Ashes cricket 2023: England lead Australia by 377 runs at stumps on day three
It was all England at The Oval on day three, dominating with the bat and setting Australia a huge task to secure an outright series win. Recap all the action from day three here.
Australia will need to break an almost 121-year-old record to secure victory in the fifth and final Ashes Test with England poised to set the Aussies a mountainous fourth innings target.
Half-centuries from Joe Root (91), Jonny Bairstow (78) and Zak Crawley (73) helped England to 9-389 at stumps, for a lead of 377, with tailenders Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad to resume on day four.
While Australia needs only a draw to win an away Ashes series for the first time in 22 years, such a result seems highly unlikely given there are two full days left in the match and only a smattering of light rain is forecast for days four and five.
The record successful Test fourth innings run chase at The Oval is 263, set by England in the 1902 Ashes.
Having started the day 12 runs in arrears, England made up the deficit inside an over and quickly took the game away from the tourists.
JOE NEAR YET SO FAR
Already on the back foot after Crawley’s freewheeling knock, the Aussies thought they might have broken through with the key wicket of Root when he was struck on the pad by Josh Hazlewood on four. There were a couple of noises, and umpire Joel Wilson turned down the appeal. Australia took it upstairs and it was pad-first. But it was an umpire’s call for impact, with the Aussies denied the wicket of the world’s No. 3 Test batter. While he could defend that one, it was another shocker of a day for Wilson, who after being forced to overturn a couple of late lbw shouts from Todd Murphy had made four official blunders for the match in three days.
ONLY ONE OF HIM
Ben Stokes lived dangerously shortly after lunch. From the third ball of the first over after the interval, the England captain hooked a Hazlewood bouncer to the fine leg boundary. Mitchell Starc was positioned a few metres in from the rope and while he got to the ball he was unable to flick it back up effectively in the same fashion as Stokes had to end Australia’s innings late on day two. Later in the day it was Hazlewood doing the spilling off Starc, unable to cling onto a diving effort at fine leg after a Moeen Ali hook.
MURPHY’S LORE
Having barely bowled in Leeds, been omitted for Manchester and then made a couple of cameo interventions in England’s quickfire innings on day one of this match, Saturday emerged as Murphy’s first chance to bowl at length in this series. While he eventually broke through to remove Stokes, he was too loose early after lunch, allowing Crawley to flick a couple of boundaries through the leg side. But Murphy persisted, eventually removing Root with a beautiful off-break that kept low and was guided onto the stumps by a touch of the ex-captain’s bat.
Ben Stokes. First over after lunch. SIX! 🚀 #EnglandCricket | #Ashespic.twitter.com/uajezbxqm3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2023
TAKE A BROOK AT THAT
Stokes had blown a decent platform, chipping one down Cummins’ throat at mid-on. He was replaced in the middle by the even more aggressive Harry Brook. Off just the second ball he faced, Brook tonked Murphy down the ground, the ball clattering into the sturdy press box window. For a while it appeared as though the Dukes wouldn’t be retrieved, and Steve Smith was gesturing as though hoping for that to be the case to allow a replacement given the current ball wasn’t doing much for the tourists. But the pill was found, and Brook ended up nicking off to Hazlewood the very next over.
WHO’S THE SKIPPER?
The dynamic of the captain/vice-captain relationship between Cummins and Smith has long been a source of curiosity. Certainly Smith has more power and responsibility than most deputies, on-field at least. This phenomenon reached something of an extreme when Smith – stationed at slip – was telling Cummins exactly where to stand at mid-on with Murphy bowling.
Absolutely brilliant from Root! #Ashespic.twitter.com/2aqyDJJt6K
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 29, 2023
THAT’S A NEW ONE
Root was productive behind the wicket, scooping Mitch Marsh for six early in his innings. Even more unorthodox was a bottom-edged cut he played off Starc that bounced so heavily back onto the pitch that it leapt over the head of wicketkeeper Alex Carey to race away for four.
