First Ashes Test, Cardiff, Day Three

Sports - Cricket - Ashes

My picks of the third day:

Again, a taunting day for England. Just when they thought they were taking over after getting three wickets before lunch, Michael Clarke (83) and Marcus North (54) put on another great partnership of 143 in 42 overs for Australia. England will have to dig really deep if they want to find and get something out of this match, if the weather will allow it that is.


Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 348 for 4 (87 behind) at lunch: England for finally getting the breakthrough and a couple of wickets to gain confidence.

2nd session, Australia 458 for 4 (23 ahead) at tea: Australia for taking the lead with another great partnership and frustrating England, again.

3rd session, Australia 479 for 5 (44 ahead) at the end of day three: I think England will be happier with that little session after taking a wicket and breaking another strong partnership.



Partnership: 143 runs between Michael Clarke (83) and Marcus North (54): Just like on day two, England got the initiative back on their side before lunch. They finally got that little bit of swing they were looking for the whole second day and got wickets out of it: James Anderson got Simon Katich out lbw breaking the partnership with his captain at 239, and Mike Hussey caught behind on 3; Monty Panesar got lucky and Ricky Ponting out after he played the ball onto his stumps just after he completed his 150. It looked like England were finally able to capitalise out of the pitch, but Clarke and North crushed that fantasy, patient and elegantly efficient as Australia's batsmen have been throughout the innings, taunting England. Stuart Broad removed Clarke in the couple of overs that were played under lights after 22 overs were rained off after tea, but that is only little consolation. England will be hoping the covers will not come off on day four.

Bowlers: James Anderson is the obvious pick of the day after getting a couple of crucial wickets. Monty was more lucky than anything else with the Aussies' captain hitting the ball onto his stumps. I am happy for Broad that he finally got a wicket because he looked the most frustrated getting nothing and nobody out of the pitch and ball. Andrew Flintoff did not have his best day, but at least got Australia's nerves flapping on a couple of occasions.


Ups: Again, up until lunch, it looked like England were finally taking advantage and dragging the match back into their court by the hair. The pitch finally gave them a bit of swing they were looking for to no avail throughout day two.

Downs: Letting the advantage slip away, again. Just when you think England are getting a grip, they let it slip and Australia take over comfortably, again. It was hardly different on day two and I do not expect much change in the last two days.

Hero to zero: All this dominance and control may be in vain for Australia, if the weather keeps stopping play. The better and more luckier England will feel if they get away with it and it comes to a draw.