Ashes 2017, Live Score, Australia vs England, 3rd Test, Day 3 at Perth: Aus Cross 500, Lead Crosses 100

Catch all the live updates from the third Ashes Test match between Australia and England from Perth on Cricketnext.com's live commentary.

Day 2 Round-up: Australian captain Steve Smith again proved to be a major obstacle as England wasn't able to capitalise on their overnight momentum on the second day of the third Ashes Test in Perth on Friday. England first innings centurion Dawid Malan urged his team to ramp up the pressure on the home side at the end of the first day's play, but a late order collapse by the visitors and the broad bat of Smith ensured the match was evenly poised at the end of the second day. At stumps Australia were 203 for three, with Smith on 92 and Shaun Marsh on seven, a deficit of 200 runs with seven wickets in hand after dismissing England for 403. The tourists appeared to miss a golden chance to remove Marsh just before stumps, when the left-hander hit the ball onto Mark Stoneman's foot at short leg and the fielder was unable to cling onto the rebound as he and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow both lunged at the catch. England had looked set to post a massive score when they were 368 for four with Malan and Bairstow seemingly in total control, but then lost six wickets for 35 runs in a stunning collapse before lunch. Second-gamer Chris Overton (2-46) then raised English spirits again by removing openers David Warner (22) and Cameron Bancroft (25) in quick succession, before Smith again proved a major stumbling block. He paired with Usman Khawaja to add 124 for the third wicket, and was poised to score his 22nd Test century when play resumes on the third day. Smith was rarely troubled by the English bowlers and played shots to all points of the ground, having faced just 122 balls and hit 14 fours and one six. Khawaja, who survived a tough caught and bowled chance from Overton before he scored, was adjudged lbw to Chris Woakes for 50, and failed with his third umpire review. Australia lead the series 2-0 and can regain the Ashes with victory at the WACA Ground, although heavy rain is forecast for the final two days. England started the day in total control, but ultimately failed to capitalise on a record fifth-wicket partnership by centurions Malan (140) and Bairstow (119). Bairstow put a controversial few weeks behind him on and off the field to post his fourth Test century as part of a 237-run stand with Malan, who notched his maiden Test century. The pair notched a new record fifth-wicket partnership for England against Australia, beating a long-standing mark set in 1938 by Eddie Paynter and Denis Compton at Trent Bridge. Having come together with England under pressure at 131 for four shortly after lunch Thursday, the pair breathed life back into their team's Ashes defence. Malan's wicket was the first to fall Friday, with his breakthrough innings finally came to an end when he was brilliantly caught by substitute fielder Peter Handscomb from the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Bairstow's century was a welcome knock for the English batsman after a controversial tour, with a headbutt incident at a Perth bar causing unwanted attention, and a war of words with the Australians on and off the field. Promoted to six, Bairstow was bowled by Mitchell Starc (4-91) as wickets fell in a rush late in the England innings.

Commentary (Australia innings)

138.4 J Anderson to Smith, 1 run. 507/4

138.3 J Anderson to Smith, Smith stands tall and punches it to cover. 506/4

138.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Clipped to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a single. 506/4

138.1 J Anderson to Marsh, Length ball angling down leg, Marsh clips it through square leg. Before the man at deep mid-wicket gets to his right to get to the ball, a couple results. 505/4

137.6 D Malan to Marsh, Tossed up around off, driven to long off for one. Not a bad start for Dawid, 3 from it. The lead reaches 100 now for Australia. 503/4

137.5 D Malan to Marsh, Marsh strides forward and defends it watchfully. 502/4

137.4 D Malan to Marsh, Marsh goes back and keeps it out safely. 502/4

137.3 D Malan to Smith, Floated on the stumps, Smith clips it towards mid-wicket, where Anderson dives and stops it partially. A run taken. 502/4

137.2 D Malan to Smith, Turn and bounce for Malan on this occasion. Smith goes back and keeps it out with a straight bat. 501/4

137.1 D Malan to Marsh, Starts with a flatter ball on the off stump, Marsh slaps it through covers for one. 501/4

DAWID MALAN to bowl. He is the 7th bowler to be tried by England.

The final drinks break of the day. Smith and Marsh have looked unfazed by all that's thrown at them. The former seems to be fighting fatigue as he is seen popping some pills during the break. England's fall has been continuing, with their fielding starting to reflect what they are going through. A couple of misfields haven't helped their cause. Remember, the battle for the urn is about the fight between the strongest. Will the tourists spark some magic?

136.6 J Anderson to Smith, Fuller on middle and leg, Smith defends it to mid on. 500/4

136.5 J Anderson to Smith, A hint of swing for Anderson here. On a length in line of the stumps, Smith misses the clip and the ball makes contact with his thigh pad. 500/4

136.4 J Anderson to Smith, Full ball on off, Smith lets it come on to the blade before stonewalling it. 500/4

136.3 J Anderson to Smith, Smith has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 500/4

136.2 J Anderson to S Smith, Short ball outside off, cut away to the point fielder. 500/4

136.1 J Anderson to Smith, Smith punches this through covers for a brace. Brings up the 500 for Australia. 500/4

135.6 M Ali to Marsh, This one is hit towards mid-wicket. 498/4

135.5 M Ali to Marsh, Almost a catch! Tossed up around middle and leg, Marsh doesn't get to the pitch of the ball and drives it uppishly towards the bowler. There is a silly mid on in place as well for such a shot. However, the ball lands just short of Ali. 498/4

135.4 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh buries the turn onto the ground. 498/4

135.3 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Boom goes Marsh! Ali tosses this a bit wider outside off, Marsh frees his arms and belts it through cover-point for a boundary. 250-run stand is up. 498/4

135.2 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh lunges forward and bunts it towards covers. 494/4

135.1 M Ali to Marsh, Flatter around middle and leg, pushed back towards the bowler. 494/4

134.6 J Anderson to Smith, Length ball on off, defended from the crease. 494/4

134.5 Anderson to Smith, Well bowled. Anderson steams in and lets out a full delivery, targeting the off and middle stumps. Smith digs that out towards mid on. 494/4

134.4 J Anderson to Smith, On a back of a length, Smith hangs back and keeps it out towards point. 494/4

134.3 J Anderson to Smith, Fuller outside off, defended towards covers. 494/4

134.2 J Anderson to Smith, Another ball outside off, pushed to the man at covers. 494/4

134.1 J Anderson to Smith, Good length ball outside off, punched towards covers. 494/4

JAMES ANDERSON summoned into the attack.

133.6 M Ali to Marsh, Floated around off, defended off the front foot onto the ground. 494/4

133.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh making his intentions clear here. Looks to go downtown but ends up mistiming his drive straight to the bowler. 494/4

133.4 M Ali to Marsh, Served in line of the off stump, Marsh punches it to covers. The fielder there hurls a wild throw at the keeper's end that is fielded by the square leg fielder. 494/4

133.3 M Ali to Marsh, Flatter on the stumps, defended watchfully off the back foot. 494/4

133.2 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh does the same now but finds the square leg fielder. 494/4

133.1 M Ali to Smith, Smith goes back to work this through backward square leg for a single. 494/4

England are not happy with the shape of the ball and get it checked. Marais Erasmus passes it through the 8-shaped gauge and deems it fit to carry on. Can't fault the English side here. When two men are on song like Smith and Marsh are, even a new ball would seem out of shape.

132.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Length ball on the stumps, dead-batted from the crease. 493/4

132.5 C Woakes to Smith, Flicked away off his pads for a single. 493/4

132.4 C Woakes to Marsh, 150 for Mitchell Marsh! He got his maiden ton just a while back and here he is surpassing the 150-run mark as well. This has been a confident innings from the younger Marsh brother. This ball is on a back of a length around off, Mitch hops up and drops it towards backward point and gets to the other end in a jiffy. 492/4

132.3 C Woakes to M Marsh, Full ball driven straight to mid off. 491/4

132.2 C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Short, wide and punished. Woakes gives him enough width with this length ball. Marsh hangs back and cuts it over backward point for a boundary. 100 up for Chris Woakes! 491/4

132.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Length delivery outside off, Marsh lunges forward and blocks it to the short mid off fielder. 487/4

131.6 M Ali to Marsh, Floated ball on middle, worked off the inside half of the bat to backward square leg for one. 487/4

131.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 486/4

131.4 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Good effort by Overton but all in vain. Moeen strays down the leg side and Marsh nudges it fine down the leg side. Craig puts in a sliding effort near the rope but fails to stop it cleanly. The third umpire confirms that. 486/4

131.3 M Ali to M Marsh, Skidding away from the batsman with some extra bounce, Marsh pushes at it and edges it past first slip for a couple of runs. 482/4

131.2 M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 480/4

131.1 M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up ball on middle, defended off the back foot to short mid-wicket. 480/4

130.6 C Woakes to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 480/4

130.5 C Woakes to S Smith, Full and outside off, driven off the front foot to covers. 480/4

130.4 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 480/4

130.3 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 480/4

130.2 C Woakes to M Marsh, Short delivery, pulled behind square leg for a single. 480/4

130.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Gets on the back foot and defends it down safely. 479/4

129.6 M Ali to Smith, Smith drives this delivery to the fielder at mid on. 479/4

129.5 M Ali to Smith, Looped up around middle and leg, turned to mid-wicket. 479/4

129.4 M Ali to S Smith, Finds the mid on fielder with this push. 479/4

129.3 M Ali to S Smith, Floated around off, driven to mid off. 479/4

129.2 M Ali to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 479/4

129.1 M Ali to Smith, Flatter on the stumps, pushed back defensively to the bowler. 479/4

128.6 C Woakes to Smith, Clipped to deep square leg for one run. 479/4

128.5 C Woakes to Smith, Smith hangs back and blocks this. 478/4

128.4 C Woakes to Smith, Full ball on off, defended off the front foot. 478/4

128.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh punches this off the back foot through covers. As the fielder from mid off chases it down, the batsmen run two. But a slight fumble by the man there allows the third run for Marsh. 478/4

128.2 C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! What a shot! Length delivery just outside off, Marsh is so well set that he doesn't require much width. Works this past gully for a boundary. 475/4

128.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Fuller in line of the stumps, driven straight back. The mid on fielder intercepts it. 471/4

CHRIS WOAKES back on.

127.6 M Ali to Smith, Landed around middle, Steven blocks it off the front foot. 471/4

127.5 M Ali to S Smith, Floated around middle, driven to mid on. 471/4

127.4 M Ali to Smith, Smith finds the mid on fielder with the drive. 471/4

127.3 M Ali to Marsh, Flicked off his pads through square leg for a single. 471/4

127.2 M Ali to Marsh, Mitchell shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 470/4

127.1 M Ali to S Smith, Smith drives it through mid on and crosses to the other end. 470/4

126.6 Joe Root to Marsh, FOUR! Second boundary in the over! Ali is losing it here. Offers a half-tracker around off, Marsh just goes back and punches it through wide mid off for another boundary. 9 off this over. 469/4

126.5 Joe Root to Marsh, Lunged forward and blocked. 465/4

126.4 Joe Root to M Marsh, FOUR! Runs flowing freely from Mitch's bat too. Flatter outside off, Marsh goes back and slaps this through covers for a boundary. 465/4

126.3 Joe Root to Marsh, Marsh lunges forward and blocks this one. 461/4

126.2 Joe Root to Smith, Clipped through square leg for a single. 461/4

126.1 Joe Root to Smith, Flicked off the pads round the corner. 460/4

125.6 M Ali to Marsh, Mitch goes back and negotiates this safely. 460/4

125.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 460/4

125.4 M Ali to Marsh, Defended solidly off the back foot. 460/4

125.3 M Ali to Smith, 2nd TEST DOUBLE TON for the Australian skipper! Oh boy, has he deserved it! He sure has. Even with his unorthodox technique, he has found the runs coming which is the basic necessity of batting. This has been a chanceless knock from a man who started off as a leg spinner in international cricket. To get to his milestone, he shimmies down the track to a floated ball and works it away towards wide mid on. Runs to the other end, leaps up with joy and roars with elation. We all know what a double ton means to a cricketer. A huge round of applause eclipses the WACA. To put records straight, this is just the first double ton in an Ashes Test by an Australian skipper since Alan Border got one in 1993. He is also the first Aussie skipper since Bob Simpson in 1966 to score a double hundred in Australia. How much does Smith love the WACA? His first Ashes ton at home came at this venue and now here is his first double ton, again Perth is the place. 460/4

125.2 M Ali to Smith, Landed around off and middle, a front foot defense presented. 459/4

125.1 M Ali to Smith, Flatter on the stumps, SS goes back and defends it solidly. 459/4

Smith is on strike... On 199... He has a dismissal on this number in Test cricket. He has been dismissed on 190 against India once. So nervous phase for him?

124.6 Joe Root to Marsh, Pushed back towards the bowler. 459/4

124.5 Joe Root to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 459/4

124.4 Joe Root to Smith, Smith moves to 199 by flicking this delivery through mid-wicket. 459/4

124.3 Joe Root to Smith, Smith flicks this one but finds the man stationed in front of square on the leg side. 458/4

124.2 Joe Root to Smith, This delivery is turned towards mid-wicket. 458/4

124.1 Joe Root to Smith, Lunged forward and blocked back towards the bowler. 458/4

123.6 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! A classic back foot drive, says Ian Healy on air. Ali errs in delivering it outside off, Marsh punch-drives it though covers for a boundary. 458/4

123.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh slinks down and turns it to the man at mid-wicket. 454/4

123.4 M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 454/4

123.3 M Ali to Marsh, Flatter around leg, Marsh flicks it straight to short leg. 454/4

123.2 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh gets forward and blocks it solidly. 454/4

123.1 M Ali to Smith, Flicked away through square leg for a single. 454/4

122.6 Joe Root to Smith, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 453/4

122.5 Joe Root to Marsh, Worked off his pads through square leg for one. 452/4

122.4 Joe Root to Marsh, Marsh finds the man at mid on with this hit. 451/4

122.3 Joe Root to S Smith, Smith gets to the other end by driving it through mid on. 451/4

122.2 Joe Root to Smith, Turned towards mid-wicket from the crease. 450/4

122.1 Joe Root to Smith, Ouch! Painful start! Root starts round the wicket and lands it around leg. Smith drives it right back. As Root looks to stop that, the ball deflects off his hands onto his unmentionable part. Seems fine as he shares a laugh with someone from his side. 450/4

The failure of his bowlers has made the skipper JOE ROOT bring himself on to bowl.

