1. How's stat?!published at 09:59 GMT 4 December 2025

    Soham Sarkhel
    CricViz analyst

    The Expected Average (based on ball-tracking data) for that Jamie Smith dismissal was just 1.2, making it the 'best' dismissal ball of this series so far. That delivery had a 25% chance of taking a wicket.

  2. Eng 216-6published at 58 overs

    Will Jacks will not suffer the same fate as three of his colleagues, taking a single off the final ball of the 58th to get off the mark.

  3. Postpublished at 09:56 GMT 4 December 2025

    Daniel Norcross
    Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Australia's Scott Boland celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England's Jamie SmithImage source, Reuters

    We're led to believe that the pink Kookaburra ball does nothing after a while.

  4. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:54 GMT 4 December 2025

    Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

    Please don't collapse to leave Root on 90 not out. The Aussies would love that.

    Stuart, York

  5. Eng 215-6published at 57 overs

    Joe Root moves into the 80s with a cut four, rocking back as it climbed on him.

    The next delivery beats his bat. Eek.

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:51 GMT 4 December 2025

    Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

    Here comes the inevitable collapse...

    Phil, Bristol

    New batters under the lights is incredibly difficult. England need to treat this as a 10th wicket stand and let Root face 90% of the balls.

    Peter, Durham

  7. How's stat?!published at 09:51 GMT 4 December 2025

    Srinivas Vijaykumar
    CricViz analyst

    Ben Stokes of England leaves the field after being run outImage source, Getty Images

    Ben Stokes has been dismissed run out for the first time in 21 Test innings in Australia. It's only the second time he's been run out in 48 Test innings v Australia. The last time was back in July 2015 at Lord's by Mitchell Johnson.

  8. Postpublished at 09:51 GMT 4 December 2025

    Daniel Norcross
    Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    I suppose if England do fall to a heap here, they get a chance with the new ball under the lights.

  9. Eng 211-6published at 56 overs

    Gasps from Scott Boland and Alex Carey as the ball whistles past Will Jacks' inside edge and over middle stump. Carey wags his hand in the air, rather optimistically hoping for a caught behind, but the umpire says no.

    England are rocking.

  10. Postpublished at 09:48 GMT 4 December 2025

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Jamie Smith of England walks off after he was dismissed by Scott BolandImage source, Getty Images

    It's the wobble ball, it pitches on and off, hits middle stump. Good bit of bowling from Boland. That just goes to show that runout has changed the course of the game.

  11. Postpublished at 09:48 GMT 4 December 2025

    Daniel Norcross
    Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Bowled him! Smith is gone, England have lost their sixth and suddenly, England have lost two quick wickets. It did have a bit of nip but Smith was unequal to it.

  12. wicket

    WICKETpublished at 55.3 overs

    Smith b Boland 0 (Eng 211-6)

    TWO WICKETS IN FOUR BALLS FOR AUSTRALIA!

    Scott Boland bowls Jamie Smith for a two-ball duck. It's a lovely nipping delivery which smashed into middle stump.

    Pressure on Will Jacks, making his first Test appearance for three years.

  13. Postpublished at 09:45 GMT 4 December 2025

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Ben Stokes of England walks off after he was run-outImage source, Getty Images

    Frustrating for England. Joe Root was absolutely right, there wasn't a single there. It's moments like that that can change the game. Stokes throws his arms in the air, how annoying.

  14. Postpublished at 09:44 GMT 4 December 2025

    Jonathan Agnew
    BBC Chief Cricket Commentator on Test Match Special

    Stokes is out! He's runout, wanted the single. It's a brilliant pick up and throw, superb piece of fielding. Stokes is bitterly disappointed, he's fought so hard but Inglis came in like a rocket, it's a cruel blow.

    Stokes set off, didn't even look at Root, it was his fault. Now, this innings is definitely on a knife edge.

  15. wicket

    WICKETpublished at 55 overs

    Stokes run out (Inglis) 19 (Eng 210-5)

    Oh dear, oh dear.

    Ben Stokes drops it into the off side and immediately sets off for a single. When he finally looks up, he sees that Joe Root is sending him back. He turns and darts for home but a Josh Inglis direct hit seals his fate. Excellent fielding.

    A momentary brain fade from the skipper. A gift of a wicket for Australia.

  16. Postpublished at 09:39 GMT 4 December 2025

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    It's absolutely mind blowing that Australia didn't pick Nathan Lyon. The pitch has gone flat and the ball is soft, he would've offered that variation.

  17. How's stat?!published at 09:39 GMT 4 December 2025

    Andy Zaltzman
    Test Match Special statistician

    That was the first boundary since the 43rd over.

  18. Eng 210-4published at 54 overs

    Hurriedly smashing backspace to erase "back-to-back maidens for Australia".

    Joe Root drives Scott Boland down the ground to finish the over with a four. Tidily struck.

  19. Postpublished at 09:35 GMT 4 December 2025

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    England's Ben Stokes and Joe Root interactImage source, Reuters

    I like this from England, I really do. They're working hard and showing grit.

  20. Eng 206-4published at 53 overs

    Michael Neser is sticking with his strategy of having Alex Carey stood up to the stumps but he's now coming round the wicket to Ben Stokes.

    Maiden.