Being asked to bat first on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, Australia were in a spot of bother at 85 for 4 in Leeds, Headingley. With Mark Wood (5 for 34) and Stuart Broad removing the Aussie top-order, the onus lied on Mitchell Marsh, on Test return after 2019, and Travis Head. The duo stitched a memorable 155-run fifth-wicket stand as Marsh's 118 inspired a spirited comeback from the Aussies.

While Pat Cummins-led Australia folded for 263, being 240 for 4 at one stage, after Marsh's 118, the right-hander played a superb knock on his Test comeback. After the opening day's play, the 31-year-old all-rounder, who replaced an injured Cameron Green, reflected on his knock and stated that he worked really hard to control his nerves.

<h2>'Worked really hard to control my nerves'</h2>

"It was pretty amazing, I'm still lost for words. In the past my nerves have really got the better of me and I've worked really hard to control them. I think it's the first time I've been dropped in Test cricket and you always need some luck, it was my day," Marsh said while speaking to BBC Sport.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc23-indias-full-schedule-at-2023-odi-world-cup-after-sri-lanka-netherlands-enter-main-draw-612970">CWC'23: India's full schedule at 2023 ODI World Cup after Sri Lanka, Netherlands enter main draw</a>

After Wood's five-fer, England came out to bat in reply to Australia's 263 and ended the day's play at 68 for 3 with Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow in the middle. Marsh chipped in with the ball as well and removed Zak Crawley (33) and will be eager to contribute with the ball on Day 2 of the third Test on Friday (July 07).

With Australia on the verge of winning their first away Ashes series since 2001, Marsh will be desperate to make an all-round contribution and take his side to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. For England, they need to bat really well on the second day to stand a chance to take a sizeable lead and dictate terms from there on.

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Being asked to bat first on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, Australia were in a spot of bother at 85 for 4 in Leeds, Headingley. With Mark Wood (5 for 34) and Stuart Broad removing the Aussie top-order, the onus lied on Mitchell Marsh, on Test return after 2019, and Travis Head.

Being asked to bat first on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, Australia were in a spot of bother at 85 for 4 in Leeds, Headingley. With Mark Wood (5 for 34) and Stuart Broad removing the Aussie top-order, the onus lied on Mitchell Marsh, on Test return after 2019, and Travis Head. The duo stitched a memorable 155-run fifth-wicket stand as Marsh's 118 inspired a spirited comeback from the Aussies. While Pat Cummins-led Australia folded for 263, being 240 for 4 at one stage, after Marsh's 118, the right-hander played a superb knock on his Test comeback. After the opening day's play, the 31-year-old all-rounder, who replaced an injured Cameron Green, reflected on his knock and stated that he worked really hard to control his nerves. 'Worked really hard to control my nerves' "It was pretty amazing, I'm still lost for words. In the past my nerves have really got the better of me and I've worked really hard to control them. I think it's the first time I've been dropped in Test cricket and you always need some luck, it was my day," Marsh said while speaking to BBC Sport. Also Read: CWC'23: India's full schedule at 2023 ODI World Cup after Sri Lanka, Netherlands enter main draw After Wood's five-fer, England came out to bat in reply to Australia's 263 and ended the day's play at 68 for 3 with Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow in the middle. Marsh chipped in with the ball as well and removed Zak Crawley (33) and will be eager to contribute with the ball on Day 2 of the third Test on Friday (July 07). With Australia on the verge of winning their first away Ashes series since 2001, Marsh will be desperate to make an all-round contribution and take his side to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. For England, they need to bat really well on the second day to stand a chance to take a sizeable lead and dictate terms from there on. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves'

England have their back against the wall in Ashes 2023. After conceding a 2-0 lead, they started the third Test, at Leeds, Headingley, with a bang on Thursday (July 06). Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Ben Stokes &amp; Co. rode on Mark Wood's excellent spell, 5 for 34, to dismiss Australia for 263 before going to stumps at 68 for 3.

