Australia has won 13 out of 14 pink-ball test matches and is the best test team in the day-night pink-ball test match. They are now bossing this match and showing why they are almost impossible to defeat, as England need to score 43 runs more to avoid an innings defeat, as they have only 4 wickets left.
England had a tough 3rd day at The Gabba, falling to 134/6 in 35 overs and slipping further into trouble after Australia took charge earlier with a big first-innings lead of 177. The top and middle orders of England, once more, could not build on starts, leaving Ben Stokes with another challenging task as England trail heavily into Day 4.
Australia Got The Valuable Lead of 177 Runs
Earlier in the day, England had a good morning spell as they dismissed Neser (16) and Alex Carey (63) in early overs. England took the 2nd new ball without wasting any time and started troubling the Australian batters. Although there were more Australian batsmen, they were unable to settle, as Mitchell Starc scored 77 off 141 and got valuable support from Boland (21 off 72) and Doggett (13 off 21).
Australia finished the inning at 511 and got the massive lead of 177 runs. In the first inning, Starc took 6 wickets, and now, by scoring 77 runs, he is proving why he is a legend of this format.
Crawley and Duckett Started Well, But England Lost Wickets Early
After leaking too many runs, England’s Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett began positively, scoring freely against the new ball as they added 45 runs in just 6 overs before the end of the 2nd session.
However, the momentum vanished quickly when Scott Boland bowled Duckett for 15 at 48/1 in the 8th over.
Crawley, in good touch, played fluently for 44 off 59 balls (6 fours) and looked set for a big score. But Michael Neser dismissed him with a return catch, ending England’s brightest hope at 97/3.
England’s Middle Order Collapsed
Ollie Pope supported Crawley with a brisk 26 off 32, adding 42 crucial runs. Just when the partnership steadied things, Neser removed Pope, triggering England’s collapse.
The turning point came when Joe Root, England’s batting backbone, misjudged Starc’s angle and edged behind for 15 off 36.
At 121/4, England were under immense pressure, and Australia were relentless. After getting a hefty lead of 177 runs, Australian bowlers were all over England’s batters and dismissed half of their side at just 123. After that, the team was looking to rebuild the inning, but Jamie Smith’s poor form continued, and he edged to Alex Carey at his individual score of 4.
Boland, Starc Rip Through England, But Ben Stokes Is The Key
Ben Stokes was once again left alone, batting on 4 from 24 balls and holding off Australia’s bowlers with careful defense. Will Jacks (4) came in late to join him, but with only 4 wickets left, England’s chances of putting up a competitive target are quickly fading. Australia’s bowlers ruled the day as Mitchell Starc kept up his excellent match with 2/48, removing both Root and Jamie Smith.
Michael Neser, playing his first Test of the series, made a major impact with 2/27 by getting Crawley and Pope. Scott Boland kept tight pressure from the other end with 2/33, taking wickets at key times.
England scored only 3.83 runs per over, indicating how effectively Australia blocked their scoring opportunities. As Australian bowlers are not allowing their batters to score runs, it’s highly expected that Australia will go 2-0.
Brief Scores: 2nd Test, England vs Australia, Day 3
- Australia 1st Innings: 511/10 (117.3)
- Top Scorer of Day 3: Mitchell Starc 77 (141), Alex Carey 63 (69), Boland 21 (72)
- Best Bowling (ENG): Brydon Carse 4/152, Ben Stokes 3/113
- England 2nd Innings: 134/6 (35 overs)
- Top Scores: Zak Crawley 44 (59), Ollie Pope 26 (32), Harry Brook 15 (21)
- Best Bowling (AUS): Mitchell Starc 2/48, Michael Neser 2/27, Scott Boland – 2/33
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