The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia score and reaction from fourth Test at Old Trafford

England built a first-innings lead on day two of the fourth men’s Ashes Test after Zak Crawley’s explosive knock helped eclipse Australia’s score of 317 all out.

Earlier, Chris Woakes sealed a maiden Ashes five-fer. James Anderson removed Pat Cummins with the first ball of the day at Old Trafford as the Australia captain tamely chipped to cover, and they were eventually all out for 317 as Hazlewood fenced to second slip, with Ben Duckett taking a head-high catch as Woakes finished with figures of five for 62.

Mitchell Starc picked off England opener Duckett for only one run, but Crawley then set about hitting all corners of the ground, first alongside Moeen Ali who scored 54, and then with Joe Root who also racked up a quick half-century to take the game away from Australia, as Crawley eventually fell for 189.

Follow all the live action from Old Trafford as England face Australia:

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day two

  • STUMPS: England 384/4 (lead by 67)

  • OUT! Joe Root b Hazlewood 84 (England 351/4) - Root’s fine knock is ended by one that keeps low

  • OUT! Zak Crawley b Green 189 (England 336/3) - Special innings ends soon after England take the lead

  • TEA: England 239/2 (trail by 78)

  • 100! Zak Crawley brings up brutal century in 93 balls (England 179/2)

  • OUT! Moeen Ali c Khawaja b Starc 54 (England 130/2) - Stunning catch breaks partnership

  • LUNCH: England 61/1 (trail by 256)

  • OUT! Ben Duckett c †Carey b Starc 1 (England 9/1) - Australia remove opener early

  • END OF INNINGS: Australia 317 all out

  • OUT! Pat Cummins c Stokes b Anderson 1 (Australia 299/9) - England strike with the first ball of the day

England 384-4; Australia 317 all out

Thursday 20 July 2023 20:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

That’s all today from the Ashes – join us tomorrow for more from Old Trafford as England look to turn the screw on Australia and build a big first-innings lead.

Crawley: ‘Any other captain would have dropped me’

Thursday 20 July 2023 19:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

More reflections from Zak Crawley after a memorable day:

Zak Crawley: ‘Any other captain would have dropped me’

Crawley: "You just have to tell yourself ‘keep being me’”

Thursday 20 July 2023 19:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

Centurion Crawley was delighted to ride his luck to produce a sparkling 189 to help England close day two of the fourth Ashes Test on 384 for four, a lead of 67 runs against Australia.

“Yeah it is a good vibe, today was a good day for us and we’re in a good position as a team so I’m sure the boys are happy,” Crawley told Sky Sports. “I enjoyed it a lot, it was good fun. I rode my luck at times – well, quite a lot of the times – but played some good shots along the way and I was very pleased.

“I do doubt myself but at times you just have to tell yourself, ‘keep being me, that is the way I play’. I am quite streaky, I have to ride my luck at times, but in other times I will go through a good patch of scoring quick. I just have to keep backing that game and thankfully I did today.”

Zak Crawley salutes the Old Trafford crowd (Getty Images)
Zak Crawley salutes the Old Trafford crowd (Getty Images)

Zak Crawley’s beautiful 189 repays the faith as England seize control

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:58 , Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Zak Crawley struck a glorious 189 to dispel any questions surrounding his place at the top of the England order as Australia were left scrambling for answers on the second day at Old Trafford.

In a series that has so often been poised on a knife edge, with each side winning sessions, day two was one where the momentum swung fully in favour of the hosts, who finished the day 384 for four with a lead of 67, largely due to Crawley’s innings.

Before the start of the series, Crawley was under pressure to perform, less from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum than the wider cricketing audience, but he showed why he has always held the faith of the England selectors.

Zak Crawley’s beautiful 189 repays the faith as England seize control

STUMPS: England 384/4 (lead by 67)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At the tail end of his post-play interview, Zak Crawley suggested England will try to set themselves up to have a crack at Australia’s top order around lunch time tomorrow. That means there’s no time for circumspection first thing - being bowled out wouldn’t necessarily be the worst thing if the lead is up towards 200. We’ll see how Mitchell Starc is first thing after leaving the field with a shoulder issue in that final session, but Australia’s attack already looked short of sharpness today and they’ll have to front up again first thing.

The meterologists are slightly more optimistic about the weekend than they were this time yesterday, but we are pretty certain that at least some of this Test will be rain-ruined - England have given themselves every chance of forcing a result, though, and will be back for some Friday fun as they try to keep this Ashes alive.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:40 , Sonia Twigg

Stumps: Zak Crawley take a bow. That was an incredible innings on a day that could not have gone any better for England, as they finished 384-4 with a lead of 67

Australia were left struggling to find answers and getting rarely sloppy in the field. There were dropped catches and miss-fields as well as 11 no-balls as England continued to consolidate their position.

It was an innings of controlled aggression, and ‘clever Bazball’ if you like, and while they motored along in terms of run rate, they were not reckless when it came to shot-making decisions.

Crawley fell an agonising 11 runs short of an Ashes double century, but it does not detract from the importance or quality of the innings, and Root just batted steadily for his 84, before a ball from Josh Hazlewood that just didn’t bounce crashed into the stumps.

Australia’s decision to not pick a spinner for the crucial fourth Test will likely be called into question, as England took a liking to part-timer Travis Head, who went for 48 in just six overs.

For Ben Stokes’ side they will want to push on as much as they can and as quickly as they can with rain forecast over the weekend.

Zak Crawley reacts to his first Ashes ton and England’s day

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was a good day for us, we are in a good position as a team. I enjoyed it a lot, it was good fun. I was very pleased. I rode my luck at times but played some good shots.

