Cricket Scorecard

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, after a powerful stint with the bat, England would aim to mirror the same performance with the ball. But don't you predict the winner from now. Australia has got an equally threatening batting unit at their helm. And with Travis Head back in the ranks raring to tonk the ball around the park, England will have to be at their A-game with the ball. Given how the conditions have gotten sunny out there, batting has become relatively easy. And everyone knows how deep Australia bats. An im

However, Australia may regret not fully exploiting the conditions. They created some chances here and there but in vain as they allowed two partnerships exceeding 70 runs to develop in the mid phase. England completely dominated the second Powerplay and managed to mount 197 runs for 4 wickets between overs 9-31.

Australia's bowlers on the other hand, started strongly, capitalizing on the seam-friendly conditions. Hazlewood and Starc bowled in tandem, posing challenging questions with movement and variable bounce. Despite a favorable Powerplay, they secured only one wicket with the new ball. Seeing much offer for the pacers, and without Cameron Green, Mitch Marsh himself decided to have a go with the ball and struck gold. Marsh then turned to spin, deploying Maxwell and Zampa in tandem to create breakth

However, the team's momentum was briefly interrupted when both set batsmen fell within a span of just two overs. This sudden setback necessitated another period of consolidation and a push for a strong finish. Rising to the challenge, Livingstone unleashed an aggressive onslaught, while Bethell provided a steady, anchoring presence at the other end. Putting the icing on the cake, Livingstone lived up to his big-hitting reputation in style. He went absolutely berserk in the final over, smashing

Duckett adopted a cautious approach, gradually building confidence as he spent more time at the crease. He found success by targeting the 'V' region. It was the Duckett-Brook partnership of 79 runs that steered England out of trouble. They skillfully manoeuvred through the middle overs without taking unnecessary risks and targeted the loose balls effectively. After Duckett's departure, Brook and Jamie Smith forged a formidable partnership, skillfully navigating the middle overs. Their 75-run st

England's innings began on shaky ground as they grappled with early movement in damp, wet conditions. Salt and Duckett narrowly escaped edges but managed to navigate the Powerplay. The difficult pitch conditions prevented the ball from coming easily onto the bat, restricting the English openers from playing freely inside the restrictions.

Take a breath, folks! We have just witnessed a batting onslaught of the highest quality from the English batters. Yes, reading the scorecard at 312/5 might not get you quizzed a bit as it is the new normal to breach that range in modern-day cricket. But, remember, this is a shortened game, and these runs were scored in just 39 overs. After a fantastic start in the first Powerplay, where Australia just conceded 38 runs, they must be kicking themselves for not capitalising on that. 

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! Sliced away, which means Starc concedes 28 RUNS IN THE FINAL OVER! This was actually not a bad ball. It was nearly a wide yorker, outside off, but Liam Livingstone managed to get under it and squeeze it behind point. ENGLAND FINISH ON A COMMANDING 312/5!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! Once again Starc goes for the yorker and misses.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, A slower-ball bouncer, around off, angling away, Liam misses out on the pull.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! HUMONGOUS! That has gone into the first tier. Fourth six for Liam Livingstone. Fuller in length, around middle, right in the slot, Livingstone gets under the ball and sends it sailing into orbit over long on. Moves to 40 from 22 balls.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, Fine yorker wide outside off, squeezd through the covers for one. Excellent finish for Josh Hazlewood, who despite not being at his best, ends up as the best bowler for Australia for the day - 8-1-40-1 for him.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A bouncer, around middle, Liam looks to hook but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, ! HAMMERED! Excellent from Livingstone.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, Down the leg side, Bethell misses his flick and takes it on the pads. A leg bye taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, A huge appeal for a caught behind! Started by Inglis, joined by Hazlewood. The umpire pays no heed and Inglis convinces Marsh to take the final review for Australia.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Very full, outside off, Bethell drives it towards long off for one.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Gutsy? Risky? Lucky? Square leg and fine leg are up inside the circle and Mitchell Starc goes for the bouncer. He rolls his fingers over it and perhaps that's why, gets away with it. Jacob Bethell is early into the pull and misses, getting hit on the body.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Goes down the leg side, keeps it full, Liam looks to swing but misses. That was a buffet ball, with fine leg up.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Very full, around off, Livingstone hammers it straight back to the bowler who is able to stop the ball and bear the sting.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! FETCH THAT! This guy is in some merciless mood. Starc misses his mark, goes for the yorker, but delivers a half volley. Liam Livingstone gets under it, targets the bigger part of the boundary and clears it with ease. Miles over long off. 8th six of the innings, 3rd for Livingstone.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Full, outside off, Jacob Bethell drives it towards long off for a single.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 6-0-34-0 so far.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.

A slight delay here. The physio is out in the middle, to check on Livingstone. Questions are asked, they are being answered, the helmet is checked and here we go again. All in readiness.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, Gosh from Josh. A slower-ball bouncer alright, but it has pinned Livingstone. Right on the helmet.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, WIDE. A bumper, around middle, Liam looks to hook but misses. The square leg umpire signals a wide for height and Hazlewood ain't happy. That always looked high above the head to the naked eye.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, ! FEROCIOUS! Hazlewood misses, Livingstone punishes.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A slower ball, on a hard length, just outside off, Livingstone tries to be cheeky, bending his back and trying to ramp it over the keeper, but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, Slower ball, short in length, Jacob Bethell is early into his pull and mistimes it over mid-wicket for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A yorker, just outside off, Liam Livingstone digs it out towards cover and takes a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood returns. 6-1-25-1 so far.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, ! Excellent release of pressure! Bethell was getting under pressure having scored just 2 from his first 9 balls but he hits his way out.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Zampa sees Bethell baack away and bowls a slow googly outside off.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Very full, outside leg, Bethell stays leg side of the ball and drives it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Floated, around middle, Jacob Bethell comes down the track and defends.

