Ashes Series: England v Australia - First Test (Day 3) at Trent Bridge

Controversy as Stuart Broad refuses to walk

England 215 and 326-6 lead Australia 280 by 261 runs.

England batted their way to a healthy 261 run lead over Australia in their second innings but it was Stuart Broad who sparked controversy. Broad quite clearly edged behind to the keeper but refused to walk off. Instead, the umpire missed the edge and gave Broad not out, much to the Australian's bewilderment. Ironically, Australia had used up all their reviews for the innings and could not appeal the decision. Broad then went on to make an unbeaten 45* with Ian Bell (95*) at the close of play. It was a good day for English batting as Pietersen and Cook continued their partnership in the morning session. However, two quick wickets saw them both dismissed in the space of 10 minutes. Bairstow and Prior contributed small contributions before Bell and Broad increased England's lead to 261 runs with two days left.

My Opinion:

Stuart Broad was quite right to stand his ground. He claimed to genuinely not realise that he had edged the ball behind. However, replays showed that there was a blatant edge. With the introduction of the referral system, this is bound to happen more frequently as players know that technology is involved. This could very possibly see the end of walking in cricket. Australia were quite rightly bemused by the situation but you can't use up your reviews at every opportunity, otherwise this could happen again. Ian Bell played brilliantly and will look to convert the hundred tomorrow. The game looks to be in England's favour with their lead of 261 runs. Australia will be looking to limit the damage whilst England will look to set a high target to chase.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:

11.26: 97-2, 50 for Pietersen off 120 balls.
11.36: 100-2, Cook 38*, Pietersen 53*.
11.47: 112-2, 100 partnership between Cook 46* and Pietersen 58*.
11.55: 116-2, lead by 51, Cook 47*, Pietersen 60*.
12.00: 121-3, Pietersen 64 (150), 12 fours, bowled by Pattinson.
12.06: 123-3, 50 for Cook off 164 balls.
12.11: 131-4, Cook 50 (165), 6 fours, caught Clarke, Agar.
12.46: 150-4, lead by 85 runs.
13.03: Lunch, 157-4, Bell 20*, Bairstow 13*, lead by 92 runs.

Afternoon Session:

14.15: 174-5, Bairstow 15 (62), caught Haddin, Agar.
14.57: 203-5, Prior 16*, Bell 47*.
15.13: 218-6, Prior 31 (42), 6 fours, caught Cowan, Siddle.
15.31: 223-6, 50 for Bell off 127 balls.
15.41: Tea, 230-6, Bell 56*, Broad 1*.

Evening Session:

16.18: 252-6, Broad 15*, Bell 59*.
16.53: 271-6, 50 partnership between Bell 67* and Broad 25* off 113 balls.
17.27: 297-6, Broad not given out although there was a clear edge, Australia have no reviews left.
17.30: 301-6, Bell 81*, Broad 37*.
18.07: 318-6, 100 partnership between Bell 89* and Broad 45*.
18.23: Close of Play, 326-6, Bell 95*, Broad 47*, England lead by 261 runs.

Player of the Day: Ian Bell, scoring an invaluable 95* runs to give England a healthy lead.

Bowler of the Day: Ashton Agar for taking two wickets.

Batsmen of the Day: Ian Bell for an unbeaten knock of 95 runs.

Disappointment of the Day: Not seeing a full on fight after Broad refused to walk.