Ashes 2017/18, 4th Test, Day 2: 5 things we learnt from the day

Alastair Cook's 32nd Test century and a 112-run partnership with Joe Root put England in a dominant position on day 2 of the fourth Test after Stuart Broad & Co. wreaked havoc to bow Australia out for 327. Broad picked up four wickets as Australia struggled to find runs on day 2. Their lower order also struggled after Tom Curran sent back Steven Smith early in the day.

In reply, Nathan Lyon pouched a superb return catch to dismiss Mark Stoneman and Hazlewood had Vince but Australia had little else to celebrate the whole day as Alastair Cook dug in and made some crucial runs for England. The visitors, probably for the first time this series, dominated a whole day and appear to be in a good position to take lead on day 3.

#5 Broad reaps rewards

Broad was ineffective right through the series but came back strong on day 2

Stuart Broad had been a shadow of his Trent Bridge self in Australia, almost inconspicuous amidst the fury the Australian seamers were unleashing. But on day 2, Broad awoke from his slumber and bowled with much more menace. He had Shaun Marsh trapped in front with a ball that straightened off the deck and put Australia on the back-foot.

But Broad wasn't done. He sent back Jackson Bird and the resilient Pat Cummins to ensure there was no late order fight from the Aussies, a norm in this series. He ended up with four wickets in the innings as the session belonged to England.

#4 Steven Smith and debutants

Steven Smith for once couldn't convert his half-century

Smith has had a tryst with debutants in this series. He had been cleaned up by Craig Overton in the previous Test after he took a jab at the youngster about his pace. Ironically, it was extra pace on the ball that proved to be Smith's undoing that time around. Here at MCG, Tom Curran, who had bowled extremely well but without luck on day 1 nipped out the skipper.

Curran's half tracker kind of delivery got stuck into the two-paced wicket and Smith was early on the pull. He chopped the ball onto his sticks at 76 to end his tenure at the crease much to the relief of the English who have been tormented by him this series.

#3 Cummins' rare first innings failure

Cummins has been an all-rounder right through the series.

42, 44, 41 read Cummins' scores in the first innings of the first three Tests of the Ashes. If he had hoped to convert his fourth first innings knock into a half-century, he was hard done by. Stuart Broad was in a rampaging mood and had him caught in the cordon for a paltry 4. It came as a huge relief for England, who had struggled against the quick bowler's secondary skills.

Right through the series, Cummins has been a thorn in England's attempt to wipe through the lower order and has more than strengthened up Australia's tail. With Mitchell Starc missing, Cummins batted one position higher (no.8) than his three forties in the series which he made at no.9. That ought to be it! Or so Australia would hope.

#2 Nathan Lyon plucks another beauty

Lyon has made it a habit of pouching stunning catches

Nathan Lyon's full-stretch, air-borne one-handed return catch would forever remain a symbol of Ashes 2017/18 but he added one more to his tally on day 2 of the fourth Test when Stoneman took him on only to find the leading edge that went to the right of Lyon.

Although not as stupendous and outrageous as the one he caught earlier in the series, this was tough and required quick reflexes. But 2017 has been Lyon's year and he did his best to make it better with a stunning catch.

#1 Alastair Cook finds his feet

England's opener finally found some runs after a dry series thus far

Alastair Cook managed to shake off the rust, put his fear of Australia's short balls behind him and churned out a fabulous century. He ended the day by smashing a four to reach his ton giving him a century at each of Australia's five major Test venues. Cook's return to form is a relieving sign for England who have had a deplorable series.

The southpaw appeared much more positive in his stride, played some pristine shots all around the wicket and defended with much more authority than he had done all series. In Joe Root, he found a stable partner and the duo resurrected England after two early wickets to ensure they end the day on a good note.