Hazlewood gives Aussies the edge

Manchester: Rory Burns (81) and Joe Root (71) hit half-centuries but Josh Hazlewood dismissed both of them in quick succession to give Australia the edge on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

England ended the day at 200/5 with 297 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 497/8 declared. Hazlewood picked up four wickets for 48 runs to seal the day’s honours. Earlier, Burns, with England captain Joe Root, led the hosts’ fightback. Rain meant there was no play before lunch and, as a result, the second session was extended to two hours and 50 minutes. England resumed on 23-1, with left-handed opener Burns 15 not out and nightwatchman Craig Overton three not out. Overton had added just two to his score when the ninth ball of the day saw him edge a full-length, rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood to second



slip, where Steve Smith held a waist-high catch.

Burns, who scored a century in the first Test, cover-drove Mitchell Starc for a resounding four. And when left-arm fast bowler Starc, playing his first match of the series, sent down a friendly full toss, Burns steered it through point for another four. There were more cheers from the crowd when Root clipped Pat Cummins for four. Burns, taking advantage of several loose deliveries from Starc on a relatively placid pitch, led the way as Root found his form.

A back-foot drive for four off Starc and a steered boundary to third off the paceman saw Burns complete a 100-ball fifty including seven fours.

Brief Scores: Australia 497/8d vs England 200/5 (Rory Burns 81, Joe Root 71; Hazlewood 4/48).