The Australian opening pair started day two where they had left off the day before. Free-flowing strokes around the wicket kept the scoreboard ticking over, and England's bowlers looked lost. They had tried six bowlers – Fraser, Malcolm, Botham, Hemmings, Cook, and batsman Atherton – before the breakthrough finally came mid-morning. Geoff Marsh was eventually caught by Botham off the bowling of Cook for 138. His innings had lasted over 7 hours, facing 382 balls and he struck 15 fours. The innings was to remain his all-time test best.