Cummins and Starc leave England staring down the barrel at 114/4

By Nick Hoult, at Lord’s

Anyone for tennis? For the Ashes to be almost over as a contest before Wimbledon starts on Monday is demoralising for English cricket after so much hope.

This England team say they like to make history, upending conventions in a blaze of big shots. Well, first of all they need a record run chase of 371 to win this game which will require a Ben Stokes Headingleyesque comeback at 114 for four. If they lose then they face the challenge of becoming only the second team in Ashes history, and the first since 1936-37, to come back from 2-0 down.

Ben Duckett has 50 and Stokes is unbeaten on 29, but England are down to the bare bones with only Jonny Bairstow left in the hutch as a player capable of magical deeds.

Duckett is still there because he received the benefit of the most controversial moment of the series — Mitchell Starc grounding a catch as he dived at fine leg in the final moments of a bizarre day. Duckett was almost back in the pavilion when the umpires reviewed and spotted that Starc had grounded it as if running in a try in rugby. Loud boos rang out.

At times this has been a baffling game. On a green seamer and lots of low cloud, banging the ball into the surface became a stock ball, but also a wicket-taker too. There were times when it was pretty tedious stuff before the day was brought alive by the bravery of Nathan Lyon, electrifying new-ball rockets from Australia and the flash of controversy.

Australia were on the wrong end of batting conditions twice but were able to grind out runs and put 101 overs into the legs of an aging attack. England never took wickets in clusters, they were forced to work for each and every scalp.

Australia’s quicks fed on Lyon’s self sacrifice hobbling to the crease to add a few more runs on the target. Pat Cummins could have declared and spared Lyon the pain but repaid his courage with a textbook over of fast bowling to knock over Joe Root and Harry Brook in five balls after Starc had ripped out Ollie Pope’s middle stump and strangled Zak Crawley down the leg side.

Lyon will go down in Ashes history for his teeth clenching, wincing performance batting for 25 minutes on one leg. However, it did expose Australia’s caution because they clearly felt that a lead of 354 at nine down was not enough against this England side; a backhanded compliment of sorts.

Even Lyon had to be prised out, England, for some reason, never once bowling at his stumps as he swatted to the leg side. It was an afternoon of backbreaking toil for England who bowled just eight balls that were not short of a length in the session. Stokes, Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson all worked through marathon spells of bouncers. Stokes could barely walk off at the end of the Australia innings after bowling 12 overs in a row.

England took seven for 68 with the short ball. It was hard to score off it on a two-paced surface but England will think they have found a chink to exploit with the bouncer, just as Australia do too.

Usman Khawaja was the first to nibble at a bouncer, his scoring having come to a standstill as he fell for 77. Tongue dismissed Steve Smith for third time in as many innings this summer when he holed out to the drop to continue the young England bowler’s fine Test. Travis Head popped one to short leg, Cameron Green holed out to deep square leg, with Broad picking up the last two wickets meaning he is now the leading wicket-taker in the series. His mate James Anderson however has three at 75.33 and has been a passenger for four days. He missed another catch too, his second of the game, when he dropped Head on nought at gully. He looked devastated and you wonder what is preying on his mind.

England needed a solid start. It did not happen. It has been a forgettable Test match for Pope who has picked up a shoulder injury, played the brainless shot that sparked the first innings collapse and was bowled 10th ball neck and crop by Starc. There is no shame in having your middle stump flattened by Starc but it exposed his problem with the ball coming back into him that has followed him around for his England career. He was bowled in the first Test by a yorker from Cummins that swung back and is now in the position of having to adjust his game mid-series, never easy.

At the moment Pope is at risk of another big series passing him by. He has now played five Ashes Tests without scoring a fifty. In the second innings, across his career, he averages just 16 with one fifty. He was promoted to vice-captain at the start of the summer to strengthen his status as a senior player but at the moment he is averaging 22 and a more traditionally aggressive Australian team than this bunch would be all over him by now.

Crawley was strangled down the leg side for three as another predictable set of events unfolds. He has batted well in both Tests but averages 29, which is the standard across his career.

Australia have targeted Root in the past with aggression and they have gone back to it here at Lord’s. At Edgbaston they sat back and Root scored a century. In this Test he has twice been dismissed by the short ball, the first time being impetuous, the second was a bone chilling working over by Cummins. He struck him on the arm with a nasty lifter from the Pavilion End and gloved another brute next ball to slip.

It was welcome to the Ashes to Brook as Cummins ran in two balls after knocking over Root and pitched up on a length that jagged up the slope and hit off stump. It was a pearler and England face a mountain climb to stay alive in the series.

Day four at Lord’s — as it happened

08:23 PM BST

A verdict on the day's play from Sir Geoffrey Boycott

07:36 PM BST

Whatever your view on the catch/drop

It’s yet another talking point on a day not exactly lacking in them.

As I wrote earlier, with Duckett and Stokes at the crease there is still hope for England who will turn up for tomorrow’s last day needing 257 runs for victory with six wickets in hand. If they pull this one off it would, in a year of remarkable wins, be, perhaps, the most sensational of the lot.

07:33 PM BST

And here's the law which led Marais Erasmus to call it a drop

So, as I see it, it was basically because Starc didn’t have his fingers under the ball in the way Steve Smith did with his ‘controversial’ catch of the first innings...

07:31 PM BST

Here is the catch/drop (delate as you deem fit...) in video form...

07:30 PM BST

Out or not out?

Starc runs from fine-leg to collect the ball on the run. Having done so he then uses his hands, with the ball still in his left mitt, to control his dive. 

Starc is convinced it’s a clean catch - not one iota of him is worried it might get chalked off...

Duckett is unsure as to what to do, having walked off before being called back. 

The Australians are at a loss as to why the third umpire, Marais Erasmus, has judged it a drop. 

07:16 PM BST

Glenn McGrath is losing it over Starc's catch/non-catch

Glenn McGrath is absolutely apoplectic on BCC’s TMS...here’s what the Australian great had to say about Starc’s catch/non-catch...

