No debate as to who took the first session honours here at the MCG. Normally, Usman Khawaja getting to lunch would be a terrific result for Australia. But the fact he came in at No.5 and is now batting with wicketkeeper Alex Carey is not ideal.
This is the eighth time Khawaja and Carey have batted together in Tests and it’s certainly been an up-and-down combination, with stands of 43, 0, 0, 118, 17, 96, 91 and now 21.
The England side celebrate sending Steve Smith off the pitchCredit: Justin McManus
Josh Tongue has been sensational and interesting to note that England have only used three pace bowlers. Skipper Ben Stokes is yet to have a trundle.
The pitch should settle down a little as the sun peeps through the clouds with lunch served.
Australia have relied heavily on Carey in this series and it’ll be more of the same as England attempt to show a ruthless side we haven’t seen in this series.
Have a ham sandwich, watch a bit of Sydney to Hobart action and we’ll see you back here after lunch.
