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- Australia vs England 5th Ashes Test, Day 3 highlights: Australia 518/7 at stumps, lead England by 134 runs vs England
Australia vs England 5th Ashes Test, Day 3 highlights: Australia 518/7 at stumps, lead England by 134 runs vs England
By stumps on day four at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the tourists were 302-8 with Bethell not out 142 and Matthew Potts yet to score.
The 22-year-old Bethell saved the day after Zak Crawley fell early and veteran Joe Root cheaply, powering to his hundred in style off 162 balls.
But wickets tumbled around him with Harry Brook (42) and Will Jacks (0) removed in the space of three balls by the off-spin of Beau Webster two overs after Bethell reached the landmark.
A calamitous mix-up then saw Jamie Smith (24) run out.
Ben Stokes (1) came in at seven after limping off clutching what appeared to be his groin while bowling the third over of the day, but only lasted five balls with Webster again doing the damage.
England are desperate for another morale-boosting win after victory in the previous Test at Melbourne. Australia lead 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes.
Remarkably, it was not just Bethell's maiden Test ton but the only one he has scored in red-ball cricket, with his previous best 96 against New Zealand.
Bethell was recalled for Melbourne to replace the under-performing Ollie Pope, scoring a gritty 40 in difficult batting conditions with the number three position now his to lose.
His exploits came after the hosts were dismissed for 567 before lunch on the back of Travis Head's 163 and 138 from skipper Steve Smith.
That left England chasing a 183-run deficit after their first innings 384.
- Starc strikes early -
They needed a solid start, but chief tormentor Mitchell Starc once again conjured up a first-over breakthrough -- his 29th wicket for the series.
The pace spearhead delivered a beautiful inswinger that Crawley misjudged and left, with the ball smacking his pads and he was out lbw for one.
Fellow opener Ben Duckett was dropped on 38, but failed to capitalise and was bowled by Michael Neser on 42, his highest score in a wretched series.
Root, fresh from his first innings 160, was terrorised by Starc and Neser.
He finally fell lbw after facing 37 balls for his six runs to the relentless Scott Boland, with the 35-year-old trudging off dejected.
But Bethell proved unmovable.
A single off Neser overhauled Australia's lead soon after tea and the youngster passed three figures emphatically with a cracking boundary through midwicket.
But Webster then swung the momentum back to Australia with his double strike, trapping Brook lbw before Jacks inexplicably holed out to Cameron Green in the deep.
Smith's run-out compounded England's problems, the wicketkeeper-batsman setting off for a single but sent back by Bethell and caught well short by Jake Weatherald's throw.
Stokes edged Webster to Smith in the slips with Brydon Carse doing the same off Boland on 16.
Australia resumed at 518-7, with Smith on 129 after his 13th Ashes century -- more than any other player except the legendary Don Bradman -- and Webster on 42.
Smith flogged Stokes through the covers for a boundary in his first over, while Webster dished out similar treatment to Carse.
But the Australia skipper did not last long, nicking a fuller length delivery from Josh Tongue to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Webster reached a fifth half-century in his eighth Test with a single and put on 20 with Starc before the big paceman was bowled by Tongue for five.
Boland suffered a golden duck to leave Webster unbeaten on 71.
Tongue ended with 3-97 and Carse 3-130.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, Hard length on top of off, Travis Head hops up on his toes ad keeps it out.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, Tongue comes around the stumps, bowls it on a good length, down the leg. Travis Head looks to flick it away but misses out.
Josh Tongue will be operating from the other end.
- Michael Neser 1 (20)
- Travis Head 91 (87)
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Short pitched, down the leg. Michael Neser ducks under this.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, This almost had the number of Michael Neser. Good length, on off, angling back into the batter. Michael Neser goes for a front foot punch but gets an inside edge back onto his pads.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Stokes bowls it around that nagging length, angling into the batter. Michael Neser gets right behind th eline of it and keeps it out.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Hard length on off, Michael Neser pushes this towards mid on for another dot.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Back of a length, on top of off, Michael Neser tucks this to square leg for no run.
We are all set for the start of action on Day 3. Travis Head and Michael Neser have walked out to resume for the Aussies. The skipper of England, Ben Stokes will be bowling the first over of Day 3.
