AUS vs ENG Ball by Ball Commentary

1:30 AM IST Right then! The Boxing Day Test has folded up quickly. Australia with an unassailable lead of 3-0. From MCG now we move to Sydney as the 4th Test between Australia and England will start on Wednesday, 5th January 2022 at 10.30 am local (11.30 pm GMT, previous day). Till then, Adios!

2:26 AM IST Easy to guess who will be the Player of the Match! The local boy, Scott Boland is the Player of the Match for his outstanding figures of 4-1-7-6. He says that even he can't believe what happened. Adds that he was told during Christmas eve in the morning that he is making his debut. Tells that things have changed since and he just wanted to make an impact. He appreciates the crowd for supporting him. Ends by saying that he is very happy to win the Player of the Match award.

1:42 AM IST Joe Root, the skipper of England, says that they have been playing in these conditions for a while and adds that they have to concentrate on what's ahead of them, he credits Australia and says that they blew them away. On being asked about how he feels about his team's performance, he replies that the way they went about their cricket was good, and credits his teammates, for giving them a chance to win this game. Concludes by saying, there were pockets where they had done well, but they need to just stay strong and look forward to the next game.

1:47 AM IST Pat Cummins, the winning skipper, he smiles when Adam Gilchrist tells him that he is now an Ashes winning captain. Says everything clicked for them and he is so happy for Scott Boland, who did well in front of his home crowd. Adds that they were relentless with both bat and the ball. Tells that all around they were brave and he is very happy. Says that Michael Neser was good but he did not get a chance for another match but it is a happy squad. Tells that any Ashes series stands as the watch-out series. Concludes by saying, they have dominated the last few Ashes and they want to make an identity for the new few years.

1:33 AM IST Stay tuned for the presentation ...

2:23 AM IST Now, what next for England, the Ashes is already out of hands now. They will have to wait to win back the Ashes. Talking about the remainder of this series, they can shuffle things up, play with more freedom, and at least avoid a whitewash.

2:35 AM IST A dominant display from Australia. They needed 6 wickets to win and it didn't take a full morning session as well. In a blink of an eye, the whole of England innings got vanished. The visitors started well with Root and Stokes showing some intent but it did not last much. Stokes fell and that opened the gates for Australia and Joe Root's wicket was the final nail in the coffin. Scott Boland was incredible, he ended with the figures of 4-1-7-6 and wrapped things up quickly.

2:11 AM IST AUSTRALIA WIN THE SERIES AND HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES. Before the start of the morning session, not even Scott Boland would have believed if someone had shown these figures to him. Someone pinch and tell him, this is not a dream. The results were inevitable but this would fold up so early was not deemed of. Scott Boland leads as the players of Australia applause the spectators. Australia win by an innings and 14 runs.

12:51 AM IST OUT! TIMBER! Dominance, just dominance from Australia! Green takes his first wicket and runs with joy. Incredible scenes here at MCG! A cracker of delivery to seal the series though. This was on a length and around off, it lands and shapes in sharply. James Anderson is squared up as he looks to defend and the ball hits the off stump.

12:50 AM IST We can see Ben Stokes sitting in the dugout with his head down. Not a good sight for England fans.

12:49 AM IST Fuller delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler pushes it to covers and scampers through to the other end, which brings James Anderson on strike. Australia will be happy with that.

12:49 AM IST A short ball, down the leg side. Jos Buttler looks to pull but misses.

12:48 AM IST On a length, outside off. Jos Buttler looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

12:47 AM IST Length and on off. James Anderson defends it out.

12:46 AM IST Length and outside off. Left alone.

12:46 AM IST Anti-climax! A length ball, on middle. James Anderson tucks it to deep square leg for a brace. The crowd is shouting Boalnd! Boland! Boalnd! They are loving the home boy right now.

12:45 AM IST James Anderson comes to the crease.

12:46 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! We are running out of words for Scott Boland! What has he had for breakfast because England are not liking it at all! Unbelievable scenes here at MCG! A length ball, outside off, this one nips slightly away. Ollie Robinson has a poke at it and gets a thick outside edge to third slip where Marnus Labuschagne takes a good low catch. 6 wickets for just 5 runs. Extraordinary figures by Scott Boland.

12:42 AM IST Beaten! Another ripper by Scott Boland! A length delivery, around the fourth stump line. Ollie Robinson, on back foot, looks to defend but gets beaten as the ball whizzes past the outside edge. An appeal for caught behind. But the umpire says no.