SECURITY FAIL
For the second time this summer an Ashes Test in London was interrupted by a ground invader. But unlike day one at Lord’s, this bare-chested patron didn’t seem to be protesting anything. In an embarrassing moment for staff at The Oval, the intruder made it from one square boundary to the other without being caught, even hopping over the signage at the other end before eventually being halted.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE KEY MOMENTS FROM DAY THREE
3:30AM: STUMPS: ENGLAND DOMINATE DAY THREE AT THE OVAL
England got the better of day one just, Australia stole day two at the death but on day three there was no arguing.
It was England’s day through and through.
The home side went at nearly five runs an over all day, posting a whopping total of 389, while still having one wicket in hand.
Joe Root, Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow all posted entertaining half-centuries, meaning Australia will have to make a record chase at The Oval to secure a series win in England, unless they hold on for a draw.
For Australia, Mitch Starc and Todd Murphy were the pick of the bowlers, taking four and three wickets respectively.
England dominated the day right from the start, racing to 50 in the morning and never giving Australia a sniff.
Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes put on a healthy partnership to frustrate the visitors, before Bairstow and Root came together to pile on the pain late in the day.
A late flurry of wickets from Starc and Murphy wrestled back some control, with Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad unbeaten overnight for the hosts.
Similarly to the first innings, England moved the game along quickly, only this time Australia were unable to take consistent wickets to stem the bleeding.
A huge day four awaits, with the visitors needing a remarkable innings from someone to have any hope of victory.
3:15AM: AUSTRALIA MOVE TO WRAP UP TAIL
It’s Mitch Starc again!
This time a bouncer undoes Moeen Ali, who thought about leaving it but the ball hit the toe of the bat and flew down to Josh Hazlewood at third man who made no mistake on the rope this time.
Stuart Broad is coming out to bat which seems to suggest we will not see Australia batting this evening, with England aiming to get as many runs as they can.
Starc now has four for the innings and will look to bounce this tail out as quickly as he can.
While at the other end, you suspect Broad and Wood will swing hard and true at Todd Murphy.
I swear I wrote that before Wood swung across the line and found Mitch Marsh at cow corner, and Murphy has another wicket.
Maybe we will see Australia bat tonight?
Wouldn’t that be something.
3:00AM: STARC SWIFTLY REMOVES WOAKES
It seems Chris Woakes was sent out with a message to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and after getting a bit of luck on a failed LBW review off Todd Murphy, Woakes goes next over.
Woakes took a step back and drove at mid-off, but the ball sailed in the air right into the hands of Usman Khawaja.
Starc now has three wickets in this innings as Mark Wood comes to the crease, and we know he likes to play his shots.
Between Ali and Wood we are certain to see some fireworks.
This could get very interesting, with not much time left in the day will we even see Australia go out to bat?
2:50AM: LAZY BAIRSTOW SHOT GIVES AUSSIES FAINT HOPE
Well, that was a bizarre three balls.
Mitch Starc coming around the wicket hits Bairstow on the pads, given not out Australia send it upstairs.
Bairstow hit it.
Starc hits Bairstow just below where you don’t want to be hit, the crowd yell and appeal as a joke and Starc joins in on the fun.
Next ball, Bairstow plays a lazy drive and the edge goes straight to Alex Carey.’
The English keeper goes for 77, another English player gets a start but does not post triple-figures.
England lead by 348 as Chris Woakes comes to the crease, who almost goes first ball after a poor run call gave Marnus Labuschagne a chance at mid-wicket, but the ball bounced over the stumps.
2:40AM: AUSTRALIA CAN’T FORCE THE ISSUE
The 250 is up for England, off just 70 overs, they have pressed on the gas all day and it has paid dividends.
Jonny Bairstow has continued on his way, playing slightly more within himself, while Moeen Ali has played two lovely drives in front of the wicket.
The short-ball tactic seems to be inbound for the Aussies, with Ali in particular susceptible to the short-pitched bowling.
Ali does take on the short ball, but the chance goes begging, with a top edge flying to fine leg.
Josh Hazlewood called Steve Smith out but failed in his attempts to make the catch, leaving Mitch Starc a frustrated bowler.
The new ball is 10 overs away, but with Jonny Bairstow in such good touch is it even worth it for the Australians to take it?
2:15AM: MURPHY STRIKES AGAIN
Joe Root has been undone, remarkably!
