Post by : Mina Rahman
On Saturday, England exhibited remarkable determination as Zak Crawley and Joe Root united to uphold their slim hopes in the Ashes series, navigating a tense afternoon while pursuing a daunting target of 435 runs against Australia in the third Test.
By the tea break on the fourth day, England had managed 106 for 2, with Crawley holding firm at 36 not out and Root contributing 37. The duo fortified the innings after Ollie Pope fell victim to the Australian bowlers, being the only wicket lost during that session.
To stay in contention for the five-Test series, England needs a victory after having faced significant losses in Perth and Brisbane. Meanwhile, Australia, the current holders of the Ashes, only require a draw to retain their title.
The challenge before England is substantial. No team has successfully chased more than 316 runs at the Adelaide Oval, and only once in the annals of Test cricket has a target higher than what England faces been achieved — the West Indies' remarkable 418-run chase in 2003.
Earlier, England concluded Australia's second innings at 349, taking six wickets in the session. Travis Head shone with an impressive 170 runs, while Alex Carey supported with a brisk 72, extending Australia’s lead significantly.
England's response began with uncertainty. Ben Duckett fell early, caught off Pat Cummins, and set a challenging tone for the innings. Pope continued to struggle, dismissed for just 17 after an exceptional one-handed catch by Marnus Labuschagne.
Crawley, however, exhibited discipline, facing 80 balls with minimal risk, while Root mirrored that patience, fully aware of the need for substantial contributions to achieve the almost miraculous escape.
Australia commenced the day at 271 for 4 with Head and Carey amplifying their advantage against an England attack lacking sharpness. Head celebrated his 150 with a standing ovation before falling while attacking, while Carey’s pursuit of consecutive centuries ended at leg slip.
As the day progressed, England’s bowlers made a late stand with Josh Tongue being notably effective, yet Australia had already set an incredibly high target.
With the final day approaching, England's aspirations hinge on Crawley and Root forging a historic performance.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's Health on the Mend After Hospitalization for Gastroenteritis
Yashasvi Jaiswal is recovering after hospital treatment for gastroenteritis, and might miss initial
Dhurandhar Approaches Rs 500 Crore Milestone at the Box Office
Dhurandhar collects Rs 22.5 crore on Day 15, reaching a net total of Rs 483 crore in India. Worldwid
Bologna Triumphs Over Inter Milan to Secure Super Cup Final Spot
Bologna edged out Inter Milan on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Ciro Immobile's decisive kick send
Sreenivasan: The Legendary Malayalam Actor and Writer Departed at 69
Sreenivasan, a celebrated actor and writer in Malayalam cinema, passed away at 69, leaving a rich le
Varun Chakravarthy Tops T20I Wicket Charts in 2025
Varun Chakravarthy concludes 2025 as the leading T20I wicket-taker, securing 10 wickets against Sout
Andrew Tate's Reaction to Wiz Khalifa's Drug Sentence in Romania
Andrew Tate criticized Wiz Khalifa’s nine-month jail term in Romania, as the rapper's team prepares
