England consummates the great cricketing show in front of the Oval crowd as the hosts take control of the last test match of the Ashes 2023. England’s batsmen, Joe Root, and Jonny Bairstow, constructed a 110-run partnership on Day 3. Joe Root would be disappointed after missing out on a well-deserving ton after getting dismissed on 91 runs. Stuart Broad all of a sudden announced his retirement.
England made 389 runs, losing 9 wickets, and they have a lead of 377 runs. England will come to bat again on Day 4 with just one wicket left, which includes James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Top Performer of the Day
England starts the day with a positive intent and clarity in their minds. Zak Crawley, who is the top run-getter so far in this series, once again provides the much-needed start to his team. He continued the Bazball approach with his co-opener Ben Duckett, who got out after scoring 42. Zak Crawley made 73 runs in 76 balls with a strike rate of 96.
Joe Root played a fantastic innings that put England in the driving seat. Root scored 91 runs in 106 balls at a strike rate of 85.8 and hit 11 fours and 1 six. However, he was unlucky as the ball delivered by Todd Murphy kept low, got the inside edge of Root’s bat, and hit the stumps.
England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow also played a significant knock of 78 runs in 103 balls, with a strike rate of 75.7 and 11 fours. He got caught behind on the delivery of Mitchell Starc. Jonny Bairstow looked comfortable throughout his innings.
England’s Favorite to Win This Match
With Australia 2-1 up in the series, England is taking the right steps to level the series at 2-2. They haven’t changed their approach of bazball and sticks, sticking to it. Australia had the opportunity while they were batting, but they lost it to gain a big runs lead. Now, while bowling, they haven’t taken wickets upfront, which could cost them dearly and jeopardize their dreams of winning and lifting the Ashes in England after 22 years.
One big news that shocks the English fans is the sudden retirement announcement of English veteran Bowler Stuart Broad, who just completed 600 wickets in test cricket. He announced his retirement at the end of the day’s play by going to the broadcasters and sharing the news in front of Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton.
Stuart Broad left his legacy behind and said, “It’s been a wonderful ride… I’ve had a love affair with Ashes cricket, and I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in the Ashes. I don’t think I will leave the game with any regrets… It’s been awesome,” while talking to the local broadcaster, Sky Sports Cricket.
What to Expect on Day 4
Well, first things first, expect a round of applause at the start of play on day 4, as Stuart Broad, who will come to bat tomorrow one last time, will receive a standing ovation at the Kia Oval Stadium, turning it into a theatre. England fans are all geared up to give farewell shouts in the stadium to their HERO.
Australia is now so behind in this game that it will take the utmost efforts from the visitors to even at least save this test match, forget about winning it. Chasing around 400 in the 4th innings is not everyone’s cup of tea, and England will be eyeing to end the series on a high for themselves and their fans. Speaking of fans, Broady’s fans ready with the handkerchiefs?
Also Read: Ashes 2023: Steve Smith And Aussies’ Tail-enders Save The Day For Australia