On a cricket standout on and off the sphere, England confronted an uphill battle to save lots of the third Test towards Australia and with it the Ashes.
The recreation additionally began earlier than Monday. Cricket Australia known as for calm after two members of England’s help employees have been concerned in delaying the beginning of the second day of play on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia have been bowled out for 267 as the house aspect took a primary innings benefit of 82 runs earlier than England reached 31-4 of their second innings at stumps on Monday.
England seamer James Anderson delivered an impressive efficiency in 23 overs, claiming the important thing wickets of Marcus Harris (76) and Steve Smith (16) in his tally of 4-33.
But the England batsmen have been quickly underneath assault once more. Mitchell Starc (2-11) dismissed Zac Crawley for five, and David Malan was dismissed leg earlier than leg for the fifth consecutive over with out scoring. Debutant Scott Boland (2-1) delighted his dwelling crowd of 42,626 followers with opener Haseeb Hameed for 7 and Jack Leach for no rating within the last over of the day.
With Ben Stokes and Joe Root on the crease, England had misplaced 4 wickets after simply 12 overs and Australia nonetheless wanted 51 runs to bat once more.
Earlier, Cricket Australia chief government Nick Hockley mentioned there was no want to alter the prevailing plans, which embrace internet hosting the fourth and fifth Tests in Sydney and Hobart respectively.
“We just need to keep calm and get the facts,” Hockley mentioned.
“Everyone must observe the medical recommendation. Based on that we hold going.
“Our protocols are designed solely for this set of events.” On day one of many opening play, Cricket Australia issued an announcement confirming the outbreak of COVID-19 inside England’s camp delayed the group’s arrival on the MCG and delayed the beginning of play by half-hour.
“Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England cricket team’s support staff and two members of their families have returned a positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test,” the assertion learn.
“The affected individuals are at the moment in isolation. The whole sports activities group and all different help employees have carried out a speedy antigen check this morning and all have examined unfavourable.
“The England cricket team will also have a PCR test today, and both teams will take extra precautions throughout the game.” The Australian Seven Network’s tv protection of the match was additionally affected. A member of the printed employees examined constructive for the virus, forcing commentators to isolate the community as they known as in a brand new group.
Australia captain Pat Cummins missed the second Test after coming in shut contact with a Covid-19 case.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, England’s excursions of South Africa and Sri Lanka have been deserted mid-tour attributable to COVID considerations.
Australia lead the five-match collection 2–0, that means England have to win the remaining three matches to regain the Ashes.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