Glenn Maxwell to Jacob Bethell, A touch short, around off, Bethell works it towards long on for a run. Good comeback by Maxwell after that first-ball six, but still, a massive gamble by Marsh to bowl off spin at this juncture. Now that's a separate thought that every bowler is being given a tour of Lord's.

Glenn Maxwell to Jacob Bethell, Outside off, Jacob Bethell punches it straight to point.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, ! CREAMED! Big gamble by Marsh, to give Maxwell this over. And Livingstone makes him pay. Flighted, outside off, Liam Livingstone gets down on a knee and crashes the slog sweep miles over wide long on! 250 UP FOR ENGLAND, 35 balls to go.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, Down the leg side, this time Livingstone uses his feet and drives it towards long on for another single.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up wider outside off, Jacob looks to drive but can only get a bottom edge back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Flighted, around middle, Bethell uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives the ball towards cover.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Jacob Bethell walks in at number 7, repalcing Jamie Smith.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Maxwell gets a wicket.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Lucky escape.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Four!

There's a little bit of rain falling now. But the clouds are broken, so this should only be a passing shower.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Who walks in next?

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! c Glenn Maxwell b Adam Zampa.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, A perfect yorker tailing away on off, Harry Brook looks to loft this over cover but misses out completely. The extra delivery doesn't cost much to Australia. 

Josh Hazlewood to Jamie Smith, No ball!

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, ! Another brilliantly struck boundary from the bat of in-form Harry Brook. 

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, Back of a length around middle and off, Harry Brook dabs this to short third for a dot. 

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, Four!

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, Clever from Abbott. Bends his back, and darts a short-pitched delivery, following the batter to his leg. Jamie Smith was left with no room to swing his arms and he ends up leaving it. 

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, No run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 6 runs.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, Slightly short and on off, Jamie Smith makes room and hits it to sweeper cover for a single.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, ! Easy pickings! Slower one, short and around off, Jamie goes on his toes, rides the bounce and pulls it convincingly towards mid-wicket. It's in the gap and a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, A bit short on middle, hit across the line to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, No run.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, Walks forward and pushes through the line but finds the fielder on the off side.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, Full toss on off, drilled to wide long off for a couple.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, ! Smashed away! Marnus Labuschagne tosses up a full ball around off, Smith finds it in his radar and launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Marnus Labuschagne to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, Four!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Four!

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 3 Wides!

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Pulled away neatly! They are not letting Zampa to settle down at all and are compelling him to change his plans! Short and on the middle from Zampa, Harry Brook transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, ! Up, up, and away!

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, A CENTURY AT DURHAM, NOW A FIFTY AT LORD'S FOR BROOK! A true captain's knock by the English skipper!

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Harry Brook wrists it with soft hands on the pitch.

Mitchell Marsh to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Jamie Smith, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 2 runs.

Doube change. Mitchell Marsh brings himself back on. 3-0-21-1 so far.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, Pulls back his length does Zampa, Smith taps it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, No run.

With this being a shortend game and England on the charge, will we see Livingstone? Nope. Jamie Smith is in at number 5, replacing Ben Duckett.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A four and out for Duckett and Zampa finally, gets a breakthrough!

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! This is good proactive batting!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, A bit pulled back length, on the stumps, this is pulled over mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Change of ends for Zampa? Yup. 2-0-21-0 so far. He replaces Sean Abbott.

Glenn Maxwell to Ben Duckett, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, ! That was a bit ordinary in the field there by Abbott!

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, ! He has picked the gaps to perfection! 

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, WIDE! Flat and quick, but way down leg, wided.

Glenn Maxwell to Ben Duckett, Some grip and turn there, surprisingly! Pitched on off, and turns away from the batter, Ben Duckett eases it to mid off for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, WIDE! False start for Maxwell. Down leg on a length, Brook lets it pass. 

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, Dragged length around off this time, punched to wide of covers by Brook for a single.

With England getting on with their run rate, Ricky Ponting on air calls out to bring Josh Hazlewood back into the attack. Not a bad call, but Marsh's problem is that after that early burst with the new balls, none of the Aussie bowlers have shown control. Marsh tries to think out of the box and probably is eager to lure England into throwing their wicket away. On comes Glenn Maxwell.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, What was Duckett trying to do here?

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Intentionally played in the air. Short and on off, Harry Brook rides on the bounce and plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. The ball dribbles towards the deep and they take a single.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Length, on the pads, Brook tucks it around the corner with soft hands and along the grass to the deep square leg region. He calls for the second and they complete it easily.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, ! Innovative and so effective! Sean Abbott offers a fuller one, around off, Ben Duckett premeditates his shot, shuffles well across off and executes the ramp shot to perfection over deep fine for a boundary.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Fuller in the middle and leg stump line, Brook clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Correction in line from Zampa, but wrong length!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Impressive footwork.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Opportunity missed by Marnus Labuschagne. He will be disappointed with that.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Short and wide outside off, slashed hard. Probably deserved more on that. It flies over point, but once it lands on the field, the ball slows down, allowing Adam Zampa to get to his left from deep third. Two runs taken.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Moves across a touch too early.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, On a good length, around off, Harry Brook stays back, allows the ball to come to him and dabs it late to deep third for a single.

