So, after the delays in the middle, we are finally done with the first innings. Also, according to the DLS method, the total of England has gone up to 130! They would be pretty happy with that. England lost Hales early on but Buttler was amazing with the blade. They were 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. After that, the rain gods came into the picture and the play was reduced to 17 overs. The English side fumbled a bit and lost Malan after the play resumed. Stokes joined Buttler in the m
We are back for the chase. England players have made their way out in the middle. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to start for the Aussies.
... The Run Chase ...
The Aussies were quite decent with the ball and they got Hales early on in the second over. None of them leaked many runs. Hazlewood and Cummins bagged one wicket each until the 10th over. They were excellent in the field as well and they did improve in that department as compared to their previous game. Had it not been for Hazlewood's second last over of 22 runs, they had done pretty well throughout. The onus is all on their batters now and they will be hoping for a good opening stand.
Right then, the game is evenly poised as of now. The conditions though are not easy to play on. England did have some problems with the bat and so will the Aussies. Who will get over the line in this fierce rivalry? To find out, do join us for the second essay in a short while.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A single to end! Glenn Maxwell pitches this one up, around middle. Ben Stokes drills it straight down the ground. He thinks the ball will run away for a boundary and does not bother running. Steven Smith from long off runs to his left and makes a good stop. Ben Stokes realizes late and gets only a single in the end. England end at 112 for 2!
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, A fullish ball, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler heaves it towards square leg for another run.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Short again, around middle and off. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for two runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, In the air...and safe! Too short now, outside off. Jos Buttler miscues his pull shot in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Full again, around middle and off. Ben Stokes once again goes for the big heave but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A fuller ball, around midde. Ben Stokes looks to heave this one but the ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg for a brace.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! KABOOM! A short one now, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 22 runs off the over.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good shot but that's a terrific stop from Ben Stokes. He saved a couple of runs there. Another pitched-up delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler hammers this one through covers. Glenn Maxwell runs across to his right, dives, and makes an excellent stop. Two taken.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Outside, fuller ball. Jos Buttler drills it down the ground for a couple of runs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Three in a row now! Wide of off, very full again. Jos Buttler stays in his crease, reaches out to that one and slices it through point for a boundary. That will be 50 for Jos Buttler! Another fine captain's knock.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Jos Buttler! This is just what they would have hoped for! A shortish ball now, around middle. Jos Buttler swivels across and pulls it towards deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! A good start to the over for England. An overpitched delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler gets under that one and smokes it over mid off for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Back of a length again, outside off. Ben Stokes rock back and knocks it powerfully down the ground for a brace.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, ! BANG! Ben Stokes goes big straight away! A short ball, around middle. Ben Stokes uses the depth of his crease and pulls it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
We are back again with just two overs left in the game. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to start with their blades again. Glenn Maxwell to continue his over. Here we go.
UPDATE - 3.48 pm IST (10.18 am GMT) - We are back with some good news this time! We have a restart time. The game is all set to resume at 4.00 pm IST (10.30 am GMT) and it will be a 12-overs-per-side game.
UPDATE - 3.39 pm IST (10.09 am GMT) - The rain has eased down a bit! The positive news is that the covers are slowly being peeled off. We will keep you updated on the number of overs lost. For now, the umpires are in the middle. Let's hope for the play to resume soon.
UPDATE - 3.19 pm IST (9:49 am GMT) - Oh no! The rain is back and the covers are back on again. The umpires have asked the players to get off the field again. Let's hope we are back on soon. Fingers crossed.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, serves it on a fuller length, around off. Jos Buttler punches it through cover for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Fraction short this time, the line is outside off. Ben Stokes waits for it and pushes it towards sweeper cover. Only a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Width on offer now, a short one. Jos Buttler cuts it through point and rotates the strike.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Glenn Maxwell begins from 'round the wicket, he serves a fullish ball, around off. Ben Stokes knocks it down to long off for a run.
Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, A wrong'un now, outside off, a shorter ball. Ben Stokes dabs it towards backward point for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, Very full on this occasion, around the off pole. Ben Stokes walks across and works it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. He gets off the mark with that!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Wide of off, loopy one, full in length. Jos Buttler prods forward and strokes it down to long off for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, drifting in, around his pads. Jos Buttler flicks it but straight to the fielder at short fine leg.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Around the leg pole, a fuller ball. Jos Buttler looks to reverse-sweep this one but he fails to get any bat on it.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, shorter, a googly, around middle. Jos Buttler pushes it through cover off the back foot for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Width on offer again, a length ball. Ben Stokes looks to cut this one, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and towards the keeper.
Ben Stokes is the new batter.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! TAKEN! Pat Cummins strikes and breaks this stand! Much-needed wicket for Australia. A fuller ball, wide of off. Dawid Malan gets low and looks to go over cover. But the ball goes off the top end and flies high towards mid off. Mitchell Marsh keeps his eyes on the ball, settles under it, and pouches it safely.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another play and a miss! Slower, short and outside off. Dawid Malan misses his pull this time.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Swing and a miss! Outside off, a length ball, slower one. Dawid Malan throws his bat at it but he misses.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Put away! A fullish ball, around the off pole. Dawid Malan heaves this one in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, On a length, angling in, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Dawid Malan, Tosses this one up, full in length, around the off pole. Dawid Malan shuffles across and sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a brace. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, He takes the pace of this time, and serves it outside off, the length is short. Jos Buttler looks to cut this one away, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and over Matthew Wade. A single now!Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, around middle, short again. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for a brace.