07:10 PM BST

STUMPS: ENG 114 for four

Well, what a bizarre day’s cricket that was. From the bouncer barrage (98 per cent of England’s bowling was ‘short’) to the Nathon Lyon betting cameo on one leg, to Cummins and Starc’s fast-bowling masterclass, to that non-catch of Starc off an in-form Duckett, there has been plenty to chat about.

It goes without saying that the tourists are well on top, England are still 257 runs away from victory, but while Duckett and Stokes are still in there is some hope.

07:08 PM BST

OVER 31: ENG 114/4 (Duckett 50 Stokes 29)

The day ends with an absolute rip-snorter of a delivery from Green who gets one to rear up and past the grill of Stokes’ helmet.

07:04 PM BST

OVER 30: ENG 114/4 (Duckett 50 Stokes 29)

Starc now has to bowl doubtless still wondering why that was adjudged not to be a fair catch...There’s a bit of chat between Starc and Duckett , not sure why, it’s not Duckett’s fault...a single off this over.

07:02 PM BST

OVER 29: ENG 113/4 (Duckett 50 Stokes 28)

Controversial over this one...

Green is continuing to send down the short stuff to Stokes who doesn’t look comfortable against the bumper barrage at the moment. He gets off strike with a single and that gets Duckett on strike.

Another bouncer follows and Duckett has a go at it but only ends up toe-ending it in the air to the on-rushing Starc at fine leg. Duckett walks off , assuming he’s out, BUT is then called back as there is some confusion as to whether it’s a legal catch. It looks legal BUT having taken the ball on the run Starc follows through and drags the ball on the ground. It looks as though the Australia was well in control of it BUT the third umpire rules it not out (apparently Starc wasn’t ‘in control of his body’...). Starc and the Australians are baffled and I reckon, not without reason...

06:53 PM BST

OVER 28: ENG 112/4 (Duckett 50 Stokes 27)

That Green over has convinced Cummins to continue with the short-ball ploy. The field is now spread and it’s Starc to dish out the chin music. However, one doesn’t get up and Duckett bring up his fifty with a forearm jab - that’s back-to-back 50s for the opener and how England and he would love to convert this one into a ton. Australia seem to fancy their chances with the short ball to Stokes but he delivers the perfect riposte - an authoritative pull for four. Starc wasn’t short enough that over...

06:50 PM BST

OVER 27: ENG 106/4 (Duckett 49 Stokes 22)

Green gets one to really climb on Stokes who tries to ride the bounce but only succeeds in getting a glove on it . Fortunately for the England captain the ball balloons, somehow, in between the wicketkeeper and short-leg.  Next up is another short one but this one doesn’t get nearly as high, explaining, perhaps, why the short ball is tough to play on this wicket - it’s two paced.

Stokes then plays and misses at two fullish balls outside off stump. It’s a maiden and it’s a good over from Green.

06:44 PM BST

OVER 26: ENG 106/4 (Duckett 49 Stokes 22)

The 100 for England comes up when Stokes gets on top of a short Starc ball and nudges for one through gully. Starc then gives Duckett width, it’s full and just what the left-hander loves as he jabs for four.

06:40 PM BST

OVER 25: ENG 99/4 (Duckett 43 Stokes 21)

It’s time for Cameron Green who opens up with a bouncer that is deemed too high and is given as a wide. Another bouncer follows meaning he then pitches the third ball up and, almost as though he was expecting it, Duckett drives it majestically for four through extra-cover. That’s the 50 partnership from this pair at just the right time. The opener then nearly drags one onto his stumps, the pitch looks as though it’s losing its pace. Green then drags one down and it’s meat and drink for Duckett who cuts with ease for another four. Duckett now has 43 off 56 and is seemingly trying to up the run rate, he’s looking in good touch.

06:36 PM BST

OVER 24: ENG 90/4 (Duckett 35 Stokes 21)

Head to Stokes and he works oen to leg for two before they scamper another two, this time through the covers.

One thing about Head is he gets through his overs quickly, I make it about 90 seconds, which means (i) he is tough to blog (sob sob...) and, more importantly, (ii) he doesn’t give the pace bowlers much of a rest...

06:30 PM BST

OVER 23: ENG 86/4 (Duckett 35 Stokes 17)

Starc starts with a short one, it’s too short for the umpires who call a wide. Two runs follow before Duckett plays a controlled pull, more a forearm jab, round the corner for four.

06:26 PM BST

OVER 22: ENG 78/4 (Duckett 29 Stokes 17)

Head to Duckett and the opener shows real intent by making room and swiping for four down to long-on. A single follows before Stokes punches to mid-one for two.

06:22 PM BST

OVER 21: ENG 71/4 (Duckett 24 Stokes 15)

Starc replaces Cummins single from Duckett gets Stokes on strike. Five  dot balls follow with the England captain being very watchful against the seamers.

06:17 PM BST

OVER 20: ENG 70/4 (Duckett 23 Stokes 15)

Stokes doesn’t want to let Head get into his spell and launches the spinner for six over his head. England cannot let themselves bogged down and it’s no shock to see Stokes try and wrestle the initiative from the Australians. A single gets Duckett on strike and he, too, tries to take the attack to Head and is lucky not to be caught at deep mid-wicket.

06:14 PM BST

OVER 19: ENG 60/4 (Duckett 20 Stokes 8)

After the bumper barrage we saw for most of today we now have three slips and a ‘normal’ field. It seems strange...

Three singles from this Cummins over who seemingly has broken the back of this England effort to reach 371...he’s got two for 20 off eight and has, as he always tends to do, bowled beautifully.

06:10 PM BST

OVER 18: ENG 57/4 (Duckett 19 Stokes 6)

Could this be all over tonight? It’s unlikely but there’s likely to be another 50 minutes or so left and then, if they take a few more wickets, Australia could ask for an extra half hour...anyway, don’t want to be a doom and gloom merchant so will focus on this Travis head over...yep, the tourists have brought on Head to dish up some of his round-arm offspin. Two singles are followed by Stokes being wrapped on his pads, Australia like it but it was going straight on down the hill and clearly missing leg stump. The umpire is, rightly, unmoved.