Starc's return not bearing fruit, Marsh turns to Sean Abbott. 3-0-24-0 so far.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, 50 FOR DUCKETT, IN 51 BALLS. A magnificent knock thus far.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! Adam Zampa is not going to be allowed to settle. Tossed up, on leg stump, Duckett jumps down the track and lofts it cleanly, well wide of long on and even over him!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, A touch short, around leg stump, skids through, Duckett looks to pull but is hurried into the shot.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, Full, around middle and leg, Ben Duckett clips it wide of long on for a couple.

DRINKS BREAK. Well, the scorecard seems to suggest that England are slowly getting a move on after an initial struggle.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Boos around the ground! Well, well, well. This is not going to go down well amongst cricket experts and sports fans. A length ball, down the leg side, Harry Brook just loks to tuck it to the leg side, but is stangled for room. There is a noise as the ball goes past and when the keeper, Josh Inglis dives to his left and 'pouches' it, Australia appeal and umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, A short ball, but not high enough. Around off, Duckett swivels and pulls it towards long leg for one.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Similar ball, angling away from the right hander. Harry Brook waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it to the right of slip and takes a quick run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, On a good length, around middle, coming in with the angle, Ben Duckett helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, WIDE. It is an extra ball but Brook nearly gives it away.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, ! Whipped away hard, what an outstanding piece of timing from Brook! Looks like he has carried his form from Durham right through. On a length, around off, Harry Brook just whips it over mid-wicket and the ball simply races away.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

It has gone a bit gloomy again. Dark clouds are loitering from the western end of the ground. Fingers crossed.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, Excellent by Marnus Labuschagne.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, ! Lovely use of the feet!

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Full and wide outside off, Harry smashes this through the covers but there is protection in the deep. A single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Back to you, skip!

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Gets away from the firing line.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Four!

Interesting. Marsh brings back Mitchell Starc. 4-0-20-0 so far. He wants the wicket of Brook early.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Skipper Harry Brook walks in at number 4, replacing Will Jacks.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, ! c Marnus Labuschagne b Mitchell Marsh.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, 2 runs.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, Short, outside off, punched through cover for a run.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, ! Stunning timing.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, On a good length, around middle and leg, Duckett helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, A big grunt comes from Abbott as he delivers this ball. It is on a length, around middle and leg, Ben Duckett pushes it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Outside off, pushed straight to point.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, ! Lovely batting.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, WIDE. Down the leg side, short in length, Ben Duckett cannot connect with his tuck.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Outside off, Will pushes it between cover and point for a single.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Around off, this time, Jacks pushes at it and gets a thin outside edge. 

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Wow. With no Green, Mitchell Marsh sees a red signal and brings himself on.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, ! Well, that shows Duckett is improving his game. We normally don't see Duckett play down the ground but in this particular innings, he has made a conscious effort to play in the 'V'.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, 2 runs.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Huge shout for LBW, but not given! Mitchell Marsh will challenge Joel Wilson's decision against Duckett again. Once more, the height seems to be the main issue, though, pitching could come into question as well. And in fact, the second point does come into question, PITCHING SIDE LEG, review lost. Wilson gets it perfect this time.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Back of a length this time, around middle, angling away, Ben Duckett pushes it towards Steven Smith at point.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, Similar line and length, this time Jacks plays it with soft hands to the left of cover and scurries across for a quick single, 50 UP FOR ENGLAND.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, On a good length outside off, coming in, Will Jacks pushes it towards cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Will Jacks walks in at number 3, replacing Phil Salt. Fresh from his best ODI innings a couple of days ago.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood strikes for Australia and provides the first breakthrough! Although, credits to Steven Smith for a sharp catch at point.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, An appeal for LBW but again, height seems to be the issue here!

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, A bit of a yes and no there! Length ball, slanting across off, Ben Duckett drops it off the back foot to the cover region and wants a single but Salt sends him back on a sharp call. 

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Hazlewood's dive at fine leg in the previous over saw him wearing full sleeves. It suggests that maybe, his first spell is done. It is 12 degrees at London, so it is pretty chilly.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Leg bye.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Oh, almost dragged on!

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, No run.

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, ! And again!

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, Four!

Powerplay 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle for the next 23 overs. We have the first bowling change as well. Sean Abbott replaces Starc.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, Much fuller this time, aiming the off peg, Ben Duckett gets inside edged onto the pads as he tries to pushes it across.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, Nipping away, on a length around off, Duckett eases it to point.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 3 runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, ! Nicely played! Fairly outside off and moving away, on a fullish tad length, Ben Duckett takes a stride forward he knows the fielders are in the ring and lofts it over the covers for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Wide!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, A huge ambitious appeal from the Aussies for LBW but the umpire is unmoved! Mitchell Marsh marches towards Starc enquiring about the impact and signals the 'T' to challenge the on-field decision.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Hurls it full and around off, Ben Duckett prods on the front foot and drives it straight to mid off.

Time for a change? Or does Starc get one more? He does get one more.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Oh, this one nips back in! Length, angling at off, Phil Salt fends it off the inner half of the bat to the bowler.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, EDGED AND OVER THE SLIPS FOR A !

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hard length, around off, Phil Salt gets across a bit and taps it through the point region for a couple of quick runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Not exactly where he wanted to hit!

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Length ball, onto the pads, Phil Salt glances it to the mid-wicket region.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Much fuller in length and tailing a bit into the batter around off, Phil Salt looks to drive it through the covers but ends up slicing it towards point where Glenn Maxwell does well to collect it on the bounce.

Ah well. That explains the exclusion of Green. Michael Atherton on air informs us that Cameron Green has been diagnosed with a stress fracture on his back, when he went for scans this morning. He felt some discomfort during the third ODI and now, with this fracture, he is ruled out of this series with immediate effect. 

