Manchester Test: Steve Smith double century, Australia high score

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On the third double century of Steve Smith’s career, Australia declared their first innings for 497 runs at the loss of eight wickets on the second day of the fourth Test match of the Ashes series released at Old Trafford ground. By the end of the day’s play, England had scored 23 runs in their first innings at the loss of one wicket.

Pat Cummins caught Joey Denley at the total score of 10 and left England with a good start. Stumps, however, Rory Burns 15 and Craig Overton stand for three runs. England is still 474 runs behind Australia.

Australia have declared on 497/8 after some late hitting from Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc!

England's new-look opening pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly will face a tricky 40-minute spell tonight. Can they survive to the close?

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Steve Smith scored 211 runs in 319 balls with the help of 24 fours and two sixes. This is his third double century in Tests. Before this, he has also scored two double centuries against England. Smith became the fastest batsman to complete 26 centuries in Test cricket after Don Bradman. Smith completed 26 centuries in 121 innings, while Bradman had scored 26 centuries in just 69 innings.

Smith became the victim of England captain Joe Root in the third season of the day. Smith was dismissed as Australia’s eighth wicket on a total score of 438. After them, Mitchell Starc washed the England bowlers. Stark returned unbeaten on 54 off 58 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten with Stark scoring 26 runs.

Smith’s captain Tim Paine has done well and the two shared 145 runs for the sixth wicket. On the basis of this partnership, Australia had scored 369 runs by losing five wickets until tea time on the second day. Penn, however, fell victim to Craig Overton in the third season of the day. The captain scored 58 runs off 127 balls with the help of eight fours.