Each of Australia's top five batsmen made valuable contributions, with David Warner (66), Steven Smith (85*), and Travis Head (77) playing exceptional innings. Their performances have put England in a challenging situation, where a draw, which Ben Stokes does not prefer, may already be the best possible outcome. The game faced interruptions when two protesters carrying the message 'Just Stop Oil' entered the outfield and came close to covering the pitch.
Stokes and Jonny Bairstow played a part in dealing with the situation, with Bairstow even escorting one protester to the boundary. Surprisingly, the brief delay seemed to work in Australia's favor. Warner showed his class with a lively knock of 66 from 88 deliveries before getting dismissed after lunch. Australia's only loss in the morning session came in the final over when Usman Khawaja (17) misjudged a Josh Tongue delivery, resulting in his stumps being shattered.
Warner also fell victim to Tongue, who produced an unplayable inswinger that toppled his leg stump. This brought Smith to the crease, partnering with Marnus Labuschagne. Early on, England thought they had Smith's wicket when Stuart Broad's delivery seemed to touch Bairstow's gloves, but replays confirmed no contact with Smith's outside edge. Smith, who later reached 9,000 runs in Test cricket, took advantage of the reprieve.
Smith and Labuschagne built a solid partnership of 102 runs for the third wicket until Labuschagne was dismissed for 47, edging an Ollie Robinson delivery behind the stumps. Head then joined Smith at the crease and took an aggressive approach, smashing a ruthless 77 off 73 balls, including 14 fours. However, Joe Root's two wickets in an over halted Australia's momentum.
After Head was stumped, new batsman Cameron Green endured a brief stay, getting dismissed for a three-ball duck by James Anderson. Nevertheless, Alex Carey (11*) steadied the ship alongside Smith, guiding Australia to a strong position at the close of play, just shy of complete control.