“I did doubt myself but at times, you’ve got to tell yourself ‘keep being me’. I go through streaky bits at times. They told me to go out there and try to make an impact at the top of the order. Sometimes I’ll got through streaks of low scores but thankfully today it came off.

“They don’t want me to lose days like today if I try to be more consistent. I’ve tried to be consistent and it hasn’t worked for me, making low scores and no runs. That’s more my template. I think I’ve showed that at my best I am good enough at this level and I think that is what the coach and captain have seen in me. I don’t have social media, luckily - I’m sure I’ve copped it on there!”

STUMPS: ENGLAND 384/4 (lead by 67)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A chastening day for Pat Cummins and Australia, weary legs almost wading up the Old Trafford steps. England have taken them apart to race into a first innings lead, with the hope of making further rapid progress this morning to put yet more time back into the game.

Zak Crawley was utterly magnificent, riding his luck a little but showing his supreme stroke-making on his way to a brilliant 187 - and he joins Sky Sports for a natter now...

STUMPS: ENGLAND 384/4 (lead by 67)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 384/4 (72), Harry Brook 14, Ben Stokes 24, Marnus Labuschagne 0-3 (1) (lead by 67)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will be those unlovely leggies, Labuschagne’s third ball a particularly grotesque thing that Ben Stokes hauls through square leg for a couple.

Labuschagne will have one ball at the right-handed Harry Brook, switching to over the wicket with Travis Head moving finer as the close-in catcher on the legside. Loopier, but full enough for Brook to smother - that’ll be that after an excellent day for England.

England 381/4 (71), Harry Brook 14, Ben Stokes 21, Mitchell Marsh 0-57 (9) (lead by 64)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four singles as England pootle towards stumps.

A-ha, here’s something different - Marnus Labuschagne is into the attack, most often bowling some fizzy legbreaks into the surface but also turning his hand to a bit of seam-up and occasional off-spin for Glamorgan in the County Championship this year. A short leg and a slip.

England 377/4 (70), Harry Brook 12, Ben Stokes 19, Pat Cummins 0-93 (16) (lead by 60)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins finds a bit of pop, Ben Stokes taking a hand off the bat as Cummins’s lifter slams into the splice. Two more before the close, you’d imagine, with Mitchell Marsh to provide the penultimate over of the day.

England 374/4 (69), Harry Brook 9, Ben Stokes 19, Mitchell Marsh 0-53 (8) (lead by 57)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Were one of these two to fall tonight, it appears it would be Stuart Broad sent out in his Nighthawk guise, the newest member of the 600 club sat in his pads on the England balcony.

Ben Stokes is brought out a selection of new Gunn & Moores after busting his bat in Mitchell Marsh’s latest over. He likes the pick-up of the second he tries, wandering back to the middle with a fresh stick in hand.

England 372/4 (68), Harry Brook 8, Ben Stokes 18, Pat Cummins 0-90 (15) (lead by 55)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Brook has been a bit scratchy so far, his eight runs coming from 32 balls. A mistimed heave is stopped by Marnus Labuschagne at midwicket to deny the England batter a boundary and keep a little bit of pressure on with the evening closing in.

England 371/4 (67), Harry Brook 8, Ben Stokes 17, Mitchell Marsh 0-51 (7) (lead by 54)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nope, Mitchell Starc remains in bother - he slides smartly around the long-off boundary to deny Ben Stokes a boundary but is then unable to even attempt to trebuchet the ball in. Back to the dressing room he trudges for more treatment.

Stokes gets one away next ball, a short arm jab played on the balls of his feet and directed proficiently in to a gap between two deep legside fielders.

England 364/4 (66), Harry Brook 8, Ben Stokes 10, Pat Cummins 0-89 (14) (lead by 47)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Having said that, Ben Stokes is on the offensive against his opposite number, swatting Pat Cummins to square leg for a single before giving himself room to try and open up the off side. Cummins hasn’t quite been at it today, perhaps feeling the stress and strain of a tough, intense summer.

That’s more like it, though, squaring up Brook on off stump and drawing a thin edge. An old ball and soft hands means Alex Carey’s take is on the second bounce.

Mitchell Starc is out there again, testing out the rotation of his injured shoulder. His presence on the outfield suggests he may feel able to bowl - but for now it’ll be the other Mitchell, with Carey up to the stumps as Marsh readies himself.

England 361/4 (65), Harry Brook 7, Ben Stokes 8, Cameron Green 1-40 (10) (lead by 44)

Thursday 20 July 2023 18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four more dots follow as England bide their time with two relatively fresh batters at the crease. Half-an-hour until the close, and Pat Cummins is back amongst things.

England 361/4 (64.2), Harry Brook 7, Ben Stokes 8, Cameron Green 1-40 (9.2) (lead by 44)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc hits the deck and stays down! Starc had been stretching his hamstring out, ready for a return despite that existing ailment, but he appears to have done himself some mischief here, landing awkwardly on his left arm to jolt his shoulder after diving to cut off a Harry Brook drive.

Out comes the Australia physio to test his range of movement. And Starc is wandering off. That doesn’t look particularly promising for further participation this evening.

England 361/4 (64), Harry Brook 7, Ben Stokes 8, Josh Hazlewood 1-62 (15) (lead by 44)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes almost runs himself out! A horrible call from the England captain, punching straight to Pat Cummins at mid-off but charging through regardless and out of the frame as Cummins hurls with sight of all three. His throw is awry.