While England would have surely wanted to not lose more than a wicket, they also conceded extra runs&nbsp;-- despite Australia being all-out for a moderate 263 -- due to dropped catches. Joe Root, England's former captain, and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow&nbsp;dropped some big chances on Thursday. It is to be noted that England have been ordinary on the field with 15&nbsp;chances being wasted (14 catches, one stumping)&nbsp;in the ongoing Ashes. On Day 1 of the third Test, they dropped four catches&nbsp;including Root giving a reprieve to centurion Mitchell Marsh (118) when he was batting on 12.

<h2>'You're thinking 'don't come to me, don't come to me'</h2>

Thus, former England captain-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain lashed out at Stokes &amp; Co. for their woeful fielding standards in Ashes 2023, which might cost them the series. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain pointed out, "It's like a virus, it spreads through the team. I'm not just talking about in a day, it's in a series - you lose it, you get hard hands."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-3rd-test-centurion-mitchell-marsh-recalls-day-1-heroics-says-worked-hard-to-control-nerves-612986">Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves</a>'

Hussain further highlighted, "The greatest catchers I played with were Mark Waugh and Nick Knight, and they had soft hands. Jonny Bairstow will know he should be taking that, Joe Root will know he should be taking that - these are not difficult chances, but now it's spreading like a virus."

"You're thinking 'don't come to me, don't come to me', when in the field you should be wanting every ball to come to you," he added.

England's catching has once again come under scrutiny. During the 2021/22 Ashes, in Australia, Root-led England were ordinary on the field which led to their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Pat Cummins &amp; Co.&nbsp;

At present, England are on the back foot in their first innings in reply to Australia's 263. They need to get their act together in all departments to prevent the Aussies from retaining the urn and also winning their first away Ashes since 2001. Currently, a series defeat looks likely for the Three Lions.

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England have their back against the wall in Ashes 2023. After conceding a 2-0 lead, they started the third Test, at Leeds, Headingley, with a bang on Thursday (July 06).

England have their back against the wall in Ashes 2023. After conceding a 2-0 lead, they started the third Test, at Leeds, Headingley, with a bang on Thursday (July 06). Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Ben Stokes & Co. rode on Mark Wood's excellent spell, 5 for 34, to dismiss Australia for 263 before going to stumps at 68 for 3. While England would have surely wanted to not lose more than a wicket, they also conceded extra runs -- despite Australia being all-out for a moderate 263 -- due to dropped catches. Joe Root, England's former captain, and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow dropped some big chances on Thursday. It is to be noted that England have been ordinary on the field with 15 chances being wasted (14 catches, one stumping) in the ongoing Ashes. On Day 1 of the third Test, they dropped four catches including Root giving a reprieve to centurion Mitchell Marsh (118) when he was batting on 12. 'You're thinking 'don't come to me, don't come to me' Thus, former England captain-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain lashed out at Stokes & Co. for their woeful fielding standards in Ashes 2023, which might cost them the series. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain pointed out, "It's like a virus, it spreads through the team. I'm not just talking about in a day, it's in a series - you lose it, you get hard hands." Also Read: Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves' Hussain further highlighted, "The greatest catchers I played with were Mark Waugh and Nick Knight, and they had soft hands. Jonny Bairstow will know he should be taking that, Joe Root will know he should be taking that - these are not difficult chances, but now it's spreading like a virus." "You're thinking 'don't come to me, don't come to me', when in the field you should be wanting every ball to come to you," he added. England's catching has once again come under scrutiny. During the 2021/22 Ashes, in Australia, Root-led England were ordinary on the field which led to their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Pat Cummins & Co. At present, England are on the back foot in their first innings in reply to Australia's 263. They need to get their act together in all departments to prevent the Aussies from retaining the urn and also winning their first away Ashes since 2001. Currently, a series defeat looks likely for the Three Lions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'It's spreading like a virus': Nasser Hussain rips apart England for dropped catches in 3rd Ashes Test