06:07 PM BST

OVER 17: ENG 55/4 (Duckett 18 Stokes 5)

Much was made of England’s happy hooking on Thursday and how they ‘gave their wickets away’ but you cannot really have a pop at the batsmen this evening. Starc and Cummins have been brilliant and the hosts have simply been undone by some great fast bowling.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B 

Three singles are followed by three dot balls in this Cummins over.

06:02 PM BST

OVER 16: ENG 52/4 (Duckett 16 Stokes 4)

Duckett tries to pull the first ball from Hazlewood’s latest over but misses. He nearly got an edge on that one. He then plays an unorthodox pull shot that brings him nothing. A better pull shot from the third ball brings him a single.

Stokes plays a pleasant punch into the off-side for a couple to end the over.

05:57 PM BST

OVER 15: ENG 49/4 (Duckett 15 Stokes 2)

Cummins bowls a few short balls at Stokes but like he did in the first innings the England captain ducks out of the way. Maiden over from Cummins.

05:53 PM BST

The thoughts of JL

Mitchell Starc - tall, athletic, quick bowler who swings the ball. Dangerous.

Pat Cummins - captain, tall, athletic, fast. Superstar.

Australia’s bowling attack is simply outstanding and one of the reasons they are currently so dominant.

05:52 PM BST

OVER 14: ENG 49/4 (Duckett 15 Stokes 2)

Stokes takes a risky single at the end of Hazlewood’s latest over which puts himself and Duckett at risk but they both get home safely in the end. That is drinks and England are in a mess.

05:47 PM BST

OVER 13: ENG 46/4 (Duckett 14 Stokes 1)

England captain Ben Stokes gets underway straight away with a single but what an over from Cummins.

05:45 PM BST

Wicket

Brook b Cummins 4 Brook is nearly caught and bowled by Cummins second ball as he smashes it back towards him but it goes for four. Next ball though and Brook is gone. Cummins bowls a good length ball that just nips away from Brook and clips the top of off stump. England in real trouble. FOW 45/4

05:43 PM BST

Root dismissal

Pat Cummins’s wonder ball to Joe Root on the fourth evening at Old Trafford went a long way to deciding the 2019 Ashes. Pat Cummins’s wonder ball to Joe Root on the fourth evening at Lord’s has surely gone a long way to deciding the 2023 Ashes.

Two very different deliveries - the first hitting the top of off stump, the second a brutish short ball - but equally brilliant.

05:41 PM BST

Wicket

Root c Warner b Cummins 18 First ball of the next over from Cummins is banged in short and hits Root on the forearm. Next ball Cummins bangs it in short again and Root just fends at the ball and edges straight to Warner at first slip. A good ball from Cummins but he did not need to play at that one. FOW 41/3

05:37 PM BST

OVER 12: ENG 41/2 (Root 18 Duckett 14)

First ball of the over from Hazlewood is short and is adjudged to be too short and is called a wide. His next ball though nips back at Root and goes whistling past Root’s inside edge. Fortunately for Root it did not take the edge. Very good ball though.

Root pushes the ball for a single into the off-side. Duckett on strike and Hazlewood hits him on the pads. Not out. Off the final ball Duckett flicks one off his pads down to fine-leg for two.

05:33 PM BST

OVER 11: ENG 37/2 (Root 17 Duckett 12)

Cummins replaces Starc at the Pavilion End, three dot balls are followed by Duckett working one behind square for a single. Root follows suit with a push behind point.

05:28 PM BST

OVER 10: ENG 35/2 (Root 16 Duckett 11)

Root tends to play late and with soft hands and so even when, as Hazelwood does here, a bowler thinks he’s induced a false shot the England great can ride the bounce and angle the ball down for four. In Australia, with the extra bounce, it’s a shot that’s got Root into trouble in the past, but here it’s one that gets him runs. Root ends the over by getting on his toes and pushing off the back foot through the covers for two, delightful shot from a master batsman.

Still no short stuff from the tourists.

05:24 PM BST

OVER 9: ENG 28/2 (Root 10 Duckett 11)

Starc continues and Duckett plays a controlled pull for a single. Root then pushes one through point for one before Starc bowls wide, so wide even Duckett is reduced to leaving it.

05:19 PM BST

OVER 8: ENG 26/2 (Root 9 Duckett 10)

Root scores his first boundary, a leg glace off Hazlewood who has replaced Cummins. The tourists still pitching the ball up, no real barrage of bumpers yet. Makes a change from what we saw earlier.

05:16 PM BST

OVER 7: ENG 22/2 (Root 5 Duckett 10)

Three singles from this Starc over as England try to settle the innings down.

05:11 PM BST

OVER 6: ENG 19/2 (Root 3 Duckett 9)

Cummins to Root - big contest this. Goes without saying, England need Root to stay in and get a big score here. Root nudges a single before Duckett pushes down the ground for two.

05:07 PM BST

OVER 5: ENG 16/2 (Root 2 Duckett 7)

A fine over from Starc who is getting late swing and causing problems here. Three singles follow the cartwheeling of stumps with Root off the mark.

05:03 PM BST

WICKET!!

Pope b Starc 3

Full, fast, late swing. Just way too good for Pope whose middle stump is sent flying by the brilliant Starc who would have taken the wicket of many a good batsman with that delivery.

FOW - 13/2

04:59 PM BST

OVER 4: ENG 13/1 (Pope 2 Duckett 6)

Cummins to Pope - there are three slips and Green in the gully. Still no short stuff from the Australians as Pope scampers a single. That’s the only run off the over.

04:56 PM BST

How Crawley departed

04:56 PM BST

OVER 3: ENG 12/1 (Pope 2 Duckett 6)

Pope, another of the walking wounded, comes out. For all his shoulder problems he did bat fairly freely in the first innings. Starc is getting some swing. And Pope is off the mark first ball working the ball to fine leg.

That gets Duckett on strike and he’s beaten all ends up by one that angles in and moves away from the left-hander. The ball wraps Duckett on the pads and it’s given out. BUT the opener reviews and with good reason, the ball did too much (it was fast and unplayable) and the ball would have missed the off peg...phew...

