Australia cricket took control of the second Ashes Test, ripping through England’s top order in a brilliant new ball spell to leave leaving the home side requiring 257 more for victory on the final day at Lord’s.

Having set the hosts 371 at the end of a surreal second session on day four, Mitchell Starc struck twice early, Zak Crawley strangled down the leg side before Ollie Pope was cleaned up with a heat-seeking missile that curved in to uproot middle stump.

Pat Cummins followed his opening partner’s lead, bouncing out Joe Root with a brute and then bowling Harry Brook third ball with a beauty that seamed away to smooch the top of off stump.

Ben Duckett led England’s rebuild with a second half-century of the match, finding good support from Ben Stokes to see their side through to the close with an unbeaten partnership of 69.

But there was controversy late on as the third umpire’s intervention granted Duckett a reprieve, Starc ruled to have not been in full control after appearing to take a catch on the fine leg boundary.

It left England with faint hopes of another unlikely fourth innings chase, particularly with miracle man Stokes at the crease again four years on from his Headingley heroics.

Relive all the action from day four of the second Ashes test match:

England vs Australia

• STUMPS: England close on 114-4, requiring 257 more on the final day for victory

• Not out! Ben Duckett gets a life soon after reaching 50 as Mitchell Starc is deemed to have grounded a catch

• OUT! Harry Brook 4 (3) b Cummins - Australia captain strikes twice in an over

• OUT! Joe Root c Warner b Cummins 18 (35) - Australia get their third as Root fends to first slip

• OUT! Ollie Pope b Starc 3 (10) - England’s number three is cleaned up

• OUT! Zak Crawley ct Carey b Starc 3 (6) - Australia strike early

• England begin innings needing their second highest fourth innings chase

• ALL OUT! A limping Lyon is the last man out as Australia set England 371 to win

• LUNCH: Australia 222-5 (lead by 313)

• Australia started the day 130-2, leading by 221 runs

England grasp at glimmer of hope on extraordinary day of Ashes cricket

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:39 , Sonia Twigg at Lord’s

England hold on to a glimmer of hope after the loss of early wickets, needing another 257 to win with six wickets left on the final day of the second Ashes Test, after an extraordinary day of cricket.

In the evening session, Pat Cummins with ball in hand delivered what could yet prove to be the killer blow in the match and the series, with two beautiful deliveries to dismiss Harry Brook and Joe Root and reduce England to 45-4.

England have consistently backed themselves to chase any target, having successfully knocked off 378 to beat India in the summer of 2022, but the skill of Australia’s bowlers proved a different challenge.

England grasp at glimmer of hope on extraordinary day of Ashes cricket

STUMPS! England 114-4 (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

David Warner and Steve Smith each wander over for a chat with the umpires, Ahsan Raza and Chris Gaffaney giving them short shrift. Usman Khawaja plays the good cop, draping an arm over a shoulder.

Australia may be unhappy about that final decision that gave Ben Duckett a reprieve, but victory is within sight. England will begin day five needing 257 more, with four wickets lost in a brilliant new ball burst from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins that has put them very much in the driving seat at the end of a truly surreal day of Test match cricket.

STUMPS! England 114-4 (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England 114-4 (31), Ben Stokes 29, Ben Duckett 50, Cameron Green 0-10 (4) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green will bowl the last over of this extraordinary day, which really has erred from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again in almost equal measure.

Stokes sees the evening out, just about dropping his gloves out of the way of a lifter from the Green giant that jags down te slope.

Stumps. England require 257 more on the final day.

England 114-4 (30), Ben Stokes 29, Ben Duckett 50, Mitchell Starc 2-40 (10 (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fascinating. Marais Erasmus has confirmed to Sky Sports that he felt Starc was in control of the ball, but not his body, as is the other requirement of the clean catch law. I’m sure that will be well received by Australia’s lanky left armer.

It was a horrible shot from Ben Duckett, too, a late decision to play foolish anyway with Usman Khawaja waiting at third man. Still, he remains with stumps fast approaching.

England 113-4 (29), Ben Stokes 28, Ben Duckett 50, Cameron Green 0-10 (3)

Saturday 1 July 2023 19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia still aren’t sure that should have been overturned. It had gone in very cleanly - far cleaner, for example, than Steve Smith’s catch of Joe Root in the first innings - and Starc had extended his left hand to steady himself as he slid along the boundary. But the ball was dragged along the floor. It may have been firmly in Starc’s grasp but third umpire Erasmus took little time to call Duckett back to the crease.

NOT OUT! England 113-5 (28.5)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How has Ben Duckett got that there? England lose a fifth with stumps in sight!

Yet another batter falls to the short ball, Duckett trying to guide through the offside but somehow flapping it to fine leg. Off the back of the bat? Who knows, but England’s half-centurion has to go.

Up went the periscope, and Duckett perishes. Or does he? The crowd boo as they see a replay of Starc appearing to ground the catch. NOT OUT! Australia are furious. Starc looked to be in complete control as he took sliding to his left, but Marais Erasmus has ruled the ground has aided the catch. “Same old Aussies, always cheating” is the prevailing Lord’s refrain. Oh my!

