The second session wasn’t much prettier for England, as their morning collapse continued into the afternoon. They were all out for 172, Mitchell Starc taking his career-best figures of 7-58.
If the wickets were well-earned in the morning, they were handed to Australia after lunch. Harry Brook top-scored with 52 which included some powerful drives and lofted shots, but got out in poor fashion, gloving behind a bouncer from Brendan Doggett. It was the maiden wicket for the debutant, who had flashes of brilliance.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse both holing out in the deep, trying to chase a run total that might have been a psychological boost. Starc continued to clean up, dismissing Atkinson and Wood to complete his 7-for.
England could have folded with the ball, but their ten-over performance indicated there were more demons in the pitch than both captains presumed at the start.
Jofra Archer took the only Australian scalp, Jake Weatherald for a duck on debut. Dogged resistance from Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne saw out the rest of the session, not with scoring intent but warding off a fierce pace attack.
Gus Atkinson impressed in his short spell, striking Smith on the elbow and the hand which could prove to cause him some trouble.
Early wickets in the evening session needed for England to keep the game within their reach.
Follow along with the livestream for ball-by-ball commentary: https://www.youtube.com/live/Uykgo8noWEM?si=i3AYAorRcpcy35aS
