A Disappointing end to the third Ashes test

Australia will have rain to blame as they were denied a potential victory in the final day of the third test match of the Ashes at the Old trafford.

The third test started off well for the visiting aussies, who scored a good 300 runs off the first day of the test. While Chris Rogers scored a fine fifty, it was captain who lead from the front, scoring a well-deserved century. The second day was equally good, as the Aussies declared for the score of 527, with Starc scoring a quick 50.

England lost two quick wickets, to end the second day in a precautious position. But KP was the man of the hour for the English. He scored a fine century and with some help from the tail, managed to avoid follow-on. They were finally dismissed for 368.
With a lead of above 150 and with about 1 and half days to go, Austraia would have fancied their chances to win. But ever since Australia’s inning’s started, there was always a hint of dark clouds, even interruption once or twice on the 4th day.

Australia finally declared for score of 172 for the loss of 7 wickets, setting a target of 330 odd runs.

The Aussies were spot on, taking three quick wickets, but the rain poured down heavily, thus sucessfully trashing Australia’s hope for regaining the Ashes.

Being 2-0 up and with only 2 more tests to go, England have won 3 consecutive Ashes series for the first time since 1950’s.

Michael Clarke was the man of the match for his amazing knock of 187.

Here is what the captains had to say during the presentation ceremony.

Cook: ‘It’s obviously a great feeling. It’s great to retain the Ashes after just three games. We got a little bit of luck from the weather. We played well in Lord’s, Trent Bridge was a close game. Credit to Australia here, they put us under real pressure. The weather has not been ideal today. The feeling in the dressing room is a very pleasant one. To win after 3 games is so special, we will enjoy tonight and come back fresh for the next Test match. The wicket here was very good Test track. KP batted really well in the first innings and it turned out to be a very crucial knock. It is a challenge to handle pressure. The 4-man attack obviously had to put a lot of effort. But, credit to Australia for their great effort.’

Michael Clarke : ‘I tried not to open the curtains today morning. Unfortunately, it was not looking great and we knew in the hotel that the rain was going to come down hard. 2-0 down and in the UK there is always a bit of rain and we suffered today. I think we need to concentrate on the remaining two games and not look too much forward. The boys played exceptionally well in the game. It is nice to make runs, but I have to make even more in the next two. I didn’t feel, especially at the start of the innings, fantastic but as the innings progressed, I settled down. My batting position is irrelevant to me. It doesn’t bother me much. The selectors have done their job in putting up the best XI and I am sure we will have a side that suits the conditions best in the next game as well. Harris bowled really well, we continue to see how good a bowler he is. Warner is a strong character, he wont mind the jibes from the crowd, it might fire him up and hopefully he will be able to score some runs.’