12:42 AM IST Ollie Robinson walks out to the middle now.

12:41 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Extraordinary scenes here at the MCG! Baggy Green and then a five-fer. Take a bow Scott Boland! Just what dreams are made of. This was on a length and on off. Mark Wood stays back and chips it back to the bowler. Scott Boland gets his hand down in time and everything is happening as he likes right now The ball sticks to his hands nicely. All the players appreciate and gather around him. Boland waves the ball to the dugout as he celebrates his wicket.

12:40 AM IST Short in length, outside off. Jos Buttler pushes it towards covers.

12:40 AM IST FOUR! Glorious drive! Cameron Green misses his length, serves a low full toss ball, outside off. Jos Buttler lunges and drives it through covers for a boundary.

12:39 AM IST A length delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler plays this with soft hand and gets an outside edge towards gully.

12:39 AM IST Too short on this occasion, around middle. Jos Buttler ducks under it.

12:37 AM IST Back of a length again, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler hangs back and defends it out.

12:37 AM IST Cameron Green drops it short, on middle and leg. Jos Buttler hops and blocks it out.

12:35 AM IST Beaten again! A fuller length this time, outside off. Mark Wood lunges and looks to block that but gets beaten once again.

12:35 AM IST Shorter delivery, outside off. Mark Wood gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to defend.

12:49 AM IST DRINKS! Australia now just inches away from clinching the series. Root gone, Bairstow gone, Buttler and then the tail-enders. The script looks crystal clear for Australia.

12:33 AM IST OUT! EDGED AND GONE!  It is the captain and Australia have one hand on the series. Scott Boland with a beautiful delivery. Surely that was the wicket Australia were looking for and there are all smiles in the camp now. Boland hurls and serves a full-length delivery, angling outside off. Joe Root looks to drive but away from the body. It takes the outside edge and goes to David Warner at first slip holds onto it. It is all in hands of the Jos Buttler now to at least keep the hopes alive.

12:31 AM IST A length ball, on off. Root defends it off the front foot on the off side.

12:30 AM IST This is full and outside off. Root shoulders arms to it.

12:30 AM IST Short of a length, outside off, punched to point.

12:29 AM IST Fuller this time, on middle. Jos Buttler lunges and blocks it out solidly.

12:41 AM IST Good-length, outside off. Jos Buttler pushes it back to the bowler.

12:41 AM IST On a length, on middle. Jos Buttler blocks it out.

12:41 AM IST Back of a length, outside off. Jos Buttler leaves that alone.

12:41 AM IST Shorter, around off. Joe Root pushes it towards mid-wicket and scampers through to other end.

12:41 AM IST A length delivery, angling it onto the pads. Joe Root jabs it towards gully.

12:41 AM IST JAFFA! What a peach of a delivery! Scott Boland delivers a back of a length, outside off. Jos Buttler looks to defend but gets beaten as the ball zips past the outside edge.

12:40 AM IST OUT! LBW! Jonny Bairstow reviews it straightaway. No bat there clearly, confirmed by UltraEdge as well. Ball Tracker is umpire's call and the same on wickets hitting. Jonny Bairstow retains the review but he does not retain himself here. Scott Boland can do no wrong here. He is loving life at the moment. A length ball, around off, this one nips away. Jonny Bairstow is early as he looks to flick and gets hit on the back pad. Height was the only issue. An appeal for LBW and the umpire takes his time before raising his finger. Joe Root shakes his head as he watches wickets tumbling on the other end.

12:26 AM IST Review time! Jonny Bairstow has reviewed an LBW decision! The replay rolls in. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved, and its umpires call on impact and on wickets hitting as well, which means Jonny Bairstow has to walk back.

12:40 AM IST On a length, on middle. Jonny Bairstow blocks it out.

12:40 AM IST Nicely done! Scott Boland serves a back of a length, outside off. Joe Root hangs back, jumps a tad and punches it solidly through the covers for three runs.

12:40 AM IST Short of a length, outside off. Joe Root, on back foot, blocks it out.

12:40 AM IST DROPPED! That was quick and it needed reflexes from Cameron Green! Short of a length, outside off. Jonny Bairstow looks to cut off the back foot but gets a thick outside edge to gully where Cameron Green dives to his left and fumbles it. Good start from Scott Boland.

