben Duckett hops up but mistimes his pull towards short mid-wicket.
Touch fuller, on off, angling away, Ben Duckett looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads this time. This could have gone anywhere.
Mitchell Marsh continues to bowl short and around off, Ben Duckett tries to cut it later and close from his body, but gets a bottom edge again as the ball goes nowhere.
Short of a length and on off, Ben Duckett looks to cut again, but chops it down onto the pitch.
Mitchell Marsh begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Ben Duckett cuts it towards deep point and comes back for the second.
Bowling change from both ends as Mitchell Marsh now comes into the attack.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 46/0
Z Crawley11 (23)
B Duckett34 (31)
P Cummins1-0-5-0
Goes back of a length again, on off, takes off a bit, Zak Crawley has a poke at it but gets beaten by the extra bounce.
BEATEN! Pat Cummins bowls this on a good length, on off, shapes away off the seam, Zak Crawley tries to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Short again and just around off, Ben Duckett waits for it and cuts it late wide of third man where Josh Hazlewood runs to his right and slides to keep it inside. Three runs taken!
Short of a length and on off, Ben Duckett only manages to chop it down as the ball bounce back towards the keeper.
On a length and on middle, Zak Crawley guides it towards point for a run.
DROPPED! David Warner let go off a simple chance! Pat Cummins starts with a hard-length delivery, outside off, Ben Duckett slashes at it but gets an outside edge towards first slip where Warner gets both his hands up bit it bursts through his hands. They cross. Duckett gets a life now!
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 41/0
Z Crawley10 (20)
B Duckett30 (28)
J Hazlewood4-0-22-0
Goes a bit fuller again, on off, Zak Crawley knocks it towards mid off.
Back of a length and on off, Ben Duckett punches it through cover-point for a single.
Touch fuller, on off, Ben Duckett turns it to the leg side.
Short of a length and around off, Ben Duckett uses his feet and slaps it towards mid on with no timing.
On a length and on middle, Ben Duckett blocks it back to the bowler.
Another shout for LBW, but turned down again! Josh Hazlewood serves this full, on middle, angling in, Zak Crawley misses his flick and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls away towards covers. A leg bye is taken. Pat Cummins decides against the reviews and that turns out to be the right decision as Ball Tracking shows it wickets is missing.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 39/0
Z Crawley10 (18)
B Duckett29 (24)
M Starc4-1-18-0
Another single to end the over as this good-length delivery is pushed through cover-point by Crawley.
Short of a length and on middle, Ben Duckett pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one more.
Back of a length, on leg, Zak Crawley nudges it through square leg for one.
On a length and on off, Ben Duckett steers it towards deep point for another run.
Full again, on middle, swinging in this time, Zak Crawley works it off the inner half through square leg for a run.
Full and around leg, Ben Duckett clips it towards deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 33/0
B Duckett26 (21)
Z Crawley7 (15)
J Hazlewood3-0-21-0
Back of a length and around off, Ben Duckett drops it in front of gully for one more.
Goes fuller, on middle, Zak Crawley looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for one.
Back of a length and outside off, Ben Duckett cuts it nicely towards deep point for another run.
On a length and around off, Zak Crawley pushes it through covers for a run.
Fuller one, on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick it away but gets another leading edge on the bounce to deep point. They cross.
FOUR! Powered away! Almost took out his partner! Josh Hazlewood serves this a bit full, outside off, Ben Duckett skips down the track and hammers it down the ground where Zak Crawley did well to move out of the way as the ball races to the long off fence for a boundary.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 24/0
B Duckett19 (17)
Z Crawley5 (13)
M Starc3-1-12-0
Pitched up and around leg, Ben Duckett works it through square leg for one. Starc is struggling with his lines at the moment.
This is in the blockhole, on leg, Ben Duckett squeezes it towards deep square leg for a brace.
FOUR! Another boundary! Mitchell Starc serves this too full and too straight, Ben Duckett stays in his crease and just whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Fuller one, on middle, Ben Duckett misses his flick again as the ball goes off his pads into the gloves of Alex Carey.
Short of a length and on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick it away but fails to connect cleanly.
FOUR! Nicely played! Mitchell Starc bowls this around off, swinging away a bit, Ben Duckett comes forward again and takes it on the full to slice it away towards the deep point fence for a boundary.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 13/0
B Duckett8 (11)
Z Crawley5 (13)
J Hazlewood2-0-12-0
Another full delivery, on middle, Ben Duckett moves across and just manages to clip it from the inside half of the bat towards fine leg for a run.