England 359/4 (63), Harry Brook 7, Ben Stokes 7, Cameron Green 1-40 (9) (lead by 42)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

If we get significant amounts of play over the weekend, that up-and-down variation in the bounce will make batting in the fourth innings a challenge, you’d think - if they can winkle out a couple more tonight, Australia won’t feel entirely out of the game. It might also cause England to reconsider any declaration plans, batting for slightly longer to avoid having to do more as it deteriorates.

England 357/4 (62), Harry Brook 6, Ben Stokes 6, Josh Hazlewood 1-61 (14) (lead by 40)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hello! Ben Stokes is out of his crease and coming further forward but is caught off guard by a Josh Hazlewood bumper, getting up a double glove shield just in time to avoid dental surgery.

Stokes’s riposte is a powerful pan through the covers for his first boundary.

OUT! Joe Root b Hazlewood 84 (95b 8x4 1x6), England 351/4 (61.1)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It tunnels through! Joe Root is excavated!

Root shrugs his shoulders - there’s nothing he can do about that, a length ball skidding at shin height and cleaning him up. A brilliant supporting hand from Root, who is replaced by his skipper.

England 351/3 (61), Harry Brook 6, Joe Root 84, Cameron Green 1-38 (8) (lead by 34)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Those shooters are coming reasonably infrequently though, this surface still true more often than not - Joe Root clips beautifully through midwicket for three as England continue to grow their lead.

England 347/3 (60), Harry Brook 5, Joe Root 81, Josh Hazlewood 0-55 (13) (lead by 30)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another bit of variable bounce, Josh Hazlewood scuttling one under Joe Root’s attempted drive after the England batter had come skipping out of his crease. Root doesn’t appear overly alarmed, moving into the eighties with a scampered two through the legside.

England 343/3 (59), Harry Brook 4, Joe Root 79, Cameron Green 1-34 (7) (lead by 26)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Five singles from Cameron Green’s over.

England 338/3 (58), Harry Brook 1, Joe Root 77, Josh Hazlewood 0-51 (12) (lead by 21)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two slips in for Harry Brook, but there’s been little movement off the straight to suggest they’ll be particularly busy. Brook is underway with a nurdle.

Joe Root is struck on the pad and Josh Hazlewood turns with a hopeful hoist of his hands, but a big stride outside off is the obvious limiting factor on a curtailed appeal.

England 336/3 (57), Harry Brook 0, Joe Root 76, Cameron Green 1-29 (6) (lead by 19)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out comes Harry Brook, Test average a cool 64.25 as he begins with the most pristine of platforms laid. A couple of Yorkshiremen together on enemy territory with an hour or so left tonight to have some fun.

OUT! Zak Crawley b Green 189 (182b 21x4 3x6), England 336/3 (56.5)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last, Australia break through! A masterpiece from Zak Crawley is at an end as he chops on.

Almost every fielder comes across to offer a respectful shake of Crawley’s hand - a truly special innings ends eleven short of a second Test double-hundred. It was a slightly tired shot, a Cameron Green ball sitting in the surface slightly and perhaps shooting low, taking a bottom edge before rearranging Crawley’s stumps.

Old Trafford rises to salute one of the great Ashes innings.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 334/2 (56.2), Zak Crawley 188, Joe Root 75, Cameron Green 0-29 (6.2) (lead by 18)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Joe Root swivel brings up the 200 partnership in 29 overs, and Australia are unravelling. Steve Smith tosses to no-one in particular, vaguely throwing at the stumps at the bowler’s end, and Pat Cummins’s mind is on other matters beyond, the captain not backing up as he should be. That turns one into three.

England 329/2 (56), Zak Crawley 188, Joe Root 70, Mitchell Starc 2-73 (15) (lead by 12)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A half appeal from Mitchell Starc, almost desparing in nature, after hitting Joe Root on the pads from around the wicket. The angle is taking it down the legside by a distance, though Australia contemplate a review, perhaps in part to break up the rhythm. Starc isn’t at all convinced, though, and persuades Pat Cummins to keep his hands in his pockets.

Might one of Marnus Labuschagne or Steve Smith be worth a go to mix things up? Not yet. Cameron Green returns.

England 323/2 (55), Zak Crawley 185, Joe Root 69, Mitchell Marsh 0-44 (6) (lead by 6)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the lead with a maximum! Clean, clean hitting from Zak Crawley, a lift over long-on with flawless timing to take England in front.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 310/2 (54), Zak Crawley 174, Joe Root 68, Mitchell Starc 2-70 (14) (trail by 7)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An unhappy Mitchell Starc tosses the ball to Usman Khawaja for a quick assessment of shape, Khawaja passing on to the umpire for a more detailed investigation of the viability. It slips smoothly through the two rings, with no obvious bulges or bruises of concern - back to the bowler to resume the over. Joe Root carves Starc to a diving Cameron Green at backward point to pick up a couple more runs.

England 306/2 (53), Zak Crawley 174, Joe Root 65, Mitchell Marsh 0-31 (5) (trail by 11)

Thursday 20 July 2023 17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All a little bit unkempt from Australia, Mitchell Marsh over-stepping as England manoeuvre him into the gaps. Such a bludgeoning might usually give hope to the prospect of reverse swing, but the lulshness of the outfield, a green square and the relative brevity of this innings means it’s highly unlikely there’ll be any on offer - Australia look a little bit out of ideas.

England 300/2 (52), Zak Crawley 174, Joe Root 60, Mitchell Starc 2-66 (13) (trail by 17)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England bring up 300 via the latest effective employment of the edge of Zak Crawley’s bat as they close in on Australia’s total.

