Fifth Ashes Test, (day two of five)

England 346 all out (112.3 overs): Root 83, Malan 62, Cummins 4-80

Australia 193-2 (67 overs): Khawaja 91*, Warner 56, Smith 44*

SYDNEY – Australia laid a platform from which they can take control of the final Ashes Test against England on the second day in Sydney. Usman Khawaja’s unbeaten 91 took the home side to 193-2, 153 behind.

Khawaja shared stands of 85 with David Warner, who made 56, and an unbroken 107 with captain Steve Smith, ominously placed on 44 not out. England earlier moved their overnight 233-5 to 346 all out in an action-packed morning session.

After Dawid Malan fell for 62, Moeen Ali chipped in with 30 before some edging, swiping and the occasional meaty blow brought Tom Curran 39 and Stuart Broad 31.

Pat Cummins, bowling with hostility, ended with 4-80, but he and Josh Hazlewood were both guilty of awful dropped catches off Curran and Moeen respectively.

Australia, who have already sealed the Ashes and lead the series 3-0, are looking to extend England’s winless run down under to 10 Tests.

On a pitch that remains excellent for batting, albeit showing consistent signs of turn, they have the opportunity to get up to and beyond the tourists on Saturday.

Agencies