Highlights, Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Day 1 in Adelaide, Ashes 2017: Honours shared on opening day

We will have to wait see what Marsh does morrow.

So Smarsh is doing good again.

But the problem is how often he fails when he starts (restarts) compared to other Test batsmen.

Another failure early tomorrow and his good work is undermined, again.

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) December 2, 2017

After 81 overs,Australia 209/4 ( Peter Handscomb 36 , Shaun Marsh 20)

Just a single over with the new ball, for Anderson and England’s leading wicket taker cannot provide the wicket England were desperate for. Props to Marsh and Handscomb for sticking it out. Marsh works a single to mid wicket for a single and Handscomb takes one to square leg off the final ball of the first day of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

England take the second new ball.

After 80 overs,Australia 207/4 ( Peter Handscomb 35 , Shaun Marsh 19)

Big deviation for Broad the second delivery seamed into Handscomb’s thigh pad. Broad gets past Handscomb’s outside edge. Frustarting for England. Broad completes a maiden but Handscomb has been in solid in defence.

After 79 overs,Australia 207/4 ( Peter Handscomb 35 , Shaun Marsh 19)

Marsh blocks the first ball, leaves the second and the third, blocks fourth, leaves fifth. Not sure what he was exactly doing in the sixth delivery. In two minds perhaps.To play at it or leave it, finally gets a thin edge that lands on the ground safely.

After 78 overs,Australia 207/4 ( Peter Handscomb 35 , Shaun Marsh 19)

Both the batsmen have got into their groove as the duo keep the scoreboard ticking with singles all around the park. 6 more overs of play left in the day. England must be itching to break this partnership. It is worth 46 already.

After 77 overs,Australia 204/4 ( Peter Handscomb 33 , Shaun Marsh 18)

Handscomb takes a single to covers off the first ball of Anderson’s over to bring 200 up for Australia. Slightly short of a length and Handscomb rocks back to play it behind for another boundary.

After 76 overs,Australia 199/4 ( Peter Handscomb 29 , Shaun Marsh 17)

Marsh hit couple of cracking shots, one off his pads to mid wicket boundary, which the fielder does pull back in but when he was in contact with the ball and the boundary cushions at the same time and then off the last ball straight down the ground as slow outfield forces the ball to remain within the playing area.

Stuart Broad takes off his jumper and is ready to begin another spell.

After 75 overs,Australia 192/4 ( Peter Handscomb 29 , Shaun Marsh 10)

Overton to continue round the wicket. He keeps it back of a length trying the short stuff to Marsh but isn’t causing any real problems. M,arsh works one off his hips for a single to backward square leg.

After 74 overs,Australia 190/4 ( Peter Handscomb 28 , Shaun Marsh 9)

10 overs remaining in the day.

Handscomb works it along with the spin. Marsh skips down the track to flick it for a single. Another single for Handscomb to mid off.

After 73 overs,Australia 187/4 ( Peter Handscomb 26 , Shaun Marsh 8)

Overton in his sixth over of this spell. Handscomb moves across his stumps and plays it wide of leg slip for a single. Marsh gets an leading edge off the fifth ball, was touch early into the shot there. Just a single off the over.

After 72 overs,Australia 186/4 ( Peter Handscomb 25 , Shaun Marsh 8)

Handscomb looks comfortable against spin. Just getting feeling even the Aussies will breathe easy. He takes a single with push to point for a single.

Time for some spin. Ali comes on to the bowling crease.

After 71 overs,Australia 185/4 ( Peter Handscomb 24 , Shaun Marsh 8)

Overton continues his prolonged spell. Marsh sees off a couple of deliveries and then goes after a short ball to pull it to mid wicket fence for a boundary. A fine cut for no run to finish the over.

After 70 overs,Australia 181/4 ( Peter Handscomb 24 , Shaun Marsh 4)

How has Handscomb managed to be still out there is a mystery beyond conventional wisdom. Shaky in his approach but has some how got to 24. Two more streaky runs.

After 69 overs,Australia 179/4 ( Peter Handscomb 22 , Shaun Marsh 4)

Good over from Overton, only one run off it. Quiet period in the match this. Marsh has found it difficult to score runs but the good thing is he has not been throwing his bat around or chasing deliveries.