England 112-4 (28), Ben Stokes 27, Ben Duckett 50, Mitchell Starc 2-39 (9) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc’s brother is a Commonwealth gold medal-winning high jumper, and Brandon could perhaps give his sibling some tips - Starc the elder isn’t quite finding the spring he’d like. Ben Stokes positively tonks a ball through midwicket that doesn’t quite get up.

50 for Ben Duckett! England 107-4 (27.1), Ben Stokes 22, Ben Duckett 50, Mitchell Starc 2-34 (8.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Twin fifties in the match for Ben Duckett, tugging Mitchell Starc down to long leg to get to his half-century from 62 balls. A wise early decision to review having been given LBW and while there’s not been much BazBalling, this has been a breezy enough knock to keep England alive.

England 106-4 (27), Ben Stokes 22, Ben Duckett 49, Cameron Green 0-9 (2) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stokes is all over the place now, concrete feet and inflatable arms waving wildly. Green, who got the bouncer party started on Thursday, looks threatening again. A maiden.

At Edgbaston, England have lost Danni Wyatt early on - Megan Schutt, Australia’s queen of swing, has knocked her over.

England 106-4 (26.1), Ben Stokes 22, Ben Duckett 49, Cameron Green 0-9 (1.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lucky! Ben Stokes is all at sea as Cameron Green bangs it in, but Stokes’s glove somehow diverts the ball into space short of the single slip!

England 106-4 (26), Ben Stokes 22, Ben Duckett 49, Mitchell Starc 2-33 (8) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The hundred is up for England, applause rippling around Lord’s in the evening sunshine.

Put away again. Starc makes the same error as his bowling partner, straying into Duckett’s area of strength and carved fluidly for four.

Australia touch betwixt and between here, not yet committing fully to the short stuff. Duckett clips a couple more off his hip to move within one of a bat raise.

England 99-4 (25), Ben Stokes 21, Ben Duckett 43, Cameron Green 0-9 (1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another properly short one means Duckett can be less fearful of further threats to his jaw, and he devours a Green half-volley as Australia’s all-rounder overpitches outside off. That’s the fifty partnership, too.

Four more! That’s exactly where the leftie likes it, shorter, wider, and chopped backward of point with impeccable timing. England’s opener is beginning to close in on another half-century.

Mitchell Starc has swapped ends.

England 91-4 (24.0), Ben Stokes 21, Ben Duckett 35, Cameron Green 0-1 (0.0) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green is now permitted to de-cap. He replaces Mitchell Starc...and immediately digs one in way too short. A wide. Two Ben Ducketts might have struggled to reach that.

England 90-4 (24), Ben Stokes 21, Ben Duckett 35, Travis Head 0-23 (4) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Long-on is about ten or fifteen yards in from the boundary, Cummins and Head giving Stokes the option of the shot if he’s confident he can clear that fielder. There’s no slip, with Head not finding much out of the rough. Two twos, one to each side of the ground, in the over.

England 86-4 (23), Ben Stokes 17, Ben Duckett 35, Mitchell Starc 2-26 (7) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s an excellent shot from Ben Duckett. Mitchell Starc changes his angle of attack, coming around the wicket to try and dig it into Duckett’s ribs. It’s on that sort of trajectory but the England opener is good enough to roll the wrists and keep it down, bisecting the two fielders backward of square on the legside.

Things not quite clicking for Starc, who is a real rhythm bowler, since his return. Australia think about a change at the Nursery End - Cameron Green comes all the way to the top of his mark and is starting to remove his baggy green, but Pat Cummins intervenes. Travis Head will continue.

England 78-4 (22), Ben Stokes 17, Ben Duckett 29, Travis Head 0-19 (3) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia leave long-on open and Ben Duckett is happy enough to accept the offer of open space, down the track with choppy strides and dragging his shot slightly to ensure he finds it. Nicely done - four runs.

England 71-4 (21), Ben Stokes 15, Ben Duckett 24, Mitchell Starc 2-18 (6) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

While Duckett’s dome will be attacked full bore, it’s more of an in-between sort of field for Ben Stokes - a leg slip, yes, but also three catchers to Alex Carey’s left in a conventional cordon. Just one from the over.

A late close tonight to make up for yesterday’s rain (and a short delay this morning) means we’ve still got three-quarters of an hour of play left.

England 70-4 (20), Ben Stokes 15, Ben Duckett 23, Travis Head 0-12 (2) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are going to try and go after Travis Head. Ben Duckett picks through his packed toolbox of sweeps and chooses a more expansive version, slogging for the balconies. It’s a horrible top edge but lands safely in space at deep midwicket with the boundary rider unable to get around to his right. Signs of intent - Australia have so many runs to play with so Head can afford to hold his nerve.

Mitchell Starc returns at the other end - and with only a gully for company. Strap in for some more head-hunting.

Six! England 66-4 (19.1), Ben Stokes 14, Ben Duckett 20, Travis Head 0-8 (1.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beautiful! Clean as you like from Ben Stokes, step-ball-changing down the track and lifting Travis Head back over his head for six.

