Ashes 2019: 3rd Test – Australia seize 2nd day after English collapse
All expert opinions fell flat on the second day of the Third Test at Headingley as the home side crumbled to 67 all out. Australia built on the advantage and finished the play with effectively being ahead by 283 runs. The visitors are placed in the driver’s seat leading into the third day.
Also read: WI vs IND: 1st Test – Jadeja fifty, Ishant five-for put India in command on Day 2
Collapse kings
The opening day of the Test witnessed only 52.1 overs with rain playing the villain. The overcast conditions were perceived to be the enemy of Australian batting. So when bright sunshine greeted the English fans on the second day, there was a feeling about it being a batting day. However, all such hopes were dashed once England came out to bat.
Jason Roy’s miserable struggle at the opening spot continued, he fell for nine. Root was dismissed seven balls after but again, this was not anything unexpected. It was Rory Burns’ wicket that was the first signal of what was about to come. The Aussies trapped him by sending down regular short balls.
Joe Denly and Ben Stokes tried resurrecting the defence with the highest partnership of the innings, 14 runs. Denly eventually became the top scorer with a tally of 12 while Stokes perished by chasing a wide delivery. James Pattinson accounted for both. The situation turned grimmer with each wicket’ fall. England were ultimately shot down for 67, their lowest total in Ashes after 1952.
Josh Hazlewood returned with the figures of 5/30 while Pat Cummins (3/23) and Pattinson (2/9) played the supporting roles. Nine of ten English batsmen were caught behind the wickets. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine and David Warner at first slip took eight catches in total. 67 at Headingley is the fourth time England has been skittled below 100 runs since 2018.
Labuschagne does Smith’s duty
Australia’s third innings began with another pattern – Stuart Broad dismissing Warner, fourth such instance in six innings. Apart from the opener, every other Australian batsman got a start but fell before making a substantial contribution. By the end of the day, it was Steve Smith’s replacement, Marnus Labuschagne who delivered another half-century for the team. He is not out 53 with Australia placed at 171/6.
The greatest worry for England on the third day will be the fitness of Jofra Archer who walked off in the middle of an over due to hamstring issues. Ben Stokes had to bowl more than a fair share of overs.
Brief scores, Day 2:
Australia 179 & 171/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 53*, Matthew Wade 33; Ben Stokes 2-33, Stuart Broad 2-34) lead England 67 (Josh Hazlewood 5-30) by 283 runs.