Craig Overton first man to bowl Steve Smith in a Test match in Australia since Trent Boult in November 2015. Faced 2,131 balls since then

— Simon Wilde (@swildecricket) December 2, 2017

Have to admit that

Have to say Adelaide Oval under lights looks absolutely wonderful. #Ashes

— Rich Morgan (@richmorgan09) December 2, 2017

After 68 overs,Australia 178/4 ( Peter Handscomb 21 , Shaun Marsh 4)

Marsh goes for the pull but it wasn’t full blown shot but rolls his wrists to keep the ball down. He took it from the off stump almost head high to collect a couple to midwicket fence. Only two off it.

After 67 overs,Australia 176/4 ( Peter Handscomb 21 , Shaun Marsh 2)

Handscomb is plugging away with streaky boundaries every over. England will not be bothered by the way he has scored but surely must be frustrated with the ball not finding the fielder or edge not carrying at times.

FOUR! Extra bounce and Handscomb guides it just past the third slip. He didn’t really looked in control but that’s how most of his runs have come.

After 66 overs,Australia 171/4 ( Peter Handscomb 17 , Shaun Marsh 1)

England field a leg gully and bowl it on the pads of the batsman to tickle it down the leg side and in that attempt end up finding that fielder. the line by Woakes has also been on the pads but Handscomb negates it.

FOUR! Leg gully in place and Woakes bowls it down the leg side, Handscomb does well to play it fine to collect a boundary.

Woakes to continue after drinks

After 65 overs,Australia 167/4 ( Peter Handscomb 13 , Shaun Marsh 1)

Overton continues. Goes round the wicket to Marsh.  Who leaves a couple of deliveries as Aleem Dar calls for drinks on the ground. With lights switched on, the English are charged up too. They have got the wickets of two sets batsmen and now it is upto them to make the match out of it. Expectedly the visitors have struck under lights but there hasn’t been any prodigious swing or seam just sticking to the basics and they have got a couple of wickets.

After 64 overs,Australia 167/4 ( Peter Handscomb 13 , Shaun Marsh 1)

Streaky! Another streaky way to score runs, Handscomb has the habit to play it very late. Shuffles across to whip it from the middle stump to run it down fine leg for a boundary. Four off it.

After 63 overs,Australia 163/4 ( Peter Handscomb 9 , Shaun Marsh 1)

Thev visiting side will be over the moon with Smith walking back to the pavilion. Overton has taken the prized wicket. Marsh comes out, gets forward and takes a single on the offside to get off the mark. These two have to do a lot of repair work.

OUT! Overton has turned it in England’s favour. England were searching a way to get past Steve Smith’s defence and Overton on debut has provided Joe Root with the answer. Nibs in slightly, gets Smith’s inside edge onto the stumps after deviating from the pads. Maiden Test wicket for Overton, who better than Steve Smith.

Steve Smith b Overton 40

After 62 overs,Australia 161/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 40 , Peter Handscomb 8)

Smith leaves first couple of balls after using deft hands to rotate the strike with a single wide of gully. Handscomb goes deep into his crease to block the last ball, England thought there was a chance.

This is how the Adelaide oval is looking after the lights have taken full effect.

Ashes Test cricket at the Adelaide Oval. Australia 3/160 pic.twitter.com/nTDXX77kC8

— Antony Barnes (@antony_barnes) December 2, 2017

After 61 overs,Australia 160/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 39 , Peter Handscomb 8)

Broad bowls another maiden to Handscomb who has looked very uncomfrtable from the outset. Digs in a short ball and handscomb goes after it but gets nothing barring a waft of air. Broad has something to say after batsman’s failed attempt to pull the ball.

After 60 overs,Australia 160/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 39 , Peter Handscomb 8)

Smith steers it past gully for a couple. Good ball by Woakes! Keeps it full and hint of away movement took a leading edge of Smith’s bat but nothing to worry for Australia as it pop up. Bouncer to finish the over.

Chris Woakes is brought on.

After 59 overs,Australia 158/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 37 , Peter Handscomb 8)

Broad delivers another maiden. Handscomb really needs to find the middle of his bat and its vital from Australia perspective he stays with Smith for some time.

After 58 overs,Australia 158/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 37 , Peter Handscomb 8)

 Anderson to Smith. Quiet a pale over compared to the all the heat during the last over. Smith looks unperturbed as continues to find the sweet spot even in the shots where he isn’t looking to score runs. Anderson bowls a maiden and doesn’t indulge in any verbal exchange.

Oh come you two. Typical modern day movie. Spectacular trailer, but boring and unenthusiastic film.