England 60-4 (19), Ben Stokes 8, Ben Duckett 20, Pat Cummins 2-20 (8) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a glorious evening now at Lord’s. Pat Cummins keeps things tight and tidy - just three from his over.

England 57-4 (18), Ben Stokes 6, Ben Duckett 19, Travis Head 0-2 (1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Head gets one to slide on off the pitch, prompting an inquisition of Ahsan Raza. The umpire shakes his head - sliding down.

Up at Edgbaston, Australia’s women have won the toss and are having a bowl in the first T20 in that multi-format series. England, remember, trail 4-0 after Test defeat and will have to win five out of the six white ball games to overturn the tourists.

England 56-4 (17.1), Ben Stokes 5, Ben Duckett 19, Travis Head 0-1 (0.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two left-handers in, so little surprise that Pat Cummins tosses the ball to his offie. He’d love it to be Nathan Lyon but that calf is back under the strapping and the veteran tweaker is recovering on the balcony; Travis Head will have a look-see at what all of the seamers’ exertions have done to the surface.

England 55-4 (17), Ben Stokes 5, Ben Duckett 18, Pat Cummins 2-17 (7) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia howl - nearly jabbed straight to short leg! Matt Renshaw is in there, a good man under the lid in tight, and Ben Stokes almost finds his snapping turtle hands, which snatch at the ball and miss it entirely as it fails to quite carry. Stokes grits his teeth as he trots through for a single.

England 52-4 (16), Ben Stokes 4, Ben Duckett 16, Josh Hazlewood 0-20 (5) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Hazlewood will also engage in some rough stuff, down to just a single slip and a gully with the leg side reinforced. There are ironic cheers from the Lord’s crowd, who haven’t had much to shout about in this session, as England reach 50.

Two and a gully for Hazlewood to Stokes, the right-armer around the wicket and probing the fourth stump line. A slightly shorter ball allows the left-hander to get on the back foot and force one through the covers for two.

England 49-4 (15), Ben Stokes 2, Ben Duckett 15, Pat Cummins 2-14 (6) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins reverts to a bit of bumper cars, bashing them into the surface as Ben Stokes ducks beneath a couple. Another not-so-fair maiden of largely bouncers on a day full of them.

England 49-4 (14), Ben Stokes 2, Ben Duckett 15, Josh Hazlewood 0-17 (4) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nervy moment for Ben Duckett, slow to get moving as Ben Stokes starts cantering down for a single that is always there. Duckett is perhaps hobbled slightly by his hamstring tweak and might have been in trouble with a direct hit from mid-on.

He survives - but four England batters have already perished before drinks.

England 46-4 (13), Ben Stokes 1, Ben Duckett 14, Pat Cummins 2-13 (5) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This has been high, high class stuff from the Australia attack. Swing and pace from Starc, seam and venom from Pat Cummins.

Ben Stokes gets up and away immediately with a push to deep point.

OUT! Harry Brook b Cummins 4 (3b 1x4 0x6), England 45-4 (12.5)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bowling perfection! Simply irresistible!

Two in the over for Pat Cummins. Harry Brook had chipped his second ball back through the bowler’s hands but could do nothing about his third, angle in, seam away up the slope, and smooching off stump’s cheek. It’s truly, truly brilliant from the Australia captain - England are 45-4 with their miracle man already to the crease.

OUT! Joe Root c Warner b Cummins 18 (35b 2x4 0x6), England 41-3 (12.2)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And that’s an absolute snorter! The short ball strikes again!

It’s fast and nasty from Pat Cummins, going slightly wider on the crease and using the angle to attack Joe Root’s throat. Root can only fend at it, giving David Warner a simple grab at first slip.

England slip deeper into the mire.

England 41-2 (12.1), Joe Root 18, Ben Duckett 14, Pat Cummins 0-9 (4.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vicious! Sharp bounce from Pat Cummins and nailing Joe Root on the arm guard.

England 41-2 (12), Joe Root 18, Ben Duckett 14, Josh Hazlewood 0-15 (3) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hazlewood stands, hands on his head, unable to quite believe Ben Duckett has managed to get an inside edge away having appeared to play right around his front pad.

England 38-2 (11.1), Joe Root 17, Ben Duckett 12, Josh Hazlewood 0-11 (2.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Time for Plan B - Usman Khawaja drops back into a catching position about two-thirds of the way back to the long leg boundary, and Josh Hazlewood starts with a short one.

Too short, in fact - called a wide.

But that’s excellent! Nipping back and beating Root all ends up, sailing a few centimetres over the stumps! There’s stil something there for Australia’s seamers to find.

England 37-2 (11), Joe Root 17, Ben Duckett 12, Pat Cummins 0-9 (4) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Calm and considered from this pair, keeping their cool after Starc’s early fire.

England 35-2 (10.1), Joe Root 16, Ben Duckett 10, Pat Cummins 0-7 (3.1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No Green just yet - Pat Cummins swaps ends to replace Mitchell Starc.