12:19 AM IST Change from both ends then. The local boy, Scott Boland is back into the attack. 2 wickets in his first over so far.

12:40 AM IST Length, outside off. Joe Root blocks it towards point.

12:40 AM IST Fuller this time, outside off. Joe Root pushes it towards mid on.

12:39 AM IST Extra bounce! Cameron Green serves a back of a length, on the body. Jonny Bairstow looks to defend that but misses as the ball bounces off the surface and hit the top of the bat and lands just wide of gully. A single taken.

12:39 AM IST A shorter one this time, on the body. Joe Root pulls it towards fine leg. A single taken.

12:39 AM IST Good-length delivery again, on middle. Joe Root defends this one.

12:39 AM IST Cameron Green begins with a length delivery, on middle, getting the ball to nip back in a tad. Joe Root blocks it out.

12:15 AM IST Cameron Green is into the attack.

12:39 AM IST Back of a length, outside off. Jonny Bairstow pushes it to the man at point. A maiden over for Mitchell Starc.

12:39 AM IST Tad shorter, outside off. Jonny Bairstow guides it to point.

12:39 AM IST Mitchell Starc changes his angle now, goes around the wicket, serves a length ball, on middle. Jonny Bairstow jumps and blocks it from the toe-end of his bat.

12:39 AM IST On a length, around middle. Jonny Bairstow pushes it towards gully with the outer half of his bat.

12:39 AM IST Starc pulls his length back here, around leg. Jonny Bairstow blocks it towards short leg.

12:39 AM IST Touch fuller, outside off. Jonny Bairstow shoulders arms to it.

12:38 AM IST This one comes back in with the angle, on off. Root solidly defends it on the surface. Quality stuff from Pat Cummins, so accurate with his lines and lengths.

12:38 AM IST A length ball, slanting outside off. Root shoulders arms to it.

12:38 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Root stands tall and punches it to point.

12:38 AM IST Root gets hit on the box and he is in some pain here. Deja vu for Root after getting hit at the same area in Adelaide as well. A length ball, on middle. Joe Root looks to defend but gets hit near the groin area.

12:38 AM IST On a length, on middle. Jonny Bairstow tucks it to square leg and takes a quick single. There is a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Root was well in.

12:38 AM IST Ohh, What was that? A length ball, on off, it wasn't that short but the ball climbs off the deck. Jonny Bairstow looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the shoulder.

12:38 AM IST Outside off. Left alone.

12:38 AM IST FOUR! Anything that is loose and Root pouches on it. Beautiful shot! Pitches it up, on off. Root drives it straight down the ground for a boundary. Holds the pose for a while as well.

12:38 AM IST A length delivery, outside off. Joe Root looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

12:38 AM IST A length ball, way outside off. Root with an easy leave.

12:37 AM IST On a length, on middle. Root blocks it on the leg side.

12:37 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Left alone.

12:02 AM IST Slight halt in play. Joe Root has some issue with the side screen. He walks to the umpire and asks to resolve it. Ready to resume.

12:37 AM IST Now a short ball, outside off. Jonny Bairstow lets it through to the keeper.

12:37 AM IST On a length, angling on off. Jonny Bairstow knocks it to point.

12:37 AM IST Length ball, outside off. Left alone.

12:37 AM IST EDGED AND JUST SHORT! A length ball, outside off. Jonny Bairstow lunges and tries to defend but the ball shapes slightly away and takes the outside edge. Green carries it on a bounce to gully.

12:37 AM IST Jonny Bairstow is off the mark! A length ball, on middle. Jonny Bairstow tucks it with soft hands to deep square leg for a brace.

12:37 AM IST Quick single! A length ball, on off. Root taps it on the top, towards cover and takes a quick single.

12:37 AM IST A length ball, on middle. Jonny Bairstow gets inside the line of the ball and defends it.

11:53 PM IST Jonny Bairstow comes to the crease now.

12:36 AM IST OUT! TIMBER! Superb stuff from Mitchell Starc! Just when you thought that England will fight, Starc comes with his brilliance. This was a full-length delivery, some inward movement and it is enough for the ball to roll through the gap as Stokes looks to defend away from the body. The ball rattles the middle stump and Australia get the big wicket. England trail by 36 runs.

12:35 AM IST Now looks to drag it on the off side but gets an inside edge to mid-wicket.