That one looked like it kept a bit low, Murphy threw it up outside off-stump, Root came forward on the drive, got a slight inside-edge and it hit the stumps.
Root looked certain to score a century but is denied this time.
Will it change how Jonny Bairstow plays his game?
Murphy has bowled well all day for Australia and gets his reward.
England lead by 320 runs as Mooen Ali comes to the crease, now has to be the time for Australia for some quick wickets you suspect.
Ali will surely be on the attack given his groin concern, with this also likely to be his last innings for England.
Doing pretty well to be 22 and have dismissed both Virat Kohli and Joe Root in Test cricket.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 29, 2023
2:00AM: WHERE DOES THE BREAKTHROUGH COME FROM?
Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it.
Business as usual for Root and Bairstow in the middle. (insert the say the line Bart meme from The Simpsons)
It’s becoming pretty stagnant for Australia, with the Aussies persisting with a slightly back-of-a-length approach to the two batsmen, primarily it seems to slow down the scoring rate.
The process without Nathan Lyon in these scenarios has not held up across the last three Tests.
As Mel Jones pointed out on the broadcast, Lyon has been so reliable for Cummins at one end for Australia.
“We don’t want to labour on the fact there is no Nathan Lyon within this Test Match.
“But that might be almost that habit for Australia, isn’t it? When Starc and Lyon are playing he (Cummins) is thinking ““Lyon is on from that end”” all the time.
“It is not Nathan Lyon. It is Todd Murphy. You have to break that train of thought a little bit.”
1:35AM: BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ROOT AND BAIRSTOW
Breaks have provided good fortune throughout this Test match, but not this time for Australia as Root and Bairstow pile on the pain.
Bairstow has now reached 50 and looks to be doing it with ease, seeing the ball beautifully onto the bat.
He has looked slightly susceptible to Todd Murphy, being drawn forward a couple of times that barely missed the edge on the way through to Carey.
The sun is out and it appears to be perfect batting conditions for the pair.
With the lead edging closer to 300, it seems as if it is now or never for Australia.
1:15AM: COULD RAIN DENY ENGLAND ONCE AGAIN?
We all know what happened in Manchester and while London is not expecting as much rain, could the weather Gods defy the hosts once again?
There is a chance of rain on both Sunday and Monday in the British capital, with Monday possibly proving to be trouble for the hosts.
There is expected rain at 4pm on Sunday, and rain is expected on Monday morning.
So will that play a role in how England play the rest of the day?
Australian fans may possibly be more interested in watching the weather than the game the way this Test is headed.
Bairstow and Root still seem very comfortable at the crease, bringing up a 50 partnership.
The highest successful Test run chase at The Oval is 263, achieved by England in 1902.
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) July 29, 2023
England's current lead is 264.#Ashes
12:45AM: ENGLAND TAKE COMMANDING LEAD TO TEA
That will be tea at The Oval, Australia were able to secure three wickets, but the flow of runs still has the hosts well on top in the final Ashes Test.
Jonny Bairstow provided a spark upon coming to the crease, posting a quick 30 just before tea and he and Joe Root look to be a thorn in Australia’s side.
England have gone at over five runs per over all day, batting the visitors out of the game.
Australia were able to remove Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in that session and one more wicket it appears will bring out the injured Moeen Ali.
The lead is 253 runs at tea, and you would suspect anything about 300-320 would just about be the limit for Australia.
The final session of day three may decide the final scoreline of this series.
12:30AM: ENGLISH INTENT CONTINUES
It doesn’t appear Jonny Bairstow is going to die wondering here, playing his shots as he follows Joe Root’s lead in keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Root appears to be in serious touch, hardly playing a false stroke since his early battles at the crease.
Josh Hazlewood has been able to still get something out of this ball, and it appears it may even be reversing.
You can feel the tension in the game, with the possibility that this could swing hard one way for either side, we have only just ticked over halfway of this contest really.
With so much cricket to be played, will England go even harder at the Aussie attack as their lead creeps above 230.
12:05AM: AUSTRALIA GO BANG BANG, GAME BACK ON?
No mistake this time from Alex Carey and Harry Brook is headed back to the sheds.
