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 61-1 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.