121.6 M Ali to Marsh, Flicked away towards square leg off his pads. 450/4

121.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh strides forward and defends it watchfully. 450/4

121.4 M Ali to Marsh, Driven through the covers by the batsman. 450/4

121.3 M Ali to Marsh, Blocked solidly from the crease. 450/4

121.2 M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 450/4

121.1 M Ali to Smith, Driven through mid on for a single. 450/4

120.6 C Overton to Smith, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 449/4

120.5 C Overton to Smith, Guided towards backward point. 448/4

120.4 C Overton to Marsh, The run-flow just continues. Now the stand is worth 200 runs. These two have just been uncontainable and have scored runs at will. Coming to this ball, it was on a back of a length. Marsh moves across and tucks it fine on the leg side. Ali does well to save a run for his side with the slide. 448/4

120.3 C Overton to Smith, Speared full outside off, Steven drives it towards covers. The fielder there stops it partially but is unable to prevent a single that results. 445/4

120.2 C Overton to Marsh, Now Marsh drives this one through the cover region for one. 444/4

120.1 C Overton to Smith, Smith goes on the back foot and punches it through covers for a single run. 443/4

119.6 M Ali to M Marsh, Pushed towards covers where Woakes fields this. 442/4

119.5 M Ali to Marsh, Flatter around off, kept out from the crease. 442/4

119.4 M Ali to Marsh, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 442/4

119.3 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Tired body, Anderson! Floated in the zone outside off, Marsh leans ahead and thumps it towards covers. The fielder there puts in a lousy dive and lets it through. Once that happens, a boundary is the result. 442/4

119.2 M Ali to Marsh, Prodded forward and kept out with a straight bat. 438/4

119.1 M Ali to Smith, Tossed up ball in the line of the off stick, Smith gets ahead and drives it down to long on for one. Questionable field placing this. With Smith playing on 190 (now 191), you can have your mid on up and try and entice him to hit over the field. Yet England are happy to concede a run to him. 438/4

118.6 C Overton to Marsh, On a length around off and middle, kept out from the crease. 437/4

118.5 C Overton to Marsh, Similar delivery hit in the same region as the previous one. 437/4

118.4 C Overton to Marsh, Crisply driven on the up to mid off. 437/4

118.3 C Overton to M Marsh, FOUR! Lifeless short ball, dealt with in the right manner. Overton bangs it in the zone of the off stump, it doesn't climb up much. Easily, Marsh pulls it through mid-wicket and helps himself to a boundary. 437/4

118.2 C Overton to Marsh, Length delivery in line of the stumps, Marsh clips it through backward square leg for a brace. 433/4

118.1 C Overton to Smith, Length ball around off, punched through point for one. 431/4

117.6 M Ali to Marsh, Floated on off, Marsh lunges forward and blocks. 430/4

117.5 M Ali to Smith, Does the right thing of rotating the strike after hitting the boundary. Plays it through point and gets to the other end. 430/4

117.4 M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Clever! Flatter delivery in line of the stumps, Smith goes back and works it away fine off his pads. The fine leg fence is the destination in spite of the chase from the fielder at square leg. 429/4

117.3 M Ali to Smith, Bunted from the crease onto the ground. 425/4

117.2 M Ali to Smith, Steven goes back and turns it to square leg. 425/4

117.1 M Ali to Smith, Flighted ball outside off, Smith prods forward and blocks. 425/4

116.6 C Overton to Smith, Punched through covers off the back foot for one. 425/4

116.5 C Overton to Smith, Bouncer on the stumps, Smith ducks. Initially he looked to sway away from the line but seeing the inswing on that, he had to duck to avoid wearing it on the head. 424/4

116.4 C Overton to Smith, Full face of the bat shown in defending that delivery. 424/4

116.3 C Overton to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 424/4

116.2 C Overton to Smith, On a length around the off stump line, Smith defends. 424/4

CRAIG OVERTON is the man bowling. Today he hasn't looked as effective as he did yesterday.

116.1 C Overton to Smith, Length ball around off, Smith presents a straight bat face in defense. 424/4

115.6 M Ali to Marsh, Blocked off the front foot onto the ground. 424/4

115.5 M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up outside off, Marsh leans forward and guides it towards third man for a brace. 424/4

115.4 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh gets ahead and dead-bats it. 422/4

115.3 M Ali to Marsh, Served outside off, Marsh prods forward in defense. 422/4

115.2 M Ali to Smith, Smith pats it towards cover-point and takes the first run of the session, that takes him to 183. 422/4

115.1 M Ali to Smith, Floated around off, Smith lunges forward and blocks. 421/4

Welcome back for the final segment of the day's play. 37 overs to be bowled in the day yet. Smith and Marsh stride out with the bat - the former awaiting his double ton and the latter batting on a ton. MOEEN ALI will begin the proceedings.

... Day 3, Last Session...

The Aussie skipper is nearing his double century, while Mitchell Marsh after notching his maiden Test hundred will be eyeing a daddy one too. England should try to break this stand quickly, otherwise Australia will run away with this game after taking a handy lead. Let's see how the last session pans out. Do join us in a little while.

Australia head into the dressing room after dominating yet another session. 107 runs in 26 overs without losing a wicket - these figures mean that the home team is in the lead and has a firm control on this Test match. England continue to be wayward and below par in their effort. Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh are amidst a 173-run stand and that has put the tourists in a corner, mainly due to the pace at which they are scoring runs.

114.6 S Broad to Marsh, Fractionally short around off, Marsh stands across and taps it down to cover-point. That will be TEA ON DAY 3! 421/4

114.5 S Broad to Marsh, Helps a length ball on the leg side, finds mid-wicket. 421/4

114.4 S Broad to Marsh, Length ball around off, staying low, Marsh defends it from the crease. 421/4

114.3 S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! Here it is, a well-deserved century for Mitchell Marsh. He is up and running in celebration and has a wide smile across his face. The crowd is on its feet too, applauding the local boy. This could prove to be a career-defining knock. His older brother in the dressing room also gives him a standing ovation. Broad bowls it full and outside off, Marsh gets forward and drives it crisply through point for a boundary. A joyous moment for the Marsh family. Steven Smith is delighted too as he hugs him. Australia lead by 18 runs. 421/4

114.2 S Broad to Marsh, Almost an identical delivery, this time Marsh mistimes his shot to covers. 417/4

Short mid off in place now.

114.1 S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! Marsh is just another boundary away from his maiden Test hundred! Broad dishes out a back of a length delivery outside off, Marsh rocks back to latch onto it and slams it behind point for a boundary. 417/4

113.6 M Ali to Smith, Allows the ball to turn back in and plays it towards backward square leg. 413/4

113.5 M Ali to Smith, Loopy and on middle, Smith walks forward and whips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 413/4

113.4 M Ali to Smith, Leans forward to a full ball and drives it straight to mid off. 411/4

113.3 M Ali to Smith, Flatter and shorter on middle, Smith gets back and hits it to square leg. 411/4

113.2 M Ali to Smith, Lunges to a full ball and presents a straight bat in defense. 411/4

113.1 M Ali to Marsh, Full flighted outside off, drilled down to deepish mid off for a single. 411/4

Here comes a spinner. MOEEN ALI to bowl with a slip and short leg.

112.6 S Broad to Smith, Blocked off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 410/4

112.5 S Broad to Smith, Goes back to cover the line and defends it to the off side. Ian Chappell on air reckons that England have finally got their field right, keeping point in the deep and plugging the gap at covers. Mark Taylor further adds that England have tried 5-6 plans against Steven Smith but none has worked. He emphasizes that all the plans have been with the pacers, not much with the spinner. 410/4

112.4 S Broad to Smith, Walks forward and across to a length ball and defends it back to the bowler. 410/4

112.3 S Broad to Smith, A touch short around off, defended off the back foot by Smith. 410/4

112.2 S Broad to S Smith, Another edge from Smith's bat doesn't carry to Cook at first slip. Soft hands. 410/4

112.1 S Broad to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 410/4

111.6 C Woakes to Marsh, A block to end the over. 4 from it. Both batsmen are nearing their respective milestones - 9 needed for Marsh's maiden century in Tests and 20 more for Steven Smith's second double ton. Can we get both before the tea break? 410/4

111.5 C Woakes to M Marsh, An off pace delivery, around off, Marsh drives but finds the extra cover fielder. 410/4

111.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 410/4

111.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Offers the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 410/4

111.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Fractionally short around off, defended off the back foot. 410/4

111.1 C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Cracking straight drive. A length ball on middle, Marsh smashes it straight back and Marais Erasmus takes evasive action. He jumps sideways and makes way for the speeding ball. A boundary results, Marsh gets into the nervous 90s! 410/4

110.6 S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length ball on off, tapped to covers for one. Moves to 87, the devil's number and also equals his highest Test score. 406/4

110.5 S Broad to Marsh, Shout for an lbw, a muted one by Broad. Nothing doing. Broad gets a length ball to move back into the batsman from around off, Marsh tries to defend by getting forward but misses. It brushes the flap of his front pad before going on to hit him on the back leg. Broad puts in an unsuccessful appeal. We wondered why he didn't go for the review. But then the replays are shown and it detected a massive inside edge. Hmm... Good spot, ump! 405/4

Point drops back.

110.4 S Broad to Marsh, Marsh has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 405/4

110.3 S Broad to Marsh, Back of a length delivery on off, Marsh defends it off his back foot. 405/4

110.2 S Broad to Marsh, Good length ball on off, Marsh goes on his toes and blocks it down. 405/4

110.1 S Broad to Marsh, Pitched up outside off, driven down towards mid off. 405/4

109.6 C Woakes to Smith, Fullish and straight, Smith flicks it straight to mid-wicket. 405/4

109.5 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 405/4

109.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Back of a length delivery on middle and off, Marsh goes back to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls behind square leg. A single results. 405/4

109.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 404/4

109.2 C Woakes to Smith, AUSTRALIA LEAD BY 1! Woakes lets out a fuller length ball and Smith drives it down the ground. Overton stops it moving across to his left and they cross for one. 404/4

109.1 C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on middle, Smith defends it towards mid on. 403/4

108.6 S Broad to Smith, Fullish and outside off, pushed through covers for one. SCORES LEVEL! 403/4

108.5 S Broad to S Smith, Pitches it up and outside off, Smith drives it down to mid off. 402/4

108.4 S Broad to S Smith, Another tired looking shot from Smith. Width on offer outside off, Smith tries to punch it through covers but fails to middle his shot properly. 402/4

108.3 S Broad to Smith, Smith has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 402/4

108.2 S Broad to Smith, Shuffles across the stumps to a length ball and pushes it down to mid on. 402/4

108.1 S Broad to Smith, Angles in a length ball on middle, Smith defends it on the leg side. 402/4

STUART BROAD is back into the attack.

107.6 C Woakes to Smith, Shout for an lbw, a stifled one though. Nothing from the umpire. Slants a full ball down the leg side, Smith tries to flick but fails to middle. It goes off the inside edge and rolls towards square leg after taking the pads. A single taken. 402/4

107.5 C Woakes to Smith, Angling into the batsman around middle, Smith brings down a straight bat and pushes it towards mid on. 401/4

107.4 C Woakes to Smith, Goes back to a length ball and blocks it safely. 401/4

107.3 C Woakes to Smith, Length delivery on off, defended off the front foot. 401/4

107.2 C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Smart batting! Woakes dishes out a slower delivery, a cutter dropping on a length at 123 kph, Smith picks it in a trice and just opens the face of his blade to guide it through the gap between first slip and gully. The deficit is down to 2. This is now the highest score by a skipper at the WACA! Also, 150-run stand comes up. 401/4

107.1 C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball around off, Smith is watchful in his back foot defense. 397/4

106.6 J Anderson to Marsh, FOUR! Glorious! Anderson pitches it up around middle and Marsh gives it the straight bat treatment. Connects right from the middle of the willow and it screams past the bowler for a boundary down the ground. 397/4

106.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 393/4

106.4 J Anderson to Marsh, Presents the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 393/4

106.3 J Anderson to Marsh, FOUR! Sweet! Anderson serves a back of a length delivery around off, Marsh gets tall inside the crease and punches it exceedingly well through the gap at covers. Growing in confidence with every shot and is fast approaching his maiden Test hundred. Currently on 81, 87 is his highest in Tests. 393/4

106.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 389/4

106.1 J Anderson to Smith, EDGED BUT SAFE! Smiles exchanged between Smith and Anderson. A length delivery outside off, Steven gets across to play at it but the ball takes the outside edge and flies behind. Doesn't carry to Cook at widish first slip. They cross for a run. 389/4

105.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Targets the off stump with a length ball, staying a touch low, Marsh keeps his watchful eyes on the ball and defends it down. 388/4

105.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Too full and on middle, pushed back to the bowler. 388/4

105.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 388/4

105.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Slower one! Woakes bowls an off pace delivery, 117.7 kph, lands it full outside off, Marsh defends it back. 388/4

105.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Good length ball on off, Marsh firmly gets behind the line and blocks it safely. 388/4

105.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Starts this spell with a fuller length ball on off, it's driven down the ground to mid off. 388/4

CHRIS WOAKES is back on.

104.6 J Anderson to Marsh, The length is not ideal to cut but Marsh still goes for it and inside edges it. Not far from the stumps as it speeds away to fine leg. A single taken. 388/4

104.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 387/4

104.4 J Anderson to M Marsh, Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it to mid on. 387/4

104.3 J Anderson to Marsh, Angles in a full length ball on off, Marsh defends it from the crease. 387/4

104.2 J Anderson to Marsh, FOUR! Excellently played! Anderson seems to be getting some reverse going but he fails to land his delivery. It's a low full toss on the pads and Marsh cashes in on the gift by tickling it through mid-wicket. 387/4

104.1 J Anderson to Marsh, FOUR! Width on offer outside off, Marsh stands on the back leg and runs it down to third man for a boundary. 383/4

103.6 C Overton to Smith, Smith has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 379/4

103.5 Overton to Marsh, Funny! Plenty of footwork there, not only from the batsman but also from the bowler and the umpire. Overton slants in a length ball on middle and off, Mitchell drives it straight back off his front foot and Overton sticks his right leg out. It gets deflected off his boot and rolls behind the stumps at the non-striker's end. Marais Erasmus tries getting away from its way but the ball hits him too on the boots. It now ricochets and they cross over for a single. 379/4

103.4 C Overton to Marsh, Extra bounce from a length around off, Mitchell jumps and defends it to the off side. 378/4

103.3 C Overton to Marsh, Angles in a length ball on off, defended. 378/4

103.2 C Overton to Marsh, FOUR! Another fine shot from Marsh's bat! He is writing his own little chapter amidst all the attention on the Aussie skipper. Overton goes a little bit short around off, Marsh camps back and cuts it late to get his placement right. He beats backward point by doing so and it races away to the fence. All too easy at the moment for Australia. 378/4

103.1 C Overton to Marsh, FOUR! Shot! Overton overpitched around middle and off, Marsh gets forward and pumps it straight back past the bowler for a boundary. As straight as an arrow! 374/4

Drinks are on the field. The traffic has flown one way. Smith and Marsh are unbeaten in their 122-run stand. As this stand lingers on, the Englishmen look flatter and flatter. Root seems to be running out of ideas (would have been surprised if he hadn't already). Although the trail stands at 33, it is purely academic at the moment. Can England inspire themselves to come back from this point?

102.6 J Anderson to Smith, Landed around off, Smith presents a straight bat face as he blocks that. 370/4

102.5 J Anderson to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 370/4

102.4 J Anderson to Smith, Smith keeps it out off the back foot. 370/4

102.4 J Anderson to Smith, Would you believe it! It's a NO BALL! Oh Jimmy, how could you do that? He delivers it on a length on off and middle, angling into the batsman. Smith looks to flick but misses and the ball strikes him on the front pad. Anderson lets out a huge appeal and is joined by his teammates but to no avail. Bairstow seems pretty sure and eggs his skipper to take the DRS. Root signals the 'T'. The TV umpire has multiple looks at the front foot and it is seen that Anderson's foot is on the line at the point of landing. It is a no ball and Smith survives. England don't lose the review, too. Afterwards, the Hawk Eye just shows the ball to be clipping the stumps. So the on-field call would have stayed anyway. 370/4

Time for the review! Smith misses the flick and is rapped on the front pad. England appeal but the umpire denies the affirmation that they want. After some thought they opt to take it upstairs. Looks close...

