3rd Ashes Test: England in tatters at the close of play on day 3
At the close of play on day 2, Australia had a clear-cut advantage in the 3rd Ashes Test but the Aussies threw England completely out of the game on the 3rd day as England required another 310 runs to win with only 5 lower order wickets
in hand. Because of a splendid batting display by Michael Hussey and Shane Watson and then some brilliant seam bowling by Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris, Australia is on the verge of squaring the series 1-1.
Shane Watson and Michael Hussey started off from where they had left yesterday and because of their effort, Australia managed to score 309 runs in its 2nd innings. Michael Hussey was the top-scorer with his magnificent innings of 116 runs which
came off 172 balls with the help of 15 boundaries. He really held the innings together for Australia along with Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 who was yet again dismissed in 90s. Shane Watson laid the platform for the Aussies and deserved a hundred but was struck right in front
of the wickets by Chris Tremlett on 95. He faced 174 balls and struck 11 boundaries in a brilliant effort. Both Watson and Hussey managed to accumulate 113 runs for the 4th wicket partnership which saved http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 from destruction.
Chris Tremlett, who impressed with his bounce and accuracy in the 1st innings, bowled well again and grabbed a 5-wicket haul for the visitors. Steven Finn was expensive but he also contributed with 3 important wickets.
England has been given a target of 391 runs to win in the last innings. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook started off well but lost their way as Ryan Harris had him leg before the wickets. Once the opening pair was dislodged, England lost wickets on regular
intervals and were tottering at 81 for 5 at the close of play on day 3, requiring another 310 runs to win which seems next to impossible. Paul Collingwood was caught in the third slip by Steven Smith of the bowling of Ryan Harris of the last bowl of day 3.
Night-watchman, James Anderson was on the crease without opening his account.
Mitchell Johnson, who made a fantastic comeback in the 1st innings, impressed yet again and got 2 important wickets of Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott. Ryan Harris also grabbed a couple of wickets, whereas, Ben Hilfenhaus picked up the prize
scalp of Kevin Pieterson.
Although, Ian Bell is still in the wings for England but a loss here at WACA is almost inevitable for the visitors. One got the feeling before the 3rd Test that England has become a little over-confident about its dominance in the current series
and the English complacency has been quite visible in this match. Englishmen might not be able to save this match but it is important for them to come back in flying colours in the Boxing Day Test.
On the other hand, Australia has come up in the series with a brilliant counter-attack in the 3rd Test which has been led by Mitchell Johnson. The Aussies would be hoping that Johnson performs more consistently in future, not just to help his
country grab the Ashes but also to show to the world that Australia is still one of the major forces in international cricket.
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