The Australian skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 to end the day for his side on a solid 303-run total. Clarke’s individual contribution of 125 not out was complimented by an
84-run knock by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SPD-Smith-c2555’s 70*.
The Old Trafford saw a total of 90 overs being bowled and 3 wickets falling on the first day of the 3rd Ashes Test, on August 1, 2013. Given how the Englishmen led the Ashes 2-0 before the 3rd encounter, and how the Aussie batting line
up failed to deal with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501, few were expecting such a resilient display in this match.
The Aussie captain and the team went into the 3rd encounter under a lot of stress, especially after having faced six consecutive Test defeats. Moreover, Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 had to officially deny any retirement plans after Jim Maxwell of ABC radio
said the Aussie captain would retire within a year. Despite all these issues however, Clarke was optimistic ahead of the 3rd encounter, and had said, “I know it seems a long way away to a lot of people, but as a player, seeing how close we got in
the first Test reminds us that we were really not that far away from winning that first Test match, 15 runs away. If we can play our best cricket, which we haven't done so far on this tour, the whole 11 players who take the field, we'll give it a good shake.”
The Poms were able to dismiss opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 for 1. Rogers stayed on the crease with his skipper, as the two put up a 47-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Rogers (84) was then dismissed by
Swann, right after he was distracted by movement in the pavilion. Out of the four English bowlers, only Bresnan and Swann returned with wickets.
Day 2 of the 3rd Ashes Test will start with Michael Clarke (125*) and Steven Smith (70*) on the crease, as the Aussies will look to take full advantage of their massive Day 1 total and push it even further to ensure the upper hand.
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