Oh to be an English batsman. Australia have raced out to the middle well ahead of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett – can’t imagine why.
England have 25 minutes to bat before the break in twilight, Mitchell Starc happy to take the new ball – can’t keep him out of the match.
First things first for Ben Duckett. He’s dropped two catches and faced one ball so far this Test. Crawley on strike.
Mitchell Starc rips in.Credit: Getty Images
First ball: Starc is right on the money. Good length, a bit of shape back toward Crawley’s off stump and he defends well on the front foot.
Second ball: A little shorter, angled across. Crawley handles it well. Bunts into the off-side and pinches a single. Duckett faces up on a king pair.
Third ball: Starc right at Duckett, squares him up at 141.6km/hr. Good length and forced to play, defends awkwardly with little footwork.
Fourth ball: Tossed up for Duckett, swinging away from him and Duckett threw the bat at it. Squeezes to point, dangerous shot to be playing.
Fifth ball: That’s better from Duckett, picks three off his pads as Starc strays full to the leg-side. Wobble seam ball, well-played.
Sixth ball: Crawley clips a straight ball – 141.5km/hr – to square leg for a single.
The first time in four innings Starc hasn’t taken a wicket in the first over. Everyone has an off day now and then.
England 0-5: Crawley 2*, Duckett 3* trail Australia by 172 runs