England closed out a frantic day at The Oval 389-9 on the third day of the fifth Ashes test against Australia. The tourists have already retained the urn, but got a thorough chasing from an England side piling up runs at gobsmacking speed. Australia were bowled out for 295 at the end of day two and were given quite the examination today.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put up 79 in a thrilling partnership for the first wicket. The former top-scored with 73 at the top of the order while Duckett added 42 during his time at bat. Ben Stokes made 42 after promoting himself to number three. England rebounded from his loss with Joe Root falling just short of a superb century, leaving with 91 to his name.
Jonny Bairstow’s partnership with Root added 110 in less than 25 overs. The 33-year-old went for 78 in a tidy innings. Root went after a slashing one straight at a grateful Pat Cummins at mid-on. Australia pounced quickly and Harry Brook was dismissed too. But the visitors failed to capitalise and England soon found a pleasing rhythm once more.
England were unable to turn the screw though. Chris Woakes went tamely, sending a half-hearted chip to mid-off for Usman Khawaja to claim. But still, England are in a fine position. The lion’s share of the credit for that comes down to that fine Root and Bairstow partnership. Crawley and Duckett set the table early and the home side rarely let up from there.
Late in the day, Moeen Ali was caught at third man before Mark Wood slogged one straight to Mitchell Marsh in deep. England were getting a bit carelessly even if their lead was arguably large enough to allow it.
England’s performance today was enough to make you mourn what could have been had Old Trafford not been drenched so thoroughly. The Ashes urn is staying Down Under no matter what happens. But England are making a real contest of this and day four is all set to fascinate.
