Ashes 3rd Test Day 3: Australia has one hand on the URN

Another day completed dominated by the Aussies, as they end the day with 235 runs on board, with a lead of 369 runs.

Earlier, the disciplined Australian bowlers steadily began to finish off England’s first innings. Soon into the day, Ian Bell was removed by Harris by a delivery coming into the batsman. While the umpire initially ruled him not out, Australia successfully reviewed and got their man.

Meanwhile, Stokes couldn’t extend his stay at the crease, after he edged an outswinging delivery off Mitchell Johnson to Haddin. The scoreline read 198 for 6, and England was in deep trouble already.

The horribly out of form Matt Prior continued his bad streak, after he was dismissed for 8 from a short delivery from Siddle. This was the 11th time Siddle dismissed Prior in tests.

Tim Bresnan, nevertheless, made some lusty blows to play a cameo of sorts. At the other end, Broad was struggling. His stay at the crease was shortened by a toe-crushing yorker by Johnson. Not only Johnson dismissed him, but injured his leg. Broad’s participation in this test has been ruled out.

The other batsmen fell like a pack of cards. None could survive the disciplined fast bowling by Siddle and Harris. Finally, they were dismissed off for 251, giving the Aussies a lead of 134 runs.

The openers were expected to fire, and they did not disappoint. After a steady first overs, Warner began cutting himself loose, going after the bad balls. Meanwhile, Rogers provided stability in the other side, as Australia continued to cruise on. This was helped by some horrible fielding from the poms. 2 missed stumpings by Prior of Warner followled by one missed catch of Rogers added salt to the wound of the English players.

The England finally got their breakthrough in the 44th over of the match, as Rogers was caught by Cranberry at point. Soon, Warner too fell to Swann, but not before scoring an excellent century and putting Australia in the driver’s seat.

The under-fire Shane Watson spent some much needed time in the middle. Michael Clarke built a steady partnership with Watson, before falling to Stokes.

The Aussies ended the day with 235 on board. The Aussies would like to put 100+ runs quickly on board tomorrow, and put on England to bat. Meanwhile, England would like a miracle from the English batsman, to save the test match, leave alone win it.