On Thursday (July 06), Steve Smith became the 15th Australian and 75th player overall to enter the 100-Test club during Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, at Leeds, Headingley. Smith, who started as a leg-spinner, is one of the legends of the modern-day game who has redefined his career as one of the greatest batters -- especially in the purest format of the game. He has over 9,000 runs (9,113) in whites at an average of nearly 60 with 32 hundreds.&nbsp;

Smith has been Australia's go-to-batter over the years and played an integral role in their success in the longest format. With him achieving the 100-Test milestone, Australian captain Pat Cummins lauded Smith during the coin toss of the third Ashes Test in Headingley.&nbsp;"For Smith, his 100th game. Huge, the standard he's set, averaging almost 60 is incredible," Cummins said after Ben Stokes-led England opted to bowl first in the third Test.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stop-concentrating-on-india-vs-pakistan-shaheen-afridi-says-winning-cwc23-is-babar-cos-main-aim-612604">Stop concentrating on India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi says winning CWC'23 is Babar &amp; Co's main aim</a>

Smith has been in good form in the ongoing English summer. He made a brisk 121 versus India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) -- where Cummins &amp; Co. won by 209 runs -- and while he struggled in the Ashes 2023 opener, he returned with 110 and 34 in the second Test at Lord's. As Australia have a 2-0 lead and is on the verge of winning their first away Ashes since 2001, Smith will be desperate to score a daddy hundred in the ongoing third Test and help his side retain the urn with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.&nbsp;

After being asked to bat first, Australia had a tough start in the third Test. While David Warner departed for 4, Usman Khawaja's stumps were rattled by Mark Wood who also dismissed Marnus Labuschagne. Australia is now dependent on Smith to keep the scoreboard moving and take his side out of troubled waters.

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On Thursday (July 06), Steve Smith became the 15th Australian and 75th player overall to enter the 100-Test club during Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, at Leeds, Headingley.

On Thursday (July 06), Steve Smith became the 15th Australian and 75th player overall to enter the 100-Test club during Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, at Leeds, Headingley. Smith, who started as a leg-spinner, is one of the legends of the modern-day game who has redefined his career as one of the greatest batters -- especially in the purest format of the game. He has over 9,000 runs (9,113) in whites at an average of nearly 60 with 32 hundreds. Smith has been Australia's go-to-batter over the years and played an integral role in their success in the longest format. With him achieving the 100-Test milestone, Australian captain Pat Cummins lauded Smith during the coin toss of the third Ashes Test in Headingley. "For Smith, his 100th game. Huge, the standard he's set, averaging almost 60 is incredible," Cummins said after Ben Stokes-led England opted to bowl first in the third Test. Also Read: Stop concentrating on India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi says winning CWC'23 is Babar & Co's main aim Smith has been in good form in the ongoing English summer. He made a brisk 121 versus India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) -- where Cummins & Co. won by 209 runs -- and while he struggled in the Ashes 2023 opener, he returned with 110 and 34 in the second Test at Lord's. As Australia have a 2-0 lead and is on the verge of winning their first away Ashes since 2001, Smith will be desperate to score a daddy hundred in the ongoing third Test and help his side retain the urn with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. After being asked to bat first, Australia had a tough start in the third Test. While David Warner departed for 4, Usman Khawaja's stumps were rattled by Mark Wood who also dismissed Marnus Labuschagne. Australia is now dependent on Smith to keep the scoreboard moving and take his side out of troubled waters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023 | He has set high standard: Aussie captain Pat Cummins lauds Steve Smith for 100th Test milestone

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia.

It came after the visitors -- who must win in Melbourne -- were rocked by four positive Covid cases in their camp, although no players were among them.

Australia were all out for 267, earning an 82-run lead on England's first-innings 185 on an MCG pitch that was still offering plenty for the bowlers.

Marcus Harris top-scored with a battling 76 against a dangerous English attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson, who was at his fearsome best with 4-33 off 23 overs.

After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.

But faced with surviving the final hour against a revved-up Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, England collapsed again, slumping to 31 for four at the close.