Duckett gets off strike with a single to deep square.

04:50 PM BST

WICKET!!!

Crawley c Carey b Starc 3 

Starc pushes one up there on leg stump, it swings away and Crawley has a dart at it, looking to flick to mid-wicket. But he only succeeds in feathering one behind to a diving Carey.

FOW - 9/1

04:48 PM BST

OVER 2: ENG 9/0 (Crawley 3 Duckett 5)

Cummins takes the new ball from the Nursery End. Two singles are followed by an imperious pull from Crawley for which he only gets one run, the man at deep square-leg collecting the ball. Three from the over.

04:44 PM BST

OVER 1: ENG 6/0 (Crawley 1 Duckett 4)

Starc opens with the new ball, there are two slips, a gully and three men back on the legside - more short stuff on the way?

Well, not to start with as the Australian left-armer starts with a well-pitched up wide...Crawley is then off the mark with a flick off the pads for one.

Then a collector’s item, Duckett leaves a ball. Yep, your eyes are not deceiving you, Duckett has left a ball, but probably only because Starc’s radar isn’t working as this ball is wide of the left-hander. The opener then definitely doesn’t leave the last ball over the over, he plays away from his body, as he tends to do, and the ball flies just past the outstretched hands of Green in the gully. That would have been a great catch had he taken it, but the ball goes for four instead.

04:40 PM BST

Nick Hoult's teatime verdict

04:37 PM BST

They are back out there

And England’s fourth innings is about to get under way.

04:36 PM BST

The victory target of 371

Is seven short of the memorable 378 England chased down at Edgbaston to beat India last year.

Going on what we’ve seen so far this Test, with the short-ball barrage, it seems unlikely Ben Stokes and Co will reach that figure. But it’s definitely, tantalisingly set up for England, as they have done this past 15 months or so, to have a good crack at it.

04:28 PM BST

Justin Langer on the decision to send Lyon out to bat

04:27 PM BST

After a very soporific hour or so after lunch

The last 30 minutes has been truly bonkers. Australia with a big lead over over 350 send out Lyon on one leg...The last pair added 15 runs, will they prove vital and the decision to send out the hobbling spinner to the middle prove to be a masterstroke? We’ll find out over the next 24 hours or so.

The Lord’s crowd cheered and applauded Lyon as he hopped off the outfield in the same way they would an England batsman who’s just scored a match-winning double century...

04:21 PM BST

AUSTRALIA 279 all out

Breaking news: Lyon on one leg pulls Broad for four...surely the England man should pitch it up with the hobbling Australian anticipating the short ball? But no, Broad continues with the short stuff and Lyon is able to swing the bat and get bat on ball. And for a man on one leg he’s playing the short ball as well as anyone this Test...that is until...

Lyon c Stokes b Broad 4

That is until he slaps one straight to at mid-wicket.

Australia 279 all out.

England set 371 for victory. 

04:14 PM BST

OVER 101: AUS 275/9 (Lyon 0 Starc 15)

Starc hits a big six off Tongue and that, the Australians would argue, is why Lyon is risking limb, but not life, out there at the moment.

The lead is now 366...

04:11 PM BST

Here's that great bit of Rehan Ahmed fielding and Lyon hopping a single

Just when you think you’ve seen it all...

04:10 PM BST

OVER 100: AUS 269/9 (Lyon 0 Starc 9)

Lyon is a bit of a sitting duck at the moment. He cannot run and cannot really put any weight on the right leg...He pulls two Broad deliveries to deep mid-wicket before swiping one down to deep square-leg where Brook does well to prevent a gutsy four.

Well played Lyon...he plays out a maiden, but should he have to? The Australia lead is 360...

04:07 PM BST

OVER 99: AUS 269/9 (Lyon 0 Starc 9)

Bizarre the Australians are still batting but, again taking the positive out of the negative, Starc hits the first ball of this Tongue over for four, pulling well behind square.

Lyon is now on strike for the next Broad over...time to declare??

04:02 PM BST

OVER 98: AUS 265/9 (Lyon 0 Starc 5)

Starc is on strike and he knows it’s  four or six or nothing, Lyon is in no state to run...Starc is takes on the sort ball and is clattered in the helmet. There’s a short break to check he’s OK.

Meanwhile, here’s hop-along Lyon...

Starc is indeed OK and Broad continues round the wicket to the left-hander. Starc swings one away to deep mid-wicket, where the ball is met by a sweeper and there’s not run.

The very next ball Starc smashes one which is for all the money going for six until Rehan Ahmed intervenes with a brilliant bit of T20 fielding. That forces Lyon to run and he’s now really struggling. The bonkers move looks even more bizarre now. Though, taking the positive out of the negative Starc is on strike for the next over.

Here’s how Pat Cummins reacted to that ‘quick’ single...

03:54 PM BST

OVER 97: AUS 264/9 (Lyon 0 Starc 4)

Remarkably, Lyon indeed hobbles to the middle. The lead is 355 and do the Australians really need him to if not risk life, then definitely limb...??

03:52 PM BST

WICKET!!

Hazlewood c Root B Stokes 1

Stokes may well be joining Lyon in the hobbling stakes as he’s now bowling his 12 consecutive over...and he finally has a wicket.

FOW 264/9

03:47 PM BST

OVER 96: AUS 263/8 (Hazelwood 1 Starc 3)

Josh Hazlewood, as expected, is the new batsman and he’s off the mark straight away with a single.

What isn’t expected is the sight of Lyon padded up and waiting in the long room, so he’ll come in for the last-wicket pair. We see clip of him hobbling down the stairs in the pavilion, so no quick singles then...

Clearly that suggests Australia don’t think they have enough runs to be comfortable...the lead is 354...

03:44 PM BST

WICKET!!!

Cummins c Duckett b Broad 11

Like so many of the Australia batsmen Cummins hasn’t worked out how to play the short ball. He tries to get in behind the ball but only fends it to Duckett at gully.

