Dec 27, 2021: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and wicketkeeper Alex Carey fought for half an hour on Monday, the second day of the third Ashes Test in Melbourne, to frustrate England and push the hosts to a slim lead over tea.

Green, not out 12 and Carey on nine, helped Australia creep to 258 with 9 wickets down after England’s first innings of 185, creating a slim lead with Seamers Ollie Robinson and James Anderson took 2 and 4 wickets respectively.

England rallied with three wickets in the morning, which limited Australia to 131 for four by lunch.

Robinson caught nightwatchman Nathan Lyon on a score of 10 before Wood caught dangerous man Marin Labuschagne in the slips for a run by Root.

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who had put down a difficult one-handed catch on Steve Smith while on five in the morning, bungled a hot stumping chance to reprieve Harris on 63 when the batsman charged at Leach.

Captain Joe Root eschewed the full-pace attack, set conservative fields and started with spinner Jack Leach, who gave up six runs in his first over. Mark Wood further reduced the pressure on the hosts by conceding 10 in the next over.

Anderson came back into the attack after drinks and removed Harris for 76, cramping the opener with a sizzling delivery that induced a thick edge to Root.

Green and Carey then constructed a watchful 20-run partnership to put the pressure back on the England camp, whose morning was disrupted by a COVID-19 scare. Two England support staff and two of their family members tested positive for COVID-19, forcing a half-hour delay to the start of play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the entire camp waited to be cleared after taking rapid antigen tests.

Anderson was rewarded with a brilliant morning spell.

Australia, who have a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after wins in Brisbane and Adelaide, could hold on to the trophy with a draw in Melbourne.

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