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, ! A genuinely good shot that! First boundary of the day for England! A bumper from Hazlewood now, on the bodyline, Ben Duckett is ready on the back foot and pulls it along the ground for a boundary at deep backward square leg.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, 2 Leg byes.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, And another double! Good length, outside off, Ben Duckett punches it off the back foot through covers and completes the second run quite comfortably to end the third over.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Angling onto the pads this time, Duckett tucks it towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 2 runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Excellent delivery that!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Full in length, on the stumps, Ben Duckett pushes at it to mid on.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, OH ! 

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hard length, on off, Salt gets behind the line and eases it in front of the mid off fielder. A maiden over to start with for Josh Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, The ball is just whispering the edges!

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood keeps the line of attack outside off and hits the nagging length with an away movement, Phil Salt again goes for a square cut but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, A full ball outside off, shaping away from the batter. Phil Salt has a feel for it and weighs half forward with a tentative push and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hazlewood with two slips in for him, hits the deck hard, around off and it nips back in fractionally. Phil Salt stands tall and tries to slash it away but inside edges over the stumps and back to the keeper. 

Will it be Josh Hazlewood from the other end? Indeed it will be. Starc's partner-in crime for more than a decade now. However, this series has not gone as per his standards.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Absolute seed of a delivery from Starc!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Too full and outside off, Duckett hits it through the line but a bit off the inner half of the bat towards mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Hits the right length, that in-betweener with a tinge of an away movement, over the top of off, Ben Duckett gets behind the line and guides it with soft hands to the covers.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Two slips in place for the left hander. Mitchell Starc spears in a well-directed yorker on off with a hint of away movement, Ben Duckett bends low and jams his bat down in time.

Michael Atherton on air informs us that Sunday, 29th September, 2024, which is the date for the 5th and final ODI of this series, is the latest any cricket match or series will be played in England.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, England and Salt are underway with a single! Length ball angling on the pads, Phil Salt chips it a bit uppishly towards the deep mid-wicket region to get off the mark.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, No run.

Okay. So finally, a game which should have begun at 11.30 am GMT, is all set to get underway after a delay of 135 minutes. The players are all out in the field. The usual openers for England have taken their positions - Phil Salt and Ben Duckett. Mitchell Starc has the first new ball in his hand. He is going to get things underway, bowling to Salt.

So where does this revised condition scenario leave our calculations? 39 overs means 4 bowlers should bowl a maximum of 8 overs each. And now the Powerplays should be - 8 overs, 23 overs and 8 overs. Again, this is as per us. Awaiting the match officials' confirmation on the same.

UPDATE - 13.27 GMT -  And as unpredictable as the weather gets in the UK, just within the span of a few minutes, the covers are coming off. Also, the overhead conditions have turned much better now. And just as we speak, we have got the official start time and the revised playing conditions. The play will start at 13.45 GMT and it has been reduced to a 39-OVER PER SIDE contest now.

UPDATE - 13.17 GMT - There's positive news coming in now! The rain seems to have stopped, well, for now, at least. The covers are still intact on the ground and the ground staff is working hard doing all the mopping ops so that we get the play started soon. But given how wet and damp the conditions have gotten due to the downpour, it will further slow down the pitch. Also, in all probabilities, we might see a further reduction in the overs if the game doesn't commence soon. Stay tuned for fur

Boooo! Well, we did mention that there is a drizzle lurking around the corner. And now, that naughty drizzle has turned into heavy rain. Sigh. Not only is the Hover cover on, but additional covers come on as well. This does seem like a wet day. And night. We are not going anywhere though - please stay tuned for updates.

England captain, HARRY BROOK, says that he too, would have bowled first. Is happy with the way England played all-round cricket on Tuesday, having a special mention for Will Jacks. On choosing to play Jofra Archer for successive games, Harry admits that Sunday's wet forecast did have a role in this decision.

Mitchell Marsh says that he hopes that the change in coin brings about a change of luck in this tour. Is happy to inform that his side is at full strength, recovering from illnesses. Admits that it was a difficult choice to leave out either of Inglis or Carey, so decided to pick both.

So the visitors have probably got in their first-choice XI, though the inclusion of Inglis / Carey over Green is debatable. Inglis will don the gloves while Carey plays as a pure batter. The main returnees are Travis Head and Adam Zampa, though it will be a challenge for the latter to bowl with the wet ball. England, on the other hand, have chosen to give Jofra Archer another go, since there was a couple of days' rest from the previous game. Additionally, there are murmurs of Sunday not in a p

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head (IN FOR MATTHEW SHORT), Mitchell Marsh (C), Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK) (IN FOR CAMERON GREEN), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa (IN FOR AARON HARDIE) and Josh Hazlewood.

England (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer and Matthew Potts.

TOSS TIME! It does seem like the drizzle has returned but it is not big enough for the flip of the coin to be stalled. Mitchell Marsh calls it correctly and AUSTRALIA ELECT TO CHASE. Not surprising, looking at the conditions overhead and a flat pitch (to the naked eye) underneath. The official start time for the game is scheduled at 1 PM GMT, assuming that this drizzle does not pick up.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, after a powerful stint with the bat, England would aim to mirror the same performance with the ball. But don't you predict the winner from now. Australia has got an equally threatening batting unit at their helm. And with Travis Head back in the ranks raring to tonk the ball around the park, England will have to be at their A-game with the ball. Given how the conditions have gotten sunny out there, batting has become relatively easy. And everyone knows how deep Australia bats. An im

However, Australia may regret not fully exploiting the conditions. They created some chances here and there but in vain as they allowed two partnerships exceeding 70 runs to develop in the mid phase. England completely dominated the second Powerplay and managed to mount 197 runs for 4 wickets between overs 9-31.