Full again, on middle, Ben Duckett uses his feet to work it away but gets a bit of a leading edge through point for two more runs.
Goes fuller this time, on off, Ben Duckett defends it back to the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length, on off, shaping away, Ben Duckett has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a length and on middle, Zak Crawley turns it to the leg side for a quick single.
Back of a length and on off, Ben Duckett taps it towards point for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 8/0
Z Crawley4 (12)
B Duckett4 (6)
M Starc2-1-1-0
Pitched up, on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it down the pitch. Starc is looking sharp out there.
Clever from Starc! He pulls his length back this time, on middle, nips away a shy bit this time, Zak Crawley stays there and tries to keep it out with an angled bat but the ball just goes past the outside edge.
Goes fuller, well outside off, Zak Crawley leaves it alone this time.
A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! This is really close, and Pat Cummins decides to take the review just at the last second. Mitchell Starc lands this on a good length again, outside off, lands and nips back in sharply, Zak Crawley fails to read to it and offers no shot, but gets hit on the pads. However, Ball Tracking shows that wickets is just missing and Crawley survives. Australia lose a review!
Length again, outside off, Zak Crawley is happy to let it go to the keeper.
On a length and around off, Ben Duckett dabs it through point for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 7/0
Z Crawley4 (7)
B Duckett3 (5)
J Hazlewood1-0-7-0
FOUR! That is the first boundary of the innings! It comes from the bat of Zak Crawley! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and around off, Zak Crawley gets on top of it and punches it with sweet timing through covers for a boundary. Top shot!
Fullish and on leg, Ben Duckett clips it towards fine leg for a single.
Just short! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and around off, nips away a bit, Ben Duckett looks to push at it with soft hands, but gets an outside edge which falls just in front of third slip.
Absolute Beauty! Josh Hazlewood serves this full and around middle, lands and shapes away sharply, Ben Duckett looks to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Back of a length and around off, Ben Duckett pats it down onto the wicket as the ball rolls back to the bowler.
Ben Duckett and England are underway! Josh Hazlewood begins with a good-length delivery, on leg, Ben Duckett nudges it through backward square leg for a couple of runs.
Josh Hazlewood will share the attack and bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/0
Z Crawley0 (6)
B Duckett0 (0)
M Starc1-1-0-0
Mitchell Starc starts with a maiden over! He pulls his length back a bit, on off, Zak Crawley lets it go one more time.
A bit of swing but Mitchell Starc bowls this down the leg side, Zak Crawley looks to glance but misses as Alex Carey dives to his left to stop it.
Fuller one, on off, Zak Crawley solidly blocks it out towards mid off.
Still no swing! Mitchell Starc serves this touch fuller, on off, angling away again, Zak Crawley offers no short at it.
This is on a good length and outside off, Zak Crawley leaves it alone again. Starc trying to find some swing with the breeze going on.
Mitchell Starc starts with a hard-length delivery around off, angling away, Zak Crawley lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.
We are done with the prematch formalities as the umpires walk out to the middle. The Australian players are taking their respective positions on the field as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stride to the centre to open the inning for England. They will want to get a good partnership going here under overcast conditions in order to protect their middle order. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in his hand and is ready to begin proceedings. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the game as the two sets of players and the match officials line up for the national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Australia first followed by England's national anthem.
Ben Stokes, the captain of England says that they would have had a bowl first as well. Explains that the conditions are overcast and also they have done better bowling first. Claims that they know what team they are going to go with, a couple of days in advance so there is no point in waiting. Adds that it gives the lads who are selected get time to prepare. Reckons that both teams come into this game to win. Ends by saying that the Aussies have already retained the Ashes but will want to win the series and they themselves want to level it.
Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia says that they will bowl first as there is a bit of cloud cover overhead. Adds that the wicket looks good and they still wish that they would have gone one better when they played here four years ago. Mentions that the preparation has been good and they are excited about this. Informs Todd Murphy is in for Cameron Green. Says Lyon always bowled well here and Murphy can be useful too.
Australia (Playing XI) - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Todd Murphy (In place of Cameron Green), Josh Hazlewood
England (Unchanged Playing XI) - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
TOSS - Pat Cummins calls it right and the coin lands in his favour. Australia have elected to BOWL first.
