Cook carries bat for England in MCG Test

Melbourne [Australia]: England opener Alastair Cook carried his bat to become the first player to do so at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He also now has the record for a Test opener carrying his bat through an innings.

Cook who remained unbeaten at 244* at stumps on Day 3 did not get a chance to bat on Day 4 as pacer James Anderson was dismissed by Pat Cummins of the first delivery of the day to conclude England’s first innings at 491.

The thirty-three-year-old also became the first England batsman to carry his bat in a Test in 20 years after Mike Atherton did so against New Zealand in 1996-97.

At the close of play, Australia were 103 for the loss of two wickets of opener Cameron Bancroft (27) and batsman Usman Khawaja (11).

David Warner (40*) and captain Steve Smith (25*) were at the crease before rain stopped play.

Australia now trail by 61 runs with 8 wickets in hand.

The home side is already 3-0 in the five-match series.(ANI)