Ashes 2015: 3rd Test : Match Report

Earlier in the match johnson claimed his 300th wicket in tests ( Image: CricBuzz)

As the tussle to claim the Ashes cup continues between the two sides, the competition is getting interesting. The third Ashes test was a complete ‘entertainment package’ with the hosts dominating the game. Here’s an insight:

The game seemed as if it would end on the second day itself since England outplayed their rivals in all the departments. This team worked well as a unit and executed their plans with perfection. Their bowlers bowled exceptionally well, going through the entire Australian side.

The Aussies were not ready to give up so easily on day 3 and continued to fight it out. Australia’s wicketkeeper Peter Nevill hung in there  and played some brilliant strokes. He finally perished on 59 runs, after being caught by Buttler of a Finn delivery. Mitchell Starc too added on many runs to his overnight score of 7. He played well for his 108 ball 58, smashing 6 fours and 1 six. Hazlewood on the other hand managed a mere 11 runs. Australia ended their 2nd innings with 265 runs in 79.1 overs.

For the Englishmen, Steven Finn picked up 6/79. He was brilliant with the ball and seemed unstoppable. His team mates supported him in a brilliant manner as Anderson, Broad, Moeen Ali, and Stokes scalped 1 wicket each.

England knew that they were very close to victory and had to bat sensibly, not losing quick wickets upfront. Skipper Alastair Cook was the first batsman to be dismissed on 7 runs as he was bowled by a Starc delivery. Lyth too did not contribute much as he was trapped LBW by Hazlewood. Ian Bell was the star player for England as he remained not out on 65 runs off 90 balls while his team mate Joe Root gave him good support at the other end contributing a 63 ball 38. The Britishers reached 124/2 in 32.1 overs and won handsomely by 8 wickets at Birmingham in England. Steven Finn was awarded the man of the match for his 8 wickets in this game.

Image // IBNLive.com

Next up, in the second test, as Jimmy Anderson will miss the game, it will be interesting to see if England can win the game without their pace spearhead. Anderson has a slight side strain and will hopefully return for the last test.Since opener Adam Lyth has been in poor form lately, selectors can change the combination. Ian Bell regained some form in the last test, scoring two fifties. He will look to continue from where he left. Stuart Broad will play a major role in absence of Anderson.

For Australia, it will be good if Clarke gets into the game and get some runs under his belt. He has been in poor form lately and haven’t got going.The rest of the side is doing well, but not as a unit. If they all click together, they can beat anyone on their day!

That’s it from here. Stay tuned with us for the coverage as the Kangaroos will look to pounce back next time!