On Day 3 of the 4th Ashes test match, England brought their A-game against the Aussies, as the hosts completely controlled the game. They left Australia in a position where it is very likely that England could win this test by an innings. Jonny Bairstow remains not out on a score of 99. Jonny Bairstow unleashed an attack on the opposition.
In reply to Australia’s 317 runs, England scored 592 runs in just 107 overs with a sparkling run rate of 5.5. England gained a lead of 275 runs, and it will take the utmost effort from the visitors to overcome this lead. The day belonged to Jonny Bairstow, with some quite handy contributions from his teammates as well.
Top Performer Of The Day
England’s wicketkeeper, Jonny Bairstow, rubs salt into the wounds of Australia as he scored an unbeaten 99 runs in merely 81 balls. The Australian players were left absolutely dazed by the flag bearer of bazball. He didn’t give Pat Cummins time to think about how to stop the flow of runs.
In his innings with a strike rate of 122.2, he smashed 10 fours and launched the ball into the sky 4 times. Unfortunately, Bairstow was left stranded on 99 as James Anderson failed to survive against Cameron Green. Jonny Bairstow has joined Steve Waugh as one of the two batters to have been left stranded on 99 in Ashes tests, with Steve Waugh’s occurrence happening in Perth in 1995.
England’s Captain, Ben Stokes, reaches his 30th half-century in tests. His impressive knock comes to an end on the delivery of Australian captain Pat Cummins, who uprooted the stumps of the rival captain. Moreover, another fifty was made by England’s middle-order batsman, Harry Brook. He got out on a pull shot, with the top edge of his bat connecting with the short delivery from Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Starc was waiting at the boundary line to grab the clear catch.
After enduring much carnage on day 2, England sought to add some final touches. Ben Stokes unleashed Mark Wood from his arsenal in the second innings against Australia. Mark Wood poured cold water on the good looking opening partnership developed by David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
Mark Wood dismissed Usman Khawaja on the score of 18 runs and took the most important wickets of Steven Smith and Travis Head. Mark Wood also unlocked a new milestone, reaching 100 test wickets in just his 30th match.
From Australia’s P.O.V, no one could stand tall against the dangerous English batsmen, but if we were to name one, Josh Hazlewood was the one who achieved his 10th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His bowling figures in the first innings were 27-2-126-5.
England Footslogging Towards a Big Margin Win.
After gaining a lead of 275 runs, England’s captain must be delighted by the bazball approach from his teammates. This day reminds us of the bazball-like batting display of the England team, which they showcased on the very first day of the first test of this Ashes series. The difference is that Ben Stokes didn’t declare the innings today even after attaining the massive lead, instead, he waited until the last wicket fell.
England needs 6 more wickets to wrap up Australia’s innings who are trailing by 162 runs, which is not a difficult task from here, as the big wickets Steven Smith and Travis Head are back in the dug out. Marnus Labuschagne did manage to survive the day, but he must be feeling the heat of not getting big scores under his belt.
What to Expect on Day 4
Old Trafford’s weather didn’t quite cooperate for Day 4 and Day 5, as rain is predicted to interrupt the course of the game. However, England wants a minimum of 30 odd overs from here to get Australia bundled out. England fans must be praying for clear skies and want their team to make the series 2-2.
For Australia, a lot depends on Marnus Labuschagne and how long he will be able to hold the end. He’s not in the typical form that we used to see on Australian grounds, but we know the caliber he has in him. He needs to stay on the crease, and his primary job is to form a long-lasting partnership either with Mitch Marsh or Cameron Green and Alex Carey. Hoping for a rain-less day of test cricket.
ALSO READ: Ashes 2023: Zak Crawley And Joe Root Completely Demolish Australia On Day 2