A blistering middle session, headlined by a 93 ball century to Zak Crawley has powered England to a strong position at Old Trafford, leaving Pat Cummins and Australia ‘rattled’.
England added 148 runs at 7.12 runs an over in the middle session of play as Crawley, Moeen Ali and Joe Root whittled Australia’s lead down to double figures.
England are 2/249 with Crawley (138*) and Joe Root (47*) out in the middle.
Fortunately for Australia, Usman Khawaja held onto a sharp chance in the same position the very next over to dismiss Moeen for a well made 54.
After Australia was bowled out for 317, Mitchell Starc made the early breakthrough for the tourists, finding Ben Duckett’s outside edge for 1, The hosts settled into their work in favourable batting conditions.
Moeen Ali’s experiment at number three paid off as he scored his first half-century against Australia since 2015 and looked to score freely.
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins added to Australia’s worries when he put down a chance off Moeen Ali, moving around to mid-wicket and not being able to cling on.
Fortunately for Australia, Usman Khawaja held onto a sharp chance in the same position the very next over to dismiss Moeen for a well made 54.
Earlier, Englandseamer Chris Woakes secured his maiden five-wicket haul in Ashes cricket as the day got off to a horror start for the Australians with captain Pat Cummins departing first ball for 1.
Cummins attempted to drive England veteran James Anderson through the covers, but instead spooned a regulation catch towards rival skipper Ben Stokes at point.
The following over, Chris Woakes found Josh Hazlewood’s outside edge, with Zak Crawley pouching the chance at second slip — only for replays to show that Woakes had overstepped, denying himself a maiden Ashes five-wicket haul.
Thankfully for Woakes, he wrapped up the innings a few overs later, with Hazlewood edging through to Ben Duckett at third slip for 4. Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 36.
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