Summary

  • England close on 31-4 after Australia take 82-run lead

  • Starc takes two wickets in two balls & Boland removes Hameed & Leach

  • England's bowlers fight back on second day

  • Anderson stars with four wickets; Harris top-scores with 76

  • Daily highlights show on BBC iPlayer from 17:00 GMT

Live Reporting

Timothy Abraham and Kal Sajad

  1. Aus 204-6

    Lead by 19 runs

    Ollie Robinson bangs it in short first up and Cameron Green sways out the way before blocking the next ball.

    A signal of intent from the Aussie all-rounder with a glorious straight drive down the ground for four from the third delivery of Robinson's over.

    Possibly the shot of the day, that.

  2. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    CrowdGetty Images

    If this was the first Test in the series, you'd say this was a riveting contest, but the context of the previous two matches leaves you wondering about England's batting in the second innings.

  3. There is undoubtedly an unerring sense of England could unravel all their good work if they bat again today...

    Back to the action. Cameron Green and Alex Carey are walking out to the middle to resume. England's fielders are scattering into their respective positions.

    Ollie Robinson has the ball in hand.

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    Ramsgate Raider: Worried about going to sleep in case I wake up to see we're back in bat and 30-3.

  5. Ian Chappell
    Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

    A 100-run lead and England's top order will look susceptible and England will be relying on Root and Malan again.

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    Harish: This is a very good fightback by England. Why not make Stokes or Anderson the captain for the rest of the series? What is there to lose? Wood, Stokes and Anderson's attitude have been phenomenal. At this level, mindset is more important.

  7. There's still a long way to go but after the nadir of yesterday, England have backed up a good morning session with a solid afternoon.

    If the Aussies don't get a lead of more than 30 or 40 then there's every chance of a swing in momentum to Joe Root's side.

    Wishful thinking, maybe, but Australia will not fancy batting last on this pitch at the MCG I can tell you that much.

  8. From the press box

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  9. Ian Chappell
    Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

    James Anderson has bowled superbly. He makes you work harder for you runs. He's proved it was right call to play him ahead of Stuart Broad who I think he is still a better bowler than. Anderson has kept England in this contest.

  10. Thanks Ffion. It's been good day for England, but an absolutely pivotal session coming up for their Ashes hopes after tea.

    Jack Leach will need to hold it together and do a job keeping the runs for his captain before the new ball is due.

  11. And as the players go off for their break, it's time for me to take one, too.

    Here's Timothy Abraham to take you through the break and what could be a fascinating final session.

  12. That was an excellent session of Test cricket. You wouldn't say England are on top just yet but the fight they've shown has been good to see.

    A huge final session coming up this evening that could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the Test match.

  13. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    Australia do still have a measure of control with their small lead and wickets in hand.

  14. Ian Chappell
    Former Australia captain on Test Match Special

    Leach should be thinking how to get Carey out. Not contain him. But how can he get him out with this field?

  15. Tea - Aus 200-6

    Lead by 15

    Jack Leach is back into the attack with three men on the leg-side boundary.

    England need wickets so those field placings in particular are baffling, unless they think the only way he can get them a wicket is by getting them caught on the boundary.

    A sweep from Alex Carey brings two runs and Australia bring up their 200 to go to the tea break.

  16. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special

    WoodGetty Images

    The new ball is not too far away for England now, and Australia will want to do some damage with the old ball before we get there.

  17. Aus 196-6

    Lead by 11

    A good point - England need wickets. A quickfire 30 or 40 from one of Australia's lower-order batters and the game could change again very quickly.

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    Eddie: Mustn't let Australia away here. Lead needs to stay under 50.

  19. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special

    Alex Carey isn't showing pain, but that'll hurt - he just let the ball hit him.

  20. ouch!

    Aus 196-6

    It's Mark Wood again with that venomous pace, this time clattering Alex Carey on the arm as the batter gets into a right tangle and in the end just allows it to hit him.

    That'll be a good bruise in the morning.