After 57 overs,Australia 158/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 37 , Peter Handscomb 8)

All happening here in the 57th over. Broad comes onto bowl and new ball partner Anderson has come to field at short mid on, right in front  non-striker Steve Smith. Oh, boy! This is taking off. A lot is being said, lot of chatter between the two. Umpire Aleem Dar has to intervene. He comes and stands right in between the two players. Meanwhile Handscomb gets another streaky boundary down to third man. Handscomb has struggled to get his feet moving.

After 56 overs,Australia 154/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 37 , Peter Handscomb 4)

Anderson brushes past Handscomb’s outside edge. Handscomb takes a single to mid wicket to bring the 150 up for Australia. Smith times third ball beautifully for an easy two to deep mid wicket. Shuffles across and shoulders arm. Hits him on the pads and there is a loud shout but that was not going to hit the stumps. Two off the final ball to make it 5 runs off the over.

WOW!

It's standing room only at the Adelaide Oval on day one of the first Ashes day/night test. Picture by me. pic.twitter.com/ZWrzEYLSCL

— PHILIP BROWN (@dudleyplatypus) December 2, 2017

After 55 overs,Australia 149/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 33 , Peter Handscomb 3)

So far there has been some movement, but it has come after it crosses the stumps. Smith is careful and isn’t trying to chase it.Anything on his body he manoeuvres it to the onside.Nervy start for Handscomb, was caught in no minds as he got an edge through the cordon for three.

After 54 overs,Australia 145/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 32 , Peter Handscomb 0)

Sucker ball by Anderson to start the 54th over, Smith isn’t falling for it. Smith punches off the back foot for a couple and in his own style takes one off the 5th ball. Handscomb pushes the last ball to covers.

After 53 overs,Australia 142/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 29 , Peter Handscomb 0)

Broad begins from the other end. Smith arcs his back and works it for a couple through point. Handscomb gets to face last couple of deliveries but he has refrrain from touching it. Three off it.

After 52 overs,Australia 139/3 ( Steven Smith (C) 26 , Peter Handscomb 0)

Smith shuffles across straightaway, works it on the onside for one. Anderson must be a relived man after sending Khawaja back into the shed. Unwanted pokes brings an end to his innings. Peter Handscomb strolls out to join the captain. What a start under lights.

OUT! Khawaja pokes at the ball that was going away, the edge flies to gully and Vince holds on to it. 

Khawaja c Vince b Anderson 53

The covers are off. The players are out with the floodlights are on. Final session of this first day and night Test. James Anderson has the pink ball.

Uh-oh! Some more rain in Adelaide.

Covers back on. Humbug. Who would think of scheduling a Test at Adelaide in December? #Ashes

— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) December 2, 2017

Word on the crowd, who have appeared in exceptional numbers on the first Day/Night Test in Ashes

Today’s 53,242 is the biggest cricket crowd at the Adelaide Oval. Previously 52,633 for big bash SF in 2015 (Adel Strikers v Syd Sixes) & bodyline match 50, 962 in 1933.

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) December 2, 2017

Despite losing both the openers, Australia have done really well to make this their session. England bowlers have been sporadic, few good bursts but nothing to stamp their authority on the match so far. Missed out on a few chances and Smith continues his fidgety, but effective batting. Khawaja has looked good if you discount a couple of top edge pull strokes.

After 51 overs,Australia 138/2 ( Usman Khawaja 53 , Steven Smith (C) 25)

Khawaja has decided not to d anything fancy in the final over of the session. A leg gully is positioned as Overton goes round the wicket to Khawaja, he cops one on his body as he refuse to offer a short. A short ball to finish the session as Khawaja manages to evade it. Maiden over as players walk off the field to take Dinner.

After 50 overs,Australia 138/2 ( Usman Khawaja 53 , Steven Smith (C) 25)

Single off the last ball of Moeen’s over. Khawaja takes a single to mid wicket.

After 49 overs,Australia 137/2 ( Usman Khawaja 52 , Steven Smith (C) 25)

Another tepid over. Overton bowls a maiden. Aussies in no hurry whatsoever.

After 48 overs,Australia 137/2 ( Usman Khawaja 52 , Steven Smith (C) 25)

Sensible batting by both the batsmen, they realise they have done well so far and need not throw it away as the second session comes towards the end. Ali goes for a couple of runs.

After 47 overs,Australia 135/2 ( Usman Khawaja 51 , Steven Smith (C) 24)

Overton comes on for another over. Tidy over this time around, only two singles off it. The partnership has worked well, worth 49 so far.

After 46 overs,Australia 133/2 ( Usman Khawaja 50 , Steven Smith (C) 23)

Moeen goes for five runs off the over. No real turn for the off spinner, just a little nothing threatenting. Khawaja and Smith doing it nicely.