102.3 J Anderson to Smith, This ball is pushed towards the catching mid-wicket fielder. 369/4

102.2 J Anderson to Smith, Smith defends it solidly. 369/4

Silly mid on and a catching mid-wicket in place.

102.1 J Anderson to Smith, Length ball on the stumps, blocked from the crease. 369/4

JAMES ANDERSON is back for another spell.

101.6 C Overton to Smith, Short ball pulled away to fine leg. One shouts Smith, one he gets. 369/4

101.5 C Overton to Smith, Clipped towards mid-wicket. 368/4

101.4 C Overton to Smith, Bouncer in line of the stumps, Smith gets down and sways away from the line simultaneously as he lets it go. 368/4

101.3 C Overton to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 368/4

101.2 C Overton to Smith, Smith drives it straight to mid off. 368/4

101.1 C Overton to Smith, FOUR! Off target yet again from Overton. Bowls it on the pads, Smith tickles it fine. The ball is on the way to the fine leg fence. Ali runs to his right, does well to try and stop that but the adamant cherry insists and does make contact with the boundary ropes. This is the highest individual score at the WACA. What's more, the score is 368/4 - the numbers from where England slid down to get bowled out! 368/4

100.6 M Ali to Marsh, Turned round the corner for nothing. 364/4

100.5 M Ali to Smith, This one is punched through covers for a single. 364/4

100.4 M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. 363/4

100.3 M Ali to Smith, A touch shorter, Smith goes back and flicks it towards square leg and takes off for a run. Overton gets to his left and fires a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the batter was well in. 362/4

100.2 M Ali to M Marsh, Another run taken after playing the ball through the cover region. 361/4

100.1 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh goes back and blocks it stoutly. 360/4

99.6 C Overton to Marsh, A loud shot from the English side for an LBW, the umpire stays unmoved. Overton angles it down leg and lands it around middle. Marsh misses the flick and it goes off the pad through square leg. The batsmen cross over for one. England appeal but the umpire stays unmoved. He reserves his decision of a leg bye till the time they ponder over taking the DRS. After seeing that they aren't opting for it, a leg bye is signaled. 360/4

99.5 C Overton to Marsh, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 359/4

99.4 C Overton to Marsh, Sprayed down the leg side, left alone. 359/4

99.3 C Overton to Marsh, FOUR! The straight drive is one of the most beautiful shots in the sport. Overton spears it full around off, Marsh times it sweetly down the ground and gets a boundary to his name. 359/4

99.2 C Overton to Marsh, Marsh keeps it out watchfully off the back foot. 355/4

99.1 C Overton to Marsh, Length ball on the off stump line, defended from the crease. 355/4

98.6 M Ali to S Smith, Floated around off, Steven drives it through covers for a brace. Easily, 5 runs have come off this over. 355/4

98.5 M Ali to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 353/4

98.4 M Ali to Smith, Smith comes down the track and bunts it solidly. 353/4

98.3 M Ali to Marsh, These are easy runs on offer for the hosts. Again it is played through covers for one. 353/4

98.2 M Ali to S Smith, Smith drives this through the covers. One run added to the total. 352/4

98.1 M Ali to M Marsh, Marsh drives it through covers for one. 351/4

97.6 C Overton to Smith, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. 350/4

97.5 C Overton to S Smith, Edged but safe. Finally an English bowler manages to get the edge of Smith's bat but it lands well short of Cook at widish first slip. He does well to stop it with a dive to his left. 350/4

97.4 C Overton to Smith, Blocked solidly from the crease. 350/4

97.3 C Overton to Marsh, Flicked off the pads through square leg for a run. 350/4

97.2 C Overton to Marsh, Marsh defends this by getting behind the line of the ball. 349/4

97.1 C Overton to Marsh, Blocked off the back foot with a straight bat. 349/4

CRAIG OVERTON to run in with the ball now.

96.6 M Ali to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 349/4

96.5 M Ali to Smith, The 100-run stand between Smith and Marsh is up. Smith hits this through covers for a brace. On a lighter note, they are just 136 away from registering the highest stand in the series. Trail gets down to 54. 349/4

96.4 M Ali to Smith, Punched off the back foot by Smith. 347/4

96.3 M Ali to Smith, Delivered down the leg side, Smith lets it be. 347/4

96.2 M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Flatter outside off, Smith has plenty of time in the world. He goes back and cuts it through point. Overton chases it from cover-point, puts in the slide and gets the rope between his legs. A boundary isn't saved. 347/4

96.1 M Ali to M Marsh, THIRD TEST FIFTY FOR MITCHELL MARSH! He last played a Test in March 2017 against India and what a comeback for him here. This has been a sensible yet attacking innings here. Loopy ball outside off, he pushes it towards wide mid off for a run to get to 50. He was churning out performance in the Sheffield Shield games with the bat. But of late, he had delivered the goods with the ball as well and hence was picked up in the national side. That was a debated topic as he was preferred over Handscomb who had a string of poor scores only recently. But this knock from the all-rounder might just silence the critics for now. 343/4

The only wicket-taker of the day so far, MOEEN ALI, comes back to bowl. Will he have a ball again?

95.6 C Woakes to Smith, A bit more conventional leave this time. This is outside off, left alone by SPD Smith. 342/4

95.5 C Woakes to Smith, Is there a fly there, Steven Smith? As he lets this length ball outside off go unharmed, he does the action of swatting a fly with the bat. Smith and his strange ways! 342/4

95.4 C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length around off, pulled through mid-wicket for a brace. 342/4

95.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh taps it towards cover-point and gets to the other end. 340/4

95.2 C Woakes to M Marsh, FOUR! No half measures there. Often batters are tentative outside their off stump but not Mitch. Length ball outside off, Marsh slashes hard at that. Gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies over the gully region for a boundary. Moves to 48 now, partnership gets to 91. 339/4

95.1 C Woakes to M Marsh, Full ball outside off, driven crisply straight to the man stationed at covers. 335/4

Silly mid off in place now.

94.6 S Broad to Smith, Length ball down the leg side, Smith brings out one of his animated leaves to let the keeper do the rest. 335/4

94.5 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! And the Smith-show keeps on getting better and better. Broad bowls it on a length just outside off, Smith has so much time up his sleeves that he gets up on his toes and punches it crisply through covers for a glorious boundary. 335/4

94.4 S Broad to Marsh, Short ball, pulled away through mid-wicket for one. 331/4

94.3 S Broad to Marsh, Misdirected delivery, down the leg side. Marsh doesn't go behind that and just lets it be. 330/4

94.2 S Broad to Marsh, There's the zippy nature of the track coming to the fore. Broad bends his back and bangs it short in the line of the middle stump. Marsh looks to hook it away but gets beaten due to the pace and bounce. On another day, he could easily end up gloving it to the cover. 330/4

94.1 S Broad to Marsh, Length delivery around off, defended solidly by Mitch. 330/4

93.6 C Woakes to Smith, Outside off, left alone. 330/4

93.5 C Woakes to Smith, Smith lets this full ball come to the bat before blocking it. 330/4

93.4 C Woakes to Smith, SS defends it from within the crease. 330/4

93.3 C Woakes to Smith, Seventh score of over 150 in Tests for Steven Smith! The run-machine is just impossible to stop, feel the Englishmen on the field. Woakes bowls it full outside off, the Aussie skipper drives it through covers for a brace. 330/4

93.2 C Woakes to Smith, Smith gets on the back foot and punches it straight to the cover fielder. 328/4

93.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Tapped towards covers for one by Marsh. 328/4

92.6 S Broad to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 327/4

92.5 S Broad to Smith, Dangerous! Smith ducks under this bouncer and lets it go. A second look at that revealed that he had taken his eyes off the ball early and ducked. This could get nasty. 327/4

92.4 S Broad to Marsh, Lovely timing. Marsh punches it through mid off from the back foot and gets three runs. Stoneman is the man who does the mopping up, running all the way there with his pads on. 327/4

92.3 S Broad to Marsh, Howzzat? On a length outside off, Marsh looks to sway back and let that go. But he fails to get his entire body out of the way. The ball goes off his right biceps through to the keeper. 324/4

92.2 S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 324/4

92.1 S Broad to Marsh, Short ball on the stumps, Mitch gets low and lets it go. 324/4

91.6 C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Nailed it! Woakes serves it on a back of a length around off, Smith swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket. He kept it all along the ground and the ball raced away to the fence. 324/4

91.5 C Woakes to Smith, Pushed towards covers for nothing. 320/4

91.4 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 320/4

91.3 C Woakes to Smith, This one is kept out from the crease. 320/4

91.2 C Woakes to Smith, Full ball around off, driven to mid off. 320/4

91.1 C Woakes to Smith, Extra bounce! Length ball outside off, Smith looks to unleash the cover drive. But the ball gets big on him and he ends up getting it off the inner half of the bat towards the bowler. The surprised look on Smith's face says it all. Never expected that ball to rise. 320/4

90.6 S Broad to Marsh, Another bouncer, ducked under. 320/4

90.5 S Broad to Marsh, Short delivery angling down the leg side, Marsh looks to pull but doesn't make any contact with the ball. 320/4

90.4 S Broad to Marsh, Another bouncer on the stumps, Mitch ducks and lets it go. 320/4

90.3 S Broad to Marsh, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. 320/4

Stuart Broad is a defensive bowler reckons Ian Chappell on air. He states that the pacer relies on the fielders to save runs rather than expecting them to take catches and bowl accordingly. This is something that worries Chappell.

90.2 S Broad to Smith, Smith gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls through backward square leg. A run taken. At this point, Broad's bowling average this series is 49.20, his worst in any series he has played 3 or more matches in. 320/4

90.1 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Steven Smith gets to 144, the highest individual score of the series so far, going past his own unbeaten 141. This was a length ball outside off, all Smith had to do was to hang back and punch it through covers. A boundary results. 319/4

STUART BROAD will bowl from the other end.

89.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Length ball outside off, Marsh keeps it out towards gully. 315/4

89.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Harmless ball outside off, Marsh covers his sticks and shoulders arms to let that pass. 315/4

89.4 C Woakes to M Marsh, This ball is driven on the up to mid off. 315/4

89.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Full outside off, left alone by Marsh. 315/4

89.2 C Woakes to Marsh, This is outside off, Mitch doesn't fiddle with that. 315/4

89.1 C Woakes to Smith, On a length outside off, slapped through backward point. The fielder there makes a half-stop but fails to prevent a run. Smith moves to 140, equaling the highest score of the match made by Dawid Malan. 315/4

The players and the umpires make their way out to the middle after what we believe, must have been a sumptuous meal. From a bird's-eye view, this will possibly be another run-scoring session. We'll reserve the closer view for the session end. The authoritative STEVE SMITH and a confident MITCHELL MARSH will continue their innings. CHRIS WOAKES to steam in first up. Will the tourists reduce their toil in the session?

... Day 3, Second Session...

England will be disappointed with their overall work in the morning. Their bowling was flat and Root's strategy was also not up to the mark. They were 200 runs ahead at the start but rather than attacking at the beginning, they decided to sit back and wait for things to happen. Their pacers looked off-colour, to say the least and the second new ball also didn't do any wonders for them. Australia have maintained the momentum they gained yesterday and will be eyeing a good lead at the moment. Having said that, they would not like to think too ahead of the game also. Another exciting session awaits. Do join us in a short while.

The Aussie skipper was the star of the session! He continued from where he left yesterday and punished the English bowlers to all parts of the park. His delightful strokes, coupled with excellent running between the wickets, kept annoying the Englishmen as he scooted his way to his 22nd Test century, fastest for him in Tests. The current pair has further piled on the agony on England as they've added runs at a brisk pace and the deficit has come down to 89 runs.

Australia enjoyed the morning session. We said that the first hour was going to be crucial and they batted the most part of it without any trouble. The partnership between Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh blossomed but just when the latter started to get going with his shots, he was dismissed by Moeen Ali. England thought they had an opening there but the junior Marsh joined forces with his skipper to shut down that door of opportunity.

88.6 S Broad to Marsh, Full in length outside off, Marsh plays a textbook forward defense to end the session. LUNCH ON DAY 3! 314/4

88.5 S Broad to Marsh, Bangs in a bouncer on middle, Marsh ducks this time. 314/4

88.4 S Broad to Marsh, Well-directed short ball, just around off and speeding off the surface, Marsh shows good technique there as he drops his wrists and allows it through. 314/4

88.3 S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 314/4

88.2 S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! That's crunched! Short and wide outside off, Marsh, the local lad, loves it there. He just rises on his back foot and whacks it behind point for a boundary. He knows the amount of bounce here after playing all his domestic cricket at this venue. 314/4

88.1 S Broad to Marsh, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper. 310/4

87.6 C Woakes to Smith, Full and outside off, driven through covers for a couple of runs. 14 off the over, Woakes completely lost his radar! 310/4

87.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes is too straight again and Marsh flicks it through mid-wicket. Overton in the deep slides near the fence and saves a run for his side. 308/4

87.4 C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Australia's deficit goes below hundred now. Also Mitchell Marsh overtakes his brother in this innings. Woakes overdoes his line this time, bowls it full and on the pads. All Mitch has to do is to deflect it fine. He does exactly that and collects an easy boundary. 305/4

87.3 C Woakes to Marsh, FOUR! Lovely shot to bring up the 50-run stand! Full in length and outside off, Marsh strides forward and unveils an on drive for a boundary. Timing there was excellent even though it wasn't middled properly. 301/4

87.2 C Woakes to Marsh, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 297/4

87.1 C Woakes to Smith, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, Smith nudges it to fine leg for a single. He always has that extra second to play his shots. 297/4

86.6 S Broad to M Marsh, Good running. Moral victory to the bowler first up. Delivers it full and angling into the batsman around off and middle, Marsh gets an inside edge onto his pad and the ball rolls towards square leg. Spotting no fielder in that region, the batters run two. 296/4

86.5 S Broad to M Marsh, Angling into the batsman on a fuller length around off and middle, Mitch drives it to mid on. 294/4

86.4 S Broad to Marsh, This ball is defended with a straight bat towards covers. 294/4

86.3 S Broad to M Marsh, Full length ball outside off, Marsh is getting out his drives well. Drills it towards mid off where Ali does well to put in a dive to his right and stop that. 294/4

86.2 S Broad to Smith, Another full ball outside off. However, instead of going for the drive, Smith lets the ball come to him and guides it through point for one. The stand moves up to 46. 294/4

86.1 S Broad to Smith, Overpitched outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder. 293/4

STUART BROAD gets a change of ends. He's been driven, cut and clipped away for runs so far. Redemption time?

85.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 293/4

85.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Once again it's full and straight, Marsh forces it down the ground, finds mid on. 293/4

85.4 C Woakes to Marsh, This one is angled into the batsman, Marsh flicks it through square leg for a couple. 293/4

85.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Shortish and outside off, a mistimed square cut by Mitchell. 291/4

85.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Pitches it up this time, Marsh drives it back to the bowler. 291/4

85.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it safely. 291/4

CHRIS WOAKES is back on.