We are set to start again. The players have made their way out in the middle. Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan to start again with their blades. Adam Zampa to finish the remaining over. Here we go...
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, ! A great start by England! A short ball, width on offer. Jos Buttler rocks back and slashes it past point for a boundary.Â
UPDATE - 2.50 pm IST (9.20 am GMT) - More positive news coming your way! The play is set to resume at 3.05 pm IST (9.35 pm GMT), about 15 minutes from now. Unfortunately, we have lost some playing time and it will be a 17-over game now.
UPDATE - 2.39 pm IST (9.09 am GMT) - We have good news folks! The rain has stopped and the covers around the pitch are coming off. The pitch though is till covered. The umpires are out in the middle assessing the conditions.Â
David Warner is down for a chat. He adds that he has enjoyed his time in this series and he is having fun. Adds that he feels ready for the World Cup, and hopefully, he can continue his good form. Mentions that Cricket is a game, there are going to be highs and lows, they have to enjoy their high time and just back themselves in low times. On being asked about Glenn Maxwell's form, he says that he is one good inning away, he is in a good head space, and he has not scored many runs, but a big g
UPDATE - 2.13 pm IST (8.43 am GMT) -RAIN STOPS PLAY! There was a bit of a drizzle and it got a bit heavier. The umpire's have asked the players to walk off the field and brought the covers on.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Play and a miss! Quick again, outside off, short in length this time. Jos Buttler stays in his crease and looks to cut this one but he misses.Â
End of the powerplay! England have a decent start with 47 runs on the board. Also, Adam Zampa comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Adam Zampa starts off with a loopy ball, quicker as well, outside off, full in length. Jos Buttler leans in and drives it towards deep cover for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, A good-length delivery, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler knocks it towards mid on and takes a single. England are 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Pace on this time, at around 138 kph, short ball, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls this one firmly but finds the fielder at deep mid-wicket. A single!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Pat Cummins sticks to bowling his slower ball, this one at around 116 clicks, around middle and leg. Dawid Malan tucks it towards square leg and runs across to the other end.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another slower ball at around 115 clicks, around middle and leg, on a length. Dawid Malan taps it towards square leg. He wanted a single there, but is sent back by Jos Buttler.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Takes the pace off this one, serves it on a length, angling in, around the thigh pad. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg and takes a single.Â
Pat Cummins comes back into the attack.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, ! Up and over! Good start to the over for England! Pat Cummins pitches it up, around middle and off. Jos Buttler lofts it straight down the ground. The ball goes a couple of bounces over the drops for a boundary.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Serves it fuller and on leg, Dawid Malan flicks it but finds the fielder at short mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Wide! Bowls it outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to pull it but misses.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Fuller one on off, Dawid Malan looks to drill it but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller and on off, Jos Buttler drives it to covers. The fielder gets his hand on it diving to his right. They collect one.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, ! Fine shot. On a length and outside off, Jos Buttler slaps it past point for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and outside off, Jos Buttler digs it to point. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, ! Well connected. Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it and connects it well this time. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a boundary!
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter this time, Malan looks to pull it but miscues it to mid on. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Wide! This one lands outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to flick it but misses.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on off, Jos Buttler eases it to point for one again.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Goes fuller and on off, Dawid Malan plays it to square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it to mid off and scampers through for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Touch fuller outside off, Jos Buttler lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, On a length and just outside off, Dawid Malan looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Close!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Shorter and on middle, Dawid Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Excellent timing!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and outside off, Dawid Malan slaps it but finds the fielder at point.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Fuller and on off, this is defended to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Fine shot. Fuller one and on middle, Dawid Malan nudges it in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery with some swing, Jos Buttler looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. They cross.
Pat Cummins is introduced into the attack. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller this time, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on a length, on middle. Jos Buttler eases it towards mid on. Dot.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good length again swinging it in, Jos Buttler looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Close!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length with some swing, Jos Buttler flicks it to square leg for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Starts with a length ball outside leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but misses. Wide called.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Length again, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it back towards the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, On a length and on middle, Dawid Malan pushes it to mid off for one.
Dawid Malan walks out to bat at number 3.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood gets the big fish. This one lands on a length and just outside off swinging it away, Alex Hales looks to block it but he manages to get a slight outside edge. Aaron Finch at first slip takes it comfortably and Australia have an early breakthrough in the game.
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, On a length and outside off, Alex Hales leaves it alone.
Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and down the middle, Jos Buttler defends it back to the bowler. A dot to end the over.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it to the cover fielder.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, LEG BYES! Touch fuller down leg swinging it away, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads. The keeper fails to collect it. The ball races away the fine leg fence for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A wide yorker this time, outside off. Jos Buttler digs it to the off side. Dot again.
We are all set to get underway! The Australian players have made their way out in the middle. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler stride out with their blades. Mitchell Starc will begin with the ball. A slip in place. Let's play!
England (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler(C/WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes (In for Chris Jordan), David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood (In for Sam Curran), Reece Topley.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith (In for David Warner), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!
So, after the delays in the middle, we are finally done with the first innings. Also, according to the DLS method, the total of England has gone up to 130! They would be pretty happy with that. England lost Hales early on but Buttler was amazing with the blade. They were 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. After that, the rain gods came into the picture and the play was reduced to 17 overs. The English side fumbled a bit and lost Malan after the play resumed. Stokes joined Buttler in the m
We are back for the chase. England players have made their way out in the middle. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to start for the Aussies.
