Athers on Cook's century, runs for Root, and a great day for England...
Wednesday 27 December 2017 09:33, UK
Steve Smith gave Alastair Cook two belated Christmas gifts and he cashed in to complete one of his most "fluent" tons, says Michael Atherton, after day two at the MCG.
Watch Athers' review in the video at the top of the page as he looks at how Smith dropping Cook on 66 at slip and then bringing himself on in the final over of the day with the England opener on 93 allowed the left-hander to secure a 32nd Test century and fifth against Australia.
Michael says Cook's second ton of 2017 was a "phenomenal effort" as he put his struggles in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to one side with a fine innings, one which saw England close on 192-2 to trail Australia by just 135.
Cook and Joe Root (49no) shared an unbroken third-wicket stand of 112 following the dismissals of Mark Stoneman (15) and James Vince (17) as England backed up bowling Australia out for 327 after lunch.
Athers reckons England are now in a "good but not great position" with the ball starting to reverse...
Head to skysports.com every day of the Ashes Tests for Athers' video reviews.