84.6 J Anderson to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 291/4

84.5 J Anderson to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 291/4

84.4 J Anderson to Smith, NOT OUT! It indeed is missing leg and by a good margin as well. Desperation creeping in the English camp. As said before, Smith missed a full ball sliding down the leg side by Anderson to get hit on the back leg. An appeal was made by Jimmy but to no avail as the ball raced away to fine leg for a boundary. Root waited for the umpire's decision to know whether there was any inside edge but the umpire kept it pending. After that Anderson convinced his skipper for the DRS. The replays roll on and it's an embarrassing one for England. No inside edge, the impact was umpire's call and it's missing leg. They lose one review. Also four leg byes added to the total. 291/4

Shout for an lbw by James Anderson. Steven Smith misses his flick for a change and is hit on the back pad. It races to the fence. Joe Root waits for the umpire's decision but the umpire stays put. He, then, opts for the DRS after getting convinced by his bowler. Missing leg, it seems.

84.3 J Anderson to Marsh, Width on offer outside off, Marsh rocks back to punch it through the line but gets an inside edge past the stumps. A single taken. 287/4

84.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Excellent delivery and a good leave. Anderson serves it full and just around off, straightening off the pitch, Marsh plants his front foot forward to cover the line and allows it through. 286/4

84.1 J Anderson to Marsh, Some spice from the wicket. Anderson gets the inswinger going from a length around off, Marsh tries to defend but misses and takes a blow near the groin region. 286/4

83.6 S Broad to Smith, Length delivery outside off, defended by Smith. 286/4

83.5 S Broad to Marsh, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 286/4

83.4 S Broad to Marsh, A block this time to a length ball angled into him. 285/4

83.3 S Broad to Marsh, FOUR! A thumping drive from Mitchell Marsh. The company of Steven Smith is infectious. Marsh shows his class as he gets a full ball from Broad. Unfurls a cover drive and times it with aplomb. Away it runs through the gap for a boundary. 285/4

83.2 S Broad to Marsh, Good length delivery on off, Marsh drives it through the line but finds mid off. 281/4

83.1 S Broad to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 281/4

82.6 J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! You will never get tired of watching him drive. He receives a full ball in his half, not much movement and he just caresses it through covers for a boundary. 281/4

82.5 Anderson to Smith, Wow, an eye-catching straight drive by Smith. But it's so straight that Anderson gets some part of his right hand on it and deflects it towards the stumps at the non-striker's end. Mitchell Marsh was safely in. 277/4

82.4 J Anderson to Smith, Lets the ball go outside his off stump. 277/4

82.3 J Anderson to Smith, Straighter in line, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 277/4

82.2 J Anderson to Smith, Lands it full and on middle, Smith helps it off his pads to mid-wicket. 275/4

82.1 J Anderson to Marsh, Full and angling down the leg side, Marsh flicks it off the inner half of the bat to fine leg for one. 275/4

81.6 S Broad to Smith, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 274/4

81.5 S Broad to M Marsh, Woakes saves a certain boundary! Broad pitches it up and outside off, enticing the drive from Marsh. He cracks that off the front foot and Woakes at covers dives to his left to make a superb stop. Although it's not a clean one and the batsmen cross. 274/4

81.4 S Broad to Marsh, Good length ball on off, Marsh nicely gets behind the line this time and blocks it to the off side. 273/4

81.3 S Broad to Marsh, Beauty to beat the edge! This one swings into the batsman and nips away of the pitch. All the action happens just around off and Marsh has a tame push and miss inside the line. 273/4

81.2 S Broad to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 273/4

81.1 S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on middle, Smith works it around the corner and takes a single. England won't mind that as Broad gets the opportunity to bowl at the new batsman with the new cherry. 273/4

STUART BROAD to share the new cherry from the other end. Two slips a gully in place. Fielders in the deep at point and square leg.

80.6 J Anderson to Marsh, Outside off, left alone. 272/4

80.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Length ball outside off, once again some visible away movement, however, Marsh does well to drive it through covers for a couple of runs. 272/4

80.4 J Anderson to M Marsh, Movement straight away. Swinging away from the batsman, Marsh pushes inside the line and edges it behind. Luckily for the local lad, it doesn't carry to the gully fielder. 270/4

The last boundary prompts for the change in ball. England have taken the second new nut!

80.3 J Anderson to Marsh, FOUR! Shot of the morning for me! A cracking sound of the bat meeting the ball. Anderson switches to over the wicket for Mitch. He delivers a full ball on off which has been driven down the ground through mid off. 270/4

80.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 266/4

80.1 J Anderson to Smith, Anderson continues from his around the wicket angle and bowls it too full on leg. Smith loves playing that shot. He just flicks it through backward square leg for a run. Smithy can even flick those through his legs, we have seen that in the past, mainly in shorter formats. 266/4

Second new ball is available now.

79.6 C Overton to Marsh, A forward defense by Marsh to end the over. 265/4

79.5 C Overton to Marsh, Length and around off, defended back easily. 265/4

79.4 C Overton to Marsh, FOUR! Overton is too straight in line on this occasion, on a length, Mitchell Marsh picks it up off his pads and flicks it with good timing through square leg for a boundary. There was a silly mid on waiting for any error from Mitch's bat but he closed the face of the bat at the right time. 265/4

79.3 C Overton to Marsh, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, not rising much, Marsh allows it through. 261/4

79.2 C Overton to Smith, A juicy half-volley on offer outside off, Smith eases his square drive through the gap for a single. 261/4

79.1 C Overton to Smith, Full in length and around off, Smith covers the line and presents a straight defensive bat of his. 260/4

78.6 J Anderson to Smith, Anderson alters his length to go short, around off, Smith just rolls his wrists over the pull shot and sends it to deep backward square leg for one. 260/4

78.5 J Anderson to Smith, Gets behind the line and defends it comfortably to the on side again. 259/4

78.4 J Anderson to Smith, Action replay of the last delivery. Not sure this ploy will trouble the Australian skipper. Only thing working so far is that he has not scored any run. 259/4

78.3 J Anderson to Smith, Smith is anticipating the line from Anderson as he is bowling from around the wicket. The Aussie skipper stands a bit open up in his stance and defends the length delivery on the leg side. 259/4

78.2 J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery on middle, Smith hangs on the back foot and defends it to the off side. 259/4

78.1 J Anderson to Smith, Anderson operates from around the wicket. Bowls it shortish and on leg, Smith gets behind the line and defends it on the leg side. 259/4

JAMES ANDERSON is brought back into the attack for another spell. The second new ball is due in two overs. A slip and leg gully in place. A late field change with short mid-wicket coming in too.

77.6 C Overton to Marsh, On a good length outside off, staying a bit low, Marsh does well to block it safely. 259/4

77.5 C Overton to Marsh, In the channel outside off, Marsh allows it through to the keeper. 259/4

77.4 C Overton to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 259/4

77.3 C Overton to Smith, Angling down the leg side, nudged to fine leg for a run. 259/4

77.2 Overton to Marsh, Fullish and on middle, Marsh chips it over the bowler's head with a straight willow. The mid on fielder runs across to his left and then chases it down. A single taken. That probably stopped a bit onto the batsman. 258/4

77.1 C Overton to Smith, Turns this delivery in front of square leg and scampers across for a quick single. 257/4

76.6 M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 256/4

76.5 M Ali to Smith, An off break delivery on the shorter side outside off, Smith uses the crease to create room and cracks it through point for a run. The field is well spread out for the Aussie skipper. 256/4

76.4 M Ali to Marsh, Off the mark and will be a relieved man. Marsh leans forward to a full ball and drives it towards point for a run. 255/4

76.3 M Ali to Marsh, Loopy and full on off, Mitchell lunges and defends it watchfully. 254/4

76.2 M Ali to Smith, Goes back to a short ball and punches it through covers for one. 254/4

76.1 M Ali to Smith, Tossed up ball on middle, turning in, Smith gets back and defends it on the leg side. 253/4

Time for drinks! Imagine this - a clear broad highway, good for driving fast. You do so and there comes a speed-breaker where you have to slow down a touch. Compare this with Australia's batting so far. They were cruising along the highway of runs this morning before the speed breaker in the form of Marsh's wicket came. Whether that causes them to slow down is to be seen. Mitchell Marsh isn't known to grind it out there and will look to wield his willow soon. Smith is going smoothly to even think that he'll change the way he plays. What about England, though? They'd hope that there is some magic in Moeen Ali's fingers to provide further inroads into the opposition. They'd also secretly wish that there is a batting collapse like they had yesterday after around the same time.

75.6 C Overton to Marsh, Another delivery well outside off, Shaun doesn't bother playing that. 253/4

75.5 C Overton to Marsh, Outside off, left alone. 253/4

75.4 C Overton to Smith, The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. The batsmen have run through for a single. 253/4

75.3 C Overton to Smith, FOUR! This is Smith's way of getting back. Overton bowls it on a length outside off, the Australian skipper hangs back and opens the face of the bat. The ball goes through the gully region for a boundary. 252/4

75.2 C Overton to Smith, Overton 2, Smith 0! The seamer lands it on a back of a length around off, Steven thinks it to be short enough to duck under and does so. But as the ball doesn't rise as expected, he gets hit on the left biceps. That should have ruffled his feathers. 248/4

75.1 C Overton to Smith, Smith stays on the back foot and blocks. 248/4

74.6 M Ali to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 248/4

74.5 M Ali to Marsh, Marsh strides forward and blocks it. 248/4

Marsh replaces Marsh! MITCHELL MARSH walks in next after the fall of Shaun's wicket. He was in form for Western Australia, which mooted his comeback to the side. This is his home ground. Can he replicate that success here?

74.4 M Ali to S Marsh, OUT! After two boundary balls comes a wicket. Ali strikes! This is wonderful bit of off spin. A perfect one to pick up a southpaw. Tossed up around off, Marsh lunges half-forward to defend. The ball spins away just a touch and catches the outside edge of the bat. Root is alert at first slip on this occasion and takes a good catch to his right. Soft dismissal in the end for Marsh, end of a 69-run stand. Australia still 155 runs behind. 248/4

Ian Chappell believes that Root wasn't right at the beginning of the day with just a slip for Smith. Although the Aussie skipper was in the 90s, England should have shown more intent, feels the on-air commentator.

74.3 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! How easy did this shot look! Ali tosses this up around off, Marsh slinks down the track and just flicks it past mid-wicket. Anderson there was lazy to put in the dive and the ball sped away to the fence. 248/3

74.2 M Ali to Marsh, FOUR! Well played, Shaun! Ali offers this short and flat around off and middle, Marsh gets back and swats it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 244/3

74.1 M Ali to S Smith, Floated around off, Smith gets back and plays it through mid on for a single. 240/3

MOEEN ALI to roll his arm over now. A drier pitch should help him a bit.

73.6 C Overton to Marsh, Length ball outside off, Marsh points his bat skywards to let it go. 239/3

73.5 C Overton to Marsh, Angled down the leg side, Marsh misses the flick and wears it on the pads. 239/3

73.4 C Overton to Marsh, There's the effect of the crack! Overton serves it on a length and the ball lands on the crack and shoots up. Marsh, unaware of the effect of the crack, looks to shoulder arms after covering the stumps. The ball comes in and strikes him on the thigh pad on the back foot. A stifled appeal dies down immediately. This will get Shaun thinking now. 239/3

73.3 C Overton to Marsh, Landed in line of the stumps, blocked towards mid-wicket. 239/3

73.2 C Overton to Marsh, Fuller outside off, Marsh covers his stumps and lets it be. 239/3

A catching mid-wicket in place.

73.1 C Overton to Smith, Craig bowls it on a length outside off, Smith just glides it through backward point for a single. 239/3

72.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Another delivery landed outside off, duly left alone by the left-handed batsman. 238/3

72.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Well outside off, Shaun doesn't bother to put bat to that. 238/3

72.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh flicks this one past the short mid-wicket fielder and gets a brace. 238/3

72.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Bowled outside off, Marsh doesn't bother putting bat to that. 236/3

72.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Around off and middle, defended solidly from the crease. 236/3

72.1 C Woakes to Marsh, Fuller around off and middle, defended back towards the bowler. 236/3

71.6 C Overton to Marsh, Angled in around off and middle, turned towards mid on for a run. Broad there fields that and throws it to the keeper's end. 236/3

71.5 C Overton to Marsh, Landed around off, blocked from the crease. 235/3

71.4 C Overton to Smith, Punched through cover-point for a run. 235/3

71.3 C Overton to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 234/3

71.2 C Overton to Smith, Angling down the leg side, Smith watches it go to the keeper. 234/3

71.1 C Overton to Smith, Length ball just outside off, Smith gets behind it and blocks it. There is some extra bounce on that one and the ball hits him high on the bat. 234/3

70.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Another one outside off, well left by Shaun. 234/3

70.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Angled across Marsh, left alone. 234/3

70.4 C Woakes to Smith, Like any pacer, Woakes bowls a short one to follow up the full one dished out earlier. Smith is up to the occasion and he pulls it down to fine leg for a run. As he played that shot, he waved his bat in circular motion like a magic wand. Indeed, he looks like a magician out there at the moment. 234/3

70.3 C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Gets to landmarks in style, doesn't he? Steven Smith! 1000 TEST RUNS IN 2017 for the Australian skipper. Woakes spears it full outside off, Smith gets ahead and drives it nicely through covers for a boundary. 233/3

70.2 C Woakes to Smith, On a length around off, Smith gets squared up a touch as he defends it. 229/3

70.1 C Woakes to Smith, Full ball outside off, defended from the crease. 229/3

Double change. CHRIS WOAKES is brought into the attack now.

69.6 C Overton to Smith, Smith flicks it away wristily through backward square leg for one. 229/3

69.5 C Overton to Marsh, Overton strays on the pads, gets clipped through square leg for a single. 228/3

69.4 C Overton to Marsh, Outside off, left alone. 227/3

69.3 C Overton to S Marsh, FOUR! Here is a gracious stroke from Marsh's blade. Full length ball on off and middle, Marsh just plays it with the angle. Flicks it through the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. 227/3

69.2 C Overton to Marsh, Harmless ball outside off, SM leaves it alone. 223/3

69.1 C Overton to Marsh, Length ball on off, Marsh stonewalls it from the crease. 223/3

CRAIG OVERTON to have a bowl now. He was good yesterday before walking off. How will he fare today?

Take note of this - This is Smith's FASTEST TEST HUNDRED. Further proof of how commanding he has been out there. Just a heads up, the Australian skipper had scored his slowest ton in the first Test and here he is. Amazing to see the way he possesses the ability to change gears.