Australia's bowlers on the other hand, started strongly, capitalizing on the seam-friendly conditions. Hazlewood and Starc bowled in tandem, posing challenging questions with movement and variable bounce. Despite a favorable Powerplay, they secured only one wicket with the new ball. Seeing much offer for the pacers, and without Cameron Green, Mitch Marsh himself decided to have a go with the ball and struck gold. Marsh then turned to spin, deploying Maxwell and Zampa in tandem to create breakth

However, the team's momentum was briefly interrupted when both set batsmen fell within a span of just two overs. This sudden setback necessitated another period of consolidation and a push for a strong finish. Rising to the challenge, Livingstone unleashed an aggressive onslaught, while Bethell provided a steady, anchoring presence at the other end. Putting the icing on the cake, Livingstone lived up to his big-hitting reputation in style. He went absolutely berserk in the final over, smashing

Duckett adopted a cautious approach, gradually building confidence as he spent more time at the crease. He found success by targeting the 'V' region. It was the Duckett-Brook partnership of 79 runs that steered England out of trouble. They skillfully manoeuvred through the middle overs without taking unnecessary risks and targeted the loose balls effectively. After Duckett's departure, Brook and Jamie Smith forged a formidable partnership, skillfully navigating the middle overs. Their 75-run st

England's innings began on shaky ground as they grappled with early movement in damp, wet conditions. Salt and Duckett narrowly escaped edges but managed to navigate the Powerplay. The difficult pitch conditions prevented the ball from coming easily onto the bat, restricting the English openers from playing freely inside the restrictions.

Take a breath, folks! We have just witnessed a batting onslaught of the highest quality from the English batters. Yes, reading the scorecard at 312/5 might not get you quizzed a bit as it is the new normal to breach that range in modern-day cricket. But, remember, this is a shortened game, and these runs were scored in just 39 overs. After a fantastic start in the first Powerplay, where Australia just conceded 38 runs, they must be kicking themselves for not capitalising on that. 

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! Sliced away, which means Starc concedes 28 RUNS IN THE FINAL OVER! This was actually not a bad ball. It was nearly a wide yorker, outside off, but Liam Livingstone managed to get under it and squeeze it behind point. ENGLAND FINISH ON A COMMANDING 312/5!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Six!

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! Once again Starc goes for the yorker and misses.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, A slower-ball bouncer, around off, angling away, Liam misses out on the pull.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! HUMONGOUS! That has gone into the first tier. Fourth six for Liam Livingstone. Fuller in length, around middle, right in the slot, Livingstone gets under the ball and sends it sailing into orbit over long on. Moves to 40 from 22 balls.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, Fine yorker wide outside off, squeezd through the covers for one. Excellent finish for Josh Hazlewood, who despite not being at his best, ends up as the best bowler for Australia for the day - 8-1-40-1 for him.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A bouncer, around middle, Liam looks to hook but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, ! HAMMERED! Excellent from Livingstone.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, Down the leg side, Bethell misses his flick and takes it on the pads. A leg bye taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, A huge appeal for a caught behind! Started by Inglis, joined by Hazlewood. The umpire pays no heed and Inglis convinces Marsh to take the final review for Australia.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Very full, outside off, Bethell drives it towards long off for one.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Gutsy? Risky? Lucky? Square leg and fine leg are up inside the circle and Mitchell Starc goes for the bouncer. He rolls his fingers over it and perhaps that's why, gets away with it. Jacob Bethell is early into the pull and misses, getting hit on the body.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Goes down the leg side, keeps it full, Liam looks to swing but misses. That was a buffet ball, with fine leg up.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, Very full, around off, Livingstone hammers it straight back to the bowler who is able to stop the ball and bear the sting.

Mitchell Starc to Liam Livingstone, ! FETCH THAT! This guy is in some merciless mood. Starc misses his mark, goes for the yorker, but delivers a half volley. Liam Livingstone gets under it, targets the bigger part of the boundary and clears it with ease. Miles over long off. 8th six of the innings, 3rd for Livingstone.

Mitchell Starc to Jacob Bethell, Full, outside off, Jacob Bethell drives it towards long off for a single.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 6-0-34-0 so far.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.

A slight delay here. The physio is out in the middle, to check on Livingstone. Questions are asked, they are being answered, the helmet is checked and here we go again. All in readiness.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, Gosh from Josh. A slower-ball bouncer alright, but it has pinned Livingstone. Right on the helmet.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, WIDE. A bumper, around middle, Liam looks to hook but misses. The square leg umpire signals a wide for height and Hazlewood ain't happy. That always looked high above the head to the naked eye.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, ! FEROCIOUS! Hazlewood misses, Livingstone punishes.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A slower ball, on a hard length, just outside off, Livingstone tries to be cheeky, bending his back and trying to ramp it over the keeper, but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Jacob Bethell, Slower ball, short in length, Jacob Bethell is early into his pull and mistimes it over mid-wicket for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Liam Livingstone, A yorker, just outside off, Liam Livingstone digs it out towards cover and takes a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood returns. 6-1-25-1 so far.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, ! Excellent release of pressure! Bethell was getting under pressure having scored just 2 from his first 9 balls but he hits his way out.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Zampa sees Bethell baack away and bowls a slow googly outside off.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Very full, outside leg, Bethell stays leg side of the ball and drives it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Floated, around middle, Jacob Bethell comes down the track and defends.

Glenn Maxwell to Jacob Bethell, A touch short, around off, Bethell works it towards long on for a run. Good comeback by Maxwell after that first-ball six, but still, a massive gamble by Marsh to bowl off spin at this juncture. Now that's a separate thought that every bowler is being given a tour of Lord's.

