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Australia vs England, Day 3 of Ashes Boxing Day Test from MCG

Alastair Cook finished the day on 244 as records tumbled, England in the box seat at stumps on day three at the MCG.

10 min read
10:25AMDecember 28, 2017.
Updated 6:35PMDecember 28, 2017
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Alastair Cook finished day three on an unbeaten 244. Picture: AAP.
Alastair Cook finished day three on an unbeaten 244. Picture: AAP.

Welcome to The Australian’s coverage of the third day of the 2017 Boxing Day Test, with England to resume at 2-192 after a massive second day for the tourists.

Adrian McMurray 6.01pm: Cook’s record-breaking day

England fansbatsman Alastair Cook after scoring his double century. Picture: AFP.
England fansbatsman Alastair Cook after scoring his double century. Picture: AFP.

That’s stumps, with Cook smashing his 27th boundary of the match to end the day on 244. He brings up his third highest Test score in the process, short of his 294 v India (2011) and 263 v Pakistan (2015). What an incredible display, Cook revitalised as England finish the day 9-491 with lead of 164 runs. This was England’s day, and more specifically, Cook’s day. What’s next in this remarkable Test? Will Root declare? Join us tomorrow morning for coverage of the fourth day.

Adrian McMurray 5.50pm: Cook carries on

England put that drama behind them and Cook continues to go to work, picking up another three boundaries off Cummins and Marsh to move to 240. Jimmy Anderson hasn’t moved off 0, England’s lead now 160.

Adrian McMurray 5.34pm: Broad’s controversial dismissal

Broad whips one out to deep, where Khawaja is waiting. Out! Or... is it? The decision is sent upstairs for review. It appeared the ball popped out of Khawaja’s grasp, hitting his biceps as he skidded across the MCG turf. But there’s not enough evidence to overturn the decision, with Broad gone for 56. More drama!

Adrian McMurray 5.28pm: More milestones fall

What is happening?! Broad passes 50, pulling one past deep square leg for a boundary, and punishes the next Lyon delivery through deep mid-wicket for another boundary. That’s the century partnership for the pair. Incredible stuff.

Adrian McMurray 5.17pm: Runs flow for England

Alastair Cook, left, celebrates making his double century with Stuart Broad. Picture: Getty Images.
Alastair Cook, left, celebrates making his double century with Stuart Broad. Picture: Getty Images.

I see it but I don’t believe it. Where has this come from? Broad has been sensational with seven boundaries — including a six over long on off Lyon — to move within striking distance of his own half-century. He won’t go anywhere near his highest Test total (169 v Pakistan, Lord’s, 2010) but this has been so crucial for England. This is well and truly their Test to lose now.

Adrian McMurray 5.02pm: England’s unexpected boost

I don’t think anyone really expected much from this partnership, but wonderful stuff from Broad and Cook who pass the 50 mark. Even a half-century from Broad isn’t out of the question. Cook overtakes Viv Richards with the highest total for a non-Australian player at the MCG. Frustration for Australia.

Adrian McMurray 4.46pm: Cook reaches 200

That’s it! Cook brings up his double ton in style with a lovely shot down the ground for four. An incredible performance from the former England captain, who’s faced 361 deliveries to get there. England now with a solid 86-run lead.

Adrian McMurray 4.41pm: Double century looms

Cook smacks one down past deep backward point off Lyon to move to 195, a pair of singles taking him to 197. This is it. Surely it lands after drinks.

Adrian McMurray 4.28pm: Cook hits 190

Cook is just 10 runs away from a double century after another four past deep cover. Interestingly, he’s never carried his bat, but this might be the day. It might not be pretty but it’s working for Broad, who’s had two boundaries of his own.

Adrian McMurray 4.14pm: Broad targeted

He probably expected it but Broad is facing a barrage of short balls from Hazlewood and Cummins, including one he took on the shoulder. Cook remains on 183, but I don’t know if Broad and then Anderson will hang around long enough to see the former skipper get that elusive double century.