It was Bad Light that brought an end to proceedings on Day 2 but there were just 10 minutes or so left in the day's play as well. The surface has been up and down and is expected to get even more challenging in terms of the bounce, which might mean that Travis Head will look to score quick runs early on. England were either too short or too full with their lengths and it was skipper Ben Stokes who bowled really well and he will be eyeing up early wickets as the visitors try and seal a first innings lead. Stay tuned as the start of Day 3 is just around the corner.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of this 5th and final Ashes Test being played in Sydney. Day 2 was full of runs as England notched up a score of 384 runs powered by Joe Root's 160 and after that Australia scored at a brisk pace thanks to an unbeaten 91 from Travis Head. It is 'Pink Day,' at the SCG and we will see a sea of pink being worn by the crowd, showing their support for the McGrath Foundation, a very noble cause in fighting and spreading awareness regarding breast cancer.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1....
Attention now turns to Day 3, traditionally known as the 'moving day' in Test cricket, where momentum shifts can often dictate the outcome of the match. It holds added significance as the SCG turns pink in support of the McGrath Foundation's noble cause for breast cancer patients, with spectators encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness and funds. The pitch is offering little assistance to the bowlers off the deck but there has been uneven bounce which might be interesting to see early on Day 3. A lot is anticipated from both teams as they battle it out in what promises to be a captivating and emotionally resonant third day of this captivating final Test. It will be an early start on Day 3 as well, with play commencing at 11 pm GMT (Monday night), but you can join us in advance for the build-up as well. Cheers!
In reply, Australia commenced their first innings positively, with openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head forging a 57-run stand before the former fell victim to Ben Stokes, dismissed LBW for an unconvincing 21. Weatherald had looked scratchy, but his partner, the aggressive Travis Head, looked in supreme touch. Head was joined by Marnus Labuschagne, and the pair looked perfectly comfortable together, adding 105 runs at a good clip before Marnus got out late in the day. They navigated much of the tricky final session nicely, giving away no chances and appearing poised to play the long game. Australia will resume Day 3 at a comfortable 166/2, well placed to go on and get a crucial first-innings lead on Day 3 as they trail by 218 runs with 8 wickets still in hand.
The Australian attack shared the spoils effectively, showcasing depth and resilience. Michael Neser was the standout performer with an impressive haul of four wickets, spearheading the effort to clean up the English tail. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland each secured a brace of wickets, while the all-rounders Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with a scalp apiece, ensuring that the momentum generated early was maintained throughout the innings. England's total, while solid, feels insufficient given the flat nature of the SCG deck and the position they found themselves in at the close of play on Day 1.
STUMPS! Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG witnessed a significant pendulum swing, with Australia effectively clawing their way back into the contest after a sluggish show on the opening day. The home side's bowlers rectified their Day 1 mistakes with a far more disciplined and potent display this morning, consistently applying pressure and securing wickets at regular intervals. Resuming at a commanding 211/3, England was eventually bundled out for a respectable, yet containable, 384. Joe Root was the undeniable linchpin of the innings, crafting a magnificent, anchoring knock of 160. Support came from Harry Brook, who was dismissed early on Day 2 for 84, and the later contributions of Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, who applied themselves well around their stalwart to ensure England reached a competitive total.
The physio is out to have a look at Michael Neser and it doesn't look good. Mark Waugh on-air feels that the ball missed the bone and hit the fleshy part and if that is the case, then it's fine. Neser gets the magic spray applied and looks to be in a better condition but there's a drizzle now at the SCG. And that will be that. STUMPS HAVE BEEN CALLED ON DAY 2!
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Oh, deary me! That's really hurt Michael Neser and he is wincing in pain here. On a good length around off, lifts off the deck, Neser looks to defend with a straight bat but the ball goes past the outside edge and brushes the gloves, going on to hit Neser just under the elbow.
- Michael Neser 1 (14)
- Travis Head 91 (87)
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Hard length on middle, slanting back in, Neser manages to dab it across to the leg side and gets it wide of square leg for a single.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, That in-between length from Tongue, looking to slide back past bat and pad. Neser leans on and punches it to mid off.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Much fuller and around off, angling in, Neser looks to cover drive but gets it off the inner half of the blade and back to the bowler.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Hard length again, in and around off, the ball gets extra lift off the deck and nips away late. Neser shoulders arms at it.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Tongue goes wider on the crease and angles it into the stumps. Neser gets inside the line and nudges it just behind square leg.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, On a hard length over off, Head rocks back and slaps it down through cover-point for a single.