England 35-2 (10), Joe Root 16, Ben Duckett 10, Josh Hazlewood 0-11 (2) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s trademark Joe Root, up tall and riding the bounce to guide Josh Hazlewood for four through the gully gap, those soft hands ensuring it stays down. It is the sort of shot that can get Root in bother on bouncier pitches - Pat Cummins might try an early burst from Cameron Green to see if his height can cause problems in the channel, as it did Root during the last Ashes in Australia.

England 28-2 (9), Joe Root 10, Ben Duckett 10, Mitchell Starc 2-17 (5) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc is cranking it up, hurling it down at 90mph. But Joe Root has started nicely, afforded a few of those easy starters by the fielders in the deep.

England 26-2 (7), Joe Root 9, Ben Duckett 10, Josh Hazlewood 0-4 (1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Smart from Joe Root, getting out of his crease and outside off to prevent Josh Hazlewood finding his length, clipping a perfectly fine ball that would have nibbled over middle-and-off to the fine leg fence for four.

England 22-2 (7), Joe Root 5, Ben Duckett 10, Mitchell Starc 2-15 (4) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still those three deep fielders for Mitchell Starc, one on the offside, two on the leg, allowing England’s batters three consecutive singles at the end of the over.

A change at the other end. The early swing and seam should excite a man of Josh Hazlewood’s skill.

England 19-2 (6), Joe Root 3, Ben Duckett 9, Pat Cummins 0-7 (3) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins is a mighty fine bowler but his overs feel a little like an intermission at the moment given the theatre at the other end. Ben Duckett punches straight of mid-on, testing out that sore hamstring as he touches and turns for two. He seems to be moving ok.

England 16-2 (5), Joe Root 2, Ben Duckett 7, Mitchell Starc 2-12 (3) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welcome, Joe - familiar territory for England’s number four, though he’d have been hoping his days of wandering out at 13-2 were behind him. Pope’s lean second innings run continues - if you were being hyper critical, his head was quite far over on to the offside, but that was very, very, very good from Starc.

OUT! Ollie Pope b Starc 3 (10b 0x4 0x6), England 13-2 (4.2)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Castled! New ball perfection from Mitchell Starc!

Full, quick, massive swing - it’s just supreme skill from Starc as middle stump goes walkabout! Pope is properly bamboozled, a brush of the front pad the closest he comes to keeping it out.

Australia have two - what a start! So much for the short stuff...

England 13/1 (4), Ollie Pope 3, Ben Duckett 6, Pat Cummins 0-4 (2) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Line and length from Pat Cummins, as is his modus operandi. Ollie Pope, always on the move, plays with soft hands on the offside and calls Ben Duckett through for the single, the pair like two terriers as they scurry through.

Duckett might have hurt himself, though - he grabs at his hamstring after completing the run and is still feeling it as Mitchell Starc starts his next.

England 12/1 (3), Ollie Pope 2, Ben Duckett 6, Mitchell Starc 1-9 (2) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That was almost unplayable from Starc, whose got his tail up and those pads in his sights. It really wasn’t far away from just clipping, either, which would, of course, have stayed out.

Ollie Pope, England’s own member of the walking wounded, is the new batter, by the way. His shoulder didn’t appear to cause him too much discomfort in the first innings.

NOT OUT! England 10/1 (2.3)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Doing too much! Wow. Massive swing for Starc, sinuous and squaring up Duckett. The batter is beaten all ends up but it’s moving too far, pitching on middle but missing off.

Duckett gets a reprieve!

Out?

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another! A magnificent ball from Mitchell Starc and Ben Duckett is given LBW.

He sends it upstairs for a look...

OUT! Zak Crawley c †Carey b Starc 3 (6b 0x4 0x6), England 9-1 (2.1)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A long pause...and given! Chris Gaffaney takes his time but eventually raises the finger - Zak Crawley has been strangled down the leg side!

A disaster of a start for England. It’s loose again from Mitchell Starc, starting down the leg side and swinging further away as Crawley tries to flick. There’s a noise as it passes the bat, with Alex Carey taking superbly behind the stumps.

Crawley turns to scratch his guard, and Gaffaney has a long mull, but up goes the digit and off goes the batter. No thought of a review - Australia need nine more!

England 9-0 (2), Zak Crawley 3, Ben Duckett 5, Pat Cummins 0-3 (1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Such is Cameron Green’s glue-like grip in the gully that you expected that to stick. He did put a real sitter down in the World Test Championship final, but they really are rarities.

Pat Cummins shares the new ball, bowling with a more conventional field including a third cordon catcher adjacent to Green. There are still two men back on the legside, though, one of them the subsitute Matt Renshaw - who denies Zak Crawley a boundary by hurrying to hs left. No frights in Cummins’s first.

England 6-0 (1), Zak Crawley 1, Ben Duckett 4, Mitchell Starc 0-6 (1) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wide to start from Mitchell Starc, low, slingy, and throwing it out of even Zak Crawley’s long reach. Three men back on the leg side and a deep point.

Crawley finds one of those boundary riders as Starc curves onto his pads.