England 296/2 (51), Zak Crawley 171, Joe Root 59, Mitchell Marsh 0-25 (4) (trail by 21)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It feels like Australia need something like that to break this game back open, a miscommunication between the batters as Joe Root prances after his own on-drive before being sent back. He scrambles home with a dive just in time as Alex Carey takes off the bails.

David Warner is installed as a short mid-on as Pat Cummins changes the picture for Zak Crawley. Crawley likes the look of it - down the track he comes to launch Marsh back over his head for a one-bounce four.

Alex Carey comes up to the stumps to try and keep Crawley confined. The batter prods past Warner to keep the strike.

England 290/2 (50), Zak Crawley 166, Joe Root 58, Mitchell Starc 2-62 (12) (trail by 27)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kumar Dharmasena, the third umpire, is consulted after Marnus Labuschagne hits the stumps from out in the deep, Zak Crawley safely back by a yard.

Save your legs! Crawley unfurls two delightful drives to similar balls, letting the hands go to place the first wide of extra cover and then closing the face on impact to direct the second straighter. Crawley is now the leading run-scorer in the series, going past Usman Khawaja’s tally of 359.

Mitchell Starc grabs again at that tweaked hamstring as Mitchell Marsh joins him in the attack.

England 278/2 (49), Zak Crawley 154, Joe Root 58, Josh Hazlewood 0-49 (11) (trail by 39)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josh Hazlewood has quietly been rather orderly in this session, his four overs costing only eight since the interval compared to the 30 runs that have already come in his captain’s spell. Few signs, though, that a wicket is imminent.

Mitchell Starc takes over from Pat Cummins at the James Anderson end.

England 276/2 (48), Zak Crawley 153, Joe Root 58, Pat Cummins 0-86 (13) (trail by 41)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Old Trafford crowd practically purrs as Zak Crawley shows the maker’s name, a picture perfect on-drive straight of the fielder and way for four. He goes past 150 with one on the other side, not nearly as nicely timed but still with enough puff to out-race Usman Khawaja to the long-off boundary.

 (PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

England 265/2 (47), Zak Crawley 143, Joe Root 57, Josh Hazlewood 0-47 (10) (trail by 52)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joe Root chainsaws Josh Hazlewood backward of point for his eighth boundary, and then returns to the reverse scoop to try and attack a similar area, extra hop out of the surface beating the bat.

England 260/2 (46), Zak Crawley 142, Joe Root 53, Pat Cummins 0-75 (12) (trail by 57)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

46 balls for that half century for Joe Root, despite a slight slowdown after the interval. We’ve heard plenty of Gilbert Jessop’s name over the last 12 months or so - 76 balls, remember, is his record for the fastest Test ton by an Englishman.

50 for Joe Root! England 251/2 (45.3), Zak Crawley 139, Joe Root 52, Pat Cummins 0-71 (11.2) (trail by 61)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A huge appeal, but it is a no ball! There was an inside edge, too, Joe Root just about getting the bat down on to a ball that both kept low and jagged back, but Cummins shakes his head as Nitin Menon gets the call from his third umpire and sticks out his arm.

And that’ll be 50 for Joe Root, brought up with another of those impudent reverse dabs over a leaping Cameron Green at a wide second slip.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 249/2 (45), Zak Crawley 138, Joe Root 47, Josh Hazlewood 0-42 (9) (trail by 68)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zak Crawley looks down at his bat, fissures forming in his Gray-Nicolls after his earlier tectonics. Out comes a substitute fielder with a replacement at the end of a maiden over.

England 249/2 (44), Zak Crawley 138, Joe Root 47, Pat Cummins 0-64 (11) (trail by 68)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins lets his line slip, giving Zak Crawley a ball on his pads that the batter brushes to fine leg for four. Joe Root connects firmly with a straight drive, Cummins’s big right boot jutting out to deny him a half-century.

England 242/2 (43), Zak Crawley 132, Joe Root 46, Josh Hazlewood 0-42 (8) (trail by 75)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nothing quirky from Australia immediately after the interval, Josh Hazlewood settling into his top of off groove. A single and a leg bye.

England 240/2 (42), Zak Crawley 132, Joe Root 45, Pat Cummins 0-57 (10) (trail by 77)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a single from the first over after tea, tickled fine on the leg side.

Josh Hazlewood at the other end.

Not out! England 239/2 (41.2), Zak Crawley 132, Joe Root 44, Pat Cummins 0-56 (9.2) (trail by 78)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Squeezed between bat and pad and taken at slip! Was there an inside edge? The umpires send it upstairs to check if it has carried but Ultra Edge shows Joe Root hasn’t got a piece of it - not out.

Root was primed to review, but that’s canny umpiring from Nitin Menon, knowing the process would show if there was a nick having not had to force either side into a referral. It did carry cleanly - sharp work from Steve Smith lunging forward from first slip, but all for nought.

England 239/2 (41), Zak Crawley 132, Joe Root 44, (trail by 78)

Thursday 20 July 2023 16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s Open weekend down the road in Liverpool and England are ready to tee off again, Zak Crawley and Joe Root striding out purposefully.

Pat Cummins to begin for Australia to try and start a salvage job.

TEA: England 239/2 (41), trail by 78

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scarcely believable session, really, a very good Australian attack totally taken apart by Zak Crawley and co. 178 runs in 25 overs at more than sevens - utter, utter carnage. It’s been a disaster of a day so far for Pat Cummins, out to the first ball of the morning and taking tap with the ball, with major concerns about a sore-looking Mitchell Starc and his lack of a specialist spinner.

Where next for England? Ben Stokes might just fancy a declaration tonight, so strap yourselves in for more havoc wreaking after the break.

