Brisbane: Skipper Steve Smith (64 batting, 148b, 6×4) led a rescue mission to revive Australia’s fortunes after a top-order batting collapse in the Ashes Test against England in here Friday at the Gabba.
Chasing England’s first innings score of 302, the hosts were 165 for four and trailing by 137 runs. Giving Smith company was Shaun marsh (44 batting, 122b, 7×4). The two have so far put on 89 runs in an unfinished fifth wicket stand to keep the match finely poised after Australia had slipped to 76 for four.
Smith was thrust into another high pressure situation after Australia suffered a now-familiar batting malfunction. England had done their homework, encircling Smith with fielders and trying to frustrate the fidgety Australian captain into playing a rash shot. But Smith, Test cricket’s top-rated batsman, stepped up to the challenge with a defiant knock.
The tourists had the Australians on the ropes with three batsmen out in the middle session, including the prized scalp of David Warner (26). Warner attempted to pull newcomer Jake Ball through the leg-side only to find Dawid Malan at short mid-wicket.
Earlier, England lost their last six wickets for 56 to fold for 302 all out in their first innings at lunch. The tourists were looking solid in an 83-run partnership between Malan (56, 130b, 11×4) and Moeen Ali (38, 102b, 2×4, 1×6) before the former’s dismissal triggered a clatter of wickets.
Root’s team tumbled from 246 for four to be all out with fast bowlers Mitchell Starc (3/77) and Pat Cummins (3/85) each taking three wickets and spinner Nathan Lyon two.
Brief scores: England 302 (David Malan 56, Mitchell Starc 3/77); Australia 165 for four (Steve Smith 64 batting). Match to continue.
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