FOW - 261/8

03:41 PM BST

OVER 95: AUS 261/7 (Cummins 11 Starc 2)

Shouldn’t be shocked, but Stokes is keeping himself on for his 11th over. Hope he realises that England need him fit and healthy for Headingley...

The England captain bangs another one in short and pins his Australian opposite number to the crease, Cummins gets bat on it and the ball fall agonisingly short of short-leg.

03:37 PM BST

OVER 94: AUS 260/7 (Cummins 10 Starc 2)

Broad comes into the attack - the first change since lunch. Cummins gets on the back foot and loops one between short-leg and mid-wicket, lucky boy, there’s a chance of a run out and then overthrows before Josh Tongue backing up brings calm to the proceedings.

Here’s a stat - the last full ball (anything within six metres) was bowled at 1.15, so over two hours ago...

03:32 PM BST

OVER 93: AUS 259/7 (Cummins 9 Starc 2)

He keeps on surprising us, but this one might not be a good move...Stokes continues with his spell, this his 10th over in a row. He opens with two down legside but then Cummins swipes one high to Harry Brook at gully BUT it’s another no-ball. He knew he had once again overstepped...anguish for the hard-working and in-pain captain. Two balls later he bowls a wide. The last thing you want in your 10th over when you’re hurting a sore is an eight-ball over...ho hum...

Australia’s lead is now 350.

03:27 PM BST

OVER 92: AUS 256/7 (Cummins 8 Starc 2)

Stokes is blowing, he’s bowled nine overs and he has taken himself off to the boundary for some R&R (assuming the ball doesn’t follow him...). The over opens with four byes, Robinson giving Bairstow no chances with one down leg. Five dot balls follow...

03:25 PM BST

VVIPs in the crowd

03:23 PM BST

OVER 91: AUS 252/7 (Cummins 8 Starc 2)

Stokes, surprisingly, is continuing and he might regret that as Cummins makes room and opens up the off side and slices the ball, deliberately, over point for four. He tries the same shot the very next ball, this one only dropping shot, straight off the end of the handle. There’s another Stokes no-ball, this one wall over the line.

The lead is now 343 - I suspect, going on what we’ve seen today, that is enough for the Australians.

03:18 PM BST

OVER 90: AUS 246/7 (Cummins 4 Starc 2)

Patsy Cummins in the new man in and he gets off the mark with a four as he shuffles across his stumps and flicks to the vacant fine-leg boundary. Useful runs for the tourists, the lead is now 337.

03:13 PM BST

WICKET!!!

Carey c Root b Robinson 21 

Carey’s 73-ball stay at the crease is over as Robinson again bang ones in short and the Australian neither attacks nor defends and loops on to Root at short-leg.

FOW 242/7

03:11 PM BST

OVER 89: AUS 242/6 (Carey 21 Starc 2)

It’s Stokes’ eighth over. There’s a noticeable hobble when returning to his mark. He’s on the money as Starc does well to evade a bouncer. The Australian then flicks one behind square for a single. Carey is then on strike and drops one under his eyes and the pair scamper a well-run single.

You suspect that will be Stokes’ final over, there were several grimaces during those six deliveries.

03:06 PM BST

OVER 88: AUS 240/6 (Carey 20 Starc 1)

So by my counting five England batsmen have been bounced out this Test compared to four Australians this innings...Starc is welcomed to the crease with two short balls. Anyone, who predicted that isn’t exactly Nostradamus...The new batsmen is off the mark with a tuck off his hips for one.

03:02 PM BST

WICKET!!!

Green c Duckett b Robinson 18 

England have won the long game as Green loses patience and goes for a short ball, only succeeding in pulling it to Duckett in the deep.

FOW - 239/6

02:58 PM BST

OVER 87: AUS 239/5 (Carey 20 Green 18)

Hurrah - a run has come off the bat! It’s for Green and it’s just a single but we can but be thankful for small mercies...

There’s chat on Sky commentary about whether if this bouncerthon continues the umpires might be instructed to step in and say ‘that’s your lot with the short stuff’...going on the  past hour or so I’d certainly be in favour.

02:54 PM BST

OVER 86: AUS 238/5 (Carey 20 Green 17)

Think we’re in a post-lunch lull. That’s the best, most polite way I can put it. Carey and Green aren’t really playing any shots and England are persisting with bowling short ball after short ball. Any of you who fancy an afternoon nap, I reckon, now is the time to do it...

02:50 PM BST

OVER 85: AUS 238/5 (Carey 20 Green 17)

No shock to see Stokes bowl a bouncer to Green, but is is a slight surprise to see the Australian hit on the helmet, he’s got out of the way of the short ball well so far. There’s a break for the resulting concussion protocol. The all-rounder is checked out and looks to be OK.

It’s a bit of a stalemate at the moment, that’s another maiden.

02:42 PM BST

OVER 84: AUS 238/5 (Carey 20 Green 17)

It’s another Robinson maiden. I’ll let you know if there’s a sudden outbreak of entertainment...

This Australian pair have added 41 runs off 102 deliveries.

02:40 PM BST

OVER 83: AUS 238/5 (Carey 20 Green 17)

Stokes is bowling with what looks like a one-day field. It’s spread out and Carey is being watchful, getting in behind ones he can get a bat on and ducking ones he cannot. Two singles from the over.

Rishi Sunak isn’t the only famous (and important) face at Lord’s today. The Prince of Wales is there with his son Prince George. Let’s hope there’s some entertainment cropping up soon for them to enjoy...

02:35 PM BST

OVER 82: AUS 236/5 (Carey 19 Green 16)

More short stuff and more lack of entertainment (sorry for banging on about it...). two singles come off this Robinson barrage of bumpers, Green scoring for the first time since the break.

Still no new ball for the hosts...

02:33 PM BST

Rishi Sunak enjoying his day at Lord's

02:32 PM BST

OVER 81: AUS 234/5 (Carey 18 Green 15)

Stokes dishes up a short and wide ball outside off stump, allowing Carey to climb into the ball and thump it to the boundary. A single and a no-ball follow (yep, another Stokes no-ball...) and Australian will be more than happy with how this session has gone so far.

