MELBOURNE: England finished the second day of Boxing Day Test at 31/4 before James Anderson’s four wickets helped England dismiss Australia for 267 in the first inning, on Monday.

Australian bowlers fired back at the English batters; taking four wickets for just 31 runs. Joe Root (12*) and Ben Stokes (2*) managed to hold their nerves calm before stumps called on the second day. The two batters will resume the innings for England with a 51-runs deficit.

Earlier, England’s top-order failed again, the opening pair could only add seven runs. Zak Crawley was the batter, who dismissed after scoring just five. Soon after, Dawid Malan dismissed after bagging a golden duck. Haseeb Hameed (7) and Jack Leach (0) also failed to make an impact with the bat.

For Australia, Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc picked two wickets each.

Australian batters, resuming at an overnight score of 61/1, also could not make the most of the provided foundation. Marcus Harris top-scored with his 76 off 189 balls; hitting seven boundaries. The rest of their batters could not go big, and the Aussies, in the end, bowled for 267.

For England, James Anderson starred; picking up four wickets. Ollie Robbinson and Mark Wood each took wickets. Whereas, Stokes and Leach shared one wicket apiece.

READ: Aussie bowlers push England on the back foot in Boxing Day Test