Glenn Maxwell to Jacob Bethell, Outside off, Jacob Bethell punches it straight to point.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, ! CREAMED! Big gamble by Marsh, to give Maxwell this over. And Livingstone makes him pay. Flighted, outside off, Liam Livingstone gets down on a knee and crashes the slog sweep miles over wide long on! 250 UP FOR ENGLAND, 35 balls to go.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, Down the leg side, this time Livingstone uses his feet and drives it towards long on for another single.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up wider outside off, Jacob looks to drive but can only get a bottom edge back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, Flighted, around middle, Bethell uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives the ball towards cover.

Adam Zampa to Jacob Bethell, No run.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Jacob Bethell walks in at number 7, repalcing Jamie Smith.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Maxwell gets a wicket.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Lucky escape.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, Four!

There's a little bit of rain falling now. But the clouds are broken, so this should only be a passing shower.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Liam Livingstone, 1 run.

Who walks in next?

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! c Glenn Maxwell b Adam Zampa.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, A perfect yorker tailing away on off, Harry Brook looks to loft this over cover but misses out completely. The extra delivery doesn't cost much to Australia. 

Josh Hazlewood to Jamie Smith, No ball!

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, ! Another brilliantly struck boundary from the bat of in-form Harry Brook. 

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, Back of a length around middle and off, Harry Brook dabs this to short third for a dot. 

Josh Hazlewood to Harry Brook, Four!

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, Clever from Abbott. Bends his back, and darts a short-pitched delivery, following the batter to his leg. Jamie Smith was left with no room to swing his arms and he ends up leaving it. 

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, No run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 6 runs.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, Slightly short and on off, Jamie Smith makes room and hits it to sweeper cover for a single.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, ! Easy pickings! Slower one, short and around off, Jamie goes on his toes, rides the bounce and pulls it convincingly towards mid-wicket. It's in the gap and a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, A bit short on middle, hit across the line to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, No run.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, Walks forward and pushes through the line but finds the fielder on the off side.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, Full toss on off, drilled to wide long off for a couple.

Marnus Labuschagne to Jamie Smith, ! Smashed away! Marnus Labuschagne tosses up a full ball around off, Smith finds it in his radar and launches it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Marnus Labuschagne to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, Four!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Four!

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 2 runs.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 3 Wides!

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Jamie Smith, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 2 runs.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Pulled away neatly! They are not letting Zampa to settle down at all and are compelling him to change his plans! Short and on the middle from Zampa, Harry Brook transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, ! Up, up, and away!

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, A CENTURY AT DURHAM, NOW A FIFTY AT LORD'S FOR BROOK! A true captain's knock by the English skipper!

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Harry Brook wrists it with soft hands on the pitch.

Mitchell Marsh to Jamie Smith, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Jamie Smith, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 2 runs.

Doube change. Mitchell Marsh brings himself back on. 3-0-21-1 so far.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, Pulls back his length does Zampa, Smith taps it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Jamie Smith, No run.

With this being a shortend game and England on the charge, will we see Livingstone? Nope. Jamie Smith is in at number 5, replacing Ben Duckett.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A four and out for Duckett and Zampa finally, gets a breakthrough!

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! This is good proactive batting!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, A bit pulled back length, on the stumps, this is pulled over mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Change of ends for Zampa? Yup. 2-0-21-0 so far. He replaces Sean Abbott.

Glenn Maxwell to Ben Duckett, No run.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, ! That was a bit ordinary in the field there by Abbott!

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, ! He has picked the gaps to perfection! 

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, WIDE! Flat and quick, but way down leg, wided.

Glenn Maxwell to Ben Duckett, Some grip and turn there, surprisingly! Pitched on off, and turns away from the batter, Ben Duckett eases it to mid off for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, WIDE! False start for Maxwell. Down leg on a length, Brook lets it pass. 

Glenn Maxwell to Harry Brook, Dragged length around off this time, punched to wide of covers by Brook for a single.

With England getting on with their run rate, Ricky Ponting on air calls out to bring Josh Hazlewood back into the attack. Not a bad call, but Marsh's problem is that after that early burst with the new balls, none of the Aussie bowlers have shown control. Marsh tries to think out of the box and probably is eager to lure England into throwing their wicket away. On comes Glenn Maxwell.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, What was Duckett trying to do here?

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Intentionally played in the air. Short and on off, Harry Brook rides on the bounce and plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. The ball dribbles towards the deep and they take a single.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Length, on the pads, Brook tucks it around the corner with soft hands and along the grass to the deep square leg region. He calls for the second and they complete it easily.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, ! Innovative and so effective! Sean Abbott offers a fuller one, around off, Ben Duckett premeditates his shot, shuffles well across off and executes the ramp shot to perfection over deep fine for a boundary.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, Fuller in the middle and leg stump line, Brook clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Correction in line from Zampa, but wrong length!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, ! Impressive footwork.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, No run.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Opportunity missed by Marnus Labuschagne. He will be disappointed with that.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Short and wide outside off, slashed hard. Probably deserved more on that. It flies over point, but once it lands on the field, the ball slows down, allowing Adam Zampa to get to his left from deep third. Two runs taken.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Moves across a touch too early.

Sean Abbott to Harry Brook, On a good length, around off, Harry Brook stays back, allows the ball to come to him and dabs it late to deep third for a single.

Starc's return not bearing fruit, Marsh turns to Sean Abbott. 3-0-24-0 so far.