FIFTY! Slashes and gets it behind short third man, he gives the chase but is unable to pull it back in time. Teaser. Khawaja raises his bat and looks to the sky. Well, he has had some luck today, needs to make it count.

Moeen Ali comes to bowl

After 45 overs,Australia 128/2 ( Usman Khawaja 46 , Steven Smith (C) 22)

Smith gets another edge and it goes along the ground once again, it is in the gap and runs down the third man boundary till the fielder pulls it back to keep it to three. Khawaja moves to 46 with a single to mid wicket. Anderson thinks he is unlucky not to have a short leg as he induces the inside edge that balloons up off Smith’s pads but falls safely as the two batsmen exchange strike.

After 44 overs,Australia 123/2 ( Usman Khawaja 45 , Steven Smith (C) 18)

Smith Overton is not express neither is he getting any movement as of now, Smith has looked out of shape on couple of occasions but not against the debutant. He takes a single to square leg after shuffling across his stumps to make it five runs off the over.

FOUR! Half-volley and Smith thumps the drive and there was no stopping that. He has moved to 17.

After 43 overs,Australia 118/2 ( Usman Khawaja 45 , Steven Smith (C) 13)

Smith continues to take awkward looking runs, went for the drive when he was in no position to play it, ends up getting a single to square leg off an inside edge. You do wonder he has an average over 60 with this technique! Special! Anderson completes another tidy over with five dots to Khawaja.

After 42 overs,Australia 117/2 ( Usman Khawaja 45 , Steven Smith (C) 12)

Overton returns into the attack.

Loud shout for a leg before against Smith. But looked as if the ball was going over the stumps, Root signals the same to his players and seems that is the reason for not taking the review. Smith lives dangerously as he almost ends up returning a catch to Overton, he had get low in his follow through, tried his best but just fell short, instead Smith gets three runs.

After 41 overs,Australia 114/2 ( Usman Khawaja 45 , Steven Smith (C) 9)

Tidy over by Anderson. He quickly slips in maiden to Smith. The Aussie captain still seems to get his eye in, despite striking a couple of lovely shots to boundary, he is still maneuver the strike around.

After 40 overs,Australia 114/2 ( Usman Khawaja 45 , Steven Smith (C) 9)

Khawaja is lucky and Woakes must be frustrated, he kept bowling short and the plan would have worked perfectly for England but execution isn’t there. Feel for Woakes. He was hit for a couple of boundaries and would have loved to get another wicket, but he will have to try again.

DROPPED! That is not good cricket from England. Root has set the field for that particular shot but Stoneman at long leg spills it. Khawaja has played the pull number of times today and this time he gets a top edge. That should been taken. Khawaja dropped on 44

FOUR! Picked that early. Khawaja plays his favourite pull shot to mid wicket fence.

FOUR! Nicely timed there! Khawaja has split the gap between point and cover, didn’t over hit, just timed it perfectly.

After 39 overs,Australia 101/2 ( Usman Khawaja 36 , Steven Smith (C) 5)

Anderson starts another spell with a ball that is slanted across, Khawaja lets it alone. Gets an inside edge onto his apds off the next ball.Khawaja’s thickish outside edge goes through the gap between slip cordon and gully as Australia bring the 100 on the scoreboard.Straigtens after pitching and misses Smith’s outside edge. Blocks the last ball and shouts out ‘No’. Of course there wasn’t any run there.

Jimmy Anderson brought back into the attack.

After 38 overs,Australia 98/2 ( Usman Khawaja 33 , Steven Smith (C) 5)

Woakes comes back to bowl three dots after missing his line on the first ball. Digs the fifth ball short and Khawaja swivels to play the pull to backward square leg for one. Smith defends it to short mid-wicket. Five runs off the over.

FOUR! Woakes bowls on Khawaja’s pads and all he has to do is get some bat. Runs down to fine leg boundary.

After 37 overs,Australia 93/2 ( Usman Khawaja 28 , Steven Smith (C) 5)

Broad continues starts with a short ball to Khawaja and the left-handed batsman ducks under it. Another short ball but this time Khawaja pulls it safely and along the ground for a single. Broad gets another edge of Smith, it was bowled nicely but Smith has managed to keep it down.

After 36 overs,Australia 92/2 ( Usman Khawaja 27 , Steven Smith (C) 5)

Woakes too has some words to welcome the Oz captain. He finds the edge but the ball falls way short of the second slip. Delivers a maiden to Smith. England is fired up to say the least.