68.6 J Anderson to Smith, Around off, blocked off the front foot. 223/3

68.5 J Anderson to Smith, Bowled outside off, left alone. 223/3

68.4 J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 223/3

68.3 J Anderson to S Smith, This ball is driven to the man at mid off. 223/3

68.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Quick single. Marsh pats it towards mid-wicket and sets off. Makes it to the other end before Ali charges in and misses his shy at the bowler's end. 223/3

68.1 J Anderson to Smith, Anderson delivers this full on off and middle, Smith looks to clip it to the on side, ends up getting an outside edge through the point region for a single. 222/3

67.6 S Broad to Marsh, Fuller outside off, Marsh gets ahead and defends. 221/3

67.5 S Broad to Marsh, Length outside off, left alone. 221/3

67.4 S Broad to Marsh, Fuller on the stumps from round the wicket, Marsh hits it straight to the man at the mid-wicket region. 221/3

67.3 S Broad to Smith, Another short ball angling down leg, Smith mistimes his pull. Actually this wasn't that short for the shot. Ends up gloving it towards fine leg for a single. 221/3

67.2 S Broad to Smith, The Aussie skipper gets behind the line of the ball and defends it. 220/3

67.1 S Broad to Smith, Broad bowls this short around off and middle, Smith ducks under that to let it go. 220/3

66.6 J Anderson to Marsh, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 220/3

66.5 J Anderson to Smith, Smith dabs this one towards point for a single. 220/3

66.4 J Anderson to Marsh, Marsh pats it towards covers and picks up a run. 219/3

66.3 J Anderson to Marsh, Length ball on the middle stump, defended from the crease. 218/3

66.2 J Anderson to Smith, Now he nudges this one to fine leg and gets to the other end. 218/3

66.1 J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! 22nd Test century for Steven Peter Devereux Smith and he gets there in style. Gets a fuller delivery around middle and leg, he clips it nicely through mid-wicket. The timing on that is such that the ball speeds away to the fence. This is his second ton in the series, 5th in this calendar year. He is in stupendous form and this has been a staggering knock. Fluent from the word go, authoritative throughout. Dwells in the moment by taking off his helmet and raising his bat in elation. Take a bow, skip! 217/3

65.6 S Broad to Smith, Flicked through mid-wicket for a single. Smith moves to 99. 213/3

65.5 S Broad to Smith, Blocked off the front foot onto the ground. 212/3

65.4 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Wow! The way Smith finds the minutest of gaps in the field, it is comparable to the thread going through the eye of the needle. This is a full length ball on middle, Smith just flicks it nonchalantly. Finds the gap between short mid-wicket and mid on for a glorious boundary that takes him to 98. The first one of the day. 212/3

65.3 S Broad to Smith, Full ball outside off, Smith takes his right leg across and looks to drive it through covers. Ends up getting it off the inner half towards mid off. 208/3

65.2 S Broad to Smith, Similar delivery, Smith defends it towards the bowler. 208/3

65.1 S Broad to Smith, Broad, looking to attack the stumps, bowls this on full on off. Smith dead-bats it with a straight blade. 208/3

64.6 J Anderson to Marsh, Served around off and angling away, Marsh withdraws his bat and lets the ball pass through to the keeper. A maiden this one. 208/3

64.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the front foot. 208/3

64.4 J Anderson to Marsh, Back of a length around leg, Marsh stays in the crease and looks to work it away to the on side. Ends up being hit on the gloves. The ball dies down in front of him. 208/3

64.3 J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller on middle, pushed towards mid on. 208/3

64.2 J Anderson to Marsh, This length is more near the batsman, Marsh pushes it back to the bowler. 208/3

64.1 J Anderson to Marsh, Length ball on middle and leg, Marsh stands tall and defends it showing the full face of the bat. 208/3

63.6 S Broad to Smith, Length ball around off and middle, defended from the crease. 208/3

63.5 S Broad to Smith, Smith gets forward and presents a straight bat face to block that. 208/3

63.4 S Broad to Smith, Hurled outside off, Smith shoulders arms to that. 208/3

63.3 S Broad to Smith, Fuller around off, defended off the front foot. 208/3

63.2 S Broad to Marsh, Now Marsh would feel a bit easy after this shot. Broad comes round the wicket and bowls it full around off and middle. Shaun flicks it nicely through mid-wicket for three. Overton is the man doing the chasing job there. 208/3

63.1 S Broad to Smith, Full delivery well outside off to start with. Smith square drives it to deep point for a single. 205/3

STUART BROAD to run in from the other end. He's going over 4 an over and is wicketless. However, this is a new day and he would look to make an impact right away. Same field for him too.

62.6 J Anderson to Marsh, A slight confusion, all safe in the end. Marsh taps this length delivery in front of point and immediately sets off for a run, only to be sent back by Smith. The skipper was right as the man from the region gets to the ball quickly. 204/3

62.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Anderson continues over the wicket to the southpaw. Hurls it across the left-hander around off. Marsh covers the stumps and lets it pass. 204/3

62.4 J Anderson to Smith, First run for the day. Fuller around middle, Smith moves across and flicks it away through backward square leg for a run. He gets to 93 now. For the record, the follow-on is averted. 204/3

62.3 J Anderson to Smith, Pitched up to the batsman around off and middle, Smith blocks it with the bat close to his front pad. 203/3

62.2 J Anderson to Smith, A touch fuller around off, flicked away towards square leg. 203/3

62.1 J Anderson to Smith, Begins with a length delivery around off that climbs up a bit more than it ideally should have. Smith rides it well and defends it with a straight bat to the leg side. 203/3

With a view to avoid being on the back foot, the Englishmen take their spots in the field. Overton's availability would be a shot in the arm for them. The second new ball is still 18 overs away. One can expect something to happen when they opt for that. How they perform in the interim would be an interesting watch. For starters, it will be JAMES ANDERSON to bowl. Only one slip stands in anticipation apart from a square leg and a short mid-wicket.

It's time for things to get rolling. STEVE SMITH and SHAUN MARSH make their way to the middle. They are going through a 24-run stand. It has been a slow one but one can understand the cause as it was towards the dying stages of the day's play yesterday. They will look to reduce the deficit as quickly as they can and go into the lead as the forecast for the next couple of days isn't too promising.

BREAKING NEWS - England have confirmed that Craig Overton has come through fine in the nets and is FIT TO BOWL. They will heave a huge sigh of relief.

For England, the way forward would be for Anderson and Broad to get into their groove and strike early. They were a tad below par yesterday, which made matters difficult for them. The visitors will also sweat over the availability of Overton who had to walk out due to a rib injury. Can the tourists trigger a batting collapse here? Remember, the hosts trail still stands at 200. Stay with us as we get all the action to you.

Day 3 is often the moving day in a Test match. The Perth Test enters its third day. Both the sides have had a day to their credit so far. Who will rule the roost today? Welcome to our coverage as we await yet another Steven Smith century. He has looked commanding in his time out there and England would either have to get him out quickly or chip away at the wickets from the other end.

... Day 3, First session...

35-6 is the figure that would haunt England today. They were well-placed at 368/4 when Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow were going great guns after crossing their respective tons. Once the former departed, the procession continued as England were kept down to far less than what they promised. This has given the home side a sniff and mind you, they are too good a side to not make use of that. Australia are 200 runs behind now. The Smith-Marsh pair would hope to carry on for long and probably look to ensure that they finish ahead after their first innings. Another exciting day beckons. Which way will the balance sway? Join us tomorrow at 1030 local time (0230 GMT) to find out.

The hosts began reasonably well with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft providing them a free-flowing start. Their innings culminated when the cherry was handed to Craig Overton. He got rid of both in quick succession and looked the only incisive one. He walked off after aggravating his rib injury, which he picked in the last Test. The tourists would hope he is fit and takes the field tomorrow. They would also want James Anderson and Stuart Broad to strike the right chord along with Chris Woakes, who took the only wicket to fall in the final session.

Another engrossing day of cricket ends! Steve Smith - the one name that the whole of England would not be loving - is still unbeaten at the crease, eight short of a century. He was not one bit fazed with whatever was on offer when he walked in. The pitch was starting to liven up and he countered all of that to make life easy for his side. He started off rather quickly - getting to a fifty in just 58 balls - before slowing down towards the end. His fluid innings helped Usman Khawaja settle down and get to a fifty. The southpaw was largely struggling during his time in the middle and eventually, their stand was worth 124.

61.6 S Broad to Marsh, Broad runs in from around the wicket and arrows in a fuller length ball on off, Marsh strides forward and defends it safely to the off side. That's it, STUMPS ON DAY 2! 203/3

61.5 S Broad to Smith, Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it gently to mid off. He scampers across to the other end. 203/3

61.4 S Broad to Smith, Waste of energy. It's short but wide outside off to trouble the batsman. 202/3

61.3 S Broad to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 202/3

61.2 S Broad to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. 202/3

61.1 S Broad to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, jumping onto the batsman, Smith goes on his toes and keeps it out off the leading half of his blade. 202/3

60.6 M Ali to Marsh, A touch on the shorter side around off, Marsh moves back and punches it towards the bowler. 202/3

60.5 M Ali to Marsh, Slow loopy full ball on off, Marsh lunges and defends it with soft hands. 202/3

60.4 M Ali to Marsh, This ball is pushed towards mid on. 202/3

60.3 M Ali to Marsh, Tossed up around off and middle, Shaun lunges forward in defense. 202/3

60.2 M Ali to Marsh, Flatter on the stumps, Marsh goes back and works it towards square leg. 202/3

60.1 M Ali to Smith, Floated around off, driven towards mid on for one. 202/3

59.6 S Broad to Smith, Presses forward and pushes it through covers for a single. Smith moves to 90! 201/3

59.5 S Broad to Smith, Smith has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 200/3

59.4 S Broad to Smith, A full ball outside off, driven off the front foot to mid off. Should have put that away. 200/3

59.3 S Broad to Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 200/3

59.2 S Broad to Smith, Back of a length delivery on off, Smith shuffles and plays it down to square leg. 200/3

59.1 S Broad to Smith, Too wide outside off, an easy leave for Smith. 200/3

58.6 M Ali to Marsh, Gets forward to a full ball and defends it to the off side. 200/3

58.5 M Ali to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 200/3

58.4 M Ali to Marsh, In the air...DROPPED! A flighted ball on middle, Marsh gets on the front foot and flicks it across the line. It drops flush on Stoneman's left boot who is standing at short leg. It pops out and Bairstow reacts to his right and dives. Mark also realizes and dives to his left. Two hands come in the picture, none manages to gobble it. The replays show that it brushed some part of Jonny's gloves, so the dropped catch will go in his account. A similar moment happened in the first innings, interestingly Stoneman was the batsman then when his flick shot hit Bancroft on the boot at short leg. Big moment in the day, England would have loved a wicket at this stage. 200/3

58.3 M Ali to Marsh, Presses forward and drives it straight back to the bowler. 200/3

58.2 M Ali to Marsh, Flighted and full on middle, Marsh leans across and pushes it to mid on. 200/3

58.1 M Ali to Marsh, Loopy full ball on middle, drifting in, Marsh defends it off his front foot. 200/3

MOEEN ALI replaces Anderson in the attack.

57.6 S Broad to Marsh, Broad errs in line and serves it on the pads, Marsh eases it in front of square leg and comes back for the third run. 200 up for Australia. 200/3

57.5 S Broad to Marsh, Broad lets out a grunt and spears in a fullish ball on middle, Marsh does well to dig it out towards mid on. 197/3

57.4 S Broad to Marsh, Broad switches to around the wicket and angles in a full ball on off, Marsh gets forward and pushes it to covers. 197/3

57.3 S Broad to Smith, Full in length on middle and leg, angling down, Smith gets across and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one. 197/3

57.2 S Broad to Smith, Too full in length outside off, Smith reaches out for it and squeezes it through point for a couple of runs. 196/3

57.1 S Broad to Smith, Leans forward to a length ball and drives it with nice timing. Finds the cover fielder. 194/3

STUART BROAD to have one final go today. A single slip in place along with a short mid-wicket.

56.6 J Anderson to Marsh, Pitches it full on middle and off, Marsh gets on the front foot and drives it back with a straight bat. Anderson makes a good stop in his followthrough. 194/3

56.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Good length delivery on middle, Marsh defends it off his back foot to square leg. 194/3

56.4 J Anderson to Marsh, Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it to covers. 194/3

56.3 J Anderson to S Marsh, FOUR! Marsh finally gets off the mark after 17 balls. In a streaky manner though. Anderson dishes out a fullish ball outside off, Marsh tries to drive it through the line but it catches the outer portion of his bat and races past the diving gully fielder for a boundary. 194/3

56.2 J Anderson to Smith, A front foot drive by Smith to a full delivery and he finds the gap at covers. A single taken. 190/3

56.1 J Anderson to Smith, Good length delivery just outside off, Smith firmly gets behind the line and blocks it on the leg side. 189/3

55.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Gets on the front foot and flicks it to mid-wicket. 189/3

55.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Bowls it in the channel outside off, Marsh leaves it alone. 189/3

55.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Four leg byes! A length delivery angling down the leg side, Marsh tries his best to cash in on the gift but fails to get any bat behind it. It takes his pads and speeds away to the fine leg fence. Marsh remains on naught. 189/3

55.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 185/3

55.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Outside off, Shaun taps it down to point. 13 balls faced, no run scored. The local lad will be feeling some pressure. 185/3

55.1 C Woakes to Smith, Turns it off his pads through backward square leg for a single. 185/3

54.6 J Anderson to Marsh, Fuller in length on middle, Marsh gets forward and across before defending it to mid-wicket. 184/3

54.5 J Anderson to Marsh, Almost identical to the last delivery, this time Marsh stays back footed and punches it down towards gully. 184/3

54.4 J Anderson to Marsh, Angling away from the batsman, from around off, Marsh watches the line closely before making the leave. 184/3

54.3 J Anderson to Marsh, Length delivery on middle and off, Marsh is right behind the line as he dead bats it. 184/3

54.2 J Anderson to Marsh, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it down safely. 184/3

54.1 J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 184/3

53.6 C Woakes to Smith, A slower one at 118.4 kph, around off, Smith drives it to mid off. 184/3

53.5 C Woakes to Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith once again offers a dead straight bat in defense. 184/3

53.4 C Woakes to Smith, Fine delivery, full and around off, shaping in, Smith gets behind the line and blocks. 184/3

53.3 C Woakes to Smith, Too full and on middle, Smith plays a good looking drive down the ground but finds the mid on fielder. 184/3

53.2 C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Great timing! Fullish in length and on middle, Smith leans and flicks it in front of square leg with excellent timing. It races through and finds the fence in no time. 184/3

53.1 C Woakes to S Smith, Too full in length outside off, driven off the front foot to covers. 180/3

52.6 J Anderson to Marsh, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 180/3

52.5 J Anderson to Smith, Hangs on the back foot and punches it to sweeper cover for a run. 180/3

52.4 J Anderson to Smith, Helps it off his pads but once again finds the gap. 179/3

52.3 J Anderson to Smith, A good looking drive from the bat of Smith but he fails to beat the cover fielder. 179/3

The umpires check the shape of the ball by using the 8-ball gauge. Seems it's fine to continue...

52.2 J Anderson to Smith, On a length around off, defended off the back foot. 179/3

52.1 J Anderson to Smith, Oohhh...this one stays low after landing full around off, Smith does well to keep his eyes on the ball as he defends it on the leg side. 179/3

JAMES ANDERSON comes back into the attack.

51.6 C Woakes to Marsh, Woakes gets very full with his length and spears it on middle and leg line. It's further angling down as Marsh attempts to flick. He misses and is hit on the pads. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. 179/3

51.5 C Woakes to Marsh, Outside off, a watchful looking Marsh lets it be. 179/3

51.4 C Woakes to Marsh, Straighter in line, Marsh works it on the leg side but straight to square leg. 179/3

51.3 C Woakes to Marsh, Lets the ball go outside his off stump. 179/3

51.2 C Woakes to Marsh, Marsh has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 179/3

Shaun Marsh, the local lad, comes out to a big ovation from the crowd.

