Ashes 2021 Day 3 Test 1: Joe Root and David Malan’s partnership leads England fightback

 After two horrible days, the England Cricket Team made a strong comeback with a solid partnership between Malan and Root on the 3^rd day of the 1^st Ashes Test match played at Gabba, Brisbane on Friday.

Starting on the overnight score of 343 for 7, Mitchell Starc played with intent and put the England bowlers under immense pressure with big shots. On the other hand, Travis Head also scored runs with ease making life tough for the visitors. England finally ended a brilliant 85 runs partnership for the 8^th wicket as Woakes got rid of Starc caught by Haseeb Hameed at deep square leg. Nathan Lyon also enjoyed his stay at the crease keeping the scoreboard ticking. Mark Wood dismissed Lyon hitting the splice caught by Robinson at square leg.

Travis Head continued from where he left on the 2^nd evening to reach 150 off 143 balls. He was eventually bowled by Mark Wood trying to score quick runs as Australia posted 425 runs in the first innings with a lead of 278 runs.

In their 2^nd innings, Rory Burns survived the LBW shout given out by the umpire but on review, it was overturned to not out as the ball was going over the stumps. Burns looked edgy surviving close chances along with Hameed. At the end of the first session, England made 23 for 0.

It was a perfect start for Australia in the 2^nd session as Cummins produced a snorter to get rid of Rory Burns. Malan struggled initially but then played some lovely shots against the Australian bowlers. Mitchell Starc looked out of color as Hameed and Malan scored runs quickly. Hameed was dismissed in an unfortunate manner caught down the leg. Hameed and Malan added 38 runs for the 2^nd wicket.

Joe Root came to the crease and played with intent against the Australian pace trio. Malan and Root kept the pressure on as both scored runs against Nathan Lyon coming down the track. Despite keeping tight lines, Malan and Root made batting look easy. Cameron Green was bought into the attack and troubled Malan with short deliveries. England went into the tea break at 107 for 2.

After the tea break, Root and Malan kept the pressure on the Australian bowlers. Root reached his fifty off 80 balls while Malan reached his half-century off 121 balls. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon tried their best to dislodge the pair. Josh Hazelwood was not given a bowl only delivering 8 overs.

Despite a few anxious moments, in the end, Root and Malan ended the 3^rd day at 220 for 2 trail by 58 runs. Root and Malan added so far 159 runs for the 3^rd wicket. It promises to be an exciting day tomorrow as the 2^nd new ball is 10 overs away.

If the Australian bowlers can pick wickets with 2^nd new ball, then England will be in big trouble, but if the visitors can negotiate the danger, it will set up for a thrilling finish.

England 147 in 50.1 overs ( Buttler 39, Pope 35, Cummins 5/38, Starc 2/35) and 220 for 2 in 70 overs ( Root 86*, Malan 80*, Cummins 1/43) trail Australia 425 in 104.3 overs ( Head 152, Warner 94, Labuschagne 74, Robinson 3/58, Wood 3/85,) by 58 runs.  

 

Root and Malan's 159 runs partnership for the 3rd wicket leads England fightback