After 35 overs,Australia 92/2 ( Usman Khawaja 27 , Steven Smith (C) 5)

Stuart Broad is here. Khawaja takes a single of the first ball. Chatter has begun, so that is the plan for the opposition captain, trying to rile him up, not just with words but a lot of fielders around the bat as well. Three slips, a gully, two silly mid-ons, short cover and short cover-point.  Well, this is going to be interesting.

After 34 overs,Australia 90/2 ( Usman Khawaja 26 , Steven Smith (C) 4)

Successful over for England as they get rid of the second opener. Khawaja and Warner were looking extremely comfortable, a timely break for England. Smith starts off with a stunning drive to the cover boundary.

OUT! Warner gets the thick edge to Bairstow. Unecessary, but he lives by the sword. Big break for England and Woakes. This should help lift their spirits. Wait…out comes Oz skipper Steve Smith.

David Warner c Bairstow b Woakes 47

After 33 overs,Australia 86/1 ( David Warner 47 , Usman Khawaja 26)

Good comeback over by Ali. Nice control, getting some turn and letting it loose. Only one run off it.

After 32 overs,Australia 85/1 ( David Warner 46 , Usman Khawaja 26)

Chris Woakes has been called back into the attack. Bowls a tidy over, giving away only a single to Warner off the first ball to sweeper cover. Players take drinks.

After 31 overs,Australia 84/1 ( David Warner 45 , Usman Khawaja 26)

Eventful over this. Suddenly lot is happening. Khawaja takes the attack to Moeen, he skips down the track and goes over the top but doesn’t really get hold off it. Clears the infield and takes a couple off the first ball. A boundary through point and mis-field takes the partnership over 50.

FOUR! Khawaja cuts to backward point to James Vince but… Oh dear! The ball goes through him. Khawaja gets four when it should been a dot.

FOUR! Ali provides some width, Khawaja goes back into his crease and slaps it through cover point.

After 30 overs,Australia 74/1 ( David Warner 45 , Usman Khawaja 16)

Couple of fours for Warner. He has looked very comfortable here! Overton goes for 10 runs off the over.

FOUR! Debutant goes short and Warner slashes over backward point for successive boundaries.

FOUR! Overpitched by Overton and Warner jabs at it through covers for a boundary.

After 29 overs,Australia 64/1 ( David Warner 36 , Usman Khawaja 15)

Warner takes the single off the first ball. Moeen gets to bowl to Khawaja, who uses his feet to Ali a few times but Moeen is very clever to alter the line not allowing Khawaja any sort of room. Loud shout from behind the stumps, especially Bairstow, but Khawaja was way down the track for the umpire to even consider it. Blocks the last two deliveries.

After 28 overs,Australia 63/1 ( David Warner 35 , Usman Khawaja 15)

Overton into his fourth over. He has good short ball is what Ian Chapell said on air in the previous over as he uses his shoulder once again. Warner goes after it to play the ramp, doesn’t get any bat. Warner goes off strike with a single on the onside. Some movement for Overton too. Khawaja gets beaten as the ball moves off the deck.

If my calculations are correct, that’s the 7th run out Warner has been involved in during his test career. Rogers & himself out twice, Doolan, Handscomb & Bancroft once. #Ashes

— Brandon (@BrandonMcKay6) December 2, 2017

After 27 overs,Australia 62/1 ( David Warner 34 , Usman Khawaja 15)

Mo, is doing well to bring Warner forward and press. The southpaw is looking solid too and up for a challenge. Warner picks a quick single off his legs to mid wicket off the over.

After 26 overs,Australia 61/1 ( David Warner 33 , Usman Khawaja 15)

Good looking drive through covers for a couple to start with for Khawaja, blocks and leaves nex three balls before he goes for the pull. Defends the last ball. Six off it.

FOUR! Khawaja gets the top edge and there is a deep square leg, but it has gone fine. Overton tries the short ball and Khawaja cannot resist the temptation.

After 25 overs,Australia 55/1 ( David Warner 33 , Usman Khawaja 9)

Encouraging signs for Moeen in the first over, some bounce straightaway. He begins round the wicket to Warner and is able to find right line and length. One ball jumps of good length, Wanrer adjusts well to keep it down. Maiden to start for Ali.

Spin! Moeen Ali will bowl.

After 24 overs,Australia 55/1 ( David Warner 33 , Usman Khawaja 9)

Overton keeps it slightly back of the length but has maintained good lines. Only one boundary of the over.

