Ashes 2021-22: 1st Test, Day 3 – Joe Root, Dawid Malan keep England alive
With two days left in the first Ashes Test, Australia are still in the driver’s seat. The hosts have mostly been in command in the match at The Gabba in Brisbane and at the close of play on Day three, they are leading by 58 runs. However, England have seemed to be staging a strong comeback.
Joe Root and Dawid Malan’s rear-guard action in the last two sessions have given the visiting team some breather. The Three Lions, in their second innings, have scored 220 for the loss of two wickets. It remains to be seen if the visitors can carry on with the good work even in the fourth day’s play.
Here are the 3 talking points from Day’s play
Australia’s enormous first-innings lead
At the close of play on Day 2, the Aussies had amassed a significant lead of 196 with three wickets left in their first innings. On Day 3, the hosts’ tail wagged as Australia lifted their lead up to as high as 278. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon scored 12 and 15 runs respectively. But the most significant knock came from Mitchell Starc, who made 35 off 64. Travis Head’s masterful 152-run knock shone brightly as well.
Travis Head maintains the momentum
One hundred and fifty! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/jW7RMoC0yn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 10, 2021
Travis Head was one of the primary reasons behind Australia taking a massive lead. At the close of play on Day 2, he stayed unbeaten on 112. On Day 3, he carried on from where he left off. Head went on to score 152 off 148 balls with the help of 14 fours and four sixes. He was also involved in an 85-run stand for the eighth wicket with Starc. He was the last wicket to fall in the Aussie innings after Mark Wood castled him.
Joe Root make amends after a nine-ball duck
Joe Root had a torrid time in England’s first innings as Josh Hazlewood got rid of him for a nine-ball duck. However, the Three Lions’ skipper, well and truly, made amends in the second innings. He came to bat with the Brits trailing by 187 runs and eight wickets in hand. Root played until the end of the third day’s play, staying unbeaten on 86 off 158 with 10 fours. He was also involved in an unbeaten 159-run stand with Dawid Malan.