51.1 Woakes to Khawaja, OUT! Umpire's call, it's clipping the bails. Finally some success for England as they manage to break the 124-run stand. Woakes gets a length ball to cut back into the batsman from outside off. Usman tries to defend it from the crease by going on his toes but he misses. He is hit high on the back pad, they appeal and the finger goes up after some delay. Khawaja looks at his skipper and then decides to review it. The replays roll in and there is a little confusion initially regarding the inside edge. The Snicko is showing some spike but it ain't conclusive. There is nothing on the Hot Spot though and it's enough for the third umpire to head forward. Hawk Eye takes the centre stage now. It shows that the impact is umpire's call and it is going on to hit the top of the bails. The on-field call stays and a dejected Khawaja walks back immediately after scoring a half century. Australia don't lose the review though, they trail by 224 runs. 179/3

Usman Khawaja is adjudged lbw. Is it too high? Usman has a chat with his skipper and signals for the DRS.

50.6 M Ali to Smith, The batsman works it down the leg side. No run to end the over. 179/2

50.5 M Ali to Khawaja, Fifty for Usman Khawaja, 10th in Tests! Finally he finds the gap after playing a cover drive and takes the single. He was on 49 from the 48th over. He will feel good after scoring this run. The crowd cheers for him and he acknowledges it by raising his bat. 179/2

50.4 M Ali to Smith, Tossed up ball on off, Smith strides forward and forces it down through mid on for a run. 178/2

50.3 M Ali to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 177/2

50.2 M Ali to Smith, FOUR! Bang! Moeen tosses it up outside and lands it short outside off. Smith picks the length early, goes deep inside the crease and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. Nicely placed. 177/2

50.1 M Ali to Smith, Loopy off spinner outside off, Smith tries driving through covers but it turns back in to catch the inside edge. It rolls safely to mid on. 173/2

49.6 C Woakes to Khawaja, Khawaja has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 173/2

49.5 C Woakes to Khawaja, Woakes dishes out a slower one, dipping into the batsman and landing just ahead of the yorker mark. Khawaja does well to read it and keep it out. 173/2

49.4 C Woakes to Khawaja, Straighter in line on this occasion, Khawaja remains back and helps it to mid-wicket. Not finding the gaps, Uzzie. 173/2

49.3 C Woakes to Khawaja, Pitches it full and outside off, Usman drives it through the line but finds the extra cover fielder. Remains on 49! 173/2

49.2 C Woakes to Khawaja, This time the length is full and it's around off, Khawaja closes the face of the bat and pushes it towards mid-wicket. 173/2

49.1 C Woakes to Khawaja, Back of a length delivery in the zone outside off, holding its line, Khawaja moves back, shapes for the square cut but at the last moment lets it be. 173/2

CHRIS WOAKES replaces Overton in the attack.

48.6 M Ali to Smith, Loopy ball on off, defended easily to end the over. 173/2

48.5 M Ali to Smith, Tossed up ball on middle, Smith walks forward with the flick shot and finds the gap through square leg. The Aussie skipper tries to press his partner for the third run but Khawaja refuses. 173/2

48.4 M Ali to Smith, Smith has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 171/2

48.3 M Ali to Smith, Flatter and quicker on off, Smith goes on the back foot and blocks it. 171/2

48.2 M Ali to S Smith, Presses forward and pushes it off the leading half of his blade to mid off. 171/2

48.1 M Ali to Smith, A gentle loosener, short and outside off, Smith rocks back and slaps it to sweeper cover. Mason Crane (sub) moves across to his right in the deep and makes a tumbling stop. They take a couple. 171/2

Craig Overton heads back to the pavilion. England will hope there is nothing serious and he recovers quickly. Meanwhile, there is a bowling change. MOEEN ALI to roll his arm.

47.6 C Overton to Khawaja, A length delivery and on middle, Khawaja gets across and keeps it out on the leg side. Finds mid-wicket. 169/2

47.5 C Overton to S Smith, Goes short and on middle, Smith pulls it down to fine leg for a run. 169/2

47.4 C Overton to S Smith, FOUR! Help-yourself delivery. It's short, it's wide and it's begging to be hit. Smith accepts the proposal and smashes it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary. That delivery was in the 120s, clearly Overton is struggling. 168/2

What happened to Overton here? He is looking in some discomfort. Goes down on his haunches and is catching some breath. Issues with left rib. If you remember, he took a blow there in the second Test and also today while attempting a return catch he landed exactly on that area. Physio comes out.

47.3 C Overton to Khawaja, Another good shot! Khawaja sits back to fetch a shortish ball from outside off and pulls it past backward square leg for a run. 164/2

47.2 C Overton to Khawaja, FOUR! Easily done! Wrong line by Overton. He bowls it short and sliding down the leg side, Khawaja just uses the angle and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary. 163/2

47.1 C Overton to Khawaja, Overton continues from his round the wicket angle. Digs in a short ball on middle and leg, Khawaja ducks. 159/2

46.6 J Anderson to Smith, FOUR! That's a poor delivery and punished. Short and outside off, Smith stands back and packs a punch through cover-point. Into the gap it runs and finds the boundary rope. He now becomes the leading run-scorer in this series, overtaking Dawid Malan. 159/2

46.5 J Anderson to U Khawaja, Fullish and outside off, Khawaja plays a mistimed off drive for a run. 100-run stand comes up! 155/2

46.4 J Anderson to Khawaja, Another back foot defense by Usman Khawaja. He is looking a lot at ease now. 154/2

46.3 J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 154/2

46.2 J Anderson to Khawaja, Pitches it full and around off, Khawaja drives it to mid off. 154/2

46.1 J Anderson to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 154/2

45.6 C Overton to Smith, FOUR! Effortless by Smith! He gets across the stumps to a short ball and rolls his wrists over the ball. Does well to keep his pull shot down but it has enough pace to beat Vince at backward square leg. James does get some fingertips on it but cannot prevent the boundary. 154/2

45.5 C Overton to Khawaja, Cracking pull shot by Khawaja and an outstanding piece of fielding by Stoneman to save a certain boundary. Short on middle, Khawaja smashes it across the line and Mark at short mid-wicket makes a partial stop, diving to his right. They cross for a run. 150 up for Australia! 150/2

45.4 C Overton to Khawaja, A touch fuller than the last time, around off and shaping in, Usman defends it from the back foot to the off side. 149/2

45.3 C Overton to Khawaja, Similar length, closer to the off stump line, Khawaja gets behind the line and blocks it down safely. 149/2

45.2 C Overton to Khawaja, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Usman shoulders arms. 149/2

45.1 C Overton to Khawaja, Initiates the spell with a fuller length ball angling in around off, Khawaja presses forward and defends it back to the bowler. 149/2

And here comes, CRAIG OVERTON.

Drinks are on the field. Smith and Khawaja have been successful in negotiating the first hour in this session safely. The skipper has looked fluent throughout and is ably supported by Khawaja, who seems to be coming back to his own. England have a task cut out at the moment. Will they make the numbers in the wickets column rise?

44.6 J Anderson to Smith, Length delivery around off, Smith defends it towards mid on off the back foot. A maiden for Jimmy. 149/2

44.5 J Anderson to Smith, Punched off the back foot towards covers. 149/2

44.4 J Anderson to Smith, Outside off, left alone. 149/2

44.3 J Anderson to Smith, On the pads, clipped towards square leg. 149/2

44.2 J Anderson to Smith, Similar delivery, Smith defends it from the crease. 149/2

44.1 J Anderson to Smith, On a length around off, Smith hangs on the back foot and blocks. 149/2

43.6 C Woakes to Khawaja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 149/2

43.5 C Woakes to Khawaja, Yorker around off, Khawaja digs it out towards point. 149/2

43.4 C Woakes to Khawaja, Fuller around off, driven towards covers. 149/2

43.3 C Woakes to Khawaja, Another harmless ball outside off, UK shoulders arms. 149/2

43.2 C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off, left alone. 149/2

43.1 C Woakes to Khawaja, FOUR! On a length around off, Khawaja flicks it nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary. 149/2

42.6 J Anderson to S Smith, FOUR! Shot! Full ball outside off, Smith drives it powerfully through covers for a boundary. Nicely played. 145/2

The umpire is keeping a close eye on James Anderson's landing area. No official warning. But Jimmy needs to be careful here. He is continuously flirting with the danger area.

42.5 J Anderson to Smith, Hit straight to the man at mid on. 141/2

42.4 J Anderson to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 141/2

42.3 J Anderson to Smith, Smith hangs back and blocks it. 141/2

42.2 J Anderson to Smith, Smith gets ahead and blocks it off the front foot. 141/2

42.1 J Anderson to Smith, Length ball around off, Smith swats it towards square leg. Khawaja thought about a run there but the skipper sent him back. 141/2

41.6 C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off, Khawaja shoulders arms to that. 141/2

41.5 C Woakes to Khawaja, Woakes runs in from round the wicket and lands it around off and middle, blocked solidly from the crease. 141/2

41.4 C Woakes to Khawaja, FOUR! The longer you spend time in the middle, the more confident you get. Khawaja's stay shows just that. Woakes delivers this on a length outside off, Usman hangs back and cuts it behind point for a boundary. Crisp shot that. 141/2

41.3 C Woakes to Khawaja, Fuller around off and middle, presented a straight bat by Usman. 137/2

41.2 C Woakes to Smith, Length ball outside off, punched to sweeper cover for one. 137/2

41.1 C Woakes to Smith, Landed well outside off, shouldered arms to. 136/2

40.6 J Anderson to Khawaja, Another ball outside off, left alone. 136/2

40.5 J Anderson to Khawaja, Angled across Usman again, he just lets it be. 136/2

40.4 J Anderson to Khawaja, Wow! What did Mr. Bairstow hear there? Anderson bowls a lovely delivery for starters. Angles it across Khawaja on a length. It is closer to the off pole and that makes Khawaja play. He pokes his bat at it but the ball beats the outer edge and goes through to Jonny. He leaps up in appeal immediately, only to calm down after seeing no company. 136/2

40.3 J Anderson to Khawaja, Angled across Usman he just lets it be. 136/2

40.2 J Anderson to Khawaja, Khawaja gets forward to this one and blocks it. 136/2

40.1 J Anderson to Khawaja, Anderson now isn't making Khawaja play here. Bowls it outside off, left alone by UK. 136/2

39.6 C Woakes to Smith, Again Woakes bowls it well wide of the off stick, Smith just lets it be. 136/2

39.5 C Woakes to Smith, Around off, Smith hangs in the crease and presents a straight bat face. 136/2

39.4 C Woakes to Smith, Another ball outside off, left alone. 136/2

39.3 C Woakes to Smith, Harmless length ball outside off, Smith shoulders arms to that. 136/2

39.2 C Woakes to Smith, This is too wide to make Smith play. 136/2

39.1 C Woakes to Smith, On a length around off, defended with a straight bat from the crease. 136/2

38.6 J Anderson to Khawaja, Around off, Khawaja hangs on the back foot and defends. 136/2

38.5 J Anderson to Khawaja, This ball is kept out safely from the crease. 136/2

My colleague makes a fair point here. Normally Steven Smith is associated with playing those wristy flicks through the on side to accumulate the runs. But a glance at his wagon wheel at this point of time will reveal that majority of his runs have come through the off side - 21 through covers. So in spite of the shuffle that he does, he has hit shots through the off side. Yes, one could argue that the bowlers could have bowled more outside off and hence the shots there. But that generally has been the case. Also, the known fact is that even those deliveries are dispatched to the leg side by the Aussie skipper. A different knock in that sense.

38.4 J Anderson to Khawaja, Driven straight to the fielder at covers. 136/2

38.3 J Anderson to Khawaja, On a fuller length around off, defended back towards the bowler. 136/2

38.2 J Anderson to Khawaja, This is outside off, Khawaja shoulders arms to that. 136/2

38.1 J Anderson to Khawaja, Full around off, Khawaja gets ahead and defends it with a straight bat. 136/2

37.6 C Woakes to S Smith, FOUR! What a shot to bring up the 22nd TEST FIFTY for Steven Smith! He gets it off just 58 balls, shows how at ease he has been. Woakes hurls it full outside off, Smith leans into the shot and drives it crisply through covers. Boundary all the way. 136/2

37.5 C Woakes to Smith, Smith defends it from the crease. 132/2

37.4 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 132/2

37.3 C Woakes to U Khawaja, A touch short on the stumps, Usman looks to pull it but gets it off the inner half through backward square leg for a single. 132/2

37.2 C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off, left alone. 131/2

37.1 C Woakes to Khawaja, Outside off, Khawaja lets it be. It moves in a touch after passing the batsman. 131/2

36.6 J Anderson to Smith, Full outside off, defended off the front foot. After that Smith did some strange movement of the bat as he withdrew it. 131/2

36.5 J Anderson to Khawaja, On a length around middle and leg, Khawaja taps it towards backward square leg for one. 131/2

36.4 J Anderson to Khawaja, Full length ball around off, driven to mid off. 130/2

36.3 J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 130/2

36.2 J Anderson to Khawaja, Comes round the wicket and bowls it around off. Usman stonewalls it. 130/2

36.1 J Anderson to S Smith, A run taken after Smith drives it through covers. 130/2

35.6 C Woakes to U Khawaja, DROPPED and FOUR! A chance goes abegging! Joe Root is the man to be blamed. Woakes lands it on a back of a length around middle and off, it goes away from the angle. Khawaja ends up poking at it away from the body. The ball flies off the edge and Root, at second slip, is late in reacting to that. Doesn't manage to get a hand onto it and the ball flies away to the third man fence for a boundary. How costly will this be? 129/2

35.5 C Woakes to Khawaja, Usman hangs deep in the crease and presents a straight bat face in defense. 125/2

35.4 C Woakes to Khawaja, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 125/2

35.3 C Woakes to Khawaja, Length around off, Khawaja defends it to the off side. 125/2

35.2 C Woakes to S Smith, On a length outside off, Smith gets squared up a touch. The ball takes the outside edge and rolls towards second slip. Root dives to his right and makes a half-stop. A run taken. 125/2

35.1 C Woakes to Smith, Smith punches it towards covers. 124/2

CHRIS WOAKES is also brought back. He went through a good spell earlier today.

34.6 J Anderson to Khawaja, Another delivery around off, blocked from the crease. 124/2

34.5 J Anderson to Khawaja, Khawaja stands his ground and defends it within the crease. 124/2

34.4 J Anderson to Khawaja, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 124/2

Seems that Anderson had an issue with his finger of the right hand after he attempted to run Bancroft out earlier today.

34.3 J Anderson to Khawaja, Outside off, left alone. 124/2

34.2 J Anderson to Khawaja, Similar length delivery, this time blocked with a straight bat. 124/2

34.1 J Anderson to Khawaja, Extra bounce! Khawaja did well to play that. Landed on a length around off, it jumped up a bit more and caught Usman's bat on the higher side. 124/2

JAMES ANDERSON is brought into the attack now. Surprisingly, he has just bowled 4 overs so far.