Struggling opener Zak Crawley never looked comfortable and after dodging 15 balls he was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for five off Starc.

Dawid Malan came in but incredibly was out first ball to Starc lbw after an unsuccessful review, then Scott Boland ruined Haseeb Hameed's day on seven, with Carey gloving an edge.

Fired up, Boland bowled Jack Leach without scoring two balls to leave skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 12 and Ben Stokes on two -- and England in deep trouble.

England earlier took their chances with the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne (1) and Steve Smith (16), along with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, before lunch.

Harris (76) and Travis Head (27) surrendered in the second session before England mopped up the rest.

Australia resumed on 61 for one with the maligned Harris, who started on 20, under pressure after a poor series so far.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-22-hapless-england-bundled-out-for-185-as-australia-continue-domination-in-3rd-test-440057">Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes&nbsp;Test</a>

But he hung on grimly as Australian wickets tumbled around him to repay the faith of coach Justin Langer by bringing up only his third 50 in 13 Tests, and his first in two years.

He then fell on 76 with the brilliant Anderson enticing an edge that Root took at slip.

Head, who made a swashbuckling 152 at the first Test in Brisbane, compiled a good-looking 27 before flailing at a probing Ollie Robinson ball, also caught by Root to snap a 60-run stand with Harris.

Covid drama

Play began half an hour late after Covid drama in the England camp, with the team forced to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave for the MCG.

All players came back negative, but two support staff and two family members tested positive.

Coronavirus impacted the second Test at Adelaide with Australian captain Cummins ruled out just before the start for being in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.&nbsp;

When play started, Lyon didn't last, hitting 10 before prodding at a full-length Robinson delivery to Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

Harris smacked an early boundary off Anderson, but was cautious. He survived a review decision on 36 after being given out lbw and a difficult stumping on 63 before his luck finally ran out.

Labuschagne, the new number one Test batsman, had a rare failure, undone by the pace of Mark Wood, edging to Root on one in a massive moment for a resurgent England.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whole-england-set-up-is-under-pressure-vaughan-slams-root-co-after-dismal-show-in-3rd-ashes-test-440128">'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root &amp; Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

Harris was joined by the usually reliable Smith, who made 16 before being bowled by Anderson to leave the match finely poised.

Head also succumbed to the safe hands of Root, off Robinson, then Leach trapped Cameron Green lbw for 17.&nbsp;

Stokes removed Carey, also for 17, before late cameos from Cummins and Starc added valuable extra runs.

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia.

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia. It came after the visitors -- who must win in Melbourne -- were rocked by four positive Covid cases in their camp, although no players were among them. Australia were all out for 267, earning an 82-run lead on England's first-innings 185 on an MCG pitch that was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Marcus Harris top-scored with a battling 76 against a dangerous English attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson, who was at his fearsome best with 4-33 off 23 overs. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders. But faced with surviving the final hour against a revved-up Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, England collapsed again, slumping to 31 for four at the close. Struggling opener Zak Crawley never looked comfortable and after dodging 15 balls he was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for five off Starc. Dawid Malan came in but incredibly was out first ball to Starc lbw after an unsuccessful review, then Scott Boland ruined Haseeb Hameed's day on seven, with Carey gloving an edge. Fired up, Boland bowled Jack Leach without scoring two balls to leave skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 12 and Ben Stokes on two -- and England in deep trouble. England earlier took their chances with the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne (1) and Steve Smith (16), along with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, before lunch. Harris (76) and Travis Head (27) surrendered in the second session before England mopped up the rest. Australia resumed on 61 for one with the maligned Harris, who started on 20, under pressure after a poor series so far. ALSO READ: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes Test But he hung on grimly as Australian wickets tumbled around him to repay the faith of coach Justin Langer by bringing up only his third 50 in 13 Tests, and his first in two years. He then fell on 76 with the brilliant Anderson enticing an edge that Root took at slip. Head, who made a swashbuckling 152 at the first Test in Brisbane, compiled a good-looking 27 before flailing at a probing Ollie Robinson ball, also caught by Root to snap a 60-run stand with Harris. Covid drama Play began half an hour late after Covid drama in the England camp, with the team forced to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave for the MCG. All players came back negative, but two support staff and two family members tested positive. Coronavirus impacted the second Test at Adelaide with Australian captain Cummins ruled out just before the start for being in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case. When play started, Lyon didn't last, hitting 10 before prodding at a full-length Robinson delivery to Jos Buttler behind the stumps. Harris smacked an early boundary off Anderson, but was cautious. He survived a review decision on 36 after being given out lbw and a difficult stumping on 63 before his luck finally ran out. Labuschagne, the new number one Test batsman, had a rare failure, undone by the pace of Mark Wood, edging to Root on one in a massive moment for a resurgent England. ALSO READ: 'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root & Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test Harris was joined by the usually reliable Smith, who made 16 before being bowled by Anderson to leave the match finely poised. Head also succumbed to the safe hands of Root, off Robinson, then Leach trapped Cameron Green lbw for 17. Stokes removed Carey, also for 17, before late cameos from Cummins and Starc added valuable extra runs.

