England looks strong against the host in the third test in the Ashes series as England trail the series 2-0. Earlier, in the match it was the England who won the toss and batted this morning session day 1, they wouldn’t have dared ask for more than a score of 305 for four at the close. It’s already theirir highest total of the series. They were in a bit of trouble before Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow gave a lesson in how to bat in Australian conditions. Malan made his maiden Test century, an innings that was so impressive in so many different ways; and Bairstow, promoted to No6, reached his highest score against Australia. England aren’t back in the series just yet, but at least they have identified a route back.

Australia bowled pretty well on an excellent pitch, with Hazlewood the pick of their attack. They have a newish ball to work with tomorrow morning and will still feel they can dismiss England for under 400. England will want at least 450, ideally 500.  England 305-4 in the end of 89th overs as two british batsmen who still out there Malan 110, Bairstow 75 not out. Bairstow, who looks mentally tired, plays a nothing stroke at Cummins and is beaten. Cummins is still steaming in, but he can’t get the late wicket that Australia crave. It’s the end of a superb day for England