... The Run Chase ...
The Aussies were quite decent with the ball and they got Hales early on in the second over. None of them leaked many runs. Hazlewood and Cummins bagged one wicket each until the 10th over. They were excellent in the field as well and they did improve in that department as compared to their previous game. Had it not been for Hazlewood's second last over of 22 runs, they had done pretty well throughout. The onus is all on their batters now and they will be hoping for a good opening stand.
Right then, the game is evenly poised as of now. The conditions though are not easy to play on. England did have some problems with the bat and so will the Aussies. Who will get over the line in this fierce rivalry? To find out, do join us for the second essay in a short while.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A single to end! Glenn Maxwell pitches this one up, around middle. Ben Stokes drills it straight down the ground. He thinks the ball will run away for a boundary and does not bother running. Steven Smith from long off runs to his left and makes a good stop. Ben Stokes realizes late and gets only a single in the end. England end at 112 for 2!
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, A fullish ball, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler heaves it towards square leg for another run.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Short again, around middle and off. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for two runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, In the air...and safe! Too short now, outside off. Jos Buttler miscues his pull shot in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Full again, around middle and off. Ben Stokes once again goes for the big heave but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A fuller ball, around midde. Ben Stokes looks to heave this one but the ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg for a brace.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! KABOOM! A short one now, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 22 runs off the over.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good shot but that's a terrific stop from Ben Stokes. He saved a couple of runs there. Another pitched-up delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler hammers this one through covers. Glenn Maxwell runs across to his right, dives, and makes an excellent stop. Two taken.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Outside, fuller ball. Jos Buttler drills it down the ground for a couple of runs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Three in a row now! Wide of off, very full again. Jos Buttler stays in his crease, reaches out to that one and slices it through point for a boundary. That will be 50 for Jos Buttler! Another fine captain's knock.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Jos Buttler! This is just what they would have hoped for! A shortish ball now, around middle. Jos Buttler swivels across and pulls it towards deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! A good start to the over for England. An overpitched delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler gets under that one and smokes it over mid off for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Back of a length again, outside off. Ben Stokes rock back and knocks it powerfully down the ground for a brace.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, ! BANG! Ben Stokes goes big straight away! A short ball, around middle. Ben Stokes uses the depth of his crease and pulls it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
We are back again with just two overs left in the game. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to start with their blades again. Glenn Maxwell to continue his over. Here we go.
UPDATE - 3.48 pm IST (10.18 am GMT) - We are back with some good news this time! We have a restart time. The game is all set to resume at 4.00 pm IST (10.30 am GMT) and it will be a 12-overs-per-side game.
UPDATE - 3.39 pm IST (10.09 am GMT) - The rain has eased down a bit! The positive news is that the covers are slowly being peeled off. We will keep you updated on the number of overs lost. For now, the umpires are in the middle. Let's hope for the play to resume soon.
UPDATE - 3.19 pm IST (9:49 am GMT) - Oh no! The rain is back and the covers are back on again. The umpires have asked the players to get off the field again. Let's hope we are back on soon. Fingers crossed.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, serves it on a fuller length, around off. Jos Buttler punches it through cover for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Fraction short this time, the line is outside off. Ben Stokes waits for it and pushes it towards sweeper cover. Only a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Width on offer now, a short one. Jos Buttler cuts it through point and rotates the strike.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Glenn Maxwell begins from 'round the wicket, he serves a fullish ball, around off. Ben Stokes knocks it down to long off for a run.
Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, A wrong'un now, outside off, a shorter ball. Ben Stokes dabs it towards backward point for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, Very full on this occasion, around the off pole. Ben Stokes walks across and works it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. He gets off the mark with that!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Wide of off, loopy one, full in length. Jos Buttler prods forward and strokes it down to long off for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, drifting in, around his pads. Jos Buttler flicks it but straight to the fielder at short fine leg.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Around the leg pole, a fuller ball. Jos Buttler looks to reverse-sweep this one but he fails to get any bat on it.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, shorter, a googly, around middle. Jos Buttler pushes it through cover off the back foot for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Width on offer again, a length ball. Ben Stokes looks to cut this one, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and towards the keeper.
Ben Stokes is the new batter.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! TAKEN! Pat Cummins strikes and breaks this stand! Much-needed wicket for Australia. A fuller ball, wide of off. Dawid Malan gets low and looks to go over cover. But the ball goes off the top end and flies high towards mid off. Mitchell Marsh keeps his eyes on the ball, settles under it, and pouches it safely.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another play and a miss! Slower, short and outside off. Dawid Malan misses his pull this time.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Swing and a miss! Outside off, a length ball, slower one. Dawid Malan throws his bat at it but he misses.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Put away! A fullish ball, around the off pole. Dawid Malan heaves this one in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, On a length, angling in, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Dawid Malan, Tosses this one up, full in length, around the off pole. Dawid Malan shuffles across and sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a brace. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, He takes the pace of this time, and serves it outside off, the length is short. Jos Buttler looks to cut this one away, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and over Matthew Wade. A single now!Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, around middle, short again. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for a brace.
We are set to start again. The players have made their way out in the middle. Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan to start again with their blades. Adam Zampa to finish the remaining over. Here we go...
