England endured a frustrating day as their first-innings total of 334 was eclipsed by Australia, who closed the day with a 44-run lead at 378 for 6 in a record-setting day-night Test. Missed chances and dropped catches left England under pressure, while Australia capitalised on the opportunities to seize the upper hand.
England added only nine runs to their overnight score, with captain Joe Root standing resolute on 138 not out from 206 deliveries. He struck 15 fours and a six, sharing a resilient 70-run partnership with Jofra Archer for the ninth wicket that helped the team reach 264 for 9. Mitchell Starc was the star for Australia, claiming six wickets to finish with the best figures of the innings.
Australia began their reply strongly. Openers provided a solid 77-run foundation before Head was dismissed for 33 in the ninth over. Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne then combined for a 69-run partnership, with Labuschagne scoring 65. The team lost another wicket prior to the lunch break but maintained momentum.
Cameron Green and Steve Smith strengthened Australia’s position with a 95-run fourth-wicket stand. Green contributed 45 runs before being dismissed, while Alex Carey survived a reprieve thanks to a dropped catch by Ben Duckett. Smith, however, fell for 61 immediately after Carey’s escape.
England’s fielding lapses continued, with three more catches missed, allowing Australia to consolidate their advantage. Josh Inglis was dismissed for 23, but Carey and Neser then put together an unbeaten 49-run partnership to close the day. Australia’s 378 for 6 represents the highest single-day total in a day-night Test, while both teams combined for 387 runs during the day—another record in the format.
Key statistics from Day X
| Team | Score | Notable Partnerships | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 334 & +9 | Root-Archer 70 (9th wicket) | Joe Root 138* |
| Australia | 378/6 | Green-Smith 95 (4th wicket) | Mitchell Starc 6 wickets |
| Combined runs | 387 | N/A | N/A |
England now face an uphill battle as they look to recover from Australia’s strong position, with missed opportunities and fielding errors proving costly. Australia’s batsmen have set the tone, and unless England can regroup and take early wickets in the second innings, the momentum firmly rests with the visitors.