FOUR! Khawaja’s affinity for pull is no secret as his eyes lit up seeing the ball slightly short, flat bats it through mid wicket.

After 23 overs,Australia 51/1 ( David Warner 33 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Broad begins the 23th over, after three dot balls, Warner throws his hands at a slightly wide but a good length delivery, for an expansive drive but doesn’t connect the ball. Broad has his hands on his head. Finishes with a good ball, Warner gets behind it nicely. Maiden.

Overton has bowled two balls. How did Ball get picked in first test #Ashes

— James (@Waddybfc1978) December 2, 2017

After 22 overs,Australia 51/1 ( David Warner 33 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Overton begins nicely. Good first international over! Beats Khawaja with some extra bounce. Beats Warner outside off stump too. Only 1 run off it.

Here’s the debutant. First look in international cricket for Craig Overton.

After 21 overs,Australia 50/1 ( David Warner 32 , Usman Khawaja 5)

Warner drives it slightly uppishly but is safe as it in the gap between mid off and cover, Woakes chases to pull it back inside the fence, the batsmen take three. Broad goes back to over the wicket to Khwaja, tests him with a short ball and Khwaja looked to go for the pull, doesn’t get all of it but swivels nicely to get some bat on it, the ball dribbles to fine leg for two. 50 up for Australia.

After 20 overs,Australia 45/1 ( David Warner 29 , Usman Khawaja 3)

At the start of 20th over, Warner gets a thickish outside edge, but play it with such deft hands that the ball stays along the carpet and through the gap in the gully region for a couple. Much better for Anderson. Warner plays a good drive through covers for a boundary and takes one off his hips of the last ball.

FOUR! Lovely shot by Warner, meets the ball under his eyes and drives it through covers, to be fair to Anderson, it wasn’t that bad a delivery.

After 18 overs,Australia 37/1 ( David Warner 22 , Usman Khawaja 3)

Broad sprays one on Warner’s boots with he missing out to get some bat but they take the leg bye. Broad switches to over the wicket to Khawja. On the fourth ball he induces the leading edge as Khwaja was trying work it on the onside but was all along the ground. ‘Ohhhh!’ groan the visitors.Broad goes round the wicket for the last ball, which is left alone.

After 18 overs,Australia 37/1 ( David Warner 22 , Usman Khawaja 3)

Anderson beats Warner on couple of occassion and we haven’t seen this much, is he finally getting into the rhythm or just a false promise. Warner takes a well-judged single with tapping it in the gap on the offside. Slants one across Khwaja for the final ball as the batsmen hangs his bat out. Good over for England.

After 17 overs,Australia 36/1 ( David Warner 21 , Usman Khawaja 3)

Quiet over by Broad, only two singles off it. England really need to press here, especially Anderson, can’t dish freebies or allow the new man to get his eye in.

After 16 overs,Australia 34/1 ( David Warner 21 , Usman Khawaja 1)

Root brings Anderson back on, who starts with well another short of a length delivery. Khwaja getting enough time to see it and get onto the back foot and tuck it around for a single to get off the mark. Warnerplays out the next five deliveries. The wicket has spurred the poms and they have placed an umbrella behind the stumps with three slips and a gully.

Broad points towards Warner to keep his ears open and listening to his partners call. Oh, it has begun…

After 15 overs,Australia 33/1 ( David Warner 21 , Usman Khawaja 0)

Broad begins round the wicket to Warner. Woakes’ direct hit ends Bancroft’s stay, a pity end for the opener. That was the only England could have got a wicket. In comes Khwaja to join Warner. Loud appeal for leg before wicket turned down with the ball likely to miss the leg stump. England’s have their tails up.

OUT! Horrible mix up there. Warner dabs it to cover, Moeen’s misfield causes the confusion. Yes! No! Yes! N… Bancroft send back by Warner and Woakes hits the stumps. England have their first breakthrough.

Bancroft run out Woakes 10 (41)

After 14 overs,Australia 33/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 10 , David Warner 21)

Woakes starts his fourth over with a full delivery, Bancroft leans and exchanges strike with a single to sweeper cover. Woakes misses his line to the left-hander and Warner misses out on a boundary scoring opportunity but takes a leg-bye. The new balll bowlers have lacked the venom that is needed upfront, already the talks of Root’s decision has come under the scanner and Anderson and Co haven’t helped their skipper at all. Bancroft defends a few before the rains comes down again and stops the game. After the delay Woakes bowls the final ball off the over, which Bancroft is happy to leave.

Finally! Live action begins as Woakes runs in to bowl the last ball of the 14th over.

