AFTER their Headingley horror show on the second day of this third Test against Australia all but ended their chances of regaining the Ashes, England have at least regained some pride with a battling batting display to take the contest into a fourth day.
Joe Root, England’s captain who had started his second innings on a pair, led from the front, reaching stumps on an unbeaten 75 and with hopes of at least claiming a 17th Test century.
While that may not be enough to help his team chase down an England-record 359 and stay in with a chance of winning this series, it would at least quieten talk surrounding the future of his captaincy after his team’s humiliating capitulation to 67 all out in their first innings.
Alongside Root at the end of day three was Ben Stokes, a man who knows he can manufacture miracles after his runs in that barely-believable tied final against New Zealand at Lord’s last month secured England the World Cup.
The pair, with Stokes scoring two off 50 balls, at least saw out the day after Joe Denly’s gutsy 50 that might yet save him from being dropped was terminated by Josh Hazlewood 45 minutes before the close.
The equation going into the final day, though, is still unlikely for the hosts. Set 359 to win, they need a further 203 with seven wickets remaining.
That would represent a record run chase for England, whose current highest successful pursuit remains the 332-7 they managed against Australia at Melbourne in 1928.
They can, at least, still dream by perhaps reminding themselves of the Test here two years ago when a Shai Hopeinspired West Indies chased down 322.
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin August 25, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin August 25, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