The radar isn’t quite calibrated yet. A ball that seams a mile would have posed Ben Duckett a problem had it pitched remotely in the right postcode, and the next one is also unplayable on account of a legside line.

Dropped! Cameron Green has put one down! Duckett pokes, drawing a thick outside edge, but Green slips slightly as he tries to extend to full length and can only tip it around the post.

England 0-0 (0), Zak Crawley 0, Ben Duckett 0, Mitchell Starc 0-0 (0) (target 371)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out come England’s opening pair, ready to get the job started. Of course, all of that short bowling means we don’t really know how this pitch is actually playing - if it was starting to deteriorate, the bouncer barrage and seamers’ heavy tread is only likely to have done more damage.

Now then. Australia have several men back to start. Surely Mitchell Starc will hunt some swing but the option is there for the short ball straight away. Two slips and a gully.

TEA: England require 371 for victory

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England will need their second highest fourth innings chase if they are to level the series - but they did haul in 378 against India at Edgbaston last year, and this side really do back themselves under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

How long will Australia give it before going to Plan B for Bouncer? If there aren’t early inroads with the new nut, it won’t be long.

TEA: England require 371 for victory

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A truly, truly surreal session of cricket, which began with short ball stalemate and ended with a limping Nathan Lyon swatting away on one leg. England have done the job, though, leaving themselves enough time and a target they’ll fancy a go at with Australia shorn of their spinner.

But they’ll expect plenty of chin music. Here’s how Nathan Lyon’s brief, brave stay was ended.

Sonia Twigg at Lord's

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:21 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: England need 371 to win. The equation might look simple on paper, but that last session of cricket was anything but.

England bowled an incredible number of overs of bouncers in succession, Australia scored 88 runs against it as time seemed to slow down at the Home of Cricket.

Lyon hopped his way out to the crease from the long room, it was a case of four or nothing from the pair with the spinner unable to move essentially, and England still persisted with the short bowling that had got them that far.

More than one person has said ‘if that is saving Test cricket, let it die’ but there has been a bit of everything, even though everyone was left not quite sure what they’ve just witnessed.

END OF INNINGS: Australia 279 all out; England require 371 for victory

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

OUT! Nathan Lyon c Stokes b Broad 4 (13b 1x4 0x6), 279 all out

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last. Skied to midwicket and that is likely to be Nathan Lyon’s last involvement of the Ashes summer.

England will require 371 for victory.

Australia 279-9 (101.4), Nathan Lyon 4, Mitchell Starc 15, Stuart Broad 3-65 (24.4) (lead by 370)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tea is imminent, by the way, but we’ll go on with Australia nine (and a half) down. James Anderson dashes over for a chat with his regular new ball partner - Broad switches to around the wicket but persists with the half-trackers.

Australia 279-9 (101.1), Nathan Lyon 4, Mitchell Starc 15, Stuart Broad 3-65 (24.1) (lead by 370)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Panned for four! Nathan Lyon, on one leg, has slapped Stuart Broad to the boundary!

Australia 275-9 (101), Nathan Lyon 0, Mitchell Starc 15, Josh Tongue 2-53 (20) (lead by 366)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd are beginning to get restless. Ben Stokes gives them a fright as he hobbles around after fielding a pull from Mitchell Starc (no run) before Starc nearly chips one to the bowler, Tongue turning and pursuing but unable to reel it in. Starc was already walking off (no run).

Starc smashes the next ball to deep midwicket (no run) and finally gets one away! Six! The crowd roars! Hooked to long leg.

The partnership is eleven. Nathan Lyon will face again.

Australia 269-9 (100), Nathan Lyon 0, Mitchell Starc 9, Stuart Broad 3-61 (24) (lead by 360)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is truly the most bizarre session of cricket I think I’ve ever seen. Nathan Lyon swats two balls straight to the fielder in the deep, unable even to consider a run.

Top edge...no run. Just extraordinarily weird cricket. Lyon lands it between Harry Brook and Zak Crawley, who leave it for one another and nearly end up giving away four. Brook contorts his body to avoid brushing the advertising triangles and ensures there is no score.

Lyon survives. Broad didn’t try to hit his stumps, though - surely that’s the option to a man who can’t move his front leg?

Australia 269-9 (99), Nathan Lyon 0, Mitchell Starc 9, Josh Tongue 2-47 (19) (lead by 360)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc can’t get another away, though. Stuart Broad, barring another improbable single, will have six balls at Nathan Lyon.

Australia 265-9 (98), Nathan Lyon 0, Mitchell Starc 5, Stuart Broad 3-61 (23) (lead by 356)

Saturday 1 July 2023 16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One of the weirdest singles you will ever see! Mitchell Starc has a massive heave and top edges to deep square leg. Rehan Ahmed, on as a substitute fielder, somehow manages to claw it back acrobatically, saving the six, but Australia are intent on taking a run. Nathan Lyon half hops, half hobbles down, just about getting there in time but seemingly aggravating the issue.

Somehow, Mitchell Starc keeps the strike - and immediately swings Josh Tongue away for four more valuable runs!...