Australia move closer to Ashes triumph as England collapse again in Boxing Day Test

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack.

After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, the visitors must win in Melbourne to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.

But those hopes took a near-fatal blow as Australia ripped through England's flimsy batting, with only captain Joe Root (50) and Jonny Bairstow (35) showing resistance.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, back after missing the second Adelaide Test because he was in Covid isolation, and spin king Nathan Lyon both took 3-36.

Australia then added to England's pain by negotiating 16 overs&nbsp;to be 61 for one at stumps, trailing by only 124 with Marcus Harris not-out 20 despite taking a nasty blow to the finger, and nightwatchman Lyon yet to score.

But on another bad day for England they did bag the big wicket of David Warner, who raced to 38 off 42 balls before sending a thick edge off Jimmy Anderson to Zak Crawley at gully.

After batting collapses and poor bowling in the first two Tests, Root read his players the riot act -- seemingly to little affect. They have failed to score more than 297 in five innings so far.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-james-anderson-shifts-blame-on-batters-after-joe-roots-criticism-of-england-bowlers-439601">Ashes 2021: James Anderson shifts blame on batters after Joe Root's criticism of England bowlers</a>

Openers Haseeb Hameed (0) and Crawley (12) fell cheaply to Cummins after he won the toss and put England in to bat, with their hopes resting once more on Root in front of 57,100 fans at the MCG -- less than expected due to Covid concerns.

He brought up his 53rd Test half-century in his 112th match, but once more failed to convert it into a maiden ton in Australia after a poor shot on 50 to Mitchell Starc.

The visitors wielded the axe after their 275-run defeat in Adelaide with Crawley in for Rory Burns and Bairstow replacing Ollie Pope at number six.

Speedster Mark Wood was recalled after being rested in Adelaide, as was off-spinner Jack Leach, with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad overlooked.

Wearing black armbands to mourn former England captain Ray Illingworth, who died aged 89, Crawley confidently drove Cummins for three in his opening over.

But Cummins struck three balls later with Hameed's torrid tour continuing, out after nicking to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

<h2>Disaster strikes</h2>

Crawley earned his first Test chance since March due to Burns' poor form, but he failed to grab it, finding an outside edge to a rising Cummins ball that Cameron Green superbly caught at gully.

His dismissal for 12 left England at 13 for two with Dawid Malan and Root, the only two English batsmen to pass 50 this series, again on the back foot.

A cautious Malan took 18 balls to get off the mark, but disaster struck just before lunch when he got an edge off Cummins on 14 that carried to Warner at slip. &nbsp;

Root played positively to move past South Africa's Graeme Smith (1,656 in 2008) and into third place for the most runs scored in a calendar year.