TEA: ENGLAND 239/2 (41), trail by 78

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:41 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: That has undoubtedly been England - and Zak Crawley’s - session, with the hosts going into the break 239 for two, and trailing Australia’s first innings total by just 78.

There were few players whose place in the XI was questioned as much as Crawley ahead of the start of the Ashes, but on a day that might potentially hold the fate of the series, he starred with the bat.

A watchful first 50 was followed up with a 26-ball half century as he reached triple figures for the first time in Ashes cricket.

Moeen Ali scored 54, and Joe Root showed intent from the outset when he came out, hitting the first ball for four, and even throwing in a trademark reverse-scoop for six, just before half past three, to take his own tally to 38.

England are in a dominant position and while there still might be fears due to the rain around and forecast over the next three days, the home side have done everything they can to push the game on - and they have been sensible about it.

England 239/2 (41), Zak Crawley 132, Joe Root 44, Travis Head 0-46 (6) (trail by 78)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Levered for six! Zak Crawley has to reach a long way outside off stump to retrieve a floated off-break from Travis Head, but those long limbs are handy, hauling it across and into the onlookers beyond deep midwicket.

Australia slow proceedings down to ensure this is the last over before a much, much needed tea break.

England 228/2 (40), Zak Crawley 123, Joe Root 42, Mitchell Marsh 0-19 (3) (trail by 89)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins has the wide eyed look of a forest creature watching a wildfire, entirely unsure quite what has happened in this session with England torching his attack. Mitchell Marsh had been tidy enough in his first couple of overs but twice strides beyond the front line in his third. Australia need a cuppa - and probably a comfort blanket.

England 222/2 (39), Zak Crawley 121, Joe Root 40, Travis Head 0-37 (5) (trail by 95)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England milk Travis Head for five singles with their deficit below 100 ten minutes from tea.

England 217/2 (38), Zak Crawley 118, Joe Root 38, Mitchell Marsh 0-13 (2) (trail by 100)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Reverse scooped for six! Joe Root gets funky, finding his favourite frying pan as he switches the hands and flips Mitch Marsh over third man for a maximum.

England 206/2 (37), Zak Crawley 115, Joe Root 30, Travis Head 0-32 (4) (trail by 111)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zak’s attack has taken him beyond Ben Stokes and Crawley is now England’s leading scorer in the series. Travis Head continues with most of his mates as far as possible, trying to protect the boundary. A sliding Mitchell Starc fails in that task, his toe touching the advertising toblerone just before he releases the ball. Four more for Root, up to 30 in an instant.

England 200/2 (36), Zak Crawley 114, Joe Root 25, Mitchell Marsh 0-2 (1) (trail by 117)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marsh did get Crawley twice at Headingley, of course, but is down the pecking order here. He brings a bit of calm, plugging away with a bit of outswing on and around off stump, the exception being a ball on Crawley’s pads that the batter tucks through the legside to bring up England’s 200.

England 198/2 (35), Zak Crawley 111, Joe Root 25, Travis Head 0-26 (3) (trail by 119)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Head tosses his first ball up, and Crawley says “thank you very much”, tucking in straight of long-off for his 14th four.

A double change - Mitchell Marsh, as yet unused, will try and curb the carnage.

England 191/2 (34), Zak Crawley 106, Joe Root 23, Mitchell Starc 2-50 (11) (trail by 126)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To further worsen Australia’s afternoon, Mitchell Starc appears to be treading a touch tenderly, perhaps nursing a slight tweak in his lower limbs. Zak Crawley’s latest slice for four draws an unconventional second fly slip, two of Australia’s three cordon catchers pushed back to the boundary.

And Crawley finds the wider of those two men on the third bounce, unafraid to take it on outside off even with those fielders there.

Travis Head is back for a second spell in the abattoir.

England 185/2 (33), Zak Crawley 101, Joe Root 23, Pat Cummins 0-56 (19) (trail by 132)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Crawley has had some luck at times but that really is a special innings, saving the crash and bash stuff until after he was set and then exploding after lunch. It’s exactly the sort of knock that explains why England have been so eager to persist with the Kent opener through all his trials and tribulations in a Test career of fits and starts.

100 for Zak Crawley! England 179/2 (32.2), Zak Crawley 100, Joe Root 18, Pat Cummins 0-50 (18.2) (trail by 138)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There it is! A chipped cut through the covers will do for Zak Crawley, a first Ashes hundred celebrated by an exuberant wave of his bat. It’s been belligerent, brutal and brilliant from Crawley, tonning up in only 93 balls.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 177/2 (32), Zak Crawley 98, Joe Root 18, Mitchell Starc 2-44 (10) (trail by 140)

Thursday 20 July 2023 15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another over the cordon! Pat Cummins inserts a fly slip after seeing yet another Zak Crawley drive arc over his catchers.

Clean as you like! Right out of the middle from Crawley, obliterating a half volley to leave the three men in the covers stood with mouths almost agape. The opener moves to within three of a fourth Test ton.

England 168/2 (31), Zak Crawley 89, Joe Root 18, Pat Cummins 0-48 (8) (trail by 149)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins brings himself back on, taking up the bouncer baton against a favourite prey of his in Joe Root. But Australia look a little bit rattled still, clinging on for dear life as England press the accelerator, Root waving a short ball into a long leg gap before caressing the most delectable drive for his third and fourth boundaries. The deficit dips below 150 as Cummins gathers his lieutenants for another strategy meeting.

England 157/2 (30), Zak Crawley 88, Joe Root 9, Mitchell Starc 2-34 (9) (trail by 160)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

90 runs in that first hour after lunch, and the luck is with England, another streaky bottom edge from Zak Crawley, who even by his pugilistic standards is swinging at everything.