Australia 264-9 (97), Nathan Lyon 0, Mitchell Starc 4, Ben Stokes 1-26 (12)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pulled smartly! Literally played on one leg by Lyon, and nicely, but he of course can’t get up the other end.

He does survive the over. Mitchell Starc will have to get as many as he can in the next over because Lyon simply cannot move.

OUT! Josh Hazlewood c Root b Stokes 1 (3b 0x4 0x6), Australia 264-9 (96.4)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Nathan Lyon will have to hobble out - Joe Root takes another at boot hill!

Ben Stokes finally gets one, Josh Hazlewood turning straight to the short leg fielder.

Out limps Lyon to an incredible ovation. Brave? Stupid? Regardless, it’s unlikely to be a lengthy stay...

Australia 264-8 (96.2), Josh Hazlewood 1, Mitchell Starc 4, Ben Stokes 0-26 (11.2) (lead by 355)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nathan Lyon is lingering in the Long Room, perhaps afraid of being timed out if he’d have had to have staggered down the stairs. He was on crutches this morning after that calf injury - but Australia clearly think they might just need every run against England’s gang of daring chasers.

Australia 263-8 (96), Josh Hazlewood 1, Mitchell Starc 3, Stuart Broad 3-60 (22) (lead by 354)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A single apiece for the two left-handed tailenders, Mitchell Starc wisely taking a single to keep the strike.

Ben Stokes will bowl his 12th in a row.

Sonia Twigg at Lord's

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:46 , Sonia Twigg

If England can take one more wicket this will be a lion’s effort if you pardon the pun.

Nathan Lyon is standing in the long room of the pavilion, padded up. Having shuffled down the stairs one step at a time.

He was seen in crutches before the start of play yesterday after suffering a significant thigh strain, but one more wicket and we’ll see if he can make his way to the crease. Australia 263-8.

OUT! Pat Cummins c Duckett b Broad 11 (29b 2x4 0x6), Australia 261-8 (95.2)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Taken at gully and this one counts! Pat Cummins falls.

The Australia captain had been properly worked over since coming to the crease, an unwilling ducker trying to play everything with an upright bat or shimmy out of the way. Stuart Broad strikes the splice and Ben Duckett takes a dolly.

Josh Hazlewood walks out - but Nathan Lyon has his pads on in the Long Room and appears willing to bat!

Australia 261-7 (95), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 11, Ben Stokes 0-25 (11) (lead by 352)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is slightly uncomfortable to watch from Ben Stokes, knowing the state of his knee. His pace is still good, yes, and he nearly draws a flail to short leg as Pat Cummins parries, but this is now eleven overs of back-breaking bouncer bowling.

Australia 260-7 (94), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 10, Stuart Broad 2-58 (21) (lead by 351)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins somehow manages to float a fend in between short leg and a catching midwicket, landing it precisely between them as Stuart Broad strikes his gloves. Josh Tongue saves four overthrows with a superb diving save as the lone fielder in front of square on the offside.

It’s now nearly two and a half hours since we had a full ball in this Test.

Australia 259-7 (93), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 9, Ben Stokes 0-23 (10) (lead by 350)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc is probably two metres tall in his spikes, but Ben Stokes still manages to get the ball to sail two foot over his head as he slams it down by his shoelaces. Rightly called a wide, forcing Stokes to reload and go again. One wide and five no balls in this extended effort, adding an extra over on top of a frankly foolish ten on the bounce.

England will make their first bowling change since lunch at the other end - Stuart Broad is sufficiently rested and relieves Ollie Robinson.

Out? NO! Australia 257-7 (92.2), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 8, Ben Stokes 0-22 (9.2) (lead by 348)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Captain gets captain! But it’s a no ball! Banged in, sliced high, gobbled by Harry Brook in the gully - but Stokes knew he’d overstepped and the third umpire confirms as much.

Australia 256-7 (92), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 8, Ollie Robinson 2-48 (26) (lead by 347)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes is sucking in deep breaths, captaining from the square leg boundary and trying to protect his knee, fearing a scramble to preven a quick single could prove to his detriment if he remained in the ring. I don’t think Ollie Robinson requires too much advice - same again from the Sussex seamer in over number nine unchanged since lunch. He gets the seam to stand up after pitching, doing for Jonny Bairstow down leg as the byes tally swells by four to 14. Nothing that Bairstow could do - he hasn’t kept tidily at all today but it’s been pretty tough going at times.

Stokes will continue for a tenth on the spin. Somehow.

Australia 252-7 (91), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 8, Ben Stokes 0-21 (9) (lead by 343)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

These two are going to play some shots. Pat Cummins backs away and flays over the gully, a bit of a wild swipe but effective enough in increasing Australia’s total.

A brute! Ben Stokes follows Cummins as he backs away again, movement off the surface back into the right-hander and slamming into the bat handle. Cummins smiles, ready to return the favour later today or tomorrow.

Australia 246-7 (90), Mitchell Starc 2, Pat Cummins 4, Ollie Robinson 2-48 (25) (lead by 337)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I’m not sure Australia are particularly liking Ollie Robinson’s “nude nuts” now, all that toil bringing back-to-back breakthroughs. I don’t think you’d describe his spell as particularly hostile but Alex Carey was beaten by a bit of extra bounce.