England will need to pick themselves from the disappointment they faced in the last Test match and Ben Stokes will be absolutely thrilled with a drawn series after losing the first two games. They have already announced an unchanged side for this game and have found some good momentum. They have had to tweak their batting order due to the injury to Ollie Pope, but the leadership crew's backing has helped the batters to play positively. Their weakness is their spin bowling department as they depend on two part-time spinners in the form of Moeen Ali and Joe Root. Their seasoned fast-bowling campaigners James Anderson and Stuart Broad may be playing their last Ashes and have worked hard through the series but the tide turned in favour of the hosts with the introduction of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to the side. Stay tuned as we bring you the toss and team updates.
Australia have managed to retain the Ashes with a game to spare courtesy of the rain gods but will be hunting for their third win to make this a comprehensive series victory. They are back at the venue where they recently won the World Test Championship and it will be apt for them to win their final Test of the tour in the manner in which they started it. Australia are expected to make one change as they will look to get Todd Murphy back into the playing eleven. Nathan Lyon has been a massive miss for the visitors and they do not seem to be coping with his loss too well. The Aussie batters have contributed at some point through the series but have lacked the consistency that makes them ever so lethal. The pace bowlers have been among the wickets but have found it difficult to contain the English batters and the Aussies will be hoping to find their mojo back in this tie.
Hello, and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen to our coverage of the fifth and final Test match in the Ashes where barring the two rain-filled days in Manchester in the last Test match, we have witnessed some of the most intriguing action in red-ball cricket. Australia had taken an early 2-0 lead in the series by winning the first two matches in Edgbaston and at the Lord’s but England came back strong in Headingley. The hosts dominated most of the game at Old Trafford before rain played spoilsport, ruining a golden opportunity for them to level the series. The focus is now on the series finale at the Kennington Oval in London where Australia can win their first series in England since 2001 or it is to be seen if England can level the series.
... MATCH DAY ...
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Commentary
Right then, that's all from the 73rd edition of the Ashes. Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes get together and pose with the Ashes Series Trophy. After the photographs are done, Cummins calls over his teammates to lift the coveted Ashes urn. This year's Ashes has ended with a 2-2 scoreline and it is Australia who will take the urn back home having won the last series. Both teams will take a month's break before they shift attention to the T20I format. England's next assignment sees them host New Zealand for a four-match T20I series while Australia travel to South Africa for a three-match T20I series. In the meantime, there's plenty of cricketing action happening across the globe. On Tuesday, 1st of August, West Indies and India will square off in the deciding game of their three-match ODI series. The first ball will be bowled at 7.00 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). From here, it is goodbye and cheers!
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia says that two high-quality teams participated in this series and most of the sessions were shared so he agrees that a drawn series is a fair result. Claims that right from the start they wanted to win the Ashes so from the word go in this run chase, they were looking to win. Mentions that they can be proud of retaining the Ashes against a quality side. Adds that it is the same side as the one that toured in 2019 so they are proud of the effort that they put in this time around. Informs that the Ashes is a difficult series not only out on the field but also with the fans and the media getting to you but he does not want to change anything about it. Reckons that there is no point looking at what they could change so 2-2 it is. Ends by paying tribute to Stuart Broad by saying that he is a great competitor who saves his best against Australia. Adds that he has played only one-third of the games that Broad has played and he cannot even think of playing that many matches so congratulations to him.
Ben Stokes, the skipper of England says that it is a really good feeling. Mentions that 2-2 is a fair reflection of two teams going toe-to-toe. Reckons that not many teams would have been able to respond after being 0-2 down. Feels pretty content with what they have achieved. Credits David Warner and Usman Khawaja for the way they batted in the fourth innings. Adds that it was always going to be tough chasing in the final inning with the scoreboard pressure. On Chris Woakes, he says that he says come good with the ball as well as with the bat in the lower order. On Mark Wood, he says that he could hardly walk but kept running in regardless. On Stuart Broad, he says that he has been an unbelievable performer for England and adds that it was written in the stars. On Moeen Ali, he says that he performed when it mattered the most for England and adds that he changed the game for them. Reckons that this series was what Test cricket needed.