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, ! A great start by England! A short ball, width on offer. Jos Buttler rocks back and slashes it past point for a boundary.Â
UPDATE - 2.50 pm IST (9.20 am GMT) - More positive news coming your way! The play is set to resume at 3.05 pm IST (9.35 pm GMT), about 15 minutes from now. Unfortunately, we have lost some playing time and it will be a 17-over game now.
UPDATE - 2.39 pm IST (9.09 am GMT) - We have good news folks! The rain has stopped and the covers around the pitch are coming off. The pitch though is till covered. The umpires are out in the middle assessing the conditions.Â
David Warner is down for a chat. He adds that he has enjoyed his time in this series and he is having fun. Adds that he feels ready for the World Cup, and hopefully, he can continue his good form. Mentions that Cricket is a game, there are going to be highs and lows, they have to enjoy their high time and just back themselves in low times. On being asked about Glenn Maxwell's form, he says that he is one good inning away, he is in a good head space, and he has not scored many runs, but a big g
UPDATE - 2.13 pm IST (8.43 am GMT) -RAIN STOPS PLAY! There was a bit of a drizzle and it got a bit heavier. The umpire's have asked the players to walk off the field and brought the covers on.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Play and a miss! Quick again, outside off, short in length this time. Jos Buttler stays in his crease and looks to cut this one but he misses.Â
End of the powerplay! England have a decent start with 47 runs on the board. Also, Adam Zampa comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Adam Zampa starts off with a loopy ball, quicker as well, outside off, full in length. Jos Buttler leans in and drives it towards deep cover for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, A good-length delivery, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler knocks it towards mid on and takes a single. England are 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Pace on this time, at around 138 kph, short ball, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls this one firmly but finds the fielder at deep mid-wicket. A single!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Pat Cummins sticks to bowling his slower ball, this one at around 116 clicks, around middle and leg. Dawid Malan tucks it towards square leg and runs across to the other end.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another slower ball at around 115 clicks, around middle and leg, on a length. Dawid Malan taps it towards square leg. He wanted a single there, but is sent back by Jos Buttler.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Takes the pace off this one, serves it on a length, angling in, around the thigh pad. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg and takes a single.Â
Pat Cummins comes back into the attack.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, ! Up and over! Good start to the over for England! Pat Cummins pitches it up, around middle and off. Jos Buttler lofts it straight down the ground. The ball goes a couple of bounces over the drops for a boundary.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Serves it fuller and on leg, Dawid Malan flicks it but finds the fielder at short mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Wide! Bowls it outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to pull it but misses.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Fuller one on off, Dawid Malan looks to drill it but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller and on off, Jos Buttler drives it to covers. The fielder gets his hand on it diving to his right. They collect one.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, ! Fine shot. On a length and outside off, Jos Buttler slaps it past point for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and outside off, Jos Buttler digs it to point. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, ! Well connected. Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it and connects it well this time. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a boundary!
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter this time, Malan looks to pull it but miscues it to mid on. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Wide! This one lands outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to flick it but misses.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on off, Jos Buttler eases it to point for one again.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Goes fuller and on off, Dawid Malan plays it to square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it to mid off and scampers through for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Touch fuller outside off, Jos Buttler lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, On a length and just outside off, Dawid Malan looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Close!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Shorter and on middle, Dawid Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Excellent timing!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and outside off, Dawid Malan slaps it but finds the fielder at point.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Fuller and on off, this is defended to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Fine shot. Fuller one and on middle, Dawid Malan nudges it in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery with some swing, Jos Buttler looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. They cross.
Pat Cummins is introduced into the attack. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller this time, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on a length, on middle. Jos Buttler eases it towards mid on. Dot.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good length again swinging it in, Jos Buttler looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Close!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length with some swing, Jos Buttler flicks it to square leg for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Starts with a length ball outside leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but misses. Wide called.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Length again, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it back towards the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, On a length and on middle, Dawid Malan pushes it to mid off for one.
Dawid Malan walks out to bat at number 3.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood gets the big fish. This one lands on a length and just outside off swinging it away, Alex Hales looks to block it but he manages to get a slight outside edge. Aaron Finch at first slip takes it comfortably and Australia have an early breakthrough in the game.
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, On a length and outside off, Alex Hales leaves it alone.
Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and down the middle, Jos Buttler defends it back to the bowler. A dot to end the over.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it to the cover fielder.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, LEG BYES! Touch fuller down leg swinging it away, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads. The keeper fails to collect it. The ball races away the fine leg fence for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A wide yorker this time, outside off. Jos Buttler digs it to the off side. Dot again.
We are all set to get underway! The Australian players have made their way out in the middle. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler stride out with their blades. Mitchell Starc will begin with the ball. A slip in place. Let's play!
England (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler(C/WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes (In for Chris Jordan), David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood (In for Sam Curran), Reece Topley.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith (In for David Warner), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!
5
Diabytes
Australia
30/3(3.5 Overs)
So, after the delays in the middle, we are finally done with the first innings. Also, according to the DLS method, the total of England has gone up to 130! They would be pretty happy with that. England lost Hales early on but Buttler was amazing with the blade. They were 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. After that, the rain gods came into the picture and the play was reduced to 17 overs. The English side fumbled a bit and lost Malan after the play resumed. Stokes joined Buttler in the m
We are back for the chase. England players have made their way out in the middle. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to start for the Aussies.
... The Run Chase ...
