Ashes 2019: 1st Test – Contest on knife’s edge at the end of Day 3

The 1st Test of the 2019 Ashes has lived up to all the hype. There has been some exciting and quality cricket on display. Yet, with all three results possible, we are no closer to finding out who will end up taking a series lead.

Steve Smith once again poses the biggest threat to England. The hosts have a simple task, get rid of Smith and win the contest. But it is easier said than done. The former skipper looks comfortable on the crease, unbeaten on 46. Along with Travis Head, he is trying to extend Australia’s narrow lead, which stands at 34. With a susceptible lower middle-order ahead, the onus will be on Smith to lead Australia’s charge.

Woakes and Broad add misery

The Australian bowlers started the day well with a couple of early breakthroughs. But the partnership between Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad proved to be a thorn in the flesh for the Aussies. Their 65-run stand meant England managed to extend a lead that ideally should have not crossed the 50-run mark. In a game of fine margins, the cameos by Woakes and Broad could well prove to be the difference at the end.

Smith’s Ashes act to Australia’s rescue

Australia again got off to a poor start, with the openers failing to contribute much to the cause. Warner could only score 8, while Bancroft perished on 7. This exposed the Australian middle-order quite early in the contest. Khawaja and Smith then embarked on a rebuild job, and their partnership of 48 calmed the nerves. Khawaja looked settled and played some lovely strokes. But his knock came to an end when he was caught behind by Bairstow off the bowling of Stokes. Head then joined Smith at the crease, who looks in good touch as well. The onus now lies on the two batsmen who are settled on the crease to extend Australia’s lead as a fascinating Day 4 approaches.