HEADINGLEY NOTEBOOK: Curses for Aussie spin wizard Murphy and things have gone south for Root

Key wickets late in the day helped put England in with a chance of staying in contention in the Ashes series in their must-win third test, Australia finishing a thrilling day two on 116-4 with a second-innings lead of 142.

More heroics from captain Ben Stokes single-handedly got England within 26 runs of Australia’s first innings total after a big-hitting 80, the hosts skittled out for 237.

Despite losing the early wicket of David Warner for one, to Stuart Broad for the 17th time in the veteran bowler’s test career, Australia, who lead the series 2-0, looked to be in control and coasting towards generating a commanding lead.

But the cheap wickets of experienced duo Marnus Labuschagne (33) and Steve Smith (2) dragged England back into the match, before first innings centurion Mitchell Marsh steered Australia through to the close of another gripping day of Ashes action.

Mail Sport takes a look at the things you might have missed in Yorkshire during the second day. 

Australia’s Todd Murphy felt the full force of the Headingley crowd on Friday

Curses for Aussie spin wizard Murphy

Todd Murphy said he was braced for the most hostile ground in England upon returning to international cricket this week. 

The west stand didn’t disappoint, either, serenading the Australian off-spinner with ditties like: ‘You’re just a s*** Nathan Lyon,’ ‘You’re just a s*** Harry Potter!’ And: ‘Voldemort is coming for you!’

Family matters for Smith

Steve Smith’s father Peter was not present to witness the start of his son’s 100th Test appearance due to ill health, a matter of days after his mother Gillian left Lord’s early following taunts directed towards her by English supporters. 

Smith Snr came to public attention five years ago due to the deeply moving moment he placed his hand on the shoulder of the then-Australian captain, who was sobbing during a press conference in which he apologised for the ball-tampering scandal.

Root loses top spot

Things have gone south for Joe Root since the Ashes headed north. 

The Yorkshireman spent the first two Tests of the series as the world’s No 1-ranked batsman but lost that position before nicking the second ball of the second day of this match. 

Such is the logjam at the top of the rankings that Root went from the summit to fifth in the latest changes, while Kane Williamson oddly assumed top spot despite being inactive and out injured for the remainder of 2023.

Southgate receives selection advice 

Sir Geoffrey Boycott is as famous for his forthright opinions on cricket as for a first-class playing career of more than 100 hundreds. 

He is passionate about football too, meaning he didn’t pass up the opportunity to advise England manager Gareth Southgate, a TMS guest on the first day, on who he ought to be picking for the national team during qualification for Euro 2024.

Big-hitting Stokes moves ahead

Ben Stokes has now struck 33 per cent more sixes than any other current Test player, having taken his career tally to 123. 

Next on the list is New Zealand tail-ender Tim Southee with 83. 

From an all-time perspective, Andrew Flintoff is second to Stokes among England players with 82.

The Canberra Raiders mocked the England cricket team during their match on Friday

NRL side mock Bairstow dismissal

Breaking news. Humour has landed Down Under, yet it still took an Englishman to deliver the punchline.

On Friday, at around the time that Bradford-born Jonny Bairstow was dismissed in Leeds, Bradford-born Elliott Whitehead was at the centre of a new try celebration by Australian rugby league team Canberra Raiders in Sydney. 

The re-enactment of the controversial Alex Carey stumping early in the 36-26 win at St George Illawarra Dragons featured Whitehead leaving a ball delivered by try-scorer Jordan Rapana, and comically wandering forward as his team-mates appealed.