Headingley is stunned into silence as Bairstow goes for a flashy square drive at his own peril. The thick outside-edge flies to Steve Smith at second slip and England are waist deep in trouble at 87/5.
Pat Cummins had struck on the second ball of the Day 2 to send dangerman Joe Root packing. He tried to guide a delivery behind and ended up edging it to first slip.
Ben Stokes is occupying the crease and England also have the likes of Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes to chip in with the bat. If the lower order can deliver, England will target a handy first innings lead. However, if they fail to make an impression, Australia will prance into the ascendancy.
On the opening day, Mitchell Marsh changed the complexion of the game post the Lunch break alongside Travis Head with a century partnership. He spearheaded Australia’s recovery from 85/4 with a counterpunching ton on Test return, helping Australia post 263. England had lost their top order in reply by the draw of stumps.
🚨 WICKET 🚨
Jonny Bairstow is gone for 12 ❌
England's morning has NOT started well 😬 pic.twitter.com/EOI5DMH7rX— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 7, 2023
