Australia 527-7 declared and 172-7 declared drew with England 368 and 35-3 (England lead series 2-0)
England retained the Ashes after the final day of the Third Test was largely washed out. The rain disrupted the start of play by half an hour which prompted Australian captain Clarke to declare on 172-7. This left England with a target of 332 runs to win but more realistically to bat the day out for a draw. It was the perfect start for Australia once play began as Cook could only last nine balls before being dismissed by Harris for a duck. As England looked to block and leave every ball, runs were few and far between. Two more wickets fell before lunch as Australia looked on course to wrap up victory. However, only three balls were bowled after lunch before the rain came down to halt play. Much to the delight of England, the rain continued to pour down and the match was abandoned, ending the Third Test in a draw. England retain the Ashes with a 2-0 series lead going into the Fourth Test.
My Opinion:
Not the way you want to retain the Ashes but retained they are. Australia knew the weather was likely to disrupt play and took the decision to declare in the morning. It then looked like Australia could bowl England out after Cook only lasted nine balls. However, some dogged batting from Root, Troot and Pietersen meant that although the run rate was slow and the batting boring, England were not losing wickets. That is until Trott and Pietersen were both dismissed before lunch. With the weather holding out, Australia were very likely going to win but it didn't and England retained the Ashes in a battle hardy style. Australia will be looking to square the Series up after the next two Test matches after a strong performance here at Old Trafford but England will want to win in style.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
10.50: Rain delays start of play. Australia declare on 172-7 leaving England 332 runs to win.
England Second Innings
11.39: 0-1, Cook 0 (9), lbw Harris.
12.26: 15-2, Trott 11 (27), 1 four, caught Haddin, Harris.
12.46: 27-3, Pietersen 8 (16), 1 four, caught Haddin, Siddle.
13.02: Lunch, 35-3.
Afternoon Session:
14.00: Rain stops play.
17.00: Match Abandoned due to persistent rainfall. Match drawn. England retain the Ashes.
Player of the Day: Harris for taking two wickets.
Bowler of the Day: Harris for taking two wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Joe Root for being unbeaten.
Disappointment of the Day: The blocking and leaving of the England batsmen.
Batsman of the Test: Michael Clarke for a wonderful 187.
Bowler of the Test: Harris for a brilliant bowling display in both innings.
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