33.6 S Broad to Smith, Outside off, left alone. 124/2

33.5 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! If the previous shot was brilliant, this one is magnificent. Broad bowls it on a length and Smith looks to go for the pull. But the ball didn't rise as much as he expected. Yet he adjusted his shot well and pulled it all along the ground through mid-wicket for a boundary. After he played that he indicated to his partner that the ball skidded through. 124/2

33.4 S Broad to Smith, Length ball angling down leg, Smith misses the flick. It goes on the bounce to the keeper. 120/2

33.3 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Smith maybe unorthodox in his technique but he is effective nevertheless. This is speared full around middle and leg, Smith moves back and across initially. Gets his bat down in time to flick it through square leg for a boundary. 120/2

33.2 S Broad to Smith, Bowled outside off, Smith points his bat skywards to let that go. 116/2

33.1 S Broad to Smith, Broad runs in and hurls a full delivery around off and middle. The Aussie skipper pushes it defensively towards mid on. 116/2

32.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted delivery around middle, the southpaw lunges forward to block. 116/2

32.5 M Ali to Khawaja, Similar delivery outside off, Usman goes back and presents a straight bat in defense. 116/2

32.4 M Ali to Khawaja, Flatter around off and middle, blocked from the crease. 116/2

32.3 M Ali to Smith, Served on a length on the stumps, Smith goes back and punches it towards mid on. Seeing the fielder a touch deep, he takes a single. 116/2

32.2 M Ali to Khawaja, Khawaja uses hit feet and drives it through covers for a run. 115/2

32.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Floated full around middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. 114/2

31.6 S Broad to Smith, Smith has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 114/2

31.5 S Broad to Smith, Turns it off his pads to the on side but finds the fielder. 114/2

31.4 S Broad to Smith, Angles it into the batsman, Smith covers the line and blocks it safely. 114/2

31.3 S Broad to Smith, Wow, a cracking straight drive but for nothing. Broad bowls it full and around middle, Smith brings down a straight bat and caresses it down the ground. Anderson dives from mid on to save a certain boundary. 114/2

31.2 S Broad to Smith, Hurls a length ball outside off, Smith allows it through to the keeper. 114/2

31.1 S Broad to Smith, Good length ball on off, staying a bit low, Smith does well to defend it after moving across the stumps. 114/2

30.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up ball on middle and off, defended off the front foot. 114/2

30.5 M Ali to Khawaja, Not short enough for the cut shot but Khawaja still goes for it and gets beaten. He is getting a bit restless. 114/2

30.4 M Ali to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 114/2

30.3 M Ali to U Khawaja, EDGY FOUR! A flighted off spinner landing on a fuller length around off, Khawaja tries to play an expansive drive through covers but it takes the outside edge and flies past the first slip fielder for a boundary. 114/2

30.2 M Ali to Khawaja, Lands it full on off, once again it's defended by Usman. 110/2

30.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Floated on middle, defended watchfully. 110/2

29.6 S Broad to Smith, Smith defends it off the front foot onto the ground. 110/2

29.5 S Broad to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 110/2

29.4 S Broad to Smith, Smith drives it back to the bowler. Broad stops it and hurls a throw back to the keeper. 110/2

29.3 S Broad to Smith, This ball is worked on the leg side. 110/2

29.2 S Broad to Smith, On the stumps blocked from the crease. 110/2

29.1 S Broad to Smith, FOUR! Confidence? Assuredness? This is something different from the Australian skipper. Smith is batting on an altogether different surface here. While the others aren't looking at ease scoring, Steven has moved to 37 off just 33 deliveries. A touch short outside off this one, Smith hangs back and cuts it behind point for a boundary. Just after he playing the shot, he jerks his body forward to display some swag. 110/2

28.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Another delivery on the stumps blocked off the front foot. 106/2

28.5 M Ali to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 106/2

28.4 Ali to Khawaja, A yorker from Ali bowled with a side-arm action. Khawaja digs it out well. 106/2

28.3 M Ali to Khawaja, Ali comes round the wicket and lands it around off and middle. Usman blocks it solidly. 106/2

28.2 M Ali to Smith, Smith punches it towards cover-point and ambles to the other end. 106/2

28.1 M Ali to Smith, Floated outside off, Smith wristily cover drives that. An air of Kohli in that shot, reckons our statsman. 105/2

27.6 S Broad to Khawaja, FOUR! Authoritative! Length ball outside off, enough width on offer for Khawaja. He cashes on it and cuts it powerfully through point for a boundary. Talk about struggling now... 105/2

27.5 S Broad to Khawaja, Broad switches to round the wicket and lands it on a length outside off. Khawaja offers the bat but it goes off the edge towards gully. Purposely played so. 101/2

27.4 S Broad to Smith, Smith drives it through covers and sets off for a run. The man from mid off, probably a substitute, gets to his left, puts in the dive and keeps it down to one. 101/2

27.3 S Broad to Smith, Delivered around off, defended with a straight bat face. 100/2

27.2 S Broad to Smith, SIX! Going, going, gone! Broad bangs it short in line of the stumps, Smith gets across and smashes it over fine leg for a maximum. Initially it looked as if he had top-edged that but the Hot Spot showed that it came off the meat of the bat. 71m hit that to bring up 100 for Australia. 100/2

27.1 S Broad to Smith, On a length outside off, punched towards mid off. 94/2

STUART BROAD to bowl from the other end.

26.6 M Ali to Smith, This ball is punched towards covers for a single. 94/2

26.5 M Ali to Smith, Smith gets back and turns it to the man at mid-wicket. 93/2

26.4 M Ali to Khawaja, Now he drives it inside out towards wide mid off. The fielder gets to his right but is unable to prevent a run. 93/2

26.3 M Ali to Khawaja, FOUR! Bang goes Khawaja seeing the half-tracker on offer. Ali lands it around off, the southpaw goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 92/2

26.2 M Ali to Khawaja, Floated around off and middle, Usman gets ahead and pushes it back towards the bowler. 88/2

26.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Flatter around middle and leg, Khawaja goes back and hits it to short leg. 88/2

Here we are! Final session of the day, a pitch with some life on it - makings of a good serious contest between the cherry and the willow. Add the likes of Smith and Overton to the mix, we surely have our plates full in anticipation. STEVE SMITH has USMAN KHAWAJA for company in the middle. England hand the ball over to MOEEN ALI. A slip and a bat-pad in place.

... Day 2, Session 3...

Another action-packed session and England will be the happier side heading into the break. After a watchful start made by the Aussie openers, Craig Overton got into the act and removed the dangerous David Warner and Cameron Bancroft in quick time. There is certainly some life in this pitch and it's not easy to bat on. Having said that, the Aussie skipper has looked at ease in the middle and apart from the last ball of the session, he never looked bothered. Usman Khawaja, on the other hand, is taking his time to settle down and the hosts will be hoping for a big partnership from this pair. England, though, would expect exactly the opposite. Do join us in a short while for more action.

25.6 C Overton to Smith, That's a SNORTER! Last ball of the session and Overton puts in all the effort. He bends his back and lets out a back of a length ball around off. It shoots up as it reaches the batsman and takes Smith by surprise. The Aussie skipper tries getting away from the line but it hits his right thumb and smashes him on the chin. The ball starts rolling behind towards the stump but Steve immediately keeps it out. He now throws his bat away and is looking in some pain. No visible harm done. They all are now heading back to the pavilion as it will be TEA ON DAY 2! 88/2

25.5 C Overton to Smith, Another bouncer around off, Smith sits underneath it comfortably. 88/2

25.4 C Overton to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. 88/2

25.3 C Overton to Smith, Overton overcorrects his line and bowls it full on middle and leg. Smith gets across and works it through square leg for a couple of runs. 88/2

25.2 C Overton to S Smith, FOUR! A juicy half-volley outside off, that's bread and butter for someone of Smith's class. He just leans forward and creams it through the gap at covers. No stopping this one. 86/2

25.1 C Overton to Smith, Length ball angling into the batsman, around middle, Smith shuffles across and helps it off his pads to short mid-wicket. 82/2

24.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Drives a full ball with the spin to covers. End of a good over by Moeen! 82/2

24.5 M Ali to Khawaja, Loopy full ball on middle, Khawaja lunges and defends it in front of his pads. 82/2

24.4 M Ali to Khawaja, Khawaja has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 82/2

Nice and interesting point by Michael Clarke on air. We are shown the pitch map and visibly, a few cracks are appearing on the surface. While the general tendency by a bowler would be to hit the cracks, what Pup says is very rarely does one get wickets by hitting those areas. But what that does is cause doubts in the minds of the batsmen as they are not sure whether the next one will move or cause some discomfort or not. Eventually, if you do observe, they tend to give their wickets away on balls which do not move much. Indeed, cricket is a mind game. Spoken like a true captain.

24.3 M Ali to Khawaja, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 82/2

24.2 M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted and full outside off, Khawaja gets on the front foot and defends it to the off side. 82/2

24.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Excellent delivery, attacking the stumps. A slider around off, skidding on, Khawaja fails to pick it. He goes deep inside the crease and somehow punches it out from middle and leg line. Very risky. 82/2

23.6 C Overton to Khawaja, Short in length and on middle, pulled down fine on the leg side for a run. 82/2

23.5 C Overton to Khawaja, Lazy fielding by Anderson! Overton overpitches it by a fraction, outside off, Usman reaches out for it and drives it to the right of mid off. Jimmy is late in getting down and concedes a couple. 81/2

23.4 C Overton to Khawaja, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 79/2

23.3 C Overton to Khawaja, A length delivery is angled on off, some extra bounce visible, Khawaja gets across and defends it with a loose bottom hand. There are a few cracks outside his off stump area which might be putting some doubt in his mind. 79/2

23.2 C Overton to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, angling in, Usman stands back to cover the line and shoulders arms. 79/2

Gully moves to short cover-point for Usman Khawaja.

23.1 C Overton to Smith, This one is on the pads, Smith easily plays it through the gap at mid-wicket and collects a single. 79/2

22.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Strides forward to a full ball and pushes it back to the bowler. 78/2

22.5 M Ali to Khawaja, Floated full ball outside off, driven off the front foot to covers. 78/2

22.4 M Ali to Khawaja, A touch flatter on middle, Usman goes back inside the crease and defends. 78/2

22.3 M Ali to Khawaja, Gets forward to a full ball and blocks it safely. 78/2

22.2 M Ali to Khawaja, Khawaja has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 78/2

22.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up ball on middle, defended back from the crease. 78/2

21.6 C Overton to Smith, Good length ball outside off, shaping back in, Smith covers the line and pushes it towards mid on. 78/2

21.5 C Overton to Smith, Angles in a length ball on off, Smith gets behind the line and defends it back. 78/2

21.4 C Overton to Smith, Smith has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 78/2

21.3 C Overton to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, Smith rises on his back foot and punches it on the up through covers. They take two runs, Smith wants the third but Khawaja slips while dragging his bat inside the crease. 78/2

21.2 C Overton to Smith, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 76/2

21.1 C Overton to Smith, FOUR! Quality shot! A fractionally overpitched delivery on off, angling in, Smith gets forward, presents a straight bat and unfurls a beautiful off drive for a boundary. Broad at mid off didn't bother running. Supreme timing. 76/2

20.6 M Ali to Khawaja, Lunges to a full ball and pushes it back to the bowler. 72/2

20.5 M Ali to U Khawaja, Floated and outside off, an uppish drive there but it doesn't carry to the short cover fielder. 72/2

20.4 M Ali to Khawaja, Tossed up ball on off, defended off the front leg. 72/2

20.3 M Ali to Khawaja, Khawaja has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery 72/2

20.2 M Ali to Khawaja, FOUR! Nicely played! A loopy ball around middle and off, Khawaja goes down on one knee and paddles it across the line. Doesn't attempt to keep it down and it flies past short leg. Stoneman gives the chase but he can only retrieve it from the fine leg boundary rope. 72/2

20.1 M Ali to Khawaja, Flighted and full outside off, Khawaja gets forward and defends. 68/2

Time for some spin. MOEEN ALI comes into the attack. A slip, short leg and short cover in place.

19.6 C Overton to Smith, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it at the last moment. 68/2

19.5 C Overton to Khawaja, Goes short this time with his length, around leg, Usman gets back and pulls it behind square leg for a single. 68/2

19.4 C Overton to Khawaja, Pitches it full and outside off, Khawaja gets on the front foot and drives it to covers. 67/2

19.3 C Overton to Khawaja, Khawaja has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 67/2

19.2 C Overton to Khawaja, Good length ball angling away from the batsman, Khawaja lets it through. 67/2

19.1 C Overton to Khawaja, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 67/2

18.6 C Woakes to Smith, Angling into the batsman, Smith pushes it down off the inner half to mid on. 67/2

18.5 C Woakes to Smith, A length ball nipping back into the batsman with some extra lift off the surface, Smith gets across and is hurried up. He gets hit on the gloves but no damage done. 67/2

18.4 C Woakes to Smith, FOUR! Shot! Timing of high class. Woakes delivers a back of a length delivery around off, Smith stands back inside the crease and punches it sweetly through covers for a glorious boundary. Right from the meat of the bat. 67/2

18.3 C Woakes to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 63/2

18.3 C Woakes to Smith, Wide called for height! A bouncer outside off, Smith gets across the stumps and then ducks to let it go over his head. 63/2

18.2 C Woakes to Smith, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. 62/2

18.1 C Woakes to Smith, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 62/2

17.6 C Overton to Smith, Full and on middle, Smith helps it down to fine leg for one. 62/2

17.5 C Overton to Smith, FOUR! Take that for a shot! Overton serves it on a length and outside off. There is ample width on offer and Smith latches onto it. He plays a free flowing cover drive, pierces the gap and finds the boundary. 61/2

17.4 C Overton to Smith, Bangs in a bouncer, Smith has nothing to do with it. 57/2

17.3 C Overton to S Smith, Movement away from the new batsman, Smith pushes inside the line and edges it past gully for a couple of runs. He is off the mark, however, in an unconvincing manner. 57/2

Skipper Steven Smith strides out with his team in early trouble.

17.2 C Overton to Bancroft, OUT! No inside edge and Cameron Bancroft gets the walking orders. A really good review by England. Overton with his second wicket and he is turning on the heat. He dishes out an inswinger around off, fuller in length, Bancroft tries playing it down the ground, probably towards mid on as his bat's face suggests. But he fails to middle his shot and is rapped on the pads. The English players appeal vociferously, there are two noises, but the umpire remains unmoved. Craig Overton is quite convinced and Joe Root goes with his bowler. He takes the DRS and the replays show that impact is in line, no inside edge and it's hitting the stumps. The noise there was of the bat hitting the front pad. Both the Aussie openers are now back in the hut. Excellent bowling by the young man. 55/2

Huge shout for an lbw! Marais Erasmus shakes his head. The bowler is very confident here and he convinces his skipper to take the DRS. That looks quite adjacent to the stumps. Is there an inside edge?

