England rue losing toss after another batting collapse

England have failed to reach 300 in the series, with their highest first-innings total 236 in the second Test at Adelaide

Recalled England batsman Jonny Bairstow lamented Joe Root’s loss of the toss after the touring side were again bowled out cheaply on day one of the third Test against Australia to leave their Ashes hopes on a knife-edge.

Sent in to bat on a grassy Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch on Sunday, England were skittled for 185, with captain Root (50) alone able to produce a half-century against the hosts’ attack.

England have failed to reach 300 in the series, with their highest first-innings total 236 in the second Test at Adelaide where they lost by 275 runs.

“When you look at the toss that obviously didn’t go our way,” Bairstow told reporters.

“We’d have also looked to bowl in that first session.

“We’re still searching for that big score but both teams were looking to bowl first on that pitch this morning with the help of the conditions and a tinge of green.”

Trailing 2-0 after also losing in Brisbane, England need to win in Melbourne to keep the five-Test series alive.

Australia, meanwhile, need only a draw to retain the urn.

“People have analysed techniques and game plans as to what’s the best way of scoring runs but at the end of the day it does come down to spending time out in the middle.”