Josh Hazelwood celebrates a wicket with his team mates yesterday as Australia close in on another win. Australia had declared at 662 for nine after lunch, their highest ever Ashes total at home, with captain Steve Smith finally dismissed for 239 from 399 balls. "I think we’re in a pretty good position obviously," Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood told local radio, after dismissing both of England's openers. Australia lost three wickets for 12 runs in the mini-collapse but wicketkeeper Tim Paine (49 not out) and Pat Cummins (41) steadied the home side with a 93-run stand. With England desperate for a captain's knock, Root joined Vince in the middle and the pair added 31 runs to prompt a bowling change.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 17, 2017 19:07 UTC