Now there's a thought.

Joe Root added to England's 2010-11 batting line-up of Cook, Strauss, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Prior ... what dreams are made of.

Narns Morse: If Root does go on to break the calendar year record, the fact that England have only won 4 out of 16 tests says everything you need to know about the rest of this team. How many would Root have got with Cook, Strauss and Trott setting platforms in front of him?

Before the players come back out after lunch, why not have a go at BBC Sport's festive cricket quiz?

Test your knowledge of Ashes run-scorers and wicket-takers, identify cricketers enjoying Christmas past, unravel some Christmas-themed anagrams and answer questions on the stars of women's cricket in 2021.

Don't forget to share your score on social media using #bbccricket.

Image source, Getty Images

Amongst the wickets, Joe Root has stood firm - as usual. During this innings of 33 not out, he's overtaken South Africa's Graeme Smith in terms of most Test runs scored in a calendar year.

Here's how things currently stand. How much closer can Root get?

1. Mohammad Yousuf - 1788 runs in 19 innings (2006)

2. Viv Richards - 1710 runs in 19 innings (1976)

3. Joe Root - 1663 runs in 28 innings* (2021)

4. Graeme Smith - 1656 runs in 25 innings (2008)

Dawid Malan and Joe Root seemed pretty comfortable in their all-too-familiar task of rescuing England's innings. I mean, they've had enough practice.

But from nowhere, that man Pat Cummins produced some magic once again to dismiss Malan on the stroke of lunch. He really can bowl, can't he?

Zak Crawley, called up to replace Rory Burns, didn't fare much better than his predecessor as he succumbed to another decent delivery from the relentless Pat Cummins.

England's task of finding a solid opening partnership lives on.

Play started a little late due to some drizzle, but it simply delayed the inevitable for England.

Haseeb Hameed fell in the second over for England's 50th Test duck of 2021. Yes, you read that right.

Thanks, Tim. Morning everyone!

Not sure many of us are surprised to see England three wickets down at lunch, but I'm sure that agonising wicket of Malan just before the break has sent many people back to bed in a pretty glum mood.

A frustrating way to end the session. I'll leave you in the capable hands of Ffion Wynne who will effortlessly take you through the lunch break and the afternoon session that follows.

Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special

That is just what Australia were looking for.

Malan smacks his bat against his pad - how many times have we seen an England player do that this series?

That wicket brings the session to an end and the players walk off the hallowed turf at the MCG for some lunch.

Another blow to England just when there appeared to be a glimmer of hope.

Ian Chappell
Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

Another good Pat Cummins delivery that reared up of a length. They've nicknamed him Postman Pat because he always delivers.

Pat Cummins again begins an over with a short-pitched delivery, which beats the back foot defensive shot of Joe Root but does not take the edge.

Next ball Root works it to fine leg for a single.

Can England make lunch without further loss?

Ian Chappell
Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

Malan and Root have looked very comfortable together. You can tell when guys like batting with one another by how they run easily between the wickets and you can see it clearly with these two.

Nathan Lyon with four dot balls before Joe Root dabs it for one behind point. There will be time for one more over before the lunch break.

Ian Chappell
Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

Mitchell Starc has been feeling his back...

Paul: We have too many batsman who can’t actually bat. It’s pathetic. Root and Malan aside what do the others do? Start dropping them every time they score less than 50 and give someone else a chance. A revolving door policy wouldn’t exactly make us any worse than we are.

Matt R: Current England team: 20-2 followed by 140-2 followed by about 260 all out. Rinse and repeat.

Jukebox Jack: I'm sure there will be people raging that England have lost two early wickets, but the odds were that if England won the toss they would have liked to bowl first too. We just need to get two batsmen set and ride out these conditions that favour the bowlers!

Nathan Lyon is quickly through an over as England rotate the strike well.

Next over Dawid Malan edges one from Pat Cummins but it drops short of David Warner at first slip.

Malan is 14 not out from 64 balls while Root is unbeaten on 31 from 53 balls.

Image source, Getty Images

Charlie: Can the stats people tell me if the world "rebuild" is the most used word during a Root/Malan partnership?