That’s not bad going at all. The pair at the crease have 10 fours (Duckett 6, Bethell 4), and Australia is mixing up the attack to try and break the spell (who would have thought there’d be a spell). Green and Neser both have a go, and the latter ALMOST has Duckett on 38 as Green makes the dive from second slip, only to put it down. Would have been a better chance for Smith at first slip, if not for Green diving in front of him.
There’s a pause in play in the 15th over for a concussion test after a ripper from Green clatters into Bathell’s helmet. He seems OK, insofar as he’s wearing a grin as he goes through the motions with medical staff. It’s deemed he is, indeed, OK, and he faces the final ball of the 15th over.
England 1-77 (Duckett 39, Bethell 27) after 16 overs
Jacob Bethell is hit on the helmet by a delivery from Cameron Green.Credit: Getty Images