Hazlewood hit the deck hard back of a length and caught a faint edge, with Carey securing it in the breadbasket.
Brook’s feet were headed everywhere which led to his downfall.
Jonny Bairstow comes to the crease with Australia probably one more wicket away from putting this game back on an even keel.
The skipper Pat Cummins is clearly sensing that, bringing himself back into the attack as Australia look to get into the English tail.
The English lead is 213, how many is realistic for Australia to chase down on this wicket?
Brook's five-ball stay finishes courtesy of Hazlewood - but at least he looked good for it hey! 🤠#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/qr5YG6qPIv
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 29, 2023
12:00AM: MURPHY STRIKES, STOKES GOES
Like a good Randy Orton RKO, that certainly came out of nowhere.
Ben Stokes appeared to have run out of patience with Todd Murphy, attempting to hit the spinner over mid-on.
However, the shot is not timed well enough and lands right in the hands of Pat Cummins, who accepts the gift gracefully.
That brings out the hero of the first innings for England Harry Brook.
This is a pivotal moment in the game that Australia must snatch for any hope of victory.
They had Brook for nothing in the first innings and let him slip away, they cannot afford to make the same mistake this time.
Brook sends a signal of intent however, whacking Murphy for six right back over his head, on just his second delivery.
Todd gets the huge wicket of England's skipper after building up pressure from one end. 🙌#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/MUCRM480Ic
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 29, 2023
11:55PM: ENGLAND PILE ON THE PAIN
A beautiful cover drive then a bit of luck for Joe Root as a chopped ball bounces over Alex Carey and the 200 is up for England.
Root follows it up with a deft flick over Carey that runs for four and the hosts are now well and truly back in control of this game.
Root has batted with urgency since coming to the crease as he races towards a half-century, going better than a run-a-ball.
The longer this goes, the further a possible series win gets away from Australia as the English lead also reaches 200.
You get the feeling that Australia may be out of this game entirely by tea.
11:35PM: DANGEROUS TIMES FOR AUSTRALIA
After struggling early on, Joe Root now looks in serious touch for the hosts, playing his trademark lap shot for six.
As per, Root and Stokes have been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over with relative ease, stretching the lead for the hosts ever closer to 200.
With the potential of rain over the past two days, England will surely look to press home this advantage as best they can and leave Australia in a no-win scenario.
Pat Cummins has turned to Todd Murphy, now this will get interesting, you would doubt Stokes will allow the young spinner to settle in, as the England skipper closes in on 50.
A wicket would be extremely timely here …
11:10PM: ROOT SURVIVES CLOSE SHOUT
Australia have started well to Joe Root, with the English star surviving an LBW review by the barest of margins.
A good length ball from Hazlewood nipped back, but after being given not out replay showed it hit the pad first.
However, the good news ended there for the Aussies with the impact being umpire’s call.
The visitors reacted in clear frustration, given how valuable a wicket the England no. 4 is.
It’s been a bright start to this session for Australia, a complete contrast to their limp start to the day’s proceedings.
10:50PM: LUNCH DOES THE TRICK ONCE AGAIN
And yet again in this game, a break brings a wicket for the bowling side, and Crawley has to go.
A full ball outside off from Pat Cummins and the English opener could not resist, throwing his hands at one that landed straight in the hands of Steve Smith at second slip.
The fifth stump line to Crawley does the job as it so often has this series.
How badly did the Aussies need that!
Joe Root will join Ben Stokes at the crease now, with England holding a 128-run lead with eight wickets in hand.
Cummins gets the important wicket of Zak Crawley for 73, who knicked straight into the lap of Smith. ðŸ‘#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/2djxJdqtVj
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 29, 2023
10:45PM: CAN AUSTRALIA GET BACK IN THE GAME?
This session could decide the Test and series result, with England firmly in the driver’s seat, Australia will need to hit back to have a chance of victory.
The only way to do so? Wickets, according to Mark Taylor.
The former Aussie captain says while England are scoring so freely the only way to minimise it is wickets.
“It’s not easy to stem the flow of runs. Somehow we have to find some wickets to do that. “So, yes, we’ve got to slow them down in their scoring but at the same time we need to take wickets.