Cummins flicks four through a wide leg gully to get off the mark.

OUT! Alex Carey c Root b Robinson 21 (73b 3x4 0x6), Australia 242-7 (89.1)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gloved to short leg!

The resolute Alex Carey is extracted, finally, trying to ride the short ball in the manner he had so successfully during the 73 ball stay but unable to keep this one down. Joe Root accepts the simplest of chances under the lid and England’s curbing of Australia’s enthusiasm is really starting to pay dividends.

The lead is only 333 as Pat Cummins, who we suspect is Australia’s penultimate man with Nathan Lyon’s injury, comes to the crease.

Australia 242-6 (89), Mitchell Starc 2, Alex Carey 21, Ben Stokes 0-16 (8) (lead by 333)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the eighth over of a trademark masochistic spell is Ben Stokes, his follow-through shorter by the ball as he hauls the rest of his body over his injured knee.

Australia 240-6 (88), Mitchell Starc 1, Alex Carey 20, Ollie Robinson 1-44 (24) (lead by 331)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More than 330 short balls in the match so far, and plenty more to come, you’d say. Mitchell Starc seldom dies wondering, but gets off the mark with a calm nudge to long leg.

Robinson’s spell so far: 7 - 5 - 3 - 1.

OUT! Cameron Green c Duckett b Robinson 18 (67b 3x4 0x6), Australia 239-6 (87.3)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Cameron Green still can’t resist a hoick and picks out the fielder at deep square leg!

The young all-rounder has finally had enough of this interminable battle of wills, eyes lighting up as he picks his spot in the posh boxes of the Grand Stand. But his timing is poor, a flat flap to Ben Duckett, who takes a neat catch coming in off the boundary.

Australia 239-5 (87.2), Cameron Green 18, Alex Carey 20, Ollie Robinson 0-43 (24.2) (lead by 330)

Saturday 1 July 2023 15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s just a single fielder in front of square on the offside for the start of Ollie Robinson’s next over.

Australia 239-5 (87), Cameron Green 18, Alex Carey 20, Ben Stokes 0-14 (7) (lead by 330)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jonny Bairstow launches into a brief appeal, perhaps just to feel something, as Alex Carey sways away from a Ben Stokes ball that just spits a little bit. That lifts the crowd, who give Stokes the big build-up as he marches in. Carey deadbats.

Australia 238-5 (86), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ollie Robinson 0-43 (23) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just 16 runs in this session so far, with Ollie Robinson completing the 12th over since lunch. Soporific. Australia satisfied in this summer siesta.

Plenty of dignitaries in today, by the way - Rishi Sunak’s in the stands, along with former Australian PM John Howard, while Prince William has brought Prince George along for a day at the cricket. Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, is in amongst them, hobnobbing.

Australia 238-5 (85), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ben Stokes 0-13 (6) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Elsewhere in the cricketing world, there is major news from Harare, where West Indies have officially been confirmed as out of the running for qualification for the World Cup. Things just continue to go from bad to worse for Caribbean cricket - today’s defeat to Scotland follows recent reverses to the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. They miss out on a men’s Cricket World Cup for the first time - what a shame for the tournament, and for the region.

Sri Lanka and hosts Zimbabwe look likely to take the final two spots at the World Cup in India later this year.

Australia 238-5 (84.2), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ben Stokes 0-13 (5.2) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Green will have to change his helmet after taking that blow, with Todd Murphy trotting out with a selection for him to try on. Australia’s back-up off-spinner will have a major role to play in this series after Nathan Lyon’s injury, you’d think - for now, though, he’s Murphy the milliner, as he and Green settle on a new hat.

The all-rounder is solidly in behind Ben Stokes’s next ball.

Australia 238-5 (84.1), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ben Stokes 0-13 (5.1) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eek - nasty! Green finally takes the shot on, a cross-seamer bouncing more than he thinks and taking the top edge. It slams into the badge on his helmet, sending him spinning away.

Out come the Australian medics for a concussion check.

Australia 238-5 (84), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ollie Robinson 0-43 (22) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A deep third, a deep point, a deep fine leg, a deep square leg, a short leg, a leg slip - there’s little subtlety to this. Another maiden for Ollie Robinson, his economy rate dropping by the over, as England’s entertainers continue with their dirge.

Australia 238-5 (83), Cameron Green 17, Alex Carey 20, Ben Stokes 0-13 (5) (lead by 329)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green is positively racing along now, gloving one down to fine leg as Ben Stokes targets his body.

Sharp thinking from Alex Carey - having gone to duck, he’s nearly in a predicament as a Stokes ball shoots off the surface, but Carey keeps his eyes on it and drags his bat out of the way.

Australia 236-5 (82), Cameron Green 16, Alex Carey 19, Ollie Robinson 0-43 (21) (lead by 327)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green is finally off the mark in this session, spotting the mid-on fielder slightly on his heels and covering the 22 yards in about three strides. No sign of that new Dukes yet

Australia 234-5 (81), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 18, Ben Stokes 0-11 (4) (lead by 325)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Alex Carey cut is employed well again, like a master butcher as he carves Ben Stokes for four after the England captain offers him width.