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, 50 FOR DUCKETT, IN 51 BALLS. A magnificent knock thus far.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, ! Adam Zampa is not going to be allowed to settle. Tossed up, on leg stump, Duckett jumps down the track and lofts it cleanly, well wide of long on and even over him!

Adam Zampa to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, A touch short, around leg stump, skids through, Duckett looks to pull but is hurried into the shot.

Adam Zampa to Ben Duckett, Full, around middle and leg, Ben Duckett clips it wide of long on for a couple.

DRINKS BREAK. Well, the scorecard seems to suggest that England are slowly getting a move on after an initial struggle.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Boos around the ground! Well, well, well. This is not going to go down well amongst cricket experts and sports fans. A length ball, down the leg side, Harry Brook just loks to tuck it to the leg side, but is stangled for room. There is a noise as the ball goes past and when the keeper, Josh Inglis dives to his left and 'pouches' it, Australia appeal and umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, A short ball, but not high enough. Around off, Duckett swivels and pulls it towards long leg for one.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Similar ball, angling away from the right hander. Harry Brook waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it to the right of slip and takes a quick run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, On a good length, around middle, coming in with the angle, Ben Duckett helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, WIDE. It is an extra ball but Brook nearly gives it away.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, ! Whipped away hard, what an outstanding piece of timing from Brook! Looks like he has carried his form from Durham right through. On a length, around off, Harry Brook just whips it over mid-wicket and the ball simply races away.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

It has gone a bit gloomy again. Dark clouds are loitering from the western end of the ground. Fingers crossed.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, Excellent by Marnus Labuschagne.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, ! Lovely use of the feet!

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Full and wide outside off, Harry smashes this through the covers but there is protection in the deep. A single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Back to you, skip!

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Gets away from the firing line.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Four!

Interesting. Marsh brings back Mitchell Starc. 4-0-20-0 so far. He wants the wicket of Brook early.

Mitchell Marsh to Harry Brook, 1 run.

Skipper Harry Brook walks in at number 4, replacing Will Jacks.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, ! c Marnus Labuschagne b Mitchell Marsh.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, 2 runs.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, No run.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, Short, outside off, punched through cover for a run.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, ! Stunning timing.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, On a good length, around middle and leg, Duckett helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, A big grunt comes from Abbott as he delivers this ball. It is on a length, around middle and leg, Ben Duckett pushes it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Outside off, pushed straight to point.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, ! Lovely batting.

Mitchell Marsh to Ben Duckett, WIDE. Down the leg side, short in length, Ben Duckett cannot connect with his tuck.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Outside off, Will pushes it between cover and point for a single.

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, Around off, this time, Jacks pushes at it and gets a thin outside edge. 

Mitchell Marsh to Will Jacks, No run.

Wow. With no Green, Mitchell Marsh sees a red signal and brings himself on.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, ! Well, that shows Duckett is improving his game. We normally don't see Duckett play down the ground but in this particular innings, he has made a conscious effort to play in the 'V'.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, 2 runs.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Huge shout for LBW, but not given! Mitchell Marsh will challenge Joel Wilson's decision against Duckett again. Once more, the height seems to be the main issue, though, pitching could come into question as well. And in fact, the second point does come into question, PITCHING SIDE LEG, review lost. Wilson gets it perfect this time.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Back of a length this time, around middle, angling away, Ben Duckett pushes it towards Steven Smith at point.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, Similar line and length, this time Jacks plays it with soft hands to the left of cover and scurries across for a quick single, 50 UP FOR ENGLAND.

Sean Abbott to Will Jacks, On a good length outside off, coming in, Will Jacks pushes it towards cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Will Jacks, 1 run.

Will Jacks walks in at number 3, replacing Phil Salt. Fresh from his best ODI innings a couple of days ago.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, ! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood strikes for Australia and provides the first breakthrough! Although, credits to Steven Smith for a sharp catch at point.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, An appeal for LBW but again, height seems to be the issue here!

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, A bit of a yes and no there! Length ball, slanting across off, Ben Duckett drops it off the back foot to the cover region and wants a single but Salt sends him back on a sharp call. 

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Hazlewood's dive at fine leg in the previous over saw him wearing full sleeves. It suggests that maybe, his first spell is done. It is 12 degrees at London, so it is pretty chilly.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Leg bye.

Sean Abbott to Ben Duckett, Oh, almost dragged on!

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, No run.

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, ! And again!

Sean Abbott to Phil Salt, Four!

Powerplay 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle for the next 23 overs. We have the first bowling change as well. Sean Abbott replaces Starc.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, Much fuller this time, aiming the off peg, Ben Duckett gets inside edged onto the pads as he tries to pushes it across.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, Nipping away, on a length around off, Duckett eases it to point.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 3 runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, ! Nicely played! Fairly outside off and moving away, on a fullish tad length, Ben Duckett takes a stride forward he knows the fielders are in the ring and lofts it over the covers for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Wide!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, A huge ambitious appeal from the Aussies for LBW but the umpire is unmoved! Mitchell Marsh marches towards Starc enquiring about the impact and signals the 'T' to challenge the on-field decision.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Hurls it full and around off, Ben Duckett prods on the front foot and drives it straight to mid off.

Time for a change? Or does Starc get one more? He does get one more.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Oh, this one nips back in! Length, angling at off, Phil Salt fends it off the inner half of the bat to the bowler.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, EDGED AND OVER THE SLIPS FOR A !

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hard length, around off, Phil Salt gets across a bit and taps it through the point region for a couple of quick runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Not exactly where he wanted to hit!

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Length ball, onto the pads, Phil Salt glances it to the mid-wicket region.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, No run.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, Much fuller in length and tailing a bit into the batter around off, Phil Salt looks to drive it through the covers but ends up slicing it towards point where Glenn Maxwell does well to collect it on the bounce.

