Steve Smith ends the run of two run-less overs since lunch with a clip off his pads for two. Anderson is finding a little bit of movement with this old ball so it will be interesting to see whether Joe Root takes the new ball at the end of the next over.

That swing helps Jimmy find the outer part of Smith's bat but the ball runs along the ground to backward point.

Image source, Getty Images

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Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia pace bowler on BBC Test Match Special

The England fans are very happy that Joe Root didn't review that after seeing the replay.

Broad to Mitch Marsh now with a silly mid-off and silly mid-on in place. Marsh blocks his first delivery right back down the pitch.

More gasps from the England fielders now. An away-swinger from Broad and the ball passes the edge of Marsh's bat on the forward defensive.

Howzat? Jonny Bairstow is confident as he takes a catch down the leg-side but the umpire shakes his head. Joe Root has his arms out, asking Bairstow whether he should review. They decide against it and it is the right decision. That flicked the strap of Marsh's pad.

Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator

Smith looks down at the pitch then gives Anderson a nod there as if to say, 'Well bowled'.

The lights are on at the MCG. Jimmy Anderson is bowling round the wicket to Smith again and with the pitch so slow it seems to accentuate the Australia skipper's unconventional technique.

Close! Back over the wicket from Anderson and Smith doesn't quite line it up right. He lurches forward and, with a hint of away movement off the pitch, the ball beats the edge.

Almost the big breakthrough for England but Smith's habit of managing not to nick the ball behind continues.

Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator

What would England give to get Steve Smith out in the first 15 minutes...?

Here we go then. The players are back out. The new ball is four overs away. Steve Smith is about to face Jimmy Anderson. This match may well rest on the Australian captain.

Mitchell Marsh is at the non-striker's end, yet to face a delivery.

To say birthday boy Joe Root was happy with the wicket of David Warner would be the understatement of the year.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

If you are having one of those restless nights, checking the score on your phone every hour, and have just woken up - England have booted this game into life in the half hour before lunch.

Steve Smith and David Warner batted through the first two hours of this extended morning session with little discomfort before David Warner tried to hit Joe Root into south Melbourne and skied a catch to cover.

Then, on the final ball before the lunch break, Stuart Broad struck by dismissing Shaun Marsh with Jonny Bairstow taking an excellent one-handed grab.

Australia are effectively 14-4 with two sessions left.

Tristan Quinault: Staying awake for the Ashes with a baked Camembert and correcting my flat-mate's dissertation - must try and boost his word count above the England lead.

And just like that the rain is gone.

Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator

The rain has abated and they are taking the covers off.

Here is the weather forecast for the rest of the day in Melbourne. Once this shower passes we should have a clear run until the close.

Those black clouds suggested some English conditions too.

Image source, BBC Weather

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Melbourne

Smashing down, proper rain. Spectators ducking for cover, big sheets being laid on the square.

Thanks Jack. With 30 minutes left of that session I was expecting this afternoon to be a drab affair but those two wickets have injected life into this match.

Be honest. You were all considering heading off to bed before Warner got out. You can't be sleeping now!

Let's hope this rain goes away sharpish.

Right, I'm going to head off for some food.

Matt Henry has finished googling 'anti-rain dance' and is raring to go.

Catch you later.

I fear we might well not be restarting at 02:10 GMT.