England yet to take the new ball.

02:28 PM BST

OVER 80: AUS 228/5 (Carey 13 Green 15)

I understand why they’re doing it but this short-pitched bowling really makes for dull cricket...just the one bye from this Robinson over.

02:25 PM BST

TMS had Rishi Sunak in for a chat at lunch

Here’s what the Prime Minister had to say...

On the ICEC report that found the sport to be elitist, sexist and racist...

On his experiences of racism...

On Ben Stokes...

On Bazball...

02:22 PM BST

OVER 79: AUS 227/5 (Carey 13 Green 15)

Stokes over the wicket to Carey and, no shock here, its pitched back of a length, and once again not much happens with a single and a no-ball coming off the over.

02:17 PM BST

OVER 78: AUS 225/5 (Carey 12 Green 15)

England, this over with Robinson, continue with the bumper barrage - after the past hour of play, you wouldn’t expect them to do something else - and it’s another maiden. It doesn’t make for hugely entertaining cricket, does it? Not much is happening...

02:14 PM BST

OVER 77: AUS 225/5 (Carey 12 Green 15)

Stokes continues with the bumpers and this time Carey has a bit of width to work with and uppercuts for two. Five dot balls follow so just the two from the over.

02:09 PM BST

OVER 76: AUS 223/5 (Carey 10 Green 15)

It’s Ollie Robinson with the first over from the Pavilion End. He, too, begins with the short stuff and Green easily gets under the ball. For a big man the Australian does duck the ball rather well. Green ducks and weaves well for the rest of the over which is a maiden.

02:05 PM BST

OVER 75: AUS 223/5 (Carey 10 Green 15)

It’s Ben Stokes, who was loosening up during the break, with the first over after lunch. Six short balls get the session under way as does a no-ball (something the England captain is prone to serving up). He looked OK there, no grimaces or looks of anguish yet.

02:01 PM BST

Nick Hoult's lunchtime verdict

02:00 PM BST

The players are back out there

And the afternoon session is about to get under way.

01:49 PM BST

Will MacPherson at Lord's

01:24 PM BST

LUNCH: AUSTRALIA 222/5 (Carey 10 Green 15)

After the first hour that went the way of Australia England fought back well with a barrage of bumpers. It was a tactic that worked, the session stats looking like this: 93 for three.

The tourists are still very much in the box seat, with a lead of 313, but the hosts will know that quick wickets after the break will give them a sniff of victory, especially considering Lyon will not bat for the Australians.

01:21 PM BST

OVER 74: AUS 222/5 (Carey 10 Green 15)

It’s Broad to Green and the Australia all-rounder digs out a yorker first up. Green then does the same second ball before the return of the bouncer that the Australian ducks under with ease. The fourth ball is in the slot and not looking this gift horse in the mouth Green drives between extra-cover and mid-off for four. Another present is dished up last ball and it’s another driven four for green who has looked good since coming in.

01:17 PM BST

OVER 73: AUS 214/5 (Carey 10 Green 7)

Anderson with what will likely be the final over before lunch. And he, too, joins the bouncer party. One from the over, and there’s still time for another over before the break.

01:13 PM BST

OVER 72: AUS 213/5 (Carey 10 Green 6)

The Australia lead goes past 300 as Green finally plays an attacking shot as he gets on top of a short Broad ball pulling for four. The all-rounder tries his luck again, this time pulling in front of square, this time just for a single. Carey is on strike and Broad sends down a yorker, the Australian is taken by surprise, his legs stuck on the crease but fortunately, for him, the ball whistles past the off peg through to Bairstow behind the stumps.

01:08 PM BST

Oliver Brown at Lord's

01:07 PM BST

OVER 71: AUS 208/5 (Carey 10 Green 1)

Anderson returns - will we see the veteran continue with the bumper ploy? On the basis of this over ‘no’ and that’s no shock, you don’t want to see Jimmy at 40 years old flogged...Anderson comes round the wicket to the left-hander who feast his eyes on a half-volley before sending the ball back past the GOAT for a sublime four. Jimmy, clearly not happy with being treated that way, then illustrates he’s not too old to peg the Australian on the back foot as he sends down a bouncer that Carey ducks out the way of.

01:03 PM BST

OVER 70: AUS 202/5 (Carey 4 Green 1)

Broad pitches a couple up to Green who gets forward and defends well. Shock horror, the England man persists with the pitched-up stuff and the Australia all-rounder keeps the ball out and it’s another Broad maiden. Australia have a lead of 293.

12:59 PM BST

Take a bow, Joe Root

12:58 PM BST

OVER 69: AUS 202/5 (Carey 4 Green 1)

Tongue is in for his ninth over on the bounce - a herculean effort from the Worcestershire man who, once again, has looked the picked of the England attack. He shows no sign of tiredness as he sends down another 87mph+ bouncer to Carey that Bairstow takes above his head. Carey then cuts one for four to get off the mark, and brings up the tourists’ 200 in the process.

12:54 PM BST

Justin Langer on the past hour's play

12:53 PM BST

OVER 68: AUS 197/5 (Carey 0 Green 0)

Carey is the new man in and won’t have been shocked to be welcomed to the crease with two bouncers. It’s a wicket maiden and one thing to remember is that Australia are effectively six down with Lyon on crutches. The lead is 288...

12:50 PM BST

WICKET!!!

Head c Root b Broad 7

The bumper ploy continues to work as Broad digs one in short, Head cannot get on top of it and only succeeds in fending the ball to a diving Root at short square-leg. Brilliant catch and sublime strategy from Stokes and Co.

FOW - 197/5

12:47 PM BST

OVER 67: AUS 197/4 (Head 7 Green 0)

There’s a slight release of pressure as Head pulls for four off Tongue first ball. The left-hander then cuts one, that is perhaps too close to him for that short, that floes just past a diving Anderson at gully (who doubtless is till thinking about that horror drop a few minutes ago...) for a single.

Then, shock horror, Tongue pitches one up outside off stump that Green leaves well be, that’s what cricket used to look like...as if to emphasise that that was just an apparition the over ends with a bouncer.