“It’s not easy for Pat Cummins. He will have to use Todd Murphy sparingly but strategically and hope to take a lot of wickets with his quick men.”
It does seem either way Todd Murphy will play a big role in this session.
And right away a chance goes begging for Australia, with a Stokes top-edge flying down to Mitch Starc on the boundary.
But the fast bowler could not control the ball as he balanced on the boundary.
10:00PM: LUNCH: AUSSIES LIMP TO FIRST BREAK
Mitchell Starc delivered a crucial breakthrough for Australia as the Aussies scrambled to kerb England’s surge on day three at The Oval.
An elusive away Ashes series win had been quickly slipping from the tourists’ grasp as England’s openers made the errant Aussies pay in the first session on Saturday.
Having eradicated Australia’s slender first-innings lead inside an over, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley took advantage of beautiful batting conditions to leave the Aussies increasingly desperate.
Starc had been as culpable as any of the Australian bowlers in the first hour, dragged after just two overs with the new ball in which he went for 22.
But brought back on after drinks, Starc looked considerably more threatening cloud again covered the ground.
Having drawn Duckett into a play and miss, the left-armer found an edge with Duckett on 42. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena turned down the Aussies’ appeal, but Pat Cummins wisely reviewed to end a 79-first wicket stand.
A MUCH needed wicket there for the Aussies, with Cummins and Carey choosing wisely to review. â˜ï¸#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/9ezfoxNw23
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 29, 2023
With Moeen Ali still sidelined with the groin injury he suffered batting on day one, England captain Ben Stokes promoted himself up the order to first drop.
Duckett’s departure did not slow down the home side, who had reached a triple-figure lead before lunch.
There had been some early rain in London on Saturday, and ahead of play things looked reasonably tasty for the Aussies given overcast conditions. But the weather cleared in time for Duckett and Crawley to enjoy sunny conditions from the outset.
Australia had taken a 12-run lead into the second innings after a wagging tail took the tourists to 295 in their first innings in response to England’s 283.
Emblematic of the hosts’ batting philosophy, England wasted no time in taking it to a wayward Aussie attack.
Crawley drove the first ball of the day from Starc, a wide loosener, for four through cover, one of three boundaries Starc coughed up in the opening over.
While tighter than Starc, Josh Hazlewood didn’t look particularly potent with the new ball either.
Cummins kept frontline spinner Todd Murphy out of the attack until midway through the second hour, by which point Duckett had departed.
A Cummins misfield allowed Crawley – the series’ leading runscorer – to reach his 50.
Former Australian selector Jamie Cox took to Twitter to question some of the Aussies’ tactics.
“Anyone else been willing Aust to move their bowling lines a foot outside off for the past month? They won’t leave it, Crawley nicks that line and Duckett will have to reach for it?” Cox wrote.
Australia had failed to take advantage of good batting conditions on Friday afternoon, leaving them with a substantial second innings task to secure a first away Ashes series win since 2001.
Having been saved by rain in Manchester last weekend, a similar outcome did not look out of the question in this match, with rain forecast for parts of both Sunday and Monday in London.
9:45PM: CRAWLEY DOES WHAT DUCKETT COULD NOT
Another lovely cover drive from Zak Crawley and that will be 50 for the England opener, what a series he has had.
Crawley is the leading run-scorer this series now ahead of Usman Khawaja, but has done so in considerably less time at the crease.
Which is more impressive? I’m not sure.
Crawley and Stokes have quickly put together a partnership to put the pressure back on the bowlers.
The former looking increasingly more comfortable in throwing his hands hard at any width.
9:30PM: DELAYED REVIEW ENDS THE PARTNERSHIP
A full, swinging delivery from Mitch Starc goes past Duckett and through to Alex Carey, but the Aussies will send it upstairs after a discussion.
Replay shows the ball flicking the back of Duckett’s bat and the opener must go for 42.
A very much needed breakthrough has come for the Aussies.
The review almost seemed out of desperation but it has paid off for Australia.
Ben Stokes will bat at no. 3 for the hosts, how will he approach the game?
And Pat Cummins has turned to Todd Murphy immediately, who draws an inside edge off Ben Stokes that flies past Marnus Labuschagne under the helmet.