The Aussies were quite decent with the ball and they got Hales early on in the second over. None of them leaked many runs. Hazlewood and Cummins bagged one wicket each until the 10th over. They were excellent in the field as well and they did improve in that department as compared to their previous game. Had it not been for Hazlewood's second last over of 22 runs, they had done pretty well throughout. The onus is all on their batters now and they will be hoping for a good opening stand.
Right then, the game is evenly poised as of now. The conditions though are not easy to play on. England did have some problems with the bat and so will the Aussies. Who will get over the line in this fierce rivalry? To find out, do join us for the second essay in a short while.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A single to end! Glenn Maxwell pitches this one up, around middle. Ben Stokes drills it straight down the ground. He thinks the ball will run away for a boundary and does not bother running. Steven Smith from long off runs to his left and makes a good stop. Ben Stokes realizes late and gets only a single in the end. England end at 112 for 2!
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, A fullish ball, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler heaves it towards square leg for another run.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Short again, around middle and off. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for two runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, In the air...and safe! Too short now, outside off. Jos Buttler miscues his pull shot in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Full again, around middle and off. Ben Stokes once again goes for the big heave but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A fuller ball, around midde. Ben Stokes looks to heave this one but the ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg for a brace.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! KABOOM! A short one now, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 22 runs off the over.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good shot but that's a terrific stop from Ben Stokes. He saved a couple of runs there. Another pitched-up delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler hammers this one through covers. Glenn Maxwell runs across to his right, dives, and makes an excellent stop. Two taken.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Outside, fuller ball. Jos Buttler drills it down the ground for a couple of runs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Three in a row now! Wide of off, very full again. Jos Buttler stays in his crease, reaches out to that one and slices it through point for a boundary. That will be 50 for Jos Buttler! Another fine captain's knock.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Jos Buttler! This is just what they would have hoped for! A shortish ball now, around middle. Jos Buttler swivels across and pulls it towards deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! A good start to the over for England. An overpitched delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler gets under that one and smokes it over mid off for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Back of a length again, outside off. Ben Stokes rock back and knocks it powerfully down the ground for a brace.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, ! BANG! Ben Stokes goes big straight away! A short ball, around middle. Ben Stokes uses the depth of his crease and pulls it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
We are back again with just two overs left in the game. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to start with their blades again. Glenn Maxwell to continue his over. Here we go.
UPDATE - 3.48 pm IST (10.18 am GMT) - We are back with some good news this time! We have a restart time. The game is all set to resume at 4.00 pm IST (10.30 am GMT) and it will be a 12-overs-per-side game.
UPDATE - 3.39 pm IST (10.09 am GMT) - The rain has eased down a bit! The positive news is that the covers are slowly being peeled off. We will keep you updated on the number of overs lost. For now, the umpires are in the middle. Let's hope for the play to resume soon.
UPDATE - 3.19 pm IST (9:49 am GMT) - Oh no! The rain is back and the covers are back on again. The umpires have asked the players to get off the field again. Let's hope we are back on soon. Fingers crossed.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, serves it on a fuller length, around off. Jos Buttler punches it through cover for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Fraction short this time, the line is outside off. Ben Stokes waits for it and pushes it towards sweeper cover. Only a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Width on offer now, a short one. Jos Buttler cuts it through point and rotates the strike.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Glenn Maxwell begins from 'round the wicket, he serves a fullish ball, around off. Ben Stokes knocks it down to long off for a run.
Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, A wrong'un now, outside off, a shorter ball. Ben Stokes dabs it towards backward point for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, Very full on this occasion, around the off pole. Ben Stokes walks across and works it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. He gets off the mark with that!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Wide of off, loopy one, full in length. Jos Buttler prods forward and strokes it down to long off for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, drifting in, around his pads. Jos Buttler flicks it but straight to the fielder at short fine leg.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Around the leg pole, a fuller ball. Jos Buttler looks to reverse-sweep this one but he fails to get any bat on it.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, shorter, a googly, around middle. Jos Buttler pushes it through cover off the back foot for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Width on offer again, a length ball. Ben Stokes looks to cut this one, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and towards the keeper.
Ben Stokes is the new batter.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! TAKEN! Pat Cummins strikes and breaks this stand! Much-needed wicket for Australia. A fuller ball, wide of off. Dawid Malan gets low and looks to go over cover. But the ball goes off the top end and flies high towards mid off. Mitchell Marsh keeps his eyes on the ball, settles under it, and pouches it safely.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another play and a miss! Slower, short and outside off. Dawid Malan misses his pull this time.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Swing and a miss! Outside off, a length ball, slower one. Dawid Malan throws his bat at it but he misses.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Put away! A fullish ball, around the off pole. Dawid Malan heaves this one in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, On a length, angling in, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Dawid Malan, Tosses this one up, full in length, around the off pole. Dawid Malan shuffles across and sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a brace. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, He takes the pace of this time, and serves it outside off, the length is short. Jos Buttler looks to cut this one away, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and over Matthew Wade. A single now!Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, around middle, short again. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for a brace.
We are set to start again. The players have made their way out in the middle. Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan to start again with their blades. Adam Zampa to finish the remaining over. Here we go...
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, ! A great start by England! A short ball, width on offer. Jos Buttler rocks back and slashes it past point for a boundary.Â
UPDATE - 2.50 pm IST (9.20 am GMT) - More positive news coming your way! The play is set to resume at 3.05 pm IST (9.35 pm GMT), about 15 minutes from now. Unfortunately, we have lost some playing time and it will be a 17-over game now.
