England bounced back from their Lord’s humiliation in the best way possible. They enjoyed a near-perfect day, finishing 133-3, three runs short of Australia whom they bowled out for a mere 136.
The Ashes: Third Test, Day One Review
Australia, unchanged after their 405-run win at the Home of Cricket, won the toss and chose to bat first. This decision was confounded rather swiftly. Jimmy Anderson, one of the best bowlers on earth when the pitch is “doing something,” beautifully trapped David Warner in front for just two runs. Steven Finn, back in the England setup after a long absence, showed just how dangerous he is as he dismissed Steve Smith and Michael Clarke for seven and ten respectively. Australia were 34-3 and in serious danger of a collapse.
The rain came down and Chris Rogers, still in the side despite a “dizzy” scare at Lord’s, and his partner Adam Voges started to build a partnership before and after lunch. However, Voges foolishly left his bat hanging in the air to a wide ball from Anderson and was caught behind for 16. In Anderson’s next over Mitchell Marsh too was caught behind, this time for a duck.
At the other end Steven Finn continued to make things very difficult for the Aussie batsmen; he consistently bowled over 90mph and made life very uncomfortable particularly for Chris Rogers. Anderson swiftly removed wicket-keeper Peter Nevill for two; Haddin’s replacement left an in-swinging ball which hit the top of off stump. Australia were now in dire straits at 86-6.
In came pantomime villain Mitchell Johnson. He was Australia’s great hope, as he is one of the stronger no.8 batsmen in the world. However, Anderson had him caught at Gully for his fifth wicket. Meanwhile, Chris Rogers continued to do his own thing and went past 50. A most impressive innings from the opener whilst all hell was breaking loose around him. Eventually, Stuart Broad got him LBW for his first wicket of the day. Rogers was gone for 52 and Australia were 110-8. Broad then got Mitchell Starc caught behind for nine.
Tailenders Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood began to put up a little bit of resistance, flashing at the ball and getting a few thick edges for four in the process. However, Jimmy Anderson, who put in one of his greatest performances ever, forced Lyon to play on for 11. Australia were all-out for 136. Anderson had six wickets, and England only used three bowlers for the first time since 1997.
Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth went out to bat and, truth be told, neither looked comfortable. A rain delay allowed England to take tea early with the score 7-0. After tea, Lyth ground his way to double figures, but got out playing a ludicrous shot at a nothing ball outside off and was dismissed for 10. Ian Bell came to the crease. He had been in dire form leading up to this Test, and needed a strong performance at his home ground to prove his doubters wrong.
Bell and Cook began to form a very strong partnership and looked totally on top of the bowlers. Alas, in incredible circumstances Cook was dismissed of Lyon’s bowling for 34. He smashed the ball into Adam Voges’ chest and the short leg somehow clung on to the ball. England were 76-2 and still firmly on top, but Cook will have been annoyed with his luck as he looked good for a 50 and more.
Golden boy Joe Root continued to support Bell, who was putting in a vintage performance. The two put on a fifty partnership as Bell reached his second half-century of the series. Unfortunately, Bell tried to slog a Nathan Lyon delivery and hit the ball high in the air. He was caught by Warner for 53. England were 132-3, just four short of their opponents with seven wickets to spare.
Out came Jonny Bairstow, in the form of his life for Yorkshire. He got himself off the mark and a rain delay meant England left the field and finished the day 133-3. Bairstow has a chance to build on his domestic form and stake his claim for a more regular spot in the England side. International cricket has been tough on the Yorkshireman — he is yet to make a test century and has often struggled against aggressive, short-pitched bowling. Should he take the game to the Australians tomorrow and make a big score, it could be a turning point in his career.
England were by far the superior team today. Anderson’s bowling performance was too much for the Australian batsmen and has put his team firmly in the driving seat. The only two disappointments for England were the unfortunate dismissal of Alastair Cook and the poor shot of Bell just as he went past fifty. The two could very easily have hit much-needed centuries, and Bell in particular will be ruing his missed chance to become the first Warwickshire player to hit a Test century on his home ground.
Nevertheless, England have no excuse but to win this game and re-take the lead in the series. Tomorrow will be a chance for them to take the game beyond their rivals, and their target should be to get past 400 at the very least. Root and Bairstow have an opportunity to build a monumental partnership, and should the two both pick up centuries, things will look very good for England.