Adrian McMurray 4.04pm: Curran’s brief appearance

I was singing his praises just moments ago but really, Curran was never going to stick around for too long. There’s a massive appeal for caught behind, the umpire doesn’t move but the decision’s reviewed. Sure enough, the replays show an outside edge. Paine collects off Hazlewood’s bowling. Curran (4) departs, Broad now on his way to the middle.

Adrian McMurray 3.58pm: Curran’s solid start

How about a boundary for your first Test runs? Curran is impressing in his first Ashes outing, an outside edge off Cummins’ bowling giving him a great start with the bat. The runs have dried up a bit over the last few overs, Bird giving away a single and a maiden from Cummins keeping that run rate in check.

Adrian McMurray 3.40pm: Short ball does the trick

Wicket! What a start to the session for Australia. Cummins delivers a short ball, which nicks the gloves of Woakes to Paine. Woakes did well during his time in the middle but he was always the more likely of the pair to depart next. Debutant Tom Curran moves out to face his first ball in the Test arena.

Adrian McMurray 3.31pm: Play resumes in the evening session

We’re back underway in the final session of day three. Cook resumes on 173, and will be desperate to bag that double century in the final hours of play today. Bird to start things for Australia. It hasn’t been the best day for the Aussie quick, let’s see if he can bring anything here.

Adrian McMurray 3.15pm: England in control at Tea

England's Alastair Cook, left, and Chris Woakes. Picture: AP.
England's Alastair Cook, left, and Chris Woakes. Picture: AP.

Woakes hits another boundary, adding a few more runs to sit on 26 at Tea. Cook (173) and Woakes have passed the half-century mark for their partnership, the tourists in a very healthy position at Tea. England 6-360 with a lead of 33.

Adrian McMurray 3.01pm: Hazlewood’s close chances

Lovely delivery from Hazlewood but he just can’t find that edge off Cook. Then three deliveries later he finally gets an edge, but it’s through the gap between first slip and Paine for four. The last ball of the previous over saw Woakes hit arguably his best shot of the day, past deep extra cover for four. Lyon returns to the field.

Adrian McMurray 2.45pm: Cook edges closer to double ton

Six off Marsh has and single off Hazlewood moves Cook to 169, with a maiden from Lyon in between holding things together for the Aussies. Lyon’s been replaced by Bird as the spinner goes off the field for treatment on a finger injury.

Adrian McMurray 2.32pm: England hit the lead

It was inevitable but Woakes pushes one to cover for another single and England take the first innings lead. The Barmy Army are loving this after a pretty bleak tour so far.

Adrian McMurray 2.27pm: Test in the balance

The lights come on at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: AP.
The lights come on at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: AP.

Cook keeps plugging away while Woakes chips in with a few runs and there it is, a few singles and England draw level with Australia’s first innings total. The former England captain moves to 161 in what’s been a mixed day for both sides.

Adrian McMurray 2.11pm: Cook dropped

Steve Smith drops a catch from Alastair Cook. Picture: Getty Images.
Steve Smith drops a catch from Alastair Cook. Picture: Getty Images.

Another dropped catch! This time it’s the skipper at square leg, Smith diving low to his right, unable to take what would’ve been a ripper of a catch. Cook breathes a sigh of relief as England draw closer to Australia’s first innings total, England 6-318,trailing by nine runs.

Adrian McMurray 1.54pm: 150 for Cook

There it is, Cook bringing up 150 with a four — his 19th boundary of the innings — over Paine. It appears the biggest hurdle in reaching a double century isn’t his own ability or the Australian attack, rather a partner, with his England teammates dropping around him.

Adrian McMurray 1.48pm: Ali’s cameo ends

England's Moeen Ali walks off after he was caught out by Australia for 20 runs. Picture: AP.
England's Moeen Ali walks off after he was caught out by Australia for 20 runs. Picture: AP.