Chris Woakes gets three awards as he is adjudged England’s Player of the Series, Man of the Match for this game as well as the Player of the Series for claiming 19 wickets in 6 innings. He says that it has been an amazing feeling to get into the side and win games. Claims that they still believed that they could come back despite being 2-0 down and 2-2 is a fair result. Informs that he was out of contention before so he just wanted to come into the side and contribute in order to help the team win a Ashes Test. Reckons that he felt like the opportunity would come, didn’t know when it will be but he needed to be prepared. Mentions that taking an early wicket when he was picked helped settle a few nerves. Adds that he got his rhythm going and some luck also went his way so he is grateful. About Stuart Broad, he says that the way he is going out is amazing and they will be hearing for a long time how he got a six on the last ball while batting and a wicket on his last delivery. Goes on to say that Australia are a pretty good team and it is not easy to take the wickets of big players so it was amazing to be able to do so. Admits that they were happy with the ball change and you have to have to some luck for it to work in your favour. Ends by saying that he does not know if he will continue playing Test cricket as he leaves that decision to Ben Stokes and the management but he would love to contribute and be a part of the toughest format of cricket.
Mitchell Starc is Australia's Player of the Series. He says that all five Test matches were incredible. Adds that it was exciting with the ebbs and flows throughout the series. On this loss, he says that it happened quickly and reckons that it was the nature of the series. Congratulates Stuart Broad on his retirement and says that he could not have written any better. Mentions that it was a fantastic tour to express himself. States that he got backing from Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald. Feels that it was a pretty successful tour with a resilient group and a fantastic support staff.
Joe Root picks up the MVP award and the match officials collect their tokens. Now for some of the main awards and interviews...
The man of the moment, Stuart Broad is in for a chat. He starts by saying that it was absolutely wonderful. Adds that Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set the tone after the rain interruption. Shares that once they got a couple of wickets, they started to believe. Mentions that the crowd was loud and says that they jumped on the back of it. States that it feels special to take the two wickets and contribute to the team's win. On his six off his last ball, he jokingly says that it was the only ball he middled all year. On Moeen Ali, he says that he has not officially announced his retirement yet and says that to be able to put in this performance will be special for him. Mentions that he did a lot of research into bowling against David Warner. Reckons that knowing about weaknesses is as important as knowing strengths. On switching the bails, he says that had he learnt it 10 years ago, he would have been away. Shares that new ball skidded onto the bat and run-scoring became easier. States that it was great to see the crowd wearing headbands and adds that it made him smile.
Joe Root played remarkably well the second time around to score 91 in 106 balls and stitched together a 110-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow who notched up a half-century as well. The tail could not contribute heavily but James Anderson and Stuart Broad managed to play through to Stumps on Day 3. It was after that day's play that Broad announced that he was hanging his boots in international cricket and the crowd saw him hit his last delivery in Test cricket for a maximum the following morning. England were bowled out for 395 setting the visitors a target of 384 and Australia were off to a great start scoring 135 runs without losing a wicket on Day 4 before the game was called off due to rain. They lost three wickets early on the final day as both the openers departed after getting to their half centuries and Marnus Labuchagne could not make much of an impact.
In their first effort, David Warner got into his 20s and gave away his wicket but Usman Khawaja held up one end scoring 47 runs in 157 deliveries. Steven Smith looked good enroute his 71 but a flurry of wickets had them 98 runs behind the England total with three wickets in hand. The tail wagged as Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy made 30-plus scores and helped the Aussies take a first-inning lead of 12 runs. Chris Woakes was really good once again taking three crucial wickets with Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, and Joe Root adding a couple each to their kitty. England came out to bat for the second time with only aggression on their mind. Zak Crawley scored 73 runs in 76 deliveries to get the hosts off to a flier and Ben Duckett along with his skipper Ben Stokes, who promoted himself to number 3, were dismissed 8 runs short of a half-century but they were consistently scoring at over 5 runs per over.
Pat Cummins won his first toss of the series and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions and it seemed like a masterstroke as the visitors were able to bowl out their opponents in a little more than two sessions. England had however managed to score at a brisk rate and were bowled out for 283 runs in 54.4 overs. Harry Brook top scored for his side with 85 in 91 deliveries and the top three batters Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Moeen Ali all got off to decent starts but could not make the most of it. Cameos from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood helped them reach a decent total in the first inning. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers claiming 4 wickets and was well supported by Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy who chipped in with two wickets each. While we witnessed an exhibition of ‘Bazball’ from England, Australia adopted a completely different approach as they decided to be defensive and play for time.
