Ashes 2015 - lunch report: England extend lead to 331 runs before putting Australia back in to bat

Report after the first session on day two of the Fourth Test

Michael Clarke of Australia walks from the ground after England declared (GETTY IMAGES)

England extended their lead to 331 runs against Australia on the second morning of the Fourth Test. In doing so they lost five wickets, joyously added 117 to their overnight total and 20 minutes before lunch declared at 391 for 9.

Australia, all out for 60 in a historic first innings, survived three overs albeit precariously, as David Warner was beaten four times in an over by Stuart Braod. They were 14-0.

ASHES LIVE: Follow the latest news on day two of the fourth test

The batting hero of the opening day, Joe Root, added only six runs to his overnight 124 before becoming one of Mitchell Starc’s six victims. But England were given early impetus by the nightwatchman, Mark Wood, who enjoyed himself thoroughly in carving and driving Mitchell Johnson.

Although Starc, swinging the ball both waysle at full length, also removed him with a ball that uprooted leg stump, England were not be confined. Jos Buttler hit three boundaries before Starc found another clinical, full length delivery which burst through his defences.

Although Ben Stokes was snaffled down the leg side off Josh Hazlewood, to leave England at 332 for 8 there was to be yet more anguish for Australia. Moeen Ali played a blissfully unfettered innings of 38 from 24 balls in a blazing ninth wicket stand of 58 from 46 balls with Broad.

Hazlewood’s first over with the second new ball went for 20 runs including a pulled six by Broad and although Moeen was wonderfully caught by Steve Smith flinging himself to his left at third slip there was little cause for Australian celebration.