Harry Brook briefly brought Bazball back to life with an audacious counterattack, smashing Mitchell Starc over cover for a flat-batted six, stepping down the track and taking the fight to Australia just when England were in deep trouble.
However, that lone flash of intent came in the middle of a dramatic collapse. England lost four wickets for just 16 runs, sliding from early hope into serious strife. Earlier in the innings, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Zak Crawley and Joe Root were all removed cheaply, with Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc exploiting the movement on offer at the MCG.
Brook’s six off Starc stood out as England’s first real statement of intent, but it also underlined the desperation of the situation rather than a shift in momentum. With Ben Stokes walking in next, England were left needing resistance, not bravado, as Australia continued to dictate terms after bowling out the hosts for 152.
