The Ashes | Journalist who interviewed Dawid Malan tests positive for Covid-19

The Ashes | Ollie Robinson tries a hand at spin bowling; watch video

England pacer Ollie Robinson tried a hand at spin bowling during the fourth day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Australia who had been in cruise control in this encounter before getting some hiccups in the first session of the penultimate day as they lost three wickets during the course. James Anderson provided England with the first breakthrough as he castled Michael Nesser for 3. Later, Stuart Broad joined the show as he scalped the wicket of Marcus Harris for 23 while Ollie Robinson had the priced wicket of Steve Smith for 6, leaving Australia at 55/4. But it was Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head who scripted a fine comeback for the side as the two stitched an unbeaten stand of 79 runs before the conclusion of first session. Labuschagne was at 31* while Head was not out for 45 with Australia at 134/4, leading by 371 when the Dinner Break was taken. Earlier, England were bowled out for 236 in reply to Australia’s 473/9 (D) in the first innings.

The Ashes | 2nd Test | Day 4: England pick early wickets before Labuschagne, Head provide resistance

England bowlers had a brilliant start to the proceedings on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide as they scalped early wickets in the first session. Beginning the day at 45/1, the home side was in cruise control after having a lead of 282 but the England bowling unit and especially James Anderson and Stuart Broad troubled the batsmen early. Anderson provided the visitors with the first breakthrough of the day after he cleaned up Michael Nesser for 3 and Broad joined the party with the wicket of Marcus Harris in the very next over. Harris was undone for 23 after Jos Buttler held on to a fine catch. Later, Marnus Labuschagne and stand-in captain Steve Smith tried to steady the ship as the two batters almost played 10 overs before Ollie Robinson bagged the priced wicket of Smith for just 6 runs. The right-hander was caught by Buttler, leaving Australia at 55/4. Labuschagne was then joined by Travis Head in the middle and the two batsmen provided the much-needed resistance to the side. At the time of writing, they had already stitched a stand of over 50 runs for the fifth wicket.

The Ashes: Adelaide Test impacted by Covid-19 after member of broadcast crew returns positive result

The second Ashes Test in Adelaide was once again impacted by the Covid-19 after a member of the broadcast crew returned a positive result as part of the regular testing. There was no impact on the game as the clash between the two sides began as scheduled on Day 4. In a statement, the venue said, "SA Health are aware and we have begun to trace and notify this person’s close contact. In accordance with our pre-planning we undertaking a deep clean of the relevant areas and are facilitating alternative facilities for relevant officials as required.” Talking about the match, Australia were in command at the start of the penultimate day after bundling out the opposition for 236 in reply to 473/9 (D) in the first innings on the third day. Australia were 45/1, leading by 282 at the start of the fourth day but Stuart Broad and James Anderson struck early to remove Marcus Harris and Michael Nesser in the first session, reducing the home side to 48/3. Harris was sent back in the hut for 23 while Nesser was undone for 3. The visitors had earlier suffered another batting collapse as only Joe Root and Dawid Malan showed some resistance. Both the batsmen struck individual fifties during the course of the first innings. Australia are presently leading the five-match series 1-0.

The Ashes | Root misses start of Day 4 after being struck in abdomen during throwdowns

England captain Joe Root didn’t take the field at the start of Day 4 of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. The right-handed batter was struck in the abdomen during throwdowns during warm-up and was being assessed by the medical team. It has not been a good outing for the visitors in their tour Down Under as they were once again on the back foot after the conclusion of the third day. Australia were batting at 45/1, leading by 282 at stumps, on course to put up a mammoth total for England to defend. Earlier, on the third day, the English batting order was rattled by the Australian bowling unit after they suffered a middle-order collapse yet again. Only Root and Dawid Malan showed some resistance as the two struck individual fifties during the course of the first innings while Ben Stokes chipped in with 34 before the team was bundled out for 236 in reply to Australia’s 473/9 (D). Mitchell Start returned with a four-wicket haul while Nathan Lyon picked up three to guide Australia in the absence of senior pros like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Cameron Green once again had a good time in the office picking up a couple of wickets to his name. The home side is presently leading the five-match series 1-0.