New balls anyone? How about some for Root?

Drinks break after tea 3/209 Smith 46 Marsh S 15. At last a wicket for Broad who next ball and the next over overdid the histrionics with more useless appeals – I don’t think he will ever learn! Perhaps he will get better when he starts his media career – apparently he’s been on a media course in readiness for his retirement!

Smith is just accumulating in his quiet indiscernible way – another 50 if not more is on the cards. Still 18 overs to go in 70 mins and we shall lose some! I think Root has been given the hurry up by the umpires or risk a fine etc. Limited difference seen but Malan with his leggies is on – Smith holds him in high regard.

Pitch looks flat and fine for batting but I think you need to take time to build an innings on it and then things get better. Fast but nowhere near as quick as the WACA which may be why things seem so challenging today – except for Warner and Smith!

Close of play forecast 3/275

3/244 Smith 65 Marsh 31 Australia march on and on and there appears to be no respite for England. Bowling changed today have been haphazard at best and ridiculous at worst. I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the pseudo captaincy of Broad and Anderson – the near open disobedience when Root finally took the new ball was clear for all to see. Someone needs to stand up to these ageing cricket stars and say no! Root had, probably through happenstance than anything else a wonderful opportunity to make a statement- Woakes and Curran were on when the new ball was available 10 overs from the end of the day. Give it to the youngsters to take – after all the oldies didn’t do anything with the first new ball so try what the opponents were least expecting. Ok, the effect on the team and the language at the end of the day would have needed some managing but why not give it a go? Don’t think he has the cojones to give it a try! It would also give a glimpse into the future after B and A have gone.

And in the context of the series, what do England have to lose? Nothing!

So am very frustrated at what could have been a good end to the day. England did come back in the afternoon and early evening but while tomorrow is another day, I can see Australia heading for 500 plus and then England’s top 6 needing to match it since the tail will go down like a free pint!

Seem to have collected another hobbyhorse for my stable!