12:35 AM IST FOUR! This is good and positive cricket from England! A full ball, outside off. Stokes drives it through mid off for a boundary.

12:35 AM IST Length and on middle. Defended out.

12:35 AM IST Starc continues to target the stumps. Stokes is solid in his defense.

11:47 PM IST Length ball, outside off. Root blocks it to covers.

11:46 PM IST A short ball, on off. Root sways away from the line of the ball.

11:46 PM IST Finally some inward movement. A length ball, on off. Root defends it more off the inner half of his blade back on the deck.

11:45 PM IST On a length, on off. Root defends it on the off side.

11:44 PM IST Length ball, around the 5th stump channel. Left alone. The ball is rolling straight, no signs of movement till now.

11:44 PM IST A length ball, on off. Root prods and defends it under his eyes.

11:43 PM IST Length and on off. Blocked out.

11:42 PM IST Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. The fielder there dives and stops it.

11:42 PM IST FOUR! Good signs from England early on! A full ball, on middle. Stokes punches it through mid on and the ball races away to the fence.

11:41 PM IST Starc continues to serve it on a length, on middle. Stokes nudges it to mid-wicket.

11:40 PM IST Short of a length, outside off. Stokes leaves it alone.

11:39 PM IST A length ball, on middle. Stokes defends it solidly. The wicket looks flat and it is nice to bat on.

11:38 PM IST Shortish delivery, outside off. Joe Root leaves that alone.

11:38 PM IST On a length, outside off. Joe Root, on back foot, pushes it towards gully.

11:37 PM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Joe Root leans and blocks it out.

11:36 PM IST On the pads. Stokes shuffles across and flicks it to square leg for a single.

11:36 PM IST On a length, on the pads. Stokes rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

11:36 PM IST Pat Cummins will bowl from the other end.

11:35 PM IST Serves a full ball, on off. Stokes defends it off the front foot.

11:34 PM IST Another good looking drive from Root! A full ball, angling on off, driven to covers.

11:34 PM IST FOUR! Root with positive intent! A full ball, on off. Root drives it nicely and wide of mid off for a boundary.

11:33 PM IST This was full and on middle. Root eases it to mid on.

11:32 PM IST Short in length, on off. Root punches it through point for a couple.

11:31 PM IST BEATEN! It doesn't take long for Starc to correct his line. Short of a length, outside off. Root looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

11:30 PM IST Starc serves it on a length, on off. Root pushes it to cover.

11:29 PM IST We are all set for the action. Pat Cummins leads his team out to the middle. Joe Root and Ben Stokes will resume their innings and a big partnership is needed from them. Mitchell Starc to start with the ball.

10:33 PM IST Joe Root is still out there and all the hopes rely on him and so on Ben Stokes. Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler will follow but we all know how much England have relied on their skipper in this series. So much will be going on in Root’s mind right now and with time not an issue. The fascinating thing would be to see if England will go all defensive or we have some different tactics lined up. Stay tuned for further updates.

2:58 AM IST The deadly duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins didn’t allow a breather to the visitors and then the debutant, Scott Boland joined to scalp two wickets in an over. The way Australia ended the day, they will look to continue somewhat the same type of bowling in this morning session. Australia have a chance to fold things pretty early and Root’s wicket will be very vital for the host.

10:45 PM IST Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the third Test match of the Ashes. A penny for what Root might be thinking? After bossing the morning session of the second day. England suddenly find themselves in trouble again on 31/4 and trailing by 51 runs. With this pitch assisting the bowlers and the Aussies pumped up, England have a big task ahead of them. Also, the players of both the teams have returned with a negative Covid report. That means we shall resume the play on time.

10:27 PM IST ... Day 3, Session 1 ...

7:40 AM IST Needless to say, Australia will be overjoyed. It is not them being on top which will be the reason, but the way they found a way to fight back, after England had them in trouble. We don't want to think too much ahead of ourselves but the way things are going, there may not be a Wednesday in this Test. However, if England do manage to take this to Day 4, rest assured, the Test match and the series will spring back to life again. Join us then, on Tuesday, 28th December, 2021 at 10.30 am local (2330 GMT, Monday) for all the action from Day 3. Until then, you have got plenty of cricket to look forward to - the opening South Africa-India Test and action from the Big Bash League as well. Enjoy the cricket. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

7:37 AM IST However, not surprisingly, Australia found a way to claw back. The lower order rallied around, to get the lead close to a 100, 82 to be precise and then, the momentum just dismantled England's top order. England have two of their most experienced players in the middle and they will be relieved that Root is still out there. They have a few problems in front of them. 1. They are already 4 down but the deficit is still 51. 2. They need to get a lead of at least above 150 to make Australia worried. 3. There is plenty of time left in this match, with 3 days to go. So they cannot even play out for time!