Perhaps just a slightly more pronounced limp from Stokes as he hobbles back to the top of his mark. Carey has 18 off 44, Green 15 off 54 - it’s hardly high octane stuff.

Australia 228-5 (80), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 13, Ollie Robinson 0-41 (20) (lead by 319)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jonny Bairstow is nutmegged as an Ollie Robinson bouncer loses energy in the surface, arriving at the England wicket-keeper on the hop and piercing his shins. Harry Brook, fine at third man, collects for the concession of only a single bye.

This has all been slightly dull since we resumed - but the new ball is due. England decline, at least for now, with Stokes tossed the ball again to launch into the fourth over of his spell.

Australia 227-5 (79), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 13, Ben Stokes 0-5 (3) (lead by 318)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Carey has looked quite comfortable against the shorter ball, too. He always seems to be organised, the wicket-keeper, solid of technique and intelligent in finding scoring shots. A little pat into the offside allows him to rotate the strike while Australia’s tally is further increased by another Stokes overstep.

Australia 225-5 (78), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 12, Ollie Robinson 0-41 (19) (lead by 316)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green is a Western Australia product, of course, so used to a bit of chin music. Ollie Robinson’s 80mph tempo doesn’t get him dancing much. Green again gets his ducks in a row - five more in the over before a drive to mid-off to complete another maiden.

Australia 225-5 (77), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 12, Ben Stokes 0-3 (2) (lead by 316)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first runs of the session arrive via Alex Carey’s cutting bat, the wicketkeeper up on his toes to push a couple to the left of backward point. The new ball is only three overs away now - it could be a tough call for Ben Stokes, not wanting to lose the control his side seem to be able to exert with the short stuff and a softer ball, but knowing that he can’t simply allow the game to drift.

Australia 223-5 (76), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 10, Ollie Robinson 0-41 (18) (lead by 314)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A maiden from Robinson with Green not fancying a go at a series of six short balls. It’s very much as you were after lunch.

Australia 223-5 (75), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 10, Ben Stokes 0-1 (1) (lead by 314)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cricviz ball tracking shows that the first session saw the shortest average length of bowling of any session in their database, which I believe goes back too 2006. A few of the West Indian sides of yesteryear might have matched that, but it does show just how consistent England were in sticking to that sustained spell of bouncers.

Stokes keeps it going, testing out that irksome front knee and turning away with a familiar limp as he takes his cap. A no ball is the only score of his first over of the innings. It will be Ollie Robinson from the other end.

Australia 222-5 (74.1), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 10, Ben Stokes 0-0 (0.1) (lead by 313)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yep, here is England’s skipper, charging in around the wicket to Alex Carey. Short, slow, and Carey ducks.

Australia 222-5 (lead by 313)

Saturday 1 July 2023 14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s fielders are beginning to make their way out there. Ben Stokes was practicing his action during the interval, and has his cap and jumper off, suggesting he might be the man to pick up the bouncer baton after lunch.

Cameron Green and Alex Carey wander out.

LUNCH: Australia 222-5 (lead by 313)

Saturday 1 July 2023 13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s session certainly, but Australia still in the box seat in this game. The lead is already 313 and Alex Carey and Cameron Green will begin again after lunch looking to build that up towards, and perhaps beyond, 400.

Nathan Lyon’s injury and a flat pitch will raise England’s hopes of chasing whatever Australia set them, provided, of course, they can avoid yet more silliness against the short ball.

Sonia Twigg at Lord’s

Saturday 1 July 2023 13:23 , Sonia Twigg

Lunch: The short-ball tactics worked for England, as the two unlikeliest Australians fell into the trap to add life to a game that had just consistently been slipping away.

Smith and Khawaja were out in quick succession, and the run rate was stifled, and they were 222 for five at lunch with a lead of 313.

It can be jarring to see Anderson, the proponent of swing and seam, bang it in short, but that tactic more than any other has reaped the rewards.

Echoes of Bodyline have been flying around, although without the animosity that accompanied that series, with tactics bringing rewards to both teams.

It is not what usually brings rewards in England, and while it has not shifted the momentum entirely, it has brought some respite to Australia’s dominance on the third day.

LUNCH! Australia 222-5 (lead by 313)

Saturday 1 July 2023 13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 222-5 (73), Cameron Green 15, Alex Carey 10, Stuart Broad 2-57 (20) (lead by 313)

Saturday 1 July 2023 13:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No Root for now - Stuart Broad continues, with a slightly disappointed part-time offie removing his short leg garb to instead fill in as a third man in the legside ring. Two midwickets and a forward square leg as Broad begins - Green has swatted a couple through that region already.

Stokes and Ollie Robinson are the men to Root’s right and left, the three-pronged protective trident mulling over England’s morning in a huddle.

Green drives up the hill for four as Broad gifts him a pre-lunch hors d‘oeuvre, and Green tucks in to four more off the platter as Broad offers him off-side width.

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