9:20PM: TIME FOR ANOTHER BOUNCER-FEST?
It’s a tactic that’s been loathed by myself at times this series, but will Australia need to revisit the short-pitched bowling to change the pace of this game?
Mitch Marsh has been able to get a little bit of shape away from the right-handed Crawley, but the two look very comfortable at the crease.
Mark Taylor says it has to be something the Aussies consider.
“The problem for mine is they haven’t bowled enough short ones at the right time to Zak Crawley.
“I would loved to see Australia, particularly after first couple of Test matches when they have seen the way Crawley was going to bat, to set him on the back foot a little more.
“As I said, at times I have been critical in the series of Australia getting carried away with the short ball,” he said.
Marsh has quickly come off the ground, replaced by Cam Green.
9:00PM: HOSTS DOMINATE OPENING HOUR
All the pressure seems to have come off the home side, with both openers happy to slow the pace down a tick and knock it around, grabbing runs when they can.
Australia have certainly changed their approach to Ben Duckett, getting the ball on that fifth and sixth stump line, forcing him to make tougher decisions.
Duckett has not looked as comfortable when put on the back foot, particularly to the short ball.
Do the Aussies need to make a further change and bring spin into the equation, simply to see how both batsmen play Todd Murphy?
The hosts have had a tendency to get after the slower bowlers from the start this series.
Need to mix it up. Bring on Murphy.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 29, 2023
8:45PM: CAPTAIN CUMMINS WRESTLES BACK SOME CONTROL
The onslaught has been stopped to a degree, with Pat Cummins looking far more dangerous than the other quicks.
England have already scored more runs this morning than Australia did in the first session yesterday.
The Aussie skipper has drawn some false strokes from the English, and a top edge from Duckett from a short ball that raced down to fine leg for four, followed by another swing and a miss through to Carey.
Cummins will now turn to Mitch Marsh to try and exert some influence on proceedings.
The bleeding has been stopped by the visitors, but England are still well on top to start the day.
8:30PM: A LIMP START TO DAY THREE FROM AUSTRALIA
Well, I’m not sure this was the start Pat Cummins and his side envisaged when they gathered in that huddle before the day’s play.
England have put 40 runs on the board in the first five overs of the day.
Australia’s bowlers have really struggled to bowl the right line based on the fields set, and Ben Duckett already looks set at the crease.
The diminutive opener has not left one ball since the Lord’s Test so we know he will throw his hands at what he can.
It’s looking far too easy for Crawley and Duckett.
This could be a long day in the field.
8:15PM: AUSTRALIA’S LEAD LASTS ONE OVER
A signal of intent from the English? Or a real loosener for Mitch Starc?
It’s been a red-hot start to day two, with England taking the lead through three first-over boundaries off the bowling of Mitch Starc.
With the sun shining and the hosts off to a flyer, they will be looking to set up the game and still have enough time to bowl the tourists out.
Starc did trap Duckett on the crease in his second over, with replay showing the opener hit the ball into his pads.
Australia declined to review the not out decision, a wise choice.
8:00PM: ENGLISH PLAYERS GET BEHIND SPECIAL CAUSE
As part of the Fifth Test Match, supporting Alzheimer’s Society, England cricketers are wearing their teammates names in the pre-match line up, to draw attention to confusion often experienced by people living with dementia and how people with dementia lose precious memories.
England cricketers are wearing their teammates names in the pre-match line up, to draw attention to confusion often experienced by people living with dementia and how people with dementia lose precious memories.#CricketShouldBeUnforgettable | @alzheimerssoc 💙 pic.twitter.com/BZwRjnXbYo
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2023
7:30: AUSSIES PREPARE FOR BATTLE BUT WHO WILL POMS SEND IN AT 3?
It what may be a deciding first hour in this Test match, what seems like the whole Aussie contingent have gathered on The Oval before play, including former Suns coach Stuart Dew.
What may have been of discussion is who exactly will be batting at three for the hosts?
Moeen Ali cannot bat for two hours after sitting out the entirety of Australia’s first innings.
Some eagle-eyed observers have noted Chris Woakes having a long net session before play.