The English players are set to take the field as they wait outside the boundary cushions, waiting for the officials come out and begin the game. We are minutes away.

The rain has cleared and play will resume shortly in Adelaide

If there no more rain, play might resume at 11:45 IST

Play to resume in Adelaide at 4.45pm local time..

— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) December 2, 2017

Despite being such wonderful hosts, they are acussed of being bullies. Pfft!

Australia are making Poms feel at home. Rain every now and then! #Ashes

— hersheyy (@louisthe13thhhh) December 2, 2017

Rain forces alteration in session timings:

4:10-6:50pm and the final session from 7:30-10pm AEDT (11:10 am – 1:50 pm, 2:30 pm – 5pm) IST

Play can be extended up to 30mins to get through the 87 overs required today

Tea has been called as the rain persists

That is a very important question. Frustrating, prolonged period this.

Yo peeps in Adelaide. How bad is the rain? Do I have to do chores? #Ashes

— 24 Sep 1989 (@Raiders_24Sep89) December 2, 2017

That’s certainly depressing.

Imagine getting up at 3:30am to watch the cricket, dicking about for half hour trying to get the stream to work, and then when it does, the players go off for rain. 🤦🏼‍♂️ #Ashes

— Louthdog (@Louthdog) December 2, 2017

Oh gosh! The rain continues to hinder the play as it has started to rain again, just as we were building up towards the restart.

We are around 10 minutes away from resuming the game. Woakes has one ball left in the 14th over, Bancroft will be on strike. Grab a cup of coffee or something to nibble on as the action is about to begin.

Looks like the rain has stopped for time being and the covers is gradually coming off we might have a start soon.

Colin de Grandhomme blistering innings of 105 (74) has just come to an end but he has done his job, the Blackcaps have taken the lead towards 300. Debutant Tom Blundell notches his maiden fifty as well. You can follow live action by clicking the link below.

LIVE New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st Test Day 2 at Wellington: Scores and updateshttp://www.firstpost.com

Not something that the home side would like to hear

Sorry to say that the radar indicates a worsening situation.

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) December 2, 2017

Weather you like it or not…

Nobody fancies wet wings

I hope those KFC buckets are waterproof

— Rick Eyre (@rickeyrecricket.com on Bluesky) (@rickeyrecricket) December 2, 2017

Well, the clouds have opened up again. Players walk off the field again. Frustrating period this. The rains looks slightly heavier this time, hopefully its a short intervention.

After 13 overs,Australia 31/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 9 , David Warner 21)

Straightaway Broad creates some trouble. Kept Warner thinking till the very end to play or leave at it, gets a bottom edge after Warner decided to leave it at the very end, bounces and goes towards the second slip fielder. Next ball, Warner taps itt in the vacant space created by having a deep point for an easy single. Bancroft takes a quick single once again. Two off it.

Broad back into the attack. Round the wicket to Warner.

After 12 overs,Australia 29/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 8 , David Warner 20)

Before the rain stopped the game for close to seven minutes, Bancroft took a single that hits his pads and rolls on the leg side. Woakes bowls a very full delivery after the rain delay, Warner lets it go under his eyes. The bowler repeats it but Warner doesn’t miss out on the second opportunity as he throws his hands at it to hammer it through covers for a boundary. Eight runs off the over.

Right, then players are back on! The field is cleared with no covers on. Woakes to continue to Warner. Root has deployed a deep point for Warner. Strange, very strange.

Not one, but few expressing similar concerns

Oh dear. England's first 3 seamers pitching new pink ball far too short - not for the first time when England have sent opposition in first.

— Scyld Berry (@scyldberry) December 2, 2017

Here is a tip for the English bowlers, they have certainly been on the shorter side, making look Root’s choice of bowling first a little stupid here

Bowl fuller! #Ashes

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) December 2, 2017

Opps! The play is stopped due to rain. Commentators suggest it is going to be a passing shower. After 11.2 overs Australia 24/0

England’s new ball bowlers have been a little off-colour this morning. Anderson primarily.
Doesn’t seem like he is in complete flow. Barely running in and bowling it too short. Handful of deliveries that asked the Australian openers any kind of questions.

After 11 overs,Australia 23/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 8 , David Warner 15)

Warner plays a crisp shot to begin with for a couple through covers. Anderson doesn’t seem to hit his straps yet. Length has been an issue, he has bowled a couple of good balls in an over but he and Root would like for him to sustain the pressure and not let it loose. Jimmy finishes with three fuller deliveries, which Warner shoulders arms to

After 10 overs,Australia 21/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 8 , David Warner 13)

Woakes keeps it back of a length on the first ball. Bends his back for the second and bangs it in, Bancroft is happy to duck. Gets a thick outside edge but falls safely before rolling towards gully and is beaten on the last ball off the over. Maiden.