12:42 PM BST

OVER 66: AUS 192/4 (Head 2 Green 0)

Broad to Green, sixes short balls which the Australian all-rounder, for the most part, evades well. A maiden.

12:39 PM BST

Here's how Smith departed

12:38 PM BST

OVER 65: AUS 192/4 (Head 2 Green 0)

More good short-pitched bowling from Tongue as he sends down a brute of a ball that gets steep on Head who tries to get out of the way, but in vain, the ball just falling short of Root at short square-leg. Head doesn’t look at ease out there as he plays out a maiden.

Since England started with the bumpers Australia are two for 28 off 12 overs. For all the talk of England being reckless on Thursday it’s clear that neither side, with contrasting styles, are finding fending off the short stuff easy...

12:33 PM BST

OVER 64: AUS 192/4 (Head 2 Green 0)

Broad sends down a back-of-a-length ball on the stumps, Head jabs a thickish inside edge past Root, lurking at short square leg. Broad now has three balls at Green. He goes round the wicket to the right-hander and there is leg-theory field to the beanpole all-rounder who sees out the over.

Australia’s lead is 282.

12:28 PM BST

OVER 63: AUS 190/4 (Head 1 Green 0)

Green is the new man in and he’s not a great starter...Have England bounced their way back into this match?

12:26 PM BST

WICKET!!

Smith c Crawley b Tongue 34 

Tongue to Head, it’s a wideish one and the Australian slaps it straight to Jimmy Anderson at gully, but the GOAT drops a sitter...oh dear...

But wait! The very next ball Steve Smith has a dart at a shortish one and Crawley gobbles one at deep square leg. Two breakthroughs, vital ones at that, in the matter of minutes.

FOW - 190/4

12:23 PM BST

OVER 62: AUS 187/2 (Head 0 Smith 33)

That was the final ball of Broad’s first over of the day and he has made the vital breakthrough. Travis Head is the new man in and you suspect he might take on the short ball...

12:21 PM BST

WICKET!!

Khawaja c sub (Potts) b Broad 77

It’s time for Stuart Broad and he persists with the barrage of short balls as both Khawaja and Smith tuck deliveries round the corner for a couple of singles. Broad goes round the wicket to Khawaja and gets one onto his shoulder that is taken by Bairstow.

Perhaps unsettled by that delivery Khawaja then hooks on right down the throat of Matt Potts at wideish fine leg. The tactic has worked.

FOW 187/3

12:12 PM BST

OVER 61: AUS 183/2 (Khawaja 76 Smith 31)

Khawaja gets in a bit of a tangle as Tongue goes round the wicket and, yep, you’ve guessed it, digs one in short. Alas, the ball doesn’t balloon up anywhere near an England fielder. The England man is bowling at a decent place as he gets one to fly at 87mph that Bairstow does well to prevent goes for four byes. He’s been the pick of the England attack this Test, and as I type he goes over the wicket and gets one to climb across Khawaja and flirt with the Australian’s outside edge.

That’s the end of the first hour and it’s one that’s belonged to Australia whose lead is now up to 274 runs.

12:06 PM BST

OVER 60: AUS 180/2 (Khawaja 75 Smith 31)

England persist with the barrage of bumpers and not without reason, both Smith and Khawaja have been looking to get bat on ball more the past few overs. However, both still look fairly untroubled out there for now. Four singles come from this Robinson over.

12:03 PM BST

OVER 59: AUS 176/2 (Khawaja 73 Smith 29)

Just a Smith single from that Tongue over. The pitch is looking fairly flat, no snakes in the pitch, as Sir Geoffrey used to say, so that will affect any Australian declaration later on...

12:00 PM BST

Will Macpherson at Lord's

11:59 AM BST

OVER 58: AUS 175/2 (Khawaja 73 Smith 28)

Smith tries to do a half-decent impression of Harry Brook as he gives himself room on the legside to a Robinson bumper. He ends up on his a---e having swatted the ball, tennis shot like for no runs. Neither elegant, nor MCC textbook, but, then again, Smith has rarely been described as either.

Robinson goes round the wicket to Khawaja who pulls for four - the ball just evading the outstretched hand of Duckett at square leg. the next ball is another short one which the left-hander bottom edges onto his upper arm with the ball ballooning over the outstretched arm of Young Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps. So close, yet so far for England and it’s still very much Australia’s morning so far.

11:54 AM BST

OVER 57: AUS 168/2 (Khawaja 68 Smith 26)

For all the short stuff they are bowling at Khawaja and Smith there is a lack of intensity about England this morning. Tongue keeps on sending down bouncers but throws (not literally, obviously...) down wide one down legside. It’s all rather hum drum from the hosts’ perspective so far.

11:51 AM BST

Justin Langer: Contrasting styles at Lord's

11:50 AM BST

OVER 56: AUS 163/2 (Khawaja 68 Smith 26)

Both Khawaja and Smith look untroubled at the moment. When taking on the short balls they are doing so in a measured, controlled way rather than the kamikaze manner that many have accused England of doing on Thursday.

11:45 AM BST

OVER 55: AUS 160/2 (Khawaja 66 Smith 26)

Tongue continues with the chin music and there are four runs from the over.

11:41 AM BST

Smith has started brightly at Lord's

11:40 AM BST

OVER 54: AUS 156/2 (Khawaja 64 Smith 24)

Robinson to Smith and he, too, bangs a couple in short and Smith isn’t having any of it, ducking out of the way without much fuss at all. I am sure there are plenty of you muttering to yourselves ‘England take note...’. The next one is also dropped short but Smith pulls for one. Khawaja is then hurried into ducking out of a better bouncer from Robinson.

11:36 AM BST

OVER 53: AUS 154/2 (Khawaja 64 Smith 23)

First change of the day as Tongue replaces Anderson. The lively bowler comes round the wicket to Khawaja, he’s banging it in but the Australian isn’t tempted to do a decent impression of Pope or Duckett as he leans out of the way of the barrage of short stuff as if to say half-heartedly ‘anything you want?’