- Michael Neser 0 (9)
- Travis Head 90 (86)
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Shortens the length and gets the ball to nip away with extra bounce but the line is slightly wider of the off stump. Neser lets it through and Stokes is not happy with himself.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Nicely bowled. A bit fuller and bowled from wider on the crease, getting it to straighten off the deck as well. Michael Neser hangs bacl and has a poke at it but plays inside the line of the ball.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, Shortish length outside off, seaming away, easy leave for Neser to make. Ben Stokes knows it was too wide and he shakes his head as he walks back to the top of his mark.
Ben Stokes to Michael Neser, On a hard length and just around the top of off, Michael Neser manages to block it off.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Fuller and angled into the legs, Head lifts up one leg and hoicks it through the square leg region for a single. Head moves on to 90 with that single.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Back of a length and around off, sliding right on, Head rocks back and punches it to covers.
- Michael Neser 0 (5)
- Travis Head 89 (84)
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Back of a length, hitting the deck hard and angling it in. Neser presses back nicely to defend.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Good length around off, Neser strides across and pushes it towards cover.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Full of a good length and attacking the off stump, Neser leans halfway and tentatively blocks it off.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Short of a length and outside off, seams back in at 146.6 kph, Neser leans back and brings the hands down, letting the ball through to the keeper.
Josh Tongue to Michael Neser, Tongue starts with a bumper to the new batter and bangs it in short over middle and leg. Michael Neser ducks under it well.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, Just back of a length and around off, pushed away into the off side for a single.
Michael Neser is the nightwatchman for Australia. Also, the umpires are having another discussion about the light and if they decide to go off now, Marnus will be livid.
- Marnus Labuschagne 48 (68)
- Travis Head 88 (83)
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Stokes gets the better of Marnus Labuschagne and he has to walk back just 2 runs shy of his half century. Stokes bowls a fullish length delivery in the channel, but a touch wider and gets the ball to seam away. Labuschagne is drawn into the drive and plays away from the body, getting it off the outer half of the blade and straight to gully. Jacob Bethell over there, crouches a bit and takes a sharp catch around his head and England finally manage to break this big stand. Labuschagne is disappointed but Stokes does not say a word. NOT. A. WORD. He just gives Marnus a stare, who looks disconsolate. If looks could kill...
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Good length on middle, angling in, Head backs away and tucks it down behind square leg for a single.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Edged away! Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Travis Head stays leg side of the ball and throws his hands at it. The ball goes off the outside edge and flies over the slip cordon for a boundary down to third man.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, A yorker now from Stokes, lands it right at the base of the middle stump. Travis Head hangs back in the crease and manages to dig it out.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, On a good length around middle, jams back in, Head stays back and just smothers it down into the leg side.
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Pitched-up delivery on the fourth stump line, Head hangs back and pushes it out to covers.
- Marnus Labuschagne 48 (67)
- Travis Head 83 (78)
Josh Tongue to Marnus Labuschagne, Tongue goes wider on the crease and angles in a full ball towards the off stump. Labuschagne watchfully blocks it off.
Josh Tongue to Marnus Labuschagne, On a good length and in the channel outside off, Labuschagne shoulders arms at it.
Josh Tongue to Marnus Labuschagne, Play and a miss! Full and wide outside off, shaping away, Marnus Labuschagne extends his arms for the booming cover drive but gets beaten past the outside edge.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, Good length around off, jabbed away wide of mid off for a single and the 100-run stand is up between these two.
Josh Tongue to Travis Head, Banged in well short and outside off, Head reaches out to uppercut but fails to get a bat on it.
Josh Tongue to Marnus Labuschagne, Shortish length angled into the batter, Labuschagne gets into an awkward position and the ball goes off the hips behind square leg. They pick up a leg bye.
Travis Head has just hit two fours in two balls but Marnus Labuschagne feels that the light isn't good enough and voices his opinion to the umpires. Ben Stokes is having none of it and confronts Labuschagne about what he said. Anyway, play will continue and it's good to see a bit of heat out there in the middle as well.
Match Statistics
Venue
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