7:43 AM IST The day began with plenty of expectations - Harris scoring a century, then the usual 50-plus from either or both, Labuschagne and Smith, some tail wagging and seeing Australia go past 400, with England getting battered again. But no. The wily James Anderson decided to change the script. He picked the perfect length and made sure the entire bowling pack hit it. Australia struggled to score runs and in around an hour, the prospects of 400 became 300, which further slid down to 200 at Lunch.

7:41 AM IST Who left the grass out, who, who? Take a bow, Mr. curator. Your decision to leave grass on this deck has perhaps produced the most exciting Test match of this series so far. 24 wickets in 6 sessions - 13 falling on Day 2. Whose day was it? England started well, but Australia have ended tremendously. Fantastic day of cricket.

7:35 AM IST Root finishes the day with peace! A full ball, very full, on middle. Root punches it down the ground before the fielder cuts it off. Three taken. That will be STUMPS on Day 2.

7:33 AM IST On a length, on off. Root hits it to point. Last ball of the day coming up. Can Root hold onto it?

7:33 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Left alone.

7:32 AM IST FOUR LEG BYES! Flies away from the keeper! A full ball, slanting way down the leg side. Root misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away from the diving keeper and races away to the fine leg fence.

7:31 AM IST BEATEN! This is outstanding bowling from Cummins! A length ball, outside off. Joe Root has a poke away from the body but misses and gets beaten on the outside edge.

7:31 AM IST A length ball, on middle. Ben Stokes wrists it to deep square leg for a single.

7:29 AM IST What an over by Scott Boland! A length ball, angling on middle. Ben Stokes shuffles in his crease and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. He takes his position after the over at deep square leg and there is applause from behind for him.

7:28 AM IST Who walks in? Shane Warne is pumped up in the commentary box. He wants the extra half hour tonight as he reckons the game could be done! Michael Vaughan though, calms him down and says that it is not going to happen. And after an eternity, BEN STOKES walks out to a chorus of boos! He almost got timed out here, almost utilizing the allotted 3 minutes to come to the crease.

7:27 AM IST OUT! BOWLED! Left alone and gone! Well, Leach did not want to play at that and as Ian Chappell always says - 'Mate, you have got a bat, use it!' On a length, outside off, Jack Leach shoulders arms, probably trusting the bounce on this deck and expecting it to go over. But to his horror, the ball nips back in and hits the top of middle stump! It can be put down to misjudgement of length but really difficult to judge at this time of the day. Cannot blame Leach much there. England are 4 down in next to no time!

7:26 AM IST Almost played it on! Scott Boland is fired up. A length ball, on off. Jack Leach defends it under his eyes. The ball bounces just over the stumps and missed by inches. Not just Boland but Australia and the whole MCG is pumped up here. England nowhere to be seen.

7:25 AM IST No options left. It has to be the night watchman now. Who comes out though? Robinson or Anderson? Ah... forgot this man. Probably the most important score of 1 not out in Test history. Here's Jack Leach. 5 minutes to go for Stumps. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 slips waiting...

7:24 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Boland strikes immediately on being given the cherry in the second innings! He is pumped up and the MCG roars along with him. Almost a replica of Hameed's dismissal in the first innings of this Test and the second innings of the previous Test. On a length, in the avenue of apprehension, around off, Haseeb Hameed is not sure whether to play or let it go. He puts bat on ball pretty late but a tinge of late away movement takes the outside edge. Simple catch for Alex Carey.

7:22 AM IST Boland serves a length ball, outside off. Hameed offers no shot there.

7:22 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Hameed leaves it alone.

7:21 AM IST Scott Boland comes into the attack.

7:20 AM IST A full ball, on off. Root toe-ends his drive to mid on.

7:20 AM IST On a length, on off. Root hops and taps it to point.

7:19 AM IST Outside off. Root with an easy leave.

7:19 AM IST Length ball, outside off. Left alone.

7:18 AM IST Short of a length, angling on middle. Root is squared up as he looks to defend. Gets hit high on the pads.

