Ashes 2021-22: Jos Buttler plucks one-handed stunner to send back Marcus Harris

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler grabbed a stunner to see the back of Marcus Harris on the fourth day of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. In the 20th over, Broad delivered one angled into Harris, cajoling him to poke the ball that took his edge and flew to Buttler, who dived full length to his left to pluck a blinder.

Buttler has had a mixed bag of an encounter behind the stumps in Adelaide, as he dropped a couple of sheer sitters in the first innings on the opening day to reprieve Marnus Labuschagne after unfurling a Super Man-esque effort – interestingly involving the same set of players as Harris had edged Broad behind. On that occasion, though, Harris had miscued a pull, with Buttler diving to his right to cling onto a one-handed screamer.

Meanwhile, Australia, who opted against enforcing follow-on despite having tumbled out England for 236 after declaring 473/9 in the first innings, were rocked early in the first session of the fourth day with veteran James Anderson and Broad hunting in a pack. The hosts made a nervy start to the day as nightwatchman Michael Neser nearly ran himself out on just the first ball of the day before putting in a desperate dive to survive.

However, Neser did not survive too long, with Anderson crashing one through the gates only a couple of balls before Broad struck to send back Harris. Fresh from a nervous 90 in the first innings, Steve Smith fell cheaply too, thanks again to a diving Buttler behind the stumps. The stand-in Australia skipper tried to work Ollie Robinson on the leg side but could not manage anything more than a bit of glove. Buttler dived to his left this time and completed another sensational take to end Smith’s outing.

Despite the early strikes on the fourth day, England continue to be well on the backfoot, as Australia have swollen their lead well past 300. On a surface not becoming easy to bat with time progressing, Australia must certainly be smelling victory already. They currently lead the series 1-0, after winning the opener in Brisbane by nine wickets.