England’s innings wrapped up early. Nevertheless, that tenth-wicket stand of 70 showed three things. One: when he applies himself, Joe Root is a master batsman. Australia never even looked like getting him out. Two: Jofra Archer has rare talent for a number 11. He has underachieved thus far with the bat in his chequered life, but the all-rounder’s mantle was always a possibility. His 38 was a fine knock. And three: this is a largely docile wicket. Yes, there are cracks. The odd ball flies off a length. But the pink ball gets soft quickly, and it might be a long day in the sun for England.
Contrary to all expectations, Head and Wetherald began with three maidens. Thereafter they began to open out. Truth to tell, Head was not himself. It may be that opening is not his best place after all. He was dropped on three: a high catch which Smith muffed, and first slip was unable to drag in. When Carse held one back a trifle Head whacked it skyward for the easiest of catches. Nevertheless his 33, from an opening stand of 77, was a decent effort.
But the star of the afternoon was Wetherald. His stance at the crease makes it appear he is understudying Charles Laughton in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Yet this is not necessarily a design flaw. Was not Gilbert Jessop known as The Croucher? He, Head, and Labuschagne made hay while the sun shone. At the tea-break the score was 1/130. From 21 overs, if you please. Bazball? Not in the least. The awful truth is that, Archer aside, the bowlers sprayed the ball everywhere and were pitilessly punished. Hi-tech bats, shorter boundaries, and venturesome batting have transformed Test cricket. Why: yesterday Rachin Ravindra made a run-a-ball 176 at Hagley Oval. As a knowledgeable spectator once remarked at Bridgetown: If you short or full today, you going to get paint.’ England were both, and paint, or a version thereof, they got.
After the break England tidied up their line and length to an extent, although Carse was still bleeding runs at a terrifying rate. Stokes’ damage report was barely better. Archer’s second spell was exemplary, if down a little in pace. There was nothing whatever wrong with the swinging yorker which pinned Wetherald in front for an excellent 72. Smith emerged, endlessly fidgeting as is how wont, and managing to appear to be in diabolical trouble without ever in fact being so. Labuschagne continued to hit the ball high, wide and handsome until he fanned at a wide one from Stokes and nicked behind. Green came out and played punishingly through the off whenever England overpitched. By the adjournment the home side was was 3/228, with still a great deal of work to do. For the third time in the match a session produced 2/98, which you would generally classify as a tied contest. Someone will have to go on with it.
With the shades of evening descending the much-dreaded night-time session began. Australia would have been happy to have two set batsmen in the 20s. But Stokes was in something of a dilemma. His spearhead Archer had already bowled twelve overs. He would need to be held back for later. Stokes himself had bowled eleven. The initial assault would have to come from the frugal Atkinson. And Jacks? His single over had cost thirteen. Yet he was picked at least partly for his bowling, and would surely have to be entrusted with a few more overs.
As it happened, Stokes went with Archer first up. And again later on. For someone whose match fitness has been so often questioned, Jofra strove with might and main for twenty overs in the heat and humidity. England could have asked no more of him. Yet Green and Smith did as they pleased, putting on 91 in 19 overs without unduly exerting themselves. Then Stokes threw the ball to Carse and told him to bowl Bodyline with deep catchers out. His first over cost 17 runs. Yet Green outsmarted himself by backing well away from the stumps to a fast yorker. Bodyline bowling is the last word in ugly cricket. Yet as long as it keeps working England will keep trying it on. Immediately Smith glanced in the air whereupon Jacks took a fine diving catch. Suddenly Carse had three wickets. His figures at stumps read 17/1/113/3. Readers may decide for themselves whether this constitutes success or otherwise.
Inglis went on with the job, coming in unfashionably late at No.7. He made a brisk 23 and lost his stumps to Stokes. Wth the home side six down England was storming back into the contest. Yet their four-man pace attack was all but exhausted. So were the fielders. Four of the five catches that went down were late in the day. Some were easy, some very difficult. Fatigue, and difficulty picking up the pink ball in the gloom, doubtless played their part. And England were faced with Carey at his most belligerent, and Michael Neser in front of his home crowd. They put on 49 at a fast clip, and are still together at stumps. Australia’s lead is 44. They will want a good deal more yet. The pitch is a little up-and-down already. By and large, it was Australia’s day.