SESSION SUMMARY - 96 runs and 7 wickets in 28.4 overs. There were a total of 47 overs scheduled to be played in the final session of this Test series after a long stoppage in play and with 146 runs needed to win, Australia were firm favourites with two set batters at the crease along with seven wickets in hand. Steven Smith got to his fifty as he looked to be playing another valuable knock in his team’s cause. Moeen Ali got his first wicket of the game to break the 95-run fourth-wicket partnership on the very next ball as he dismissed Travis Head 7 runs short of his half-century. Things turned quickly thereafter as Chris Woakes dismissed Steven Smith on 54 in the next over and Moeen Ali came back to send Mitchell Marsh back to the shed. Both the bowlers claimed one more wicket each dismissing Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins as Australia were reduced from 264 for 3 to 294 for 8. Alex Carey and Todd Murphy did try to fight back but the script was already written and they had to stumble under the euphoria surrounding the man of the hour Stuart Broad.
ENGLAND WIN THE FIFTH AND FINAL ASHES TEST MATCH! They have managed to level the series in dramatic fashion! Let us not forget the extraordinary story of a cricketing legend Stuart Broad who claimed the last two wickets to end his illustrious career with an Ashes Test win! The emotions around the stadium are pretty high at the moment as the great fast bowler walks off the cricket ground as a player for the last time. It was not too long back when we had a resumption after the rain interval and at that time there were talks about how Australia are well on course to clinch this game to win the series 3-1. It did not take long for England to flip the odds and condemn the Aussies to a devastating loss by 49 runs. Australia did manage to retain the Ashes but they will be thanking the rain gods for washing out the game at Old Trafford as they conceded an early 2-0 lead to finish the series on level terms.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! There it is, a fairytale ending to Stuart Broad's career! Broad nips out Carey and makes him the final victim of his career! Serves it on a good length, in the channel on off, angling in this time, from 'round the wicket, Alex Carey looks to get on the front foot and gets his bat out in front to defend. The ball nibbles away after pitching and does the trick for Broad. Catches the outside edge and Jonny Bairstow behind the wickets does the rest. Stuart Broad is delighted and so are his teammates. The Oval crowd is up on their feet to applaud what has been a magnificent career. England win by 49 runs!
Bumper this time, on middle, Alex Carey ducks underneath quickly and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
Nagging length, angling in, on leg, Alex Carey tucks it in the vacant square leg region and stays put.
Lands it on a good length, just outside off, Alex Carey takes a stride forward and punches it towards point. Wants to run but in the end, refuses the single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 334/9
J Hazlewood4 (8)
A Carey28 (46)
M Ali23-2-76-3
Floated up, on off, Josh Hazlewood blocks it out off the front foot.
Tosses this full and at the stumps. Josh Hazlewood smothers the ball into the pitch.
FOUR! That is a good-looking shot from Australia's number 11! This is bowled a tad bit short as well and outside off. Josh Hazlewood goes deep in the crease and punches this towards deep cover-point for four runs.
Loops this one full and on and off-stump line. Josh Hazlewood dabs this back down the pitch towards the bowler.
Onto the pads, Josh Hazlewood blocks it out off the front foot.
Short this time and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood makes room and swings his blade. Gets an under edge onto the pads on the keeper.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 330/9
A Carey28 (46)
J Hazlewood0 (2)
S Broad20-4-62-1
Beaten again! In the channel again, on a good length, on off, Alex Carey has a feel for the delivery. The ball moves away late and zips past his outside edge.
DROPPED! Zak Crawley has put down a tough chance at second slip! Another good-length delivery, angling in, around off, Alex Carey looks to defend away from the body. Gets an outside edge that travels low to second slip. Zak Crawley does get down low but the ball hits his wrist and pops out.
Beaten! On a nagging length, outside off, shaping away, Alex Carey has a loose poke at the delivery. He is lucky not to edge it behind.
On a good length and angling into the pads, Alex Carey misses the tuck and wears it on the thigh pad.
Keeps it full and angling in, on off, Alex Carey works it through mid on and denies the single again.
Goes full and honing in at the stumps, Alex Carey clips it towards wide mid on. Refuses the single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 330/9
J Hazlewood0 (2)
A Carey28 (40)
M Ali22-2-72-3
Josh Hazlewood survives! Fullish delivery, on middle and leg, The batter watchfully keeps it out into the leg side.
Flights this one full and outside the off pole. Josh Hazlewood dabs this towards silly point with soft hands.