Australia clearly fancy the short ball against Joe Root - the England batter has opened his stance up and got his hands high, prepared to take it on. He mistimes his hoick but takes a single out to Mitch Marsh at deep backward square.

England 151/2 (29), Zak Crawley 83, Joe Root 8, Josh Hazlewood 0-41 (7) (trail by 166)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No sign of a tempered approach from Zak Crawley after losing his partner - there are two catchers either side of an orthodox midwicket on the leg side but the batter is confident enough to bisect them as he pulls for four. Suspecting that the next ball will be fuller, Crawley strides down and outside off, a lofted larrup off his legs.

The crowd boo as Josh Hazlewood and his captain take a pause to try and figure out how they might slow England’s juggernaut as he thunders up towards a ton. There’s no immediate solution - a drive brings Crawley three more. Cummins and Hazlewood can have a longer mull over a drink.

England 138/2 (28), Zak Crawley 70, Joe Root 8, Mitchell Starc 2-28 (8) (trail by 179)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That really was a fantastic grab from Khawaja, the ball on him in an instant but reacting superbly to snare it.

Joe Root arrives and is immediately on the offensive, swatting Starc for four to long leg, before a trademark run down to third for a second boundary in his first five balls.

OUT! Moeen Ali c Khawaja b Starc 54 (82b 7x4 0x6), England 130/2 (27.1)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Usman Khawaja shows his captain how it is done - a screamer at midwicket!

That is simply sensational from Khawaja to give Australia a breakthrough they so, so needed. It is short from Mitchell Starc and positively nailed by a pulling Moeen Ali, lasering it to Khawaja’s right. Out go the paws as the fielder lunges across and Khawaja’s claws lock around it.

Moeen’s fun is over having very much proven his worth at first drop - Australia, at last, have a glimmer of hope just as England looked to be taking total control.

England 130/1 (27), Zak Crawley 70, Moeen Ali 54, Josh Hazlewood 0-28 (6) (trail by 187)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia’s wheels, meanwhile, are threatening to come off, Travis Head launching a wild shy at the stumps that Usman Khawaja does very, very well to prevent flying away for four overthrows. Those extra runs arrive courtesy of two more two in Josh Hazlewod’s next couple of deliveries.

Dropped? Yes! Bad to worse for Pat Cummins, continuing a disastrous hour after lunch. Hazlewood hurries Moeen Ali on the hook, and Cummins should really take on the lunge at midwicket, but over-extends as it arrives and lets it clang away off his wrists.

England 122/1 (26), Zak Crawley 63, Moeen Ali 53, Mitchell Starc 1-21 (7) (trail by 195)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins sends for Mitchell Starc, hoping some left-arm fizz can stem the flow. Zak Crawley’s latest inside edge is safely deflected away from danger by the batter’s thigh. It’s not all entirely tidy from the England batters, but their making swift progress.

Josh Hazlewood steps in for Travis Head.

England 119/1 (25), Zak Crawley 62, Moeen Ali 51, Travis Head 0-19 (2) (trail by 198)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A dirty full toss from Travis Head, given appropriate punishment by Moeen, hoicking over mid-on. And it’s a slightly fortunate 50 next ball, Pat Cummins not picking up a slice through a similar region and letting the ball drift past him to give Moeen a life and a first Test 50 in more than four years.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 111/1 (24), Zak Crawley 61, Moeen Ali 44, Pat Cummins 0-37 (7) (trail by 206)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A crisp cut to deep point for a single brings up the 100 partnership - it’s the first century stand of the match, which shows the problems Australia had yesterday in sustaining their efforts.

It’s all looking rather good for England, Moeen Ali bouncing on his toes like a boxer to shimmy and sway out of Pat Cummins’s head-hunters. When the southpaw eventually throws a punch, it’s measured, tugging one to long leg to nick the strike.

England 108/1 (23), Zak Crawley 60, Moeen Ali 43, Travis Head 0-11 (1) (trail by 209)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Heaved over cow corner! Crawley isn’t going to let Head settle, a skip down and a sizeable blow over the legside for six as England get their motor running. 47 runs in the seven overs since the resumption.

England 101/1 (22.1), Zak Crawley 53, Moeen Ali 43, Travis Head 0-4 (0.1) (trail by 216)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And England’s free scoring since lunch prompts something different from Pat Cummins - and a first admission, perhaps, that his side might have got their selection wrong. Travis Head into the attack...

And reverse swept for four first ball! Zak Crawley goes to fifty, his seventh boundary coming from his 67th ball.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 97/1 (22), Zak Crawley 49, Moeen Ali 43, Pat Cummins 0-34 (trail by 220)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Inside edged but past Alex Carey’s! A bit of movement back in from Pat Cummins as Zak Crawley drives, but Carey can’t cling on to an incredibly tough chance. He got a piece of it, the ball bursting through the webbing of his glove, but it was never likely to stick.

England 90/1 (21), Zak Crawley 42, Moeen Ali 43, Cameron Green 0-22 (5) (trail by 227)

Thursday 20 July 2023 14:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Runs starting to come more freely for England. Zak Crawley turns what might have been a trotted single into a cantered two, taking one on Josh Hazlewood’s arm after the seamer collects at fine leg. Australia lacking a little in intensity since lunch.

England 84/1 (20), Zak Crawley 38, Moeen Ali 41, Pat Cummins 0-27 (5) (trail by 233)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Moeen’s method against Australia’s short balls has been better today than at Headingley, ducking, weaving, and backing away to open up the offside. A couple of cuts add three to his, and England’s, total.