Woakes is handy with the bat and would allow England’s middle order to remain the same.
The hosts have been reluctant to throw Harry Brook up the order.
Big Aussie huddle before play today. Andrew McDonald addressing everyone. Stuart Dew is back after spending yesterday watching on the cans in the stands. https://t.co/vr2gvomjS8pic.twitter.com/F65r13q6gS
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 29, 2023
‘WHAT ARE THE RULES?’: CONFUSION REIGNS OVER FAILED SMITH RUN-OUT
Stuart Broad joked he does not know the rules after the TV umpire ruled Australia’s Steve Smith was not run out in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Friday.
Substitute fielder George Ealham, son of former England international Mark, sprinted in from the rope as Smith sought to complete a risky two and hurled in a hard, flat throw that left the diving batsman short of his ground.
It brought back memories of the 2005 Ashes, when the unknown Gary Pratt ran out Ricky Ponting, but a careful review of the replays appeared to show England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow nudging one of the bails out of its groove a fraction of a second before taking the ball.
Smith had been on his way to the pavilion when he turned on his heels, with TV umpire Nitin Menon ruling in his favour.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), cricket’s lawmakers, posted a clarification of the rules on its social media channels.
Paceman Broad, who took 2-49, admitted he was nonplussed.
“I honestly don’t know the rules,” he said. “I think there was enough grey area to give that not out.
“What are the rules? Was it the right decision? It looked sort of benefit-of-the-doubt-type stuff.
“First angle I saw I thought ‘out’ and the side angle looked like the bail was probably dislodged.” Smith went on to make 71 as Australia reached 295 at the end of the second day, 12 runs ahead of England’s first-innings total of 283.
Australia’s star batsman said initially he thought he might be out but a second angle put doubt into his mind.
He was asked whether he knew the rules.
“Don’t the bails have to come out off the stumps, out of the grooves or something as far as I know?,” Smith replied.
“But you’ve just got to go off the umpire and what he says and fortunately for me he said ‘not out’.” The MCC said in its post: “The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground.
“Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, MCC’s official interpretation of the laws of cricket, adds: “For the purposes of dismissal — a bail has been removed at the moment that both ends of it leave their grooves.” England, trailing 2-1 after the rain-affected draw at Old Trafford, must win this match to level the series.
Holders Australia, seeking their first Ashes series win in England since 2001, have already retained the urn.
STEVE SMITH’S NOT THE RETIRING TYPE
Steve Smith has joined David Warner in publicly laughing off rumours that he may retire following the Oval Test.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan had floated on Fox Cricket during the week that Smith and Warner could both bid farewell to the format at the end of the Ashes series.
Warner – who has already flagged his planned retirement in January – quashed the discussion ahead of the Test.
And Smith, who has been vague on his long-term plans, said he had no immediate plans to draw curtains on his career either.
“I’m not retiring,” Smith said,
“No idea (where it came from), because I haven’t said it to anyone, so nobody not going anywhere yet.”
Smith made 71 on Friday to help Australia to a 12-run first innings lead. Smith lamented a lack of help from his fellow bitters.
“I think we’ve probably had the better of the conditions to bat in I think for this game, we won the toss,” Smith said.
“We had an opportunity to bowl when there was a bit in it yesterday. Bowled them out and overnight 1 for 60 going along nicely. And the wicket playing the way it did today. There wasn’t a great deal of sideways off the wicket, swung around most of the day to be fair, and they are obviously very good swing bowlers.
“But yeah, I think a lot of us got starts. The scorecards are actually very similar, I suppose in a way. But yeah, a lot of us got starts and weren’t able to capitalise and go and put one of those partnerships that were 40 or 50 into 100 150 and that gives us a decent lead I suppose. So a bit disappointing from that aspect.”
Smith ultimately fell trying to up the ante with the tail, departing via a miscued pull off Chris Woakes.
“Did I pull the trigger too early, maybe? But then had I not got out Murph (Todd Murphy) might not have come in and smacked 30 like he did.
“I would have liked a few more partners. Maybe to stick around and able to sort of just play normally for a while. I suppose. But yeah, I would have liked more runs of course.”
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