That’s a good rearguard from England, cutting the lead back from 158 to 85 and forcing Australia to take the second new ball.
What Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland showed, however, that the new ball will still nip about on this pitch.
Mitchell Starc of Australia celebrates with team mates after bowling out Ben Stokes of England.Credit: Getty Images
Starc’s break-back to defeat Ben Stokes was out of the top drawer, and not the first time he has done that to the England captain, who was demonstrably angry with himself for aiming a drive rather than covering up in defence.
Nevertheless, that new ball nip will still be available to England: Australia need to make somewhere in the realm of 350 again to make this game, and the Ashes, safe.
We have about 22 minutes to get through before lunch.
