MAN OF THE DAY
Moeen Ali’s first spell was two overs long and leaked 22. But Alastair Cook turned back to him for the over before lunch and was rewarded with the key wicket of David Warner, prompting an Australia collapse. Moeen returned after the break to get rid of the once dangerous Brad Haddin.
STAT OF THE DAY
Steve Smith’s 33 in 79 minutes was identical to his effort in the first innings. Neither ever looked like being enough to save his team, though.
ASIDE OF THE DAY
During the morning warm-up Haddin seemed unimpressed with his New South Wales compatriot Trevor Bayliss’s choice of attire in his new job. “Nice top, coach.”
DROP OF THE DAY
With Chris Rogers on four and England seeking an early breakthrough, Joe Root looked to have taken an identical catch to the one that did for Mitchell Starc in Australia’s first innings. This time he spilled it. Luckily for Root, Rogers added only six more runs to his score.
TWEET OF THE DAY
“Without tempting #Ashes fate why do sides batting 4th always have such trouble in Test run chases. Simply pitch deterioration or psychology?” – Ed Miliband – whose 2013 visit to the Test Match Special commentary box was not preparation enough for a post-politics career in cricket analysis.
MIRTH OF THE DAY
For the 29th time in Test matches, Shane Watson was given out leg-before wicket when Mark Wood hit him on the front pad. Almost as familiar as the mode of dismissal is the sight of Watson reviewing, shortly followed by the umpire’s decision being upheld. Various tweeters summed it up: “LBW = Leg before Watson;” “DRS = Don’t Review, Shane.”