UPDATE - 2.39 pm IST (9.09 am GMT) - We have good news folks! The rain has stopped and the covers around the pitch are coming off. The pitch though is till covered. The umpires are out in the middle assessing the conditions.Â
David Warner is down for a chat. He adds that he has enjoyed his time in this series and he is having fun. Adds that he feels ready for the World Cup, and hopefully, he can continue his good form. Mentions that Cricket is a game, there are going to be highs and lows, they have to enjoy their high time and just back themselves in low times. On being asked about Glenn Maxwell's form, he says that he is one good inning away, he is in a good head space, and he has not scored many runs, but a big g
UPDATE - 2.13 pm IST (8.43 am GMT) -RAIN STOPS PLAY! There was a bit of a drizzle and it got a bit heavier. The umpire's have asked the players to walk off the field and brought the covers on.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Play and a miss! Quick again, outside off, short in length this time. Jos Buttler stays in his crease and looks to cut this one but he misses.Â
End of the powerplay! England have a decent start with 47 runs on the board. Also, Adam Zampa comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Adam Zampa starts off with a loopy ball, quicker as well, outside off, full in length. Jos Buttler leans in and drives it towards deep cover for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, A good-length delivery, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler knocks it towards mid on and takes a single. England are 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Pace on this time, at around 138 kph, short ball, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls this one firmly but finds the fielder at deep mid-wicket. A single!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Pat Cummins sticks to bowling his slower ball, this one at around 116 clicks, around middle and leg. Dawid Malan tucks it towards square leg and runs across to the other end.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another slower ball at around 115 clicks, around middle and leg, on a length. Dawid Malan taps it towards square leg. He wanted a single there, but is sent back by Jos Buttler.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Takes the pace off this one, serves it on a length, angling in, around the thigh pad. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg and takes a single.Â
Pat Cummins comes back into the attack.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, ! Up and over! Good start to the over for England! Pat Cummins pitches it up, around middle and off. Jos Buttler lofts it straight down the ground. The ball goes a couple of bounces over the drops for a boundary.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Serves it fuller and on leg, Dawid Malan flicks it but finds the fielder at short mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Wide! Bowls it outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to pull it but misses.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Fuller one on off, Dawid Malan looks to drill it but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller and on off, Jos Buttler drives it to covers. The fielder gets his hand on it diving to his right. They collect one.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, ! Fine shot. On a length and outside off, Jos Buttler slaps it past point for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and outside off, Jos Buttler digs it to point. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, ! Well connected. Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it and connects it well this time. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a boundary!
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter this time, Malan looks to pull it but miscues it to mid on. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Wide! This one lands outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to flick it but misses.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on off, Jos Buttler eases it to point for one again.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Goes fuller and on off, Dawid Malan plays it to square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it to mid off and scampers through for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Touch fuller outside off, Jos Buttler lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, On a length and just outside off, Dawid Malan looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Close!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Shorter and on middle, Dawid Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Excellent timing!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and outside off, Dawid Malan slaps it but finds the fielder at point.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Fuller and on off, this is defended to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Fine shot. Fuller one and on middle, Dawid Malan nudges it in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery with some swing, Jos Buttler looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. They cross.
Pat Cummins is introduced into the attack. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller this time, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on a length, on middle. Jos Buttler eases it towards mid on. Dot.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good length again swinging it in, Jos Buttler looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Close!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length with some swing, Jos Buttler flicks it to square leg for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Starts with a length ball outside leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but misses. Wide called.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Length again, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it back towards the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, On a length and on middle, Dawid Malan pushes it to mid off for one.
Dawid Malan walks out to bat at number 3.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood gets the big fish. This one lands on a length and just outside off swinging it away, Alex Hales looks to block it but he manages to get a slight outside edge. Aaron Finch at first slip takes it comfortably and Australia have an early breakthrough in the game.
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, On a length and outside off, Alex Hales leaves it alone.
Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and down the middle, Jos Buttler defends it back to the bowler. A dot to end the over.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it to the cover fielder.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, LEG BYES! Touch fuller down leg swinging it away, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads. The keeper fails to collect it. The ball races away the fine leg fence for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A wide yorker this time, outside off. Jos Buttler digs it to the off side. Dot again.
We are all set to get underway! The Australian players have made their way out in the middle. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler stride out with their blades. Mitchell Starc will begin with the ball. A slip in place. Let's play!
England (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler(C/WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes (In for Chris Jordan), David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood (In for Sam Curran), Reece Topley.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith (In for David Warner), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!
So, after the delays in the middle, we are finally done with the first innings. Also, according to the DLS method, the total of England has gone up to 130! They would be pretty happy with that. England lost Hales early on but Buttler was amazing with the blade. They were 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. After that, the rain gods came into the picture and the play was reduced to 17 overs. The English side fumbled a bit and lost Malan after the play resumed. Stokes joined Buttler in the m
We are back for the chase. England players have made their way out in the middle. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to start for the Aussies.
... The Run Chase ...
The Aussies were quite decent with the ball and they got Hales early on in the second over. None of them leaked many runs. Hazlewood and Cummins bagged one wicket each until the 10th over. They were excellent in the field as well and they did improve in that department as compared to their previous game. Had it not been for Hazlewood's second last over of 22 runs, they had done pretty well throughout. The onus is all on their batters now and they will be hoping for a good opening stand.
