Robinson was out LBW to Lawson for 12. Robin Smith caught behind by Healy off Alderman for 1. Gooch went next, caught Alderman bowled Lawson for 13, closely followed by Botham, LBW to Alderman for 4. Gower was caught cutting by Marsh at Gully for 15 off the bowling of Lawson, and England were reeling at 59 for 6. Australia smelt a route and were pressing the attack on all fronts with hostile bowling from an almost unplayable Alderman and an up-tempo Lawson. When either of them tired, England's 'relief' came in the form of pure intimidation from Merv Hughes, and Hohns, who was turning the ball well on a fairly even track.