Ah well. That explains the exclusion of Green. Michael Atherton on air informs us that Cameron Green has been diagnosed with a stress fracture on his back, when he went for scans this morning. He felt some discomfort during the third ODI and now, with this fracture, he is ruled out of this series with immediate effect. 

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, ! A genuinely good shot that! First boundary of the day for England! A bumper from Hazlewood now, on the bodyline, Ben Duckett is ready on the back foot and pulls it along the ground for a boundary at deep backward square leg.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, 2 Leg byes.

Josh Hazlewood to Ben Duckett, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, 1 run.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, And another double! Good length, outside off, Ben Duckett punches it off the back foot through covers and completes the second run quite comfortably to end the third over.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Angling onto the pads this time, Duckett tucks it towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, 2 runs.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Excellent delivery that!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Full in length, on the stumps, Ben Duckett pushes at it to mid on.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, OH ! 

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hard length, on off, Salt gets behind the line and eases it in front of the mid off fielder. A maiden over to start with for Josh Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, No run.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, The ball is just whispering the edges!

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood keeps the line of attack outside off and hits the nagging length with an away movement, Phil Salt again goes for a square cut but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, A full ball outside off, shaping away from the batter. Phil Salt has a feel for it and weighs half forward with a tentative push and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Phil Salt, Hazlewood with two slips in for him, hits the deck hard, around off and it nips back in fractionally. Phil Salt stands tall and tries to slash it away but inside edges over the stumps and back to the keeper. 

Will it be Josh Hazlewood from the other end? Indeed it will be. Starc's partner-in crime for more than a decade now. However, this series has not gone as per his standards.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Absolute seed of a delivery from Starc!

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Too full and outside off, Duckett hits it through the line but a bit off the inner half of the bat towards mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Hits the right length, that in-betweener with a tinge of an away movement, over the top of off, Ben Duckett gets behind the line and guides it with soft hands to the covers.

Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Two slips in place for the left hander. Mitchell Starc spears in a well-directed yorker on off with a hint of away movement, Ben Duckett bends low and jams his bat down in time.

Michael Atherton on air informs us that Sunday, 29th September, 2024, which is the date for the 5th and final ODI of this series, is the latest any cricket match or series will be played in England.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, England and Salt are underway with a single! Length ball angling on the pads, Phil Salt chips it a bit uppishly towards the deep mid-wicket region to get off the mark.

Mitchell Starc to Phil Salt, No run.

Okay. So finally, a game which should have begun at 11.30 am GMT, is all set to get underway after a delay of 135 minutes. The players are all out in the field. The usual openers for England have taken their positions - Phil Salt and Ben Duckett. Mitchell Starc has the first new ball in his hand. He is going to get things underway, bowling to Salt.

So where does this revised condition scenario leave our calculations? 39 overs means 4 bowlers should bowl a maximum of 8 overs each. And now the Powerplays should be - 8 overs, 23 overs and 8 overs. Again, this is as per us. Awaiting the match officials' confirmation on the same.

UPDATE - 13.27 GMT -  And as unpredictable as the weather gets in the UK, just within the span of a few minutes, the covers are coming off. Also, the overhead conditions have turned much better now. And just as we speak, we have got the official start time and the revised playing conditions. The play will start at 13.45 GMT and it has been reduced to a 39-OVER PER SIDE contest now.

UPDATE - 13.17 GMT - There's positive news coming in now! The rain seems to have stopped, well, for now, at least. The covers are still intact on the ground and the ground staff is working hard doing all the mopping ops so that we get the play started soon. But given how wet and damp the conditions have gotten due to the downpour, it will further slow down the pitch. Also, in all probabilities, we might see a further reduction in the overs if the game doesn't commence soon. Stay tuned for fur

Boooo! Well, we did mention that there is a drizzle lurking around the corner. And now, that naughty drizzle has turned into heavy rain. Sigh. Not only is the Hover cover on, but additional covers come on as well. This does seem like a wet day. And night. We are not going anywhere though - please stay tuned for updates.

England captain, HARRY BROOK, says that he too, would have bowled first. Is happy with the way England played all-round cricket on Tuesday, having a special mention for Will Jacks. On choosing to play Jofra Archer for successive games, Harry admits that Sunday's wet forecast did have a role in this decision.

Mitchell Marsh says that he hopes that the change in coin brings about a change of luck in this tour. Is happy to inform that his side is at full strength, recovering from illnesses. Admits that it was a difficult choice to leave out either of Inglis or Carey, so decided to pick both.

So the visitors have probably got in their first-choice XI, though the inclusion of Inglis / Carey over Green is debatable. Inglis will don the gloves while Carey plays as a pure batter. The main returnees are Travis Head and Adam Zampa, though it will be a challenge for the latter to bowl with the wet ball. England, on the other hand, have chosen to give Jofra Archer another go, since there was a couple of days' rest from the previous game. Additionally, there are murmurs of Sunday not in a p

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head (IN FOR MATTHEW SHORT), Mitchell Marsh (C), Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK) (IN FOR CAMERON GREEN), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa (IN FOR AARON HARDIE) and Josh Hazlewood.

England (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer and Matthew Potts.

TOSS TIME! It does seem like the drizzle has returned but it is not big enough for the flip of the coin to be stalled. Mitchell Marsh calls it correctly and AUSTRALIA ELECT TO CHASE. Not surprising, looking at the conditions overhead and a flat pitch (to the naked eye) underneath. The official start time for the game is scheduled at 1 PM GMT, assuming that this drizzle does not pick up.