Right then, the game is evenly poised as of now. The conditions though are not easy to play on. England did have some problems with the bat and so will the Aussies. Who will get over the line in this fierce rivalry? To find out, do join us for the second essay in a short while.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A single to end! Glenn Maxwell pitches this one up, around middle. Ben Stokes drills it straight down the ground. He thinks the ball will run away for a boundary and does not bother running. Steven Smith from long off runs to his left and makes a good stop. Ben Stokes realizes late and gets only a single in the end. England end at 112 for 2!
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, A fullish ball, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler heaves it towards square leg for another run.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Short again, around middle and off. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for two runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, In the air...and safe! Too short now, outside off. Jos Buttler miscues his pull shot in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Full again, around middle and off. Ben Stokes once again goes for the big heave but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, A fuller ball, around midde. Ben Stokes looks to heave this one but the ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg for a brace.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! KABOOM! A short one now, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 22 runs off the over.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good shot but that's a terrific stop from Ben Stokes. He saved a couple of runs there. Another pitched-up delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler hammers this one through covers. Glenn Maxwell runs across to his right, dives, and makes an excellent stop. Two taken.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Outside, fuller ball. Jos Buttler drills it down the ground for a couple of runs.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Three in a row now! Wide of off, very full again. Jos Buttler stays in his crease, reaches out to that one and slices it through point for a boundary. That will be 50 for Jos Buttler! Another fine captain's knock.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Jos Buttler! This is just what they would have hoped for! A shortish ball now, around middle. Jos Buttler swivels across and pulls it towards deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! A good start to the over for England. An overpitched delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler gets under that one and smokes it over mid off for a boundary.Â
Josh Hazlewood comes into the attack.
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Back of a length again, outside off. Ben Stokes rock back and knocks it powerfully down the ground for a brace.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, ! BANG! Ben Stokes goes big straight away! A short ball, around middle. Ben Stokes uses the depth of his crease and pulls it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
We are back again with just two overs left in the game. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to start with their blades again. Glenn Maxwell to continue his over. Here we go.
UPDATE - 3.48 pm IST (10.18 am GMT) - We are back with some good news this time! We have a restart time. The game is all set to resume at 4.00 pm IST (10.30 am GMT) and it will be a 12-overs-per-side game.
UPDATE - 3.39 pm IST (10.09 am GMT) - The rain has eased down a bit! The positive news is that the covers are slowly being peeled off. We will keep you updated on the number of overs lost. For now, the umpires are in the middle. Let's hope for the play to resume soon.
UPDATE - 3.19 pm IST (9:49 am GMT) - Oh no! The rain is back and the covers are back on again. The umpires have asked the players to get off the field again. Let's hope we are back on soon. Fingers crossed.
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Tosses it up, serves it on a fuller length, around off. Jos Buttler punches it through cover for a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Fraction short this time, the line is outside off. Ben Stokes waits for it and pushes it towards sweeper cover. Only a single.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Jos Buttler, Width on offer now, a short one. Jos Buttler cuts it through point and rotates the strike.Â
Glenn Maxwell to Ben Stokes, Glenn Maxwell begins from 'round the wicket, he serves a fullish ball, around off. Ben Stokes knocks it down to long off for a run.
Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, A wrong'un now, outside off, a shorter ball. Ben Stokes dabs it towards backward point for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Ben Stokes, Very full on this occasion, around the off pole. Ben Stokes walks across and works it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. He gets off the mark with that!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Wide of off, loopy one, full in length. Jos Buttler prods forward and strokes it down to long off for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, drifting in, around his pads. Jos Buttler flicks it but straight to the fielder at short fine leg.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Around the leg pole, a fuller ball. Jos Buttler looks to reverse-sweep this one but he fails to get any bat on it.Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, shorter, a googly, around middle. Jos Buttler pushes it through cover off the back foot for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Ben Stokes, Width on offer again, a length ball. Ben Stokes looks to cut this one, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and towards the keeper.
Ben Stokes is the new batter.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! TAKEN! Pat Cummins strikes and breaks this stand! Much-needed wicket for Australia. A fuller ball, wide of off. Dawid Malan gets low and looks to go over cover. But the ball goes off the top end and flies high towards mid off. Mitchell Marsh keeps his eyes on the ball, settles under it, and pouches it safely.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another play and a miss! Slower, short and outside off. Dawid Malan misses his pull this time.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Swing and a miss! Outside off, a length ball, slower one. Dawid Malan throws his bat at it but he misses.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Put away! A fullish ball, around the off pole. Dawid Malan heaves this one in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, On a length, angling in, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg for a single.Â
Adam Zampa to Dawid Malan, Tosses this one up, full in length, around the off pole. Dawid Malan shuffles across and sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a brace. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two!
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, He takes the pace of this time, and serves it outside off, the length is short. Jos Buttler looks to cut this one away, but the ball goes off the under edge onto the deck and over Matthew Wade. A single now!Â
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Quicker, around middle, short again. Jos Buttler knocks it down to long off for a brace.
We are set to start again. The players have made their way out in the middle. Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan to start again with their blades. Adam Zampa to finish the remaining over. Here we go...
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, ! A great start by England! A short ball, width on offer. Jos Buttler rocks back and slashes it past point for a boundary.Â
UPDATE - 2.50 pm IST (9.20 am GMT) - More positive news coming your way! The play is set to resume at 3.05 pm IST (9.35 pm GMT), about 15 minutes from now. Unfortunately, we have lost some playing time and it will be a 17-over game now.
