Key events
It’s minus one here in Manchester, with snow on the ground, due to drift down to minus six by early morning. My tree is drooping but still standing in multi-coloured light gorgeousness, but only it and a panetone are left from Christmas.
Ah, here are the timings for today:
Play commences 10.00am
1st Session 10:00am – 12:30pm
1st Drinks 11:15am
Lunch Break 12.30pm
2nd Session 1:10pm – 3:10pm
Tea Break 3:10pm
Session 3 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Scheduled Stumps 5.30pm
A minimum of 98 overs is scheduled, but an additional 30 mins may be permitted to achieve the minimum overs.
Preamble
Tanya Aldred
Hello to all those who haven’t run out of steam. Rain and bad light, and perhaps the light touch of administrative caution, drew an early curtain on day one, but England finished firmly on top. For the first time this series, England’s two Yorkshiremen, king and pretender, took the sword to Australia in the way we always dreamt they might.
Root was crisply correct, all succulent drives and gin and tonic nudges. Harry Brook more harum scarum, with audacious brilliance mixed with have-a-go-heaves. Their partnership of 154 was the largest of the series.
Australia need Mitchell Starc to pull them out of the doldrums quick smart, in front of another full house at the SCG. The weather is set fair. Do join us, play starts at 11pm GMT/10am Sydney time.
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