Wicket! Well, you can’t say that wasn’t coming. Not entirely sure what Ali was thinking but he wasn’t wasting any time bringing up a quick 20, before he smacks it short cover where a leaping Shaun Marsh was waiting, pulling off a terrific catch. He lasted just 14 balls. Chris Woakes to join Cook in the middle.

Adrian McMurray 1.43pm: Cummins’ missed chance

Dropped! Ali lofts one to long off, Cummins is there... but he can’t take the catch! That’s six, England’s first of the innings and just the second of the Test overall. If Cummins had positioned himself differently that might’ve been the end of Ali’s innings. Ali doesn’t go into his shell, hitting another boundary on the very next ball. Talk about living dangerously!

Adrian McMurray 1.38pm: Ali’s pain and gain

A Hazlewood short ball hit Ali flush on the helmet. But it wasn’t for nothing with the ball racing past fine leg for four.

Adrian McMurray 1.33pm: Bairstow departs

Wicket! Well, how quickly things change! Just as he was starting to play some positive Test cricket Bairstow is sent on his way, a top edge collected by Paine who showed superb hands. Terrific stuff from Lyon and his keeper. That brings Moeen Ali to the crease.

Adrian McMurray 1.25pm: Runs keep flowing for England

Alastair Cook in action on day three. Picture: Getty Images.
Alastair Cook in action on day three. Picture: Getty Images.

It looked as though Bird was going to start the afternoon with a maiden, but Cook has other ideas, a boundary past long on on the last ball of the over nudging him closer to 150. There’s a chance as Bairstow is almost caught by Tim Paine, but it races away past fine leg for four. Not ideal from Bird.

Adrian McMurray 1.10pm: Afternoon session begins

We’re back for what looms to be an important session. Bairstow has so far impressed with 16 off 19 balls, while Cook continues his marvellous innings. Bird to bowl first.

Adrian McMurray 1.00pm: No day-night Ashes

Nathan Lyon, left, with Joe Root during this year’s day-night Test at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP.
Nathan Lyon, left, with Joe Root during this year’s day-night Test at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP.

While we wait for play to resume, make sure you read Peter Lalor’s story on England’s decision to snub a day-night Ashes Test when they tour again in 2019.

Adrian McMurray 12.32pm: Dramatic morning session ends

Josh Hazlewood celebrates after dismissing Dawid Malan. Picture: Getty Images.
Josh Hazlewood celebrates after dismissing Dawid Malan. Picture: Getty Images.

That’s lunch, with England 4-264, trailing Australia by 63 runs. That morning session had a bit of everything, with Root and Malan departing (the latter perhaps should’ve stuck around) and England picking up 72 runs in the process. Both sides will have reasons to be happy, but Australia must break up the Cook-Bairstow partnership quickly after lunch to get themselves back into this one.

Adrian McMurray 12.22pm: Bairstow’s early impact

Bairstow does his best to keep the run rate ticking over, a lovely shot through the covers for three, a superb drive for four and three more off a shot to deep mid-wicket. This partnership could be dangerous for the home side.

Adrian McMurray 12.10pm: More review drama

Wicket! Malan departs for 14. Hazlewood gets him lbw in just his second delivery with the new ball. Replays suggest there was an inside edge, but much like James Vince yesterday, England elect not to review. England aren’t getting this part of their game right. Jonny Bairstow is in the middle.

Adrian McMurray 11.57am: Nervous moment for Cook

Chance! Bat to pad and it doesn’t carry to Bancroft at short leg. That was close for Lyon, who’s almost been the pick of the bowlers for Australia so far. Mitch Marsh is down the other end, Cook with a lovely shot, picking up a four through long on off his bowling.

Adrian McMurray 11.47am: Malan tees off

Dawid Malan in action at the MCG. Picture: Getty Images.
Dawid Malan in action at the MCG. Picture: Getty Images.