UPDATE - 2.39 pm IST (9.09 am GMT) - We have good news folks! The rain has stopped and the covers around the pitch are coming off. The pitch though is till covered. The umpires are out in the middle assessing the conditions.Â
David Warner is down for a chat. He adds that he has enjoyed his time in this series and he is having fun. Adds that he feels ready for the World Cup, and hopefully, he can continue his good form. Mentions that Cricket is a game, there are going to be highs and lows, they have to enjoy their high time and just back themselves in low times. On being asked about Glenn Maxwell's form, he says that he is one good inning away, he is in a good head space, and he has not scored many runs, but a big g
UPDATE - 2.13 pm IST (8.43 am GMT) -RAIN STOPS PLAY! There was a bit of a drizzle and it got a bit heavier. The umpire's have asked the players to walk off the field and brought the covers on.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Play and a miss! Quick again, outside off, short in length this time. Jos Buttler stays in his crease and looks to cut this one but he misses.Â
End of the powerplay! England have a decent start with 47 runs on the board. Also, Adam Zampa comes into the attack.
Adam Zampa to Jos Buttler, Adam Zampa starts off with a loopy ball, quicker as well, outside off, full in length. Jos Buttler leans in and drives it towards deep cover for a brace.Â
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, A good-length delivery, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler knocks it towards mid on and takes a single. England are 47 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Pace on this time, at around 138 kph, short ball, around middle. Jos Buttler pulls this one firmly but finds the fielder at deep mid-wicket. A single!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Pat Cummins sticks to bowling his slower ball, this one at around 116 clicks, around middle and leg. Dawid Malan tucks it towards square leg and runs across to the other end.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Another slower ball at around 115 clicks, around middle and leg, on a length. Dawid Malan taps it towards square leg. He wanted a single there, but is sent back by Jos Buttler.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Takes the pace off this one, serves it on a length, angling in, around the thigh pad. Jos Buttler tucks it towards square leg and takes a single.Â
Pat Cummins comes back into the attack.
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, ! Up and over! Good start to the over for England! Pat Cummins pitches it up, around middle and off. Jos Buttler lofts it straight down the ground. The ball goes a couple of bounces over the drops for a boundary.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Serves it fuller and on leg, Dawid Malan flicks it but finds the fielder at short mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Wide! Bowls it outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to pull it but misses.Â
Mitchell Starc to Dawid Malan, Fuller one on off, Dawid Malan looks to drill it but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Fuller and on off, Jos Buttler drives it to covers. The fielder gets his hand on it diving to his right. They collect one.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, ! Fine shot. On a length and outside off, Jos Buttler slaps it past point for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and outside off, Jos Buttler digs it to point. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, ! Well connected. Slightly shorter and on off, Dawid Malan pulls it and connects it well this time. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a boundary!
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter this time, Malan looks to pull it but miscues it to mid on. Dot.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Wide! This one lands outside leg, Dawid Malan looks to flick it but misses.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on off, Jos Buttler eases it to point for one again.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, Goes fuller and on off, Dawid Malan plays it to square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Good length, on off. Jos Buttler punches it to mid off and scampers through for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, ! Touch fuller outside off, Jos Buttler lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.Â
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, On a length and just outside off, Dawid Malan looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Close!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Shorter and on middle, Dawid Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Excellent timing!
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Slightly shorter and outside off, Dawid Malan slaps it but finds the fielder at point.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, Fuller and on off, this is defended to mid off.
Pat Cummins to Dawid Malan, ! Fine shot. Fuller one and on middle, Dawid Malan nudges it in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary!
Pat Cummins to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery with some swing, Jos Buttler looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. They cross.
Pat Cummins is introduced into the attack. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Touch fuller this time, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on a length, on middle. Jos Buttler eases it towards mid on. Dot.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Good length again swinging it in, Jos Buttler looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Close!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length with some swing, Jos Buttler flicks it to square leg for a brace.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Starts with a length ball outside leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but misses. Wide called.
Josh Hazlewood to Jos Buttler, Length again, on middle. Jos Buttler defends it back towards the bowler.
Josh Hazlewood to Dawid Malan, On a length and on middle, Dawid Malan pushes it to mid off for one.
Dawid Malan walks out to bat at number 3.Â
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood gets the big fish. This one lands on a length and just outside off swinging it away, Alex Hales looks to block it but he manages to get a slight outside edge. Aaron Finch at first slip takes it comfortably and Australia have an early breakthrough in the game.
Josh Hazlewood to Alex Hales, On a length and outside off, Alex Hales leaves it alone.
Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, Yorker and down the middle, Jos Buttler defends it back to the bowler. A dot to end the over.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, On a length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it to the cover fielder.
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, LEG BYES! Touch fuller down leg swinging it away, Jos Buttler looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads. The keeper fails to collect it. The ball races away the fine leg fence for a boundary!
Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler, A wide yorker this time, outside off. Jos Buttler digs it to the off side. Dot again.
We are all set to get underway! The Australian players have made their way out in the middle. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler stride out with their blades. Mitchell Starc will begin with the ball. A slip in place. Let's play!
England (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler(C/WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes (In for Chris Jordan), David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood (In for Sam Curran), Reece Topley.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith (In for David Warner), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first!