17.1 C Overton to Bancroft, Good length delivery just outside off, holding its line, Cameron covers the line and shoulders arms. 55/1

16.6 C Woakes to Bancroft, Effort ball this time by Woakes. Bends his back and delivers a back of a length ball on middle and leg at 135.9 kph, Bancroft moves across and nudges it to fine leg for one. 55/1

16.5 C Woakes to Bancroft, Extra bounce from a good length around off, Bancroft nicely stands tall inside the crease and presents a straight bat in defense. 54/1

16.4 C Woakes to Bancroft, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 54/1

16.3 C Woakes to Khawaja, This time it's full and on middle, Khawaja turns it off his pads past the diving mid-wicket fielder, Moeen Ali. Broad chases it down from mid on and they take a single. 54/1

16.2 C Woakes to Khawaja, Length ball on middle, Khawaja flicks it off his pads but finds the fielder on the leg side. 53/1

16.1 C Woakes to Khawaja, Pitches it full and outside off, Khawaja drives it off his front foot to mid off. 53/1

15.6 C Overton to Khawaja, Shortish ball outside off, pulled to deep square leg for one. 53/1

15.5 C Overton to Khawaja, Once again Overton is too straight with his line and Usman eases it in the big gap at mid-wicket. Another couple of runs added to the scoreboard. 52/1

15.4 C Overton to Khawaja, On the pads and it's worked through mid-wicket. Broad chases it from mid on and they take a couple of runs. 50/1

15.3 C Overton to Khawaja, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 48/1

15.2 C Overton to Khawaja, A silly mid on comes in as Overton serves a back of a length delivery outside off, straightening a touch, Khawaja feels for it and is beaten. 48/1

15.1 C Overton to U Khawaja, Bowls a bouncer to begin the over, Khawaja ducks. 48/1

14.6 C Woakes to C Bancroft, Full in length outside off, Bancroft pushes it down from the inner half of the bat to mid on. 48/1

14.5 C Woakes to Bancroft, FOUR! Oh, that's a top shot! Woakes overpitches outside off and pays the price. Bancroft shows some positive front foot movement as he cracks it through covers. 48/1

14.4 C Woakes to Bancroft, A bouncer on this occasion to force the batsman back inside the crease. CB ducks. 44/1

14.3 C Woakes to Bancroft, Keeps his length full this time and angles it into the batsman, Cameron drives it right back to the bowler. 44/1

14.2 C Woakes to Bancroft, Short in length and outside off, punched off the back foot to covers. 44/1

14.1 C Woakes to Bancroft, Full and swinging back into the batsman, Bancroft tries flicking it but it takes the inner half of the bat and rolls to mid-wicket. 44/1

13.6 C Overton to Khawaja, A watchful leave outside off to end the over. A successful one, wicket maiden. 44/1

13.5 Overton to Khawaja, Overton drops a return catch! Boy, that would have been a stunner! A length ball angling down the leg side, Khawaja tries working it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. It pops out towards his partner at the other end. The bowler puts in a dive to his left but fails to hold on to the catch. Khawaja survives an early scare. 44/1

13.4 C Overton to Khawaja, This one is pitched short into the batsman, Usman leans back to sway away from the line. 44/1

13.3 C Overton to Khawaja, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Khawaja allows it through. 44/1

USMAN KHAWAJA arrives at number 3.

13.2 C Overton to Warner, OUT! Overton hunts down the big fish! The WACA lover is out cheaply. It's a length delivery angling in to the batsman, Warner has his weight on the back foot but feels the need to play the trajectory. However, the ball holds its line to grab the outside edge. Jonny Bairstow makes no mistake and the English boys are delighted. Neither forward nor back and more often than not, you edge those. The drinks break has done the trick for the visiting team. A disappointed Warner heads back to the pavilion. 44/1

13.1 C Overton to Warner, Edged but safe! Overton continues from round the wicket angle for the southpaw and serves a back of a length delivery outside off. Warner stays back to punch through the line but edges it. Doesn't carry to gully. 44/0

Drinks are on the field now. Well begun is half done, they say. Australia have done just that. Warner and Bancroft are off to a decent start and have amassed 44 runs already. England need to find ideas quickly to dismantle this stand sooner than later. Will the drinks break do the magic that we saw in the last session?

12.6 C Woakes to Bancroft, Another bouncer to Bancroft, he ducks under that and lets it go. 44/0

12.5 C Woakes to Bancroft, This is outside off, left alone. 44/0

12.4 C Woakes to Bancroft, Bancroft drives this full ball straight back. Woakes stops it in his followthrough. 44/0

12.3 C Woakes to Bancroft, Short ball on the stumps, CB ducks in response. 44/0

12.2 C Woakes to D Warner, Length ball outside off, Warner stays in the crease and slaps it through covers. The sound should denote the final result as a boundary. It is not to be. The ball slows down a bit even as Anderson hares after it from mid off and saves a run for his side. 44/0

12.1 C Woakes to Bancroft, Bancroft pats it towards covers and gets to the other end. 41/0

11.6 C Overton to Warner, This one is defended from the crease. 40/0

11.5 C Overton to Warner, Why, oh why, Warner? Overton bangs it short from round the wicket, Warner initially looks to sway away. Then tries to be cheeky by playing the ramp shot. Ends up missing the ball but not by much. 40/0

11.4 C Overton to Bancroft, Flicked away with the angle through square leg for a single. 40/0

11.3 C Overton to Bancroft, Bangs in a short one on the stumps, Bancroft evades it by ducking under that. 39/0

11.2 C Overton to Bancroft, Good judgement by Bancroft there. It is an incoming delivery that starts from outside off. But the batsman is sure that it won't strike the stumps and covers it to shoulder arms. 39/0

11.1 C Overton to Warner, Overton begins with a 126 kmph gentle delivery. Warner hits it to deep point for one. 39/0

CRAIG OVERTON into the attack.

10.6 C Woakes to Warner, Warner punches it through covers and wanted two immediately. But Overton in the deep does well to get to his left and restrict the run flow to one. 38/0

10.5 C Woakes to Bancroft, Flicked away through mid-wicket for a single. 37/0

10.4 C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes bangs another one short, Bancroft just lets it be. It climbs high and the leaping Bairstow just manages to get some glove on that. Immediately my colleague reckons that it's four byes! But wait. Cook hares after that from first slip, puts in the dive and keeps the ball in the field of play. Just two byes there. 36/0

10.3 C Woakes to Bancroft, Similar delivery and sequence of actions like the previous one. 34/0

10.2 C Woakes to Bancroft, Harmless length delivery outside off, Cameron just lets it be. 34/0

10.1 C Woakes to Bancroft, Woakes runs in and bangs it short around off. Bancroft gets down and lets the ball pass over. The fault with this is, his bat is left pointing in the air. So the ball can fly off that to end his stay. Needs to be careful. 34/0

9.6 S Broad to Warner, Fuller around off and middle, pushed back defensively to the bowler. 34/0

9.5 S Broad to Warner, Fuller around middle, driven towards mid-wicket. 34/0

9.4 S Broad to Warner, Length ball angling in to Warner around off. He presents a straight bat and pushes it towards mid-wicket. 34/0

9.3 S Broad to Bancroft, Angled on the pads, helped on its way through square leg for one. 34/0

9.2 S Broad to C Bancroft, Full delivery outside off, driven straight to covers. Bancroft immediately has a look at the bottom of his blade. 33/0

9.1 S Broad to Warner, Broad runs in from round the wicket and angles it on a length around off. Warner swats it through the front of square on the leg side for a single. 33/0

8.6 C Woakes to Bancroft, Short delivery around off, Cameron ducks in response. 32/0

8.5 C Woakes to Bancroft, Pitched further up, driven straight back to the bowler. 32/0

8.4 C Woakes to Bancroft, Length delivery around off, defended from the crease. 32/0

8.3 C Woakes to Warner, Manages to pick up a single after pushing it towards covers. 32/0

8.2 C Woakes to Warner, Length ball a touch on the shorter side. Warner looks to pull it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. 31/0

8.1 C Woakes to Warner, Warner hangs on the back foot defends it watchfully. 31/0

Chris Woakes gets into his stride and aborts without delivering the ball. Immediately has a look at his landing. Not sure what the exact scene is, he probably just wanted to make sure he isn't overstepping.

CHRIS WOAKES to bowl first change. On first look, this track seems ideal for his style of bowling. Let's see if it indeed is the case.

7.6 S Broad to C Bancroft, Finds the mid on fielder with the drive. 31/0

7.5 S Broad to Bancroft, Driven towards mid off. 31/0

7.4 S Broad to Bancroft, FOUR! Length ball outside off, Bancroft looks to chop it. Ends up getting hurried up and gets an outside edge past gully for a boundary. 31/0

7.3 S Broad to Bancroft, Fuller around off, driven towards mid off. 27/0

7.2 S Broad to Bancroft, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 27/0

7.1 S Broad to Bancroft, Length ball outside off, left alone. 27/0

6.6 J Anderson to Warner, Extra bounce on that occasion, surprising Warner as he poked at it. He did so with soft hands and got it past gully for a brace. 27/0

6.5 J Anderson to Bancroft, Angled in to the batsman, Bancroft clips it through square leg for a single. 25/0

6.4 J Anderson to Warner, On the pads, worked away round the corner for one. 24/0

6.3 J Anderson to Bancroft, Cameron taps it towards cover-point and gets to the other end. 23/0

6.2 J Anderson to C Bancroft, Edged but safe! Anderson bowls it full around off, Bancroft gets ahead in defense. The ball moves away just a touch and takes the outer edge of the bat. Goes on the bounce to the man at third slip. 22/0

6.1 J Anderson to Warner, On a length around middle and leg, Warner gets across and flicks it through square leg for a single. 22/0

5.6 S Broad to Bancroft, Outside off, left alone. 21/0

5.5 S Broad to C Bancroft, FOUR! Shot! But the question that belies is, what is Anderson doing at mid on when he is bowling from the other end? Fuller delivery around middle and leg, Bancroft drives it down the ground. Anderson was late to take a start to his left and once the ball beat him, it was always going to the fence. 21/0

5.4 S Broad to Warner, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 17/0

5.3 S Broad to Bancroft, Bancroft pushes it towards covers and immediately takes a run. 16/0

5.2 S Broad to Warner, Warner taps it towards point and sets across for an easy single. Broad lets out a huge grunt seeing that run on offer. Rather than doing that, he'd rather speak to his skipper and get a fielder to prevent easy runs. 15/0

The on-air commentators inform us that this is the 100th Test that Anderson and Broad are playing together in.

5.1 S Broad to Warner, Length ball outside off, Warner steers it past gully. Moeen Ali chases it down and keeps the batsmen down to two. 14/0

4.6 J Anderson to Bancroft, Outside off, left alone. 12/0

4.5 J Anderson to Bancroft, Flicked away through square leg for a brace. 12/0

4.4 J Anderson to Warner, A touch short on the stumps, Warner pulls it towards mid-wicket. Ali dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Only one run results. 10/0

4.3 J Anderson to Warner, FOUR! What do you say about the timing on that stroke? Pristine. It is a full ball around off, Warner just pushes it gently towards mid off. The ball beats the man at that position who dives to his left. Next destination, the boundary, the first of the innings. 9/0

4.2 J Anderson to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 5/0

4.1 Anderson to Warner, Well done, Bancroft! It was full around middle, Warner hits it straight back. Anderson gets down to his right on his followthrough, gets a hand on that. The ball goes down to hit the stumps at the other end. Bancroft does well to put in the dive and makes it in easily. No need to go upstairs as the umpire has had a good look there. 5/0

3.6 S Broad to Warner, On the pads, tucked away quite comfortably through square leg for a single. 5/0

3.5 S Broad to Bancroft, Bancroft turns it towards wide mid on and hares across for a run. 4/0

3.4 S Broad to Warner, Easy single for Warner to get off the mark. There was no one close at point and you don't give away easy runs for the Aussie opener. He taps it towards point and takes off for a run. This is not the Warner of old who'd throw it away if kept quiet for a while. 3/0

3.3 S Broad to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 2/0

The fielder at point is in the deep and there is a short cover-point waiting in position.

3.2 S Broad to Bancroft, Bancroft looks to play the cover drive but gets it off the bottom of the bat. Enables him to pick up an easy single. 2/0

3.1 S Broad to Bancroft, On a length outside off, Bancroft keeps his sticks covered and lets the keeper do the rest. 1/0

2.6 J Anderson to Warner, Hurled on the stumps, Warner hangs back and defends. A maiden for Anderson now, back-to-back for England. 1/0

2.5 J Anderson to Warner, Warner gets forward and stonewalls it with the full face of the bat. 1/0

2.4 J Anderson to Warner, Another one on the stumps, blocked off the back foot. 1/0

2.3 J Anderson to Warner, Straight bat face presented by Warner as he keeps it out safely. 1/0

2.2 J Anderson to Warner, Well bowled. On a length just outside off, Warner plays inside the line. The ball moves in prodigiously after passing the batsman. 1/0

2.1 J Anderson to Warner, Length delivery around off, defended from within the crease. 1/0

1.6 S Broad to Bancroft, Another bouncer to end the over. Bends his back to bowl a short one, Cameron ducks in response. A maiden for Broad to start with. 1/0

1.5 S Broad to Bancroft, Outside off, Bancroft moves back and across and then lets it be. 1/0

1.4 S Broad to Bancroft, Bouncer around off, Bancroft gets away from the line and lets the ball sail through. 1/0

1.3 S Broad to Bancroft, This is on a length outside off, Bancroft points his bat skywards to let that go. Interestingly, it went on the bounce to the keeper. 1/0

1.2 S Broad to Bancroft, Full and sprayed down the leg side, Bancroft looks to flick it away but misses. 1/0

1.1 S Broad to Bancroft, Broad begins with a length ball on the stumps. Bancroft defends it back towards the bowler. 1/0

STUART BROAD to begin with the new ball from the other end.

0.6 J Anderson to Warner, Length delivery around off, David stays in the crease and keeps it out towards cover-point. Not a testing over, but a good one to start off. 1/0

0.5 J Anderson to Warner, Length delivery outside off, Warner shoulders arms to that. Not much movement seen here for Anderson. 1/0

0.4 J Anderson to Warner, Lands it on a length around off, Warner hangs on the back foot and presents a straight bat in defense. 1/0

0.3 J Anderson to Bancroft, Australia are away! Bancroft taps it towards covers and crosses to the other end. He gets off the mark as well. 1/0

0.2 J Anderson to Bancroft, On a length outside off, Cameron covers the stumps and lets that go. 0/0

0.1 J Anderson to Bancroft, Anderson starts right on the money. Bowls a full delivery outside off, just a hint of movement away. Bancroft gets behind it solidly and defends it towards covers. 0/0

First Published: December 15, 2017, 11:43 PM IST

Rank	Team	Points	Rating
1	India	4969	124
2	South Africa	3767	111
3	England	4497	105
4	New Zealand	3489	100
5	Australia	3294	97
FULL Ranking

Rank	Team	Points	Rating
1	South Africa	6386	120
2	India	6546	119
3	Australia	5948	114
4	England	6156	114
5	New Zealand	5432	111
FULL Ranking

Rank	Team	Points	Rating
1	Pakistan	2843	124
2	New Zealand	1925	120
3	West Indies	2395	120
4	England	2029	119
5	India	2965	119
FULL Ranking

Ashes 2017, Live Score, Australia vs England, 3rd Test, Day 3 at Perth: Aus Cross 500, Lead Crosses 100

Australia vs England Live Cricket Score, The Ashes, 2017-18 3rd Test, W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth 14 December, 2017

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