Jeez, Malan isn’t mucking around. He hits two boundaries off the last two balls of a Cummins over, one to backward point and the other past third man. He’s out 13 from 28 balls, perhaps a sign of his intent.

11.37am: A tale of two captains

Adrian McMurray 11.32am: Malan’s healthy start

Dawid Malan joins the action and has an immediate impact, edging past third man for four in one of the first few deliveries he faced. That’s drinks, with England 3-244. Cook sits on 120, Malan 4.

Adrian McMurray 11.22am: Root gone

Wicket! After he struggled all day yesterday Cummins gets the breakthrough, Root attempting the pull but it lands straight to Nathan Lyon at deep square leg. The England captain started walking as soon as he hit it, he’s clearly frustrated. An absolute shocker.

Adrian McMurray 11.18am: Smith returns

And just minutes later, Smith is back out there. Looks like he could be in for a similar day to what Cummins experienced yesterday, with the Aussie quick off the field at various points.

Adrian McMurray 11.13am: Smith off the field

Not ideal for Australia with Smith off barely an hour into today’s play. Fox Sports’ Neroli Meadows reports he was vomiting overnight, getting little sleep. Peter Handscomb is the replacement fielder.

Adrian McMurray 11.08am: Cummins re-joins the attack

A maiden each from Bird and Hazlewood earlier looked promising, but a costly nine-run over — featuring a customary Cook boundary behind point — has kept the run rate looking healthy for England. Cummins comes in for his first over of the day, let’s see how he performs after yesterday’s gastro-affected day.

Adrian McMurray 10.55am: Root’s near miss

Big shout as Root goes to play at a Hazlewood length ball, Paine collects but the umpire hardly moves. Australia opt not to appeal, and snicko confirms it was the right decision. Still, a good chance as the home side move closer to breaking up this partnership.

Adrian McMurray 10.50am: The real reason behind Smith’s illness?

The Australian’s Peter Lalor suggests it might’ve been an on-field issue that left Smith reeling...

Adrian McMurray 10.40am: Root hits 50

Joe Root celebrates his half century during day three. Picture: Getty Images.
Joe Root celebrates his half century during day three. Picture: Getty Images.

After finishing day two on 49, it took just one over for Root to bring up his half-century, pushing one to point for a single off Jackson Bird. Josh Hazlewood is down the other end, the pair making a relatively tidy start to the day.

Adrian McMurray 10.30am: Play resumes on day three

We’re back underway, England resuming at 2-192. But it looks as though Smith won’t be 100 per cent, with Cricket Australia confirming the skipper isn’t well but has taken to the field, after he went down with gastro overnight. The Pat Cummins situation yesterday makes a lot more sense now.

10.19am: The English perspective

Alastair Cook of England after scoring a century on day two. Picture: AAP.
Alastair Cook of England after scoring a century on day two. Picture: AAP.

Steve Smith couldn’t have offered England a more attractive (belated) Christmas present by electing to bowl the last over of the day himself, writes Mike Atherton.

“Australian captains are not known for their generosity, but with ­Alastair Cook seven short of his hundred as the last over of the day dawned, Steve Smith presented Cook with a belated Christmas gift, wrapping, tinsel and all, by bringing himself on to bowl,” writes Atherton.

Read more here

10.10am: How will Australia respond?

Yesterday was undoubtedly a slow day for Australia, with England invited back into the contest. Read how The Australian’s Peter Lalor saw day two.

10.00am: Breathing life back into a dead rubber

Stuart Broad celebrates after dismissing Jackson Bird on day two of the Boxing Day Test. Picture: AAP.
Stuart Broad celebrates after dismissing Jackson Bird on day two of the Boxing Day Test. Picture: AAP.

England enjoyed their best day of the series yesterday, with Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad showing what they still have to offer.

The Australian’s Gideon Haigh analyses their return to form, the pair giving a “dead” series some much-needed excitement.

Read more here

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