ENG VS AUS TESTS

That concludes the proceedings from the Gabba Test. Australia have taken an early lead in the series and also pocketed 12 crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship. Adelaide Oval will host the second Ashes Test (day-night), starting on Thursday, 16th December 2021. The first ball will be at 2.30 pm local (4 am GMT) but you can join us in advance for the build-up. Cheers!

TRAVIS HEAD IS THE MAN OF THE MATCH! Says that the support staff and Pat Cummins gave him the clarity and it's great to contribute. Feels it's a great starting point for them as a team. Adds that the stand of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne set him up and he took a lot from the way Jos Buttler batted. Talking about his hundred and celebration, Travis replies that the emotions were high and he loved every moment of it. On Nathan Lyon picking up his 400th Test wicket, Head is all praise for the off spinner and says that he came back beautifully and stayed tough. Head is looking forward to returning home and playing a Test match in Adelaide.

Pat Cummins, the victorious captain of Australia, says that he really enjoyed the experience of leading the team and feels that a lot of things went right for him, right from the toss. He is very proud of everyone and considers it to be a complete performance. Appreciates the partnership between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne and also praises the knock of Travis Head. Tells that during England's fightback on Day 3, Australia bowled without much luck and he was happy to see that everyone was positive and didn't think too much apart from getting the breakthroughs. Regarding Travis Head, Cummins replies that's why they want him in the side as he can take the game away in quick time. Further says that Head has a bright future ahead. On Josh Hazlewood not bowling much on Day 3, Cummins informs that he was a little bit sore, so they didn't want him to break as this is a long Test series. Regarding the fitness of David Warner, Pat tells that he has pulled up well and will be good to go for Adelaide.

Joe Root, the skipper of England, starts by admitting that it's frustrating as they worked really hard to get themselves back in the game. Adds that they knew it was important to try and get through the second new ball safely but they failed to get past the initial period. Mentions that the pitch had sideways movement and the cracks were also visible and it's a shame they didn't put up a fight with the bat. On his decision to bat first, Root replies by saying that it's easy to look at things in hindsight and adds that they have variations in their bowling attack to navigate through different gears. Root points out that they didn't start well with the bat and tells that they know where they need to improve. Wants his team to relish the challenge to go out there and get one back. Talks about the positives and says that the bowling effort was commendable. Signs off by saying that they need to learn from this experience and come back stronger.

Presentation time...

A fruitful captaincy debut for Pat Cummins! He picked up a fifer on Day 1 to set the tone for this Ashes and the knocks of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head made sure that Australia build on the start provided by their bowlers. There were minor hiccups but the Australian lower order stuck around to form crucial partnerships and in a way that turned out to be the difference between the two sides. After gaining a hefty lead and also picking a couple of early English wickets, Australia were put to a stern test on Day 3, once the ball got old, but they showed great character to bounce back and seal the deal.

One swallow doesn't make a summer! After scoring just 147 runs in the first innings and conceding a lead of 278 runs, one big partnership was never going to be enough for England. Joe Root and Dawid Malan showed great grit and determination to keep Australia at bay on the third day but things unravelled rather too quickly this morning. Nathan Lyon's much-awaited 400th Test wicket arrived in the shape of Dawid Malan's wicket early on Day 4 and from there on the English innings went downhill.

That's an emphatic win for Australia to take the lead in the series. They will be very satisfied with their overall performance in this Test match. After losing against India last time around, the Aussies have redeemed themselves at a venue famously known as the Gabbatoir.

FOUR! There it is! Marcus Harris scores the winning runs for Australia! Fuller in length, outside off. Harris gets low and drives it behind square on the off side to collect a boundary. Harris fist-pumps and Australia win by 9 wickets!

Marnus Labuschagne walks in next. Just 4 needed more for Australia. Mark Wood to bowl now...

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ollie Robinson gets his man and it won't be a 10-wicket win for Australia. Ollie Robinson keeps probing around off, on a length and nipping away a bit, Carey doesn't show much footwork as he looks to poke at it and gets a faint tickle towards Jos Buttler. He takes a simple catch.

Robinson goes fuller again, around leg. Marcus Harris flicks it to deep square leg and collects a run.

Good-length ball, on off. Marcus Harris blocks it to mid-wicket.

Full ball, darted on the pads. Carey clips it towards the deep backward square leg fielder and rotates the strike.

Nicely done! Short of a length, just outside off. Marcus Harris stays back, rides the bounce well and punches it past the point fielder. The fielder at point chases it down and the batters take three runs.

Good-length delivery, around middle. Marcus Harris blocks it out watchfully.