Summary

  • England declare on 393-8 after Root hits brilliant century off just 145 balls

  • Earliest ever declaration in the first innings of an Ashes Test

  • Root and Bairstow (78) put on 121 for sixth wicket

  • Brook (32) & Stokes (1) fall after lunch to leave England 176-5

  • Crawley, who creamed first ball of match through covers for four, hits 61

  • Watch Today at the Test at 19:00 on BBC Two and iPlayer (UK only)

  1. 50 runs

    50 for Joe Rootpublished at 43.2 overs

    And there's the half-century for Joe Root with a drive into the off side.

    A brilliant fifty at a crucial time for England.

  2. Eng 194-5published at 43.1 overs

    Up and over from Joe Root, who leans back and cuts the ball over the slip cordon for four.

    The fielders needed to be 10 foot tall to get close to that.

    Root moves to 49...

  3. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:59 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    Seems like 'Bazball' has worked for most of England's batting line up except for Stokes, who was arguably the most Bazball to begin with. Almost like he feels the need to out Bazball everyone else, but ends up giving his wicket away cheaply. No doubt he's led an absolute revolution in Test cricket, but it feels like he's less of a threat with the bat now because of his tendency to attempt to get 18 runs off the first two balls he faces...

    Oli

  4. Eng 190-5published at 43 overs

    Wow, Pat Cummins gets one to leap up off a length to Jonny Bairstow and the ball flashes off the edge.

    The Australia slips liked that. They sense their team is on top at the moment.

  5. Eng 188-5published at 42 overs

    Cameron Green opens up with a bouncer which, like maidens, has been a rarity so far.

    England are taking no chances with the big Aussie all-rounder.

    Meanwhile, anyone who got excited and backed Bazball in the 2.25 at York - it finished fourth, which is perhaps fitting given how the team is faring right now.

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:51 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    PitchedOutsideLeg: Re 14.44 Jason Gillespie says he's a little bit chipper. Those with any knowledge of Aberdeen will be able to tell him that there, 'chipper' is a fish and chip shop. So, no offence Jason, but Australia could still get battered.

  7. Postpublished at 14:51 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Not the sort of thing England fans want to hear right now...

  8. Postpublished at 14:50 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Andy Zaltzman
    Cricket statistician on Test Match Special

    Cameron Green got Joe Root out twice in the last Ashes, in Brisbane and in Adelaide. He had a great ability in the last Ashes to get top order players who were well set.

  9. Eng 187-5published at 41 overs

    Bairstow 4, Root 44

    The Hollies Stand is starting to come back to life after those chaotic few minutes.

    England need a big score from Joe Root you'd think.

    Australia meanwhile are looking to keep the pressure on. Here is the first appearance in this match of Cameron Green.

  10. Postpublished at 14:47 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Jason Gillespie
    Former Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    That was a lovely shot, he moved across his stumps. Joe Root's head and body position is just very good.

  11. Eng 185-5published at 40.2 overs

    With chaos all around him, Joe Root is unmoved.

    That is a gorgeous shot off the pads through mid-wicket for four.

  12. Watch: Brook's 'freakish' dismissalpublished at 14:46 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Here is how Harry Brook was dismissed.

    You don't see wickets like that every day - and it has swung the match in Australia's favour.

  13. Eng 180-5published at 40 overs

    There's tension in the air. The Australia fielder have big smiles on their faces. Jonny Bairstow look tense. I look tense.

    Cliche alert - but this is why it is called Test cricket.

  14. Postpublished at 14:44 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Jason Gillespie
    Former Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    I'm just a little bit chipper at the moment.

  15. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:43 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    Joe RootImage source, Getty Images

    I'm getting a sense of deja vu, where England need Joe Root to steady the ship.

    Ruth Brooksbank

    Initial optimism fading - now worrying thinking about how the heck we're going to get Smith and Labuschagne out on this track. Twice. Ouch.

    Drew, Devon

    Who is better? Root or Smith? Read more here.

  16. Postpublished at 14:42 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Isa Guha
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    It's just been a tricky 20 minutes or so. Australia are right in the game. You are looking at that pitch and thinking 450, but England are 177-5.

  17. Not outpublished at 38.5 overs

    Bairstow survives - the ball was going over the stumps.

    Everyone just needs to calm down, me included.

    I need more carrot cake....

  18. Postpublished at 14:41 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Isa Guha
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Was there an inside edge on the ball? No bat.

  19. Postpublished at 14:41 British Summer Time 16 June 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    This looks too high. It's Steve Smith who's really going for the appeal.

  20. Australia reviewpublished at 38.5 overs

    Josh Hazlewood smacks into Jonny Bairstow's pads first ball.

    Umpire Marais Erasmus says no - but Australia review.

    Steve Smith looked convinced.

    More drama!