11:32 AM BST

OVER 52: AUS 154/2 (Khawaja 64 Smith 23)

For all the talk of Bazball etc etc, yawn, yawn...the leading run scorer this series so far has been the most defensive and watchful batsman out here, Khawaja (make of that what you will, and I know many will indeed use it with which to try and hang England’s attacking approach...). He will not be deviated from his method and a single from his studious straight bat is the only run from this Robinson over.

11:28 AM BST

OVER 51: AUS 153/2 (Khawaja 63 Smith 23)

Early days, I know, but Smith is on top in his battle against Anderson. He leans into a full delivery from the England man driving imperiously for four. Two balls later he treats a half-volley with absolute disdain - he drives down the ground and as soon as ball left bat he turned around as if to say: ‘you cannot bowl that tosh at me, Jimmy.’ The very next ball also races away for four as Smith then angles a wideish one to the cover boundary.

Twelve from the over and Australia, and Smith in particular, are well on top.

11:23 AM BST

OVER 50: AUS 141/2 (Khawaja 63 Smith 11)

Just a Smith single from that Robinson over. Not shots played in anger yet, the Australians are seemingly digging in to bat for a wee while.

11:19 AM BST

OVER 49: AUS 140/2 (Khawaja 63 Smith 10)

The first boundary from the bat of Khawaja comes thanks to a delicious drive off Anderson. The elegance of the Australian was on full show as he eased into that shot. Another bad sign for England is that there is now bright sunshine at Lord’s, could say these are the best conditions the tourists have had to bat so far this Test, not what Stokes and Co want.

11:16 AM BST

Village from Duckett

11:15 AM BST

OVER 48: AUS 136/2 (Khawaja 59 Smith 10)

Robinson to Khawaja three dot balls are followed by two more before Robinson gets one to swing into the lefty who is able to tuck it away around the corner for one. It’s been a watchful start from the tourists.

11:11 AM BST

OVER 47: AUS 135/2 (Khawaja 58 Smith 10)

It’s Jimmy Anderson with the first over of the day from the Nursery End. He’s going round the wicket and angling the ball into Khawaja who is able to work the ball off his pads for a single, which is actually signalled a leg bye.

That means it’s now Jimmy vs Smithy - one great up against another. Popcorn at the ready...there’s a leg slip as Jimmy, who is in needs of a wicket or two, targets the stumps, before trying to tempt the Australian with a wide one. Smith will not be lead unto temptation and it’s just the one from the over.

11:07 AM BST

OVER 46: AUS 134/2 (Khawaja 58 Smith 10)

Huge day ahead in the context of the series - you hope that’s something not lost on Ben Stokes and Co.

There are two balls of the 46th over to be bowled and Robinson targets Smith’s stumps first ball. the Australian shuffles across and glances it for four down to the fine-leg boundary (leg slip looked interested, but it wasn’t a chance...). A dot ball follows and we’re under way.

11:01 AM BST

Good signs for England

11:00 AM BST

Aussie legend Mary Taylor

Aka Tubbs, has rung the bell and we’re not far from the start of day four.

10:58 AM BST

Finally, a LinkedIn post that isn't cringe-inducing!

10:52 AM BST

Updates from the doctor's waiting room with Nick Hoult...

10:50 AM BST

Don't panic!

10:47 AM BST

He's at the crease and once again has made history

10:45 AM BST

From Will Macpherson at Lord's

10:44 AM BST

There's a bit of drizzle in north London at the moment

10:41 AM BST

Justin Langer: England need the wicket of Khawaja early on

10:37 AM BST

Here's a match up to get excited about

Jimmy Anderson vs Steve Smith. Two all-time greats who love playing at Lord’s. Anderson has taken 119 Test wickets at 24.96 at the Home of Cricket, while in four Tests Smith has two tons and a 92 at an average of 80.

If the Australian gets in and stays at the crease for a few hours then the chances of victory for England will wither away.

10:26 AM BST

Pitch report

It’s still a good pitch, but there will be signs of uneven bounce. That’s not according to me (alas, I am not allowed anywhere near the hollowed middle of the Home of Cricket, sob sob...) that’s according to Nasser Hussain who is having a gander at the wicket for Sky Sports.

10:17 AM BST

Boycott's Briefing: England have no room for error

This time yesterday the England legend backed the hosts to get close to parity with Australia’s first-innings score. That didn’t exactly happen. So, 24 hours on here’s what Geoffrey Boycott has to say ahead of day four at Lord’s.

10:07 AM BST

Bazball once again under the microscope

With every day of this series, which has numbered eight so far, there has seemingly been a national debate about the rights and wrongs of Bazball. Another culture war when, if we are to be honest, there are way too many of them.

The start of today’s play, the fourth day of the second Test which is going the way of the Australians, is, once again, dominated by debate regarding England’s approach to the game and whether they are giving themselves the best shot at a much-needed victory.

The hosts begin Saturday’s action on the back foot, with Australia 130 for two, a lead of 221 runs after England’s first innings ended fairly meekly in the first session on Friday.

What should not be lost in the debate about Ben Stokes’ side’s approach, however, is that it concerned the happy hooking of Thursday, when, starting with Ollie Pope, the England batsmen threw caution to the wind with the same abandon as they threw bat at ball, taking on the short-ball tactics Australia employed. The wickets that fell yesterday morning, however, were, bar Harry Brooks’ bit of baseball madness, not the fault of reckless taking on of the short ball, rather down to fine Australian bowling and a reverting to type from Jonny Bairstow, who slapped the ball to mid-on.

The point is that while the ‘reckless’ taking on of the short ball did gift wickets to Australia and was understandably criticised, the fact of the matter is England were still on top at the start of yesterday’s play.

Bazball has got them into some great positions (Rawalpindi)  and also got them out of some seemingly forlorn ones as well (Edgbaston against India last year). And what is not in doubt is that (i) Stokes and Co will not back away from their attacking approach, and, (ii) they will need the perfect execution of Bazball, both with the ball and bat, if they are to have a chance of victory here.

Please stay with us for all the action on yet another day that promises to be both entertaining and revealing.