7:18 AM IST Fullish delivery, outside off. Root leaves it alone.

7:17 AM IST Eventful over from Starc. This was on a length, outside off. Hameed looks to push but gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls to the slip cordon.

7:16 AM IST Short ball, outside off. Hameed leaves it alone.

7:16 AM IST FOUR! First boundary from Hameed's blade! Starc pitches it up and bowls it around off. Hameed pushes it nicely past mid off. The fielder gives a chase but to no avail as the ball races away to the fence.

7:15 AM IST Length and outside off. Left alone.

7:14 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Root tries to defend with soft hands but it takes the outside edge and the ball falls just short of the keeper, Alex Carey who dives to his right and palms it away to third man. A single.

7:13 AM IST Targets the stumps, Root defends it solidly.

7:12 AM IST A full ball, outside off. Hameed toe-ends it as he pushes it back to the bowler.

7:11 AM IST Short of a length, just around off. Hameed does really well as he stays away from the line of the ball.

7:11 AM IST On a length and on off. Hameed defends it on the off side.

7:10 AM IST A short ball, on middle. Hameed sits under it.

7:10 AM IST Full ball, on off. Blocked out.

7:10 AM IST A huge appeal for LBW but not given. Australia opt not to take the review. That one came sharply. On a length, around off and comes back in sharply. Haseeb Hameed leaves but this one shapes in and hits him on the pads. That looked really close.

7:08 AM IST Short of a length, on middle. Root hops and blocks it back on the deck.

7:07 AM IST EDGED, FOUR! Dear me, through the slip cordon, that too, a packed one! Full, outside off, a touch wide, Joe Root flays hard at that, as he looks to drive. But the pace from Starc induces an outside edge and it flies. But between third slip and gully, to the third man fence!

7:06 AM IST On a length, outside off. Root shoulders arms to it.

7:05 AM IST A length ball, on middle. Hameed flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

7:05 AM IST Fuller ball, outside off. Hameed leaves it alone.

7:04 AM IST JAFFA! These two are keeping the batters on their toes. A short ball, on off. Haseeb Hameed stands tall and keeps the bat away from the line of the ball.

7:03 AM IST Tad shorter, outside off. Joe Root leaves that alone.

7:03 AM IST FOUR! Something to smile about for England! Pat Cummins overcooks this one, outside off. Joe Root punches it past mid off for a four!

7:02 AM IST Beaten! A shorter delivery, outside off. Joe Root gets beaten as the ball zips through the outside edge.

7:01 AM IST Shaping it back in, On a fuller length. Haseeb Hameed gets an inside edge towards square leg. A single taken.

7:00 AM IST Full in length, around off. Haseeb Hameed blocks it watchfully.

7:00 AM IST NOT OUT! A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire! The Aussies are on fire here! Pat Cummins bowls in fuller length, nipping it back into Haseeb Hameed. Haseeb Hameed looks to block that but gets beaten and the ball hits him high on the pads. The replay confirms that would have missed the wickets.

6:59 AM IST ALMOST A HAT-TRICK! Saved by a hair's breadth. Phew! What an over from Mitch. How did he survive that? Full, around off, Joe Root is forced to play at that but the ball nips away off the seam and almost takes the outside edge. Root survives as the MCG roars. Cannot blame them. We all thought that took the edge. But Starc just smiles and walks off. When was the last time we actually saw Starc smile in a match? It has been a torrid year for the speedster. Good to see him in high spirits.

6:58 AM IST The skipper, Joe Root, walks in now, at number 4, replacing Malan. 47,000 people at the MCG chanting 'STARC! STARC! STARC!'

6:58 AM IST OUT! LBW! Is it two in two? Malan has taken a review. What does Hawk Eye suggest? Hit high on the knee roll. UMPIRE'S CALL AND STARC IS ON A HAT-TRICK! One of the worst first balls to get, if you are a batsman and that too, against Starc. A length ball, outside off, Malan stays back and looks to work it on the leg side but his feet are not quite warmed up to the occasion. The ball jags back in, beats the bat and hits the pad. The umpire raises his finger on the appeal and Malan reviews but it is a golden duck for Dawid.

6:54 AM IST Normally, a night watchman would come in at this time. But given that 35 minutes are left, it is Dawid Malan at number 3.