Travis Head will don a lid for the start of Cameron Green’s next over, giving Moeen something else to consider, Head poking in under his nose on the legside.

England 81/1 (19), Zak Crawley 38, Moeen Ali 38, Cameron Green 0-16 (4) (trail by 236)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged over gully! Cameron Green would have needed himself, and perhaps a small child on his shoulders, in there to get to that one, Usman Khawaja leaping in vain as Zak Crawley drives loosely outside off.

Thumped past the bowler! Much, much more authoritative from Crawley, pouncing on a fuller ball and sending it back from whence it came.

England 73/1 (18), Zak Crawley 30, Moeen Ali 38, Pat Cummins 0-24 (4) (trail by 244)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Glorious! Simply sublime from Moeen Ali, driving impeccably through extra cover as Pat Cummins errs too full. It’s a no ball, too, to add to the Australian skipper’s chagrin.

Zak Crawley slices a drive through backward point, Travis Head hustling around out in the deep to keep it to two. A tad expensive from Cummins so far.

England 64/1 (17), Zak Crawley 27, Moeen Ali 33, Cameron Green 0-8 (3) (trail by 253)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Moeen handles Green’s initial efforts well, dropping one down into the legside for a single before leaning back to carve to deep point for another.

England 61/1 (16.1), Zak Crawley 26, Moeen Ali 31, Cameron Green 0-5 (2.1) (trail by 256)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A change in plan of attack for Australia after the interval - back the to the boundary go the catchers with Cameron Green asked to deliver some short stuff.

England 61/1 (16), trail by 256

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A sunny afternoon in Manchester for Zak Crawley and Moeen Ali to enjoy, looking to pick up where they left off before the interval with their half-century stand so far coming without frequent frights. With that power-packed middle order to come, there’s every chance that England can settle into their scoring stride if they avoid early slip-ups after lunch.

Lunch: England 61/1 (16), trail by 256

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All rather calm by England’s extravagant standards but that will be exactly the start that Ben Stokes will have wanted. Moeen Ali has looked assured at number three, working through his off-side ouevre to get his innings going and combining well with Zak Crawley, two of England’s best timers ticking away pleasantly. No signs, yet, that England are particularly fearful of the forecast - laying a sturdy platform and then accelerating if necessary later would seem a smart approach.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:05 , Sonia Twigg

Lunch: Ali has a new achievement to celebrate, becoming the fourth Englishman to score 3,000 runs and take 200 wickets, and England can breathe a sigh of relief that more wickets didn’t fall as they reached lunch 61-1.

Crawley successfully overturned a decision when he was given out lbw on field, with DRS showing the ball missing the stumps. At that point the Kent batter was on 20, and England 44-1.

Duckett was the only wicket to fall, when he edged behind off Starc for just one, and England were 9-1.

It wasn’t wrapped up for England quite as early as they hoped when Anderson struck from the end named after him first ball of the day.

Cummins was out in fact, before play was due to start at 10.59am.

Woakes thought he had his five-fer just one over later when Hazlewood edged behind and Australia 301-9, but it was called no-ball.

Fortunately for the England seamer, he did manage to secure his first Ashes five-fer half an hour later, with Australia all out for 317 at 11.33 am.

LUNCH: ENGLAND 61/1 (16), trail by 256

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 61/1 (16), Zak Crawley 26, Moeen Ali 31, Pat Cummins 0-15 (3) (trail by 256)

Thursday 20 July 2023 13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dreamy! A shot redolent of the very first ball of the series, wide from Pat Cummins and crunched on the up by Zak Crawley for four through the covers.

Crawley goes all Monty Don to ensure this is the last over of the session, a bit of mid-pitch gardening ensuring there’s no time for Cameron Green to commence his next - lunch.

England 57/1 (15), Zak Crawley 22, Moeen Ali 31, Cameron Green 0-5 (2) (trail by 260)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tidy stuff from this pair, taking four simple singles on offer to swell their partnership to 48 with lunch not far away.

England 53/1 (14), Zak Crawley 20, Moeen Ali 29, Pat Cummins 0-11 (2) (trail by 264)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just out of reach! Any other fielder and Moeen Ali might have felt reasonably safe, but you don’t want to give the Green giant anything to gobble in the gully. A chasing cut evades the fielder’s fingers and takes Moeen to 3,000 Test runs. He follows Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff and Stuart Broad among Englishman in completing a 3000 runs/200 wickets double - provided Ben Stokes is able to bowl again with a red ball, he’ll soon follow them.

That’s charming, though, a controlled carve through the covers off the front foot for four more. Moeen is finding his touch and timing, so wonderful to watch when in full flow and beginning to make England’s punt look wise.

NOT OUT! England 44/1 (13), Zak Crawley 20, Moeen Ali 20, Cameron Green 0-1 (1) (trail by 273)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sliding down! Zak Crawley survives!

It looked like that might be an issue on first view, Crawley not one to get right across his stumps and his front foot staying on middle. Crawley needed only the briefest consultation with Moeen before sending it upstairs, reckoning it’d be missing leg peg - right he is as Joel Wilson is forced to overturn his call.

England have reviewed well in this Test - both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were LBW on referral yesterday.

GIVEN!

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight and slamming into the knee roll, and up goes the finger! Zak Crawley reviews...

England 43/1 (12), Zak Crawley 20, Moeen Ali 19, Pat Cummins 0-2 (1) (trail by 274)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Early encouragement for the visiting skipper, first drawing an inside edge and then beating Zak Crawley’s bat entirely, nipping one up into the opener’s thigh.

