Cook leads England response at MCG

England’s good second day against Australia in Melbourne continued as Alastair Cook looked in fine form.

Alastair Cook looked in good form as England made a bright start in response to Australia’s first-innings 327 in the fourth Ashes Test.

Cook, who has struggled as the tourists gave up the urn, was unbeaten on 37 at tea on day two in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The opener’s score is already his equal highest of the series as England reached 72-1, still trailing by 255 runs on a flat MCG pitch, with James Vince (17) alongside Cook.

Nathan Lyon (1-19) took a brilliant one-handed return catch to dismiss Mark Stoneman (15) in the only breakthrough for Australia.

Alistair Cook looking the most comfortable he has all series. Timing the ball beautifully.

He is on 34 not out. Vince 10. Eng 1/61 trailing by 267. #Ashes

— Macquarie Cricket (@MRNCricket) December 27, 2017

 

The lack of pace and somewhat variable bounce of the wicket appears to be troubling batsmen, but the day has belonged to England.

Australia lost 67-7 to finish their innings earlier in the day, having looked on track for a huge total.

England took five wickets in the first session and another two shortly after lunch as Pat Cummins (4) and Lyon (0) fell.

With 4-51, Stuart Broad finished with his best Test figures of the year.

Cook hit five fours before tea with Lyon removing Stoneman, who had also looked untroubled before his dismissal.

In a further worry for Australia, Cummins (0-8) is battling an upset stomach and seemed below his best.