Australia 492-9 declared lead England 247-4 by 245 runs (England lead series 3-0)
Gritty and dogged batting from England saw them close the run deficit down slowly during the third day. Cook and Root continued their steady progress but Harris managed to get Cook to edge behind for 25. Root passed his fifty and with the help of Trott saw England into lunch at 97-1. Lyon was brought into the bowling attack after lunch and it paid off as he dismissed Root for 68. Pietersen and Trott provided a fifty partnership but Trott was caught lbw by Starc for 40 soon after. England eventually made it into tea for 181-3. The evening session saw Pietersen pass his fifty before shortly edging into the slips as Starc took his second wicket of the day. Bell and Woakes safely guided England to the close of play for 247-4 which means they still trail Australia by 245 runs.
My Opinion:
It was a slow day for scoring as England looked to bat safely and for a long period of time. It would have been a really good morning session if Cook had not edged behind but it was still a decent effort. Root and Trott were big blows in the afternoon session as they have the cool to bat for long spells. Really disappointing to see Pietersen lose his wicket just after passing his fifty as he could have gone on to score a hundred. Not a bad effort overall from England as they look to chase down another 245 runs tomorrow. Australia will be looking to bowl England out around lunch as they hunt for a win whilst England will be playing for a draw.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
11.28: 53-0, Cook 23*, Root 23*.
12.06: 68-1, Cook 25 (88), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
12.58: 92-1, 50 for Root.
13.02: Lunch, 97-1, Root 52*, Trott 9*.
Afternoon Session:
13.43: 105-1, Root 60*, Trott 9*.
14.22: 118-2, Root 68 (184), 11 fours, caught Watson, Lyon.
15.33: 150-2, Trott 30*, Pietersen 16*.
15.52: 169-2, 50 partnership between Trott 35* and Pietersen 26* off 145 balls.
16.02: 176-3, Trott 40 (134), 2 fours, lbw Starc.
16.12: Tea, 181-3, Pietersen 29*, Bell 4*.
Evening Session:
17.05: 200-3, Pietersen 39*, Bell 9*.
17.44: 213-3, 50 for Pietersen off 127 balls.
17.54: 217-4, Pietersen 50 (133), 4 fours, caught Watson, Starc.
18.52: Close of play, 247-4, Bell 29*, Woakes 15*. England trail by 245 runs.
Player of the Day: Joe Root for getting England off to a good start with his 68.
Bowler of the Day: Mitchell Starc for taking two wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Joe Root for scoring 68 runs.
Highlight of the Day: Pietersen getting his fifty.
Disappointment of the Day: Pietersen could not stay in after getting his fifty.
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