By Michael Berriman
England were in chaos at 43-3 earlier today but a superb partnership from Joe Root and Gary Ballance swung the test back in their favour by this evening.
Adam Lyth fell for six in the second over before Alastair Cook was dismissed playing a poor shot against Nathan Lyon and Ian Bell – who has struggled for runs all year – was sent back to the pavilion having scored just one after receiving a beauty of a delivery from Mitchell Starc.
With England fans fearing the worst, Gary Ballance and Joe Root produced a gutsy partnership to guide the hosts to 190-3 at tea.
Joe Root is just seven short from his century after being dropped at the start of his innings by Brad Haddin.
Gary Ballance has gone at a slower rate but his stubborn 59 from 218 balls has in many ways been as crucial as Root’s 93.