After 9 overs,Australia 21/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 8 , David Warner 13)

Anderson has started to find right length. We haven’t seen the batsmen prod or pushing at the ball, Anderson keeps it in the good length area and he has got the left-handed opener flirting with it. Luckily for Australia it doesn’t find the edge. One run off it.

The third Test between India and Sri Lanka is underway. India have decided to bat first at New Delhi. You can follow live updates in the link below:

LIVE Cricket Score, India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test Day 1 at New Delhi: Hosts win toss, elect to bat firsthttp://www.firstpost.com

After 8 overs,Australia 20/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 7 , David Warner 13)

Woakes is right on the money on the first ball. Warner defends it. But as the over progresses Woakes has pulled back the length quite a bit and Warner loves the back of the length delivery, tucks it around the corner with soft hands and runs couple of twos. Easy peasy. Six runs off it.

Bowling change – Chris Woakes replaces Stuart Broad in the 8th over

After 7 overs,Australia 14/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 7 , David Warner 7)

Whenever the bowlers have pitched it up, they have got some assistance, but so far the length by both the bowlers, Anderson specially is questionable. Altering, perhaps faltering on number of occasion. Warner will keep the strike with a single behind square off the inside edge.

After 6 overs,Australia 12/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 6 , David Warner 6)

Broad does brilliantly to stop a certain boundary off the first ball. It was driven nicely down the ground, but he saved a boundary after a delayed start to the over courtesy sight screen issue and Broad missing his run up or probably pulling out of his delivery stride, unsurprisingly the crowd lets him know their disapproval through loud ‘Boos’. Three runs come off it. The openers are doing it cautiously and smartly.

After 5 overs,Australia 9/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 5 , David Warner 4)

Anderson slowly getting into his rhythm, the first hits Bancroft around the box and he is on his clutches. Defends a couple, but bunts the last ball, which deviates into the batsman, to mid on for a quick but a calculated single.

After 4 overs,Australia 8/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 4 , David Warner 4)

Bancroft tucks it on the onside for a couple of the third ball and gets off strike off the fourth. Broad goes round the wicket and bowls two stunning deliveries, Warner has wisely decided not to flirt around with it. The last ball was very close to the off stump but slight away movement and the bounce takes it away, stunning delivery, brave leave.

After 3 overs,Australia 5/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 1 , David Warner 4)

Anderson is getting some movement alright. But still haven’t found his line or length. Wavering at the moment. Australian openers getting their eye in and aren’t really tested early on. Some strong winds blowing around the ground.

FOUR! Touch short and wide and Warner doesn’t require any invite on such deliveries. Gets on top off it and is off the mark as well with a boundary through point.

After 2 overs,Australia 1/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 1 , David Warner 0)

Broad begins with a maiden to Bancroft. Rolls the fingers over to bowl a leg cutter that causes the right-handed opener a little problem hits it round the midriff. Haven’t seen bowlers do that early on in the match, isn’t it always using the new ball all aboput pitching it up.

Oh! Whenever he does he wrecks havoc, can he do it with the Pink ball

Stuart Broad runs in for the second over.

After 1 overs,Australia 1/0 ( Cameron Bancroft 1 , David Warner 0)

Bancroft looks like a seasoned customer, drops and run off the first ball. Some movement early for Anderson as one shapes down Warner’s pads on which he doesn’t get any connection the fifth ball is better delivery, beating him on the outside edge. Warner leaves the last ball carefully.

James Anderson to Cameron Bancroft. Here we go!

England XI: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root, Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, James Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Craig Overton makes debut, comes in place of Jake Ball.

Australia XI: Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon.

Unchanged from the previous Test

The weather is cool, damp and a bit overcast. So the English captain must be relishing looking at it. England wins the toss and opts to bowl first. Lot of talk around the pink ball behaviour specially in the evening conditions, could give England’s seam and swing bowlers greater assistance.

Alrighty then! The first ever day-nighter, the first in men’s Ashes cricket is here as the Adelaide Oval is set to host the first pink-ball Ashes Test, providing Joe Root’s men with an excellent opportunity to draw level in the series.

Hello and Welcome to the coverage of the 2nd Ashes Test at Adelaide. Play starts at 9 AM IST. Follow this space for live scores and updates.