Ashes 1st Test, Day 3, Talking Points – Australia roar back before rain stops play
The ‘moving day’ of the Ashes 2023 opener witnessed another engaging contest between bat and ball at Edgbaston before rain spoiled the fun for the spectators. Australian batters, Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey, came out with a positive outlook, eating their way through to England’s first innings’ score.
However, the veteran James Anderson opened the floodgates for the home side after dismissing Carey with a peach of a delivery. Australian skipper Pat Cummins played a handy cameo with the bat as the Aussies almost matched England’s run tally.
After pocketing a slender first-innings lead, England openers, quite uncharacteristic of their recent approach, were watchful against the new ball. However, a slight rain break coupled with strong winds and overcast conditions came to the aid of the Aussies, who managed to scalp both openers in the space of four deliveries, leaving England two down for 28 at stumps.
Here are the talking points from Day 3 of the 1st Test
Ben Stokes’ inspired field placements
The surface at Edgbaston has not offered much to the pacers in terms of sideways movements. Australia looked comfortable with Khawaja and Pat Cummins building a healthy partnership in the middle. That is when English skipper Ben Stokes decided to make things happen after setting a unique field for the southpaw. His plan paid dividends as Khawaja departed after being frustrated by the close-in fielders. England made quick work of the tail to wrestle back the momentum in the morning session.
Moeen Ali’s woes
It hasn’t been a happy return to the Test arena for veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali as he was quite expensive on the second day. The third day turned even worse for the Englishman as he had trouble gripping the ball due to a huge blister on his finger. Moeen, who hasn’t played any red-ball cricket in the last couple of years, struggled in the morning session and eventually walked off the field. His injury could prove to be a turning point in the game, as the pitch has something to offer to the slower bowlers.
Rain spoils the fun
While the Aussie bowlers won’t be complaining about the rain interruption as it helped them bag two important wickets, the match lost almost 43 overs on the day. Those overs could prove pivotal in the series opener, especially with England in a spot of bother in their second innings. But one thing is certain, the home side, as they have done in the recent past, won’t go down without a fight.
