Good thing none of the Aussies shared Swann's view - replays show that hit the thigh pad.

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

I'd have been reviewing that. I thought he hit it.

Hazlewood slings one down leg side, Root flicks at it and Paine snaffles the catch behind.

Given not out. The slip cordon like it, not sure Hazlewood does.

No review.

A patient start to the day from both sides continues as Bird stays tight in and around off stump and Cook is content to play out a maiden.

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

There was definite reverse swing there. Should a wicket fall, England have to be on high alert.

It is very difficult facing reverse swing bowling early in your innings. Don't be surprised if when one wicket falls in this innings two or three fall.

Cook dabs, defends and flicks away the first five balls of Hazlewood's over.

The last is drive-able and Cook obliges, skewing it off the face away behind square and running three.

That's the 200 up for England.

Root smacks a short and wide ball along the ground to Nathan Lyon at backward point. Missed out there.

Soft hands this time but once again Root picks out Lyon, who's been busy there so far today.

Bird slides one down leg, Root flicks it round the corner and scampers two.

Josh Hazlewood will open up with Bird - the first is straight and Root tucks away off his pads. There's probably two there but Cook decides against the second.

Cook has a look at a few before a thickish outside edge to the last that runs along the ground to Usman Khawaja at gully.

50 for Rootpublished at 58 overs

58 overs

Eng 194-2

Bird strays wide on the last ball of the over and Joe Root angles it away to backward point. It's stopped but is wide enough of the man to allow Root to pick up one.

That's fifty for the captain, his 35th in Test cricket.

Can he convert?

Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator

We understand Steve Smith is not feeling well today. Pat Cummins had a stomach upset yesterday and was dragging himself back to his mark at times.

Cook leaves the first ball of the day well alone.

The second is short and Cook drives square, taking advantage of the diving stop to jog a single and get off the mark for the day.

Image source, Getty Images

Alastair Cook is at the crease, ready to face the first ball of day three from Jackson Bird.

We'll be under way shortly...

Image source, Getty Images

England's Alastair Cook on TMS: "We need to bat big. Australia were in a very similar position yesterday and we bowled well. We have got start well today.

"It was very warm yesterday. It's a bit muggy; it will be interesting to see what that does to the ball."

Jack Allcock: Proper excited about the Ashes tonight. Watch Cook & Root both be out by 12 and I’m off to bed.

Katya Witney: Cook and Root did a fantastic job yesterday after great performances by the bowlers but must carry it on today. A batting collapse is not an option, England have to capitalise on their position. Come on boys!

Tom Russell: Dead rubber wins can be not only beautiful, but significant. SCG 1987 and 2003 spring to mind. Arguably sowed the seeds for 1989 and 2005...

Image source, Getty Images

England's Alastair Cook, who will resume on 104, speaking to Test Match Special: "It has been a tough tour for me - I haven't delivered when I've needed to and that hurts.

"When we've needed senior players to stand up, I haven't been able to stand up. That doesn't sit easily with me.

"A hundred in the Boxing Day Test is as special thing. Ideally you'd like to score it when it mattered, but any hundred for England is special."

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

With the exception of Anderson, England's senior players have had disappointing tours - until yesterday. There are chinks in the Australian armour - they are not impregnable.

It looks overcast in Melbourne at the moment. No rain falling though. Play should start in around 15 minutes.