"I certainly like him in there as early as possible": Josh Hazlewood welcomes Joe Root at No.3

NICK HOWSON AT HEADINGLEY: The seamer took 5-30 including the wicket of the England captain to a second-ball duck on a frenetic day in Leeds

Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood hopes England continue to persist with Joe Root at No.3 after his dismissal triggered the hosts' worst Ashes score since 1948.

Despite being rolled for 179 on day one, the tourists took a major step towards retaining the urn by bowling England for just 67 - the 12th lowest total in their red-ball history.

Root is in his fourth sustained spell at No.3, where he averages 53.37, but Hazlewood admits it works in Australia's favour for him to come in early.

"I certainly like him in there as early as possible," he stated. "They follow him a little bit. He is the leader, he is the captain and he's got the best average. He is their best batsman going by the numbers. 

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"If we can get him then they can be vulnerable at times, like any other team if their best batter is out. You feel a bit more relaxed about your business."

Though Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson pursued a nagging length under blue skies, the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer were dismissed in tame fashion as England's batting frailties were exposed again.

Many of the dismissals are born out of England insatiable desire to keep the scoreboard ticking over, playing right into Australia's hands.

"They're all great one-day cricketers and some are great Test players so they love to feel bat on ball especially in that middle order," added Hazlewood.

"If we can dry up the runs and force a mistake - we saw a couple today - then that is fantastic. I always love the scoreboard going nowhere and pick up a couple of quick wickets."