But just as he looked set he offered a lazy stroke that took a nick and was taken by Carey, with the England captain livid as he trudged off.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4-major-milestones-indian-skipper-virat-kohli-can-achieve-in-test-series-against-south-africa-440048">4 major milestones Indian skipper Virat Kohli can achieve in Test series against South Africa</a>

After star all-rounder Ben Stokes departed for 25, succumbing to pressure from Green and playing a cut shot straight to Lyon at point, Jos Buttler lasted only 11 balls.

He hit Lyon to debutant Scott Boland, the first Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia since Jason Gillespie.

Boland then took the wicket of Wood, lbw for six, before Bairstow gloved Starc to Green and Australia mopped up the tail.

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack.

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, the visitors must win in Melbourne to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders. But those hopes took a near-fatal blow as Australia ripped through England's flimsy batting, with only captain Joe Root (50) and Jonny Bairstow (35) showing resistance. Australian skipper Pat Cummins, back after missing the second Adelaide Test because he was in Covid isolation, and spin king Nathan Lyon both took 3-36. Australia then added to England's pain by negotiating 16 overs to be 61 for one at stumps, trailing by only 124 with Marcus Harris not-out 20 despite taking a nasty blow to the finger, and nightwatchman Lyon yet to score. But on another bad day for England they did bag the big wicket of David Warner, who raced to 38 off 42 balls before sending a thick edge off Jimmy Anderson to Zak Crawley at gully. After batting collapses and poor bowling in the first two Tests, Root read his players the riot act -- seemingly to little affect. They have failed to score more than 297 in five innings so far. ALSO READ: Ashes 2021: James Anderson shifts blame on batters after Joe Root's criticism of England bowlers Openers Haseeb Hameed (0) and Crawley (12) fell cheaply to Cummins after he won the toss and put England in to bat, with their hopes resting once more on Root in front of 57,100 fans at the MCG -- less than expected due to Covid concerns. He brought up his 53rd Test half-century in his 112th match, but once more failed to convert it into a maiden ton in Australia after a poor shot on 50 to Mitchell Starc. The visitors wielded the axe after their 275-run defeat in Adelaide with Crawley in for Rory Burns and Bairstow replacing Ollie Pope at number six. Speedster Mark Wood was recalled after being rested in Adelaide, as was off-spinner Jack Leach, with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad overlooked. Wearing black armbands to mourn former England captain Ray Illingworth, who died aged 89, Crawley confidently drove Cummins for three in his opening over. But Cummins struck three balls later with Hameed's torrid tour continuing, out after nicking to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Disaster strikes Crawley earned his first Test chance since March due to Burns' poor form, but he failed to grab it, finding an outside edge to a rising Cummins ball that Cameron Green superbly caught at gully. His dismissal for 12 left England at 13 for two with Dawid Malan and Root, the only two English batsmen to pass 50 this series, again on the back foot. A cautious Malan took 18 balls to get off the mark, but disaster struck just before lunch when he got an edge off Cummins on 14 that carried to Warner at slip. Root played positively to move past South Africa's Graeme Smith (1,656 in 2008) and into third place for the most runs scored in a calendar year. But just as he looked set he offered a lazy stroke that took a nick and was taken by Carey, with the England captain livid as he trudged off. ALSO READ: 4 major milestones Indian skipper Virat Kohli can achieve in Test series against South Africa After star all-rounder Ben Stokes departed for 25, succumbing to pressure from Green and playing a cut shot straight to Lyon at point, Jos Buttler lasted only 11 balls. He hit Lyon to debutant Scott Boland, the first Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia since Jason Gillespie. Boland then took the wicket of Wood, lbw for six, before Bairstow gloved Starc to Green and Australia mopped up the tail.

Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Test

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Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves'

'It's spreading like a virus': Nasser Hussain rips apart England for dropped catches in 3rd Ashes Test

Ashes 2023 | He has set high standard: Aussie captain Pat Cummins lauds Steve Smith for 100th Test milestone

Australia move closer to Ashes triumph as England collapse again in Boxing Day Test

Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Test