Australia knock over England openers before rain ends play in Ashes day three

18.06.2023 - 20:01 thenationalnews.com

Australia's bowlers struck twice in quick succession in a devastating spell against England at Edgbaston on Sunday, before heavy rain washed out the later sessions on the third day of the series-opening Ashes test.

Play was abandoned at around 5.15pm after a lengthy rain-enforced break with England on 28-2, a lead of 35 runs, after Australia were bowled out for 386 in the morning session in reply to the hosts' first-innings total of 393-8 declared.

The match was first halted after lunch with England cruising on 26 for none and looking firmly on course to build up a sizeable lead.

However, those plans were derailed when they lost openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in the span of just three overs as Australia took advantage of favourable conditions in a brief restart, with the tourists' fast bowlers getting the ball to move dangerously.

Australia Cricket Pat Cummins Scott Boland Cameron Green Alex Carey