6:53 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Starc strikes! Crawley fails to make use of the reprieve given to him by Carey. Excellent line and length by Mitchell Starc. He was struggling in his first over but since then, has found some rhythm. And now, that rhythm has got him a wicket. Nothing much that Crawley could really do here. He is constantly waiting for the ball to come in but this one moves away a bit. Takes the outside edge and Carey does the rest. Actually, he does not go up but Warner at first slip is charging at the umpire. Starc celebrates too. But Crawley is not going anywhere as the umpire has not raised his finger. Well, they appeal now and up goes the finger! Crawley does not bother reviewing.

6:52 AM IST A length ball, outside off. Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

6:51 AM IST Length and on off, Defended out.

6:51 AM IST An appeal for caught behind but Starc was not interested that! Short of a length, on off. Zak Crawley without any foot movement looks to defend but misses. The ball takes the thigh pad on its way to the keeper. A muted appeal follows mostly from the slip cordon.

6:50 AM IST Touch fuller, on middle. Zak Crawley leans and looks to flick but gets an inside edge to square leg for a single.

6:49 AM IST A length ball, on middle. Blocked out.

6:48 AM IST WOW! What a delivery! The ball is swinging sharply here! A length ball, on off, this one nips back in sharply. Zak Crawley is beaten on his defense and the ball whizzes past the inside edge and the ball bounces over the stumps. Good carry for Alex Carey as well.

6:48 AM IST EDGED, MISSED, FOUR! This is not done by Carey. That is the second time in two matches he has been reluctant to go for a catch. Full, around middle, swinging away, Zak Crawley has a tentative poke at it. Gets a thick outside edge, which flies right between the keeper and first slip. Now, when this happens, it has to be the keeper's catch. Alex Carey makes an initial movement to his right but does not go for it in the end. David Warner at first slip is looking at Carey and naturally, seeing the keeper's initial movement, he stays still. The ball escapes through the gap, to the third man fence. The last time Carey did this mistake, Jos Buttler almost made them pay in Adelaide. Is it going to be more of the same with Crawley?

6:47 AM IST Length ball, outside off, steep bounce there and Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

6:46 AM IST An appeal for LBW but not given. Might be drifting down. Yes, and missing the stumps as well. This was on a length and angling on middle and leg. Zak Crawley misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

6:45 AM IST Maiden over! A length ball, outside off. Hameed has a poke to this wayward delivery and misses it completely. What a start from Australia!

6:45 AM IST Short in length, slanting outside off. Hameed shoulders arms to it.

6:44 AM IST On a length, on middle. Hameed gets inside the line and blocks it out. Good defense from Hameed.

6:43 AM IST Full ball, slanting outside off. Hameed lets it through to the keeper.

6:43 AM IST Length ball, outside off. Hameed leaves it alone.

6:42 AM IST JAFFA! Two experienced guys going against two inexperienced players. Serves a short ball, on off. Haseeb Hameed stands tall and the ball whizzes past the blade.

6:41 AM IST Brilliant over from Pat Cummins!  A length ball, on middle. Zak Crawley solidly defends it.

6:40 AM IST This one swings back in very late. Full ball, outside off. Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

6:40 AM IST On a length, on off, it lands and jags back in. Zak Crawley is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit high on the pads.

6:39 AM IST BEATEN! Pat Cummins with his probing lines! What delivery! This was on a length and outside off. Zak Crawley looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

6:38 AM IST Full ball, outside off. Defended out.

6:38 AM IST Leg bye! In the air and drops safe! It came off the arm though! Fiery start from Pat Cummins. Short of a length, on middle. Haseeb Hameed ducks but keeps his bat out. The ball hits him on the arms and lobs over the slip cordon. A leg bye given.

6:37 AM IST Pat Cummins will bowl from the other end.

6:36 AM IST Full ball, outside off. Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

6:36 AM IST England and Haseeb Hameed are underway! Short of a length, on the hips. Haseeb Hameed flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

6:35 AM IST Full ball, angling outside off. Haseeb Hameed with yet another leave. Mitchell Starc is yet to target the stumps!

6:34 AM IST This was much better. On a length, just around the 4th stump channel. Haseeb Hameed shoulders arms to it.

6:33 AM IST Starc drags his length ball, and keeps the outside off line. Haseeb Hameed watches it all the way through to the keeper.

6:33 AM IST Starc starts with a fullish delivery, slanting way outside off. Haseeb Hameed lets it through to the keeper.