England were in a commanding position at 219/3, along with a lead of 36 runs, thanks to a 102-run partnership between Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, reviving the visitors’ batting from 117/3. However, things went haywire after Harry Brook’s dismissal, as quick wickets for Beau Webster and a calamitous run-out triggered a collapse in the middle-order, leaving England in a position of vulnerability despite holding a slender lead at the SCG.
After Brook’s dismissal at 219/4, England were reduced to 297/8 with dismissals of Will Jacks (0), Jamie Smith (26), skipper Ben Stokes (1), and Brydon Carse (16), losing four wickets in 78 runs, allowing Australia to claw their way back into the contest, while putting England under pressure.