A lifter outside off beats Crawley’s driving bat, that extra bounce evident again and likely to intrigue Australia’s colossus - Cameron Green replaces Mitchell Starc.

England 41/1 (11), Zak Crawley 19, Moeen Ali 18, Mitchell Starc 1-18 (6) (trail by 276)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

By pure statistics alone, this Moeen innings is already something of a success for England, their square peg lasting longer in the round number three hole longer than his recent Test record would suggest. There is perhaps further value in having him at first drop to add another left-hander to the top five, with his tendency to hang back complementing Zak Crawley’s preference to push forward, too. England looking reasonably comfortable - though Chris Woakes said ahead of today’s play that he had periods yesterday where he felt a wicket wsas simply never going to come.

Here is postman Pat to see if he can deliver a breakthrough.

England 38/1 (10), Zak Crawley 17, Moeen Ali 17, Josh Hazlewood 0-20 (5) (trail by 279)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A free boundary for Moeen Ali, using the pace of Josh Hazlewood, turning one around the corner off his toes down to fine leg. But that’s beautifully played, a square drive hurrying to the fence as Hazlewood over-pitches. That might just do for jumpin’ Josh, with his captain limbering up to take over.

England 30/1 (9), Zak Crawley 17, Moeen Ali 9, Mitchell Starc 1-15 (5) (trail by 287)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Careful, Zak. Twice in Mitchell Starc’s over he can’t resist an airy drive outside off stump, the left-armer pushing it across England’s opener hoping to incite that a hot-headed swipe precisely of that sort. Crawley scolds himself.

England 26/1 (8), Zak Crawley 17, Moeen Ali 8, Josh Hazlewood 0-12 (4) (trail by 291)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Falls short! That’s a little surprising on a reasonably quick surface, particularly given Zak Crawley was going at it with hard hands towards mid-on, the batter throwing his head back in disappointment and slightly perplexed to find his edge hadn’t ended up in David Warner’s mitts. To cause further bafflement, the next ball on a similar line flies through above Alex Carey’s eyeline, perhaps just illustrating the two-pace nature of this pitch that Marnus Labuschagne referred to last night.

Crawley steps down to try and knock Hazlewood off his length, clipping merrily through midwicket for four. Mitchell Starc will continue for now.

England 20/1 (7), Zak Crawley 12, Moeen Ali 7, Mitchell Starc 1-14 (4) (trail by 297)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Excited cries of “catch” from the Australia cordon as Moeen Ali chips a ball that sticks in the pitch slightly to midwicket. Pat Cummins is the closest fielder at wide mid-on, though, with Moeen safely through for a run as he and Crawley trade a single each in the over.

Starc has gone to a scrambled seam with the early swing appearing to have dissipated. Cummins looks to be starting to get warm.

England 18/1 (6), Zak Crawley 11, Moeen Ali 6, Josh Hazlewood 0-6 (3) (trail by 299)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England haven’t got away here, those boundary riders doing their job in preventing Zak Crawley capitalising on crisp early timing with swift runs. Almost everything has been out of the middle of the right-hander’s bat so far, but that glove down the leg side first ball remains his only boundary.

England 15/1 (5), Zak Crawley 9, Moeen Ali 5, Mitchell Starc 1-12 (3) (trail by 302)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged but wide of Cameron Green in the gully! A first boundary for Moeen Ali arrives streakily, a genuine edge with the ball attacked with an upright blade.

A better looking shot to a slighly wider ball a couple of deliveries later is straight to backward point, but further evidence that Moeen will try to get after anything outside of his eyeline.

England 10/1 (4), Zak Crawley 8, Moeen Ali 1, Josh Hazlewood 0-3 (2) (trail by 307)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Moeen averages 13 at number three for England, and 16 with the bat in Test cricket in the last five years - it is an almighty gamble pushing him up into to the top order, a move as much designed to preserve the strengths of others as maximising Moeen himself. He did, of course, come through as a batter, his evolution into a bowling all-rounder coming almost entirely at Test level, and it did feel like England were in part culpable for the erosion of his natural technique by constantly moving him up and down the order. It would be a good time for him to refind his batting flow.

England 10/1 (3), Zak Crawley 8, Moeen Ali 1, Mitchell Starc 1-7 (2) (trail by 307)

Thursday 20 July 2023 12:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I don’t think Ben Duckett did too much wrong there, a thin edge behind off a high class swing bowler the sort of dismissal you are liable to get on occasion in the top order. Moeen Ali, conversely, wouldn’t have wanted to wander back to the dressing room had he got out playing that shot, a horribly wafty wave of the bat at a wide Mitchell Starc ball that hops some way over the edge of Ali’s flashing bat. He is, at least, off the mark with tickle to fine leg.

OUT! Ben Duckett c †Carey b Starc 1 (6b 0x4 0x6), England 9/1 (2.1)

Thursday 20 July 2023 11:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Full, swinging, a fine nick - Ben Duckett is gone!

A thing of sinuous beauty from Mitchell Starc, removing Duckett with his first ball to the left-hander. Duckett pushes forward, a little across his stumps but forced to play by the initial angle. Alex Carey takes comfortably.

Enter Moeen Ali, England’s ersatz number three.

England 9/0 (2), Zak Crawley 8, Ben Duckett 1, Josh Hazlewood 0-3 (1) (trail by 308)

Thursday 20 July 2023 11:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A tight line from Josh Hazlewood, with Ben Duckett playing everything, as is his wont. The spread field affords the left-hander a sauntered single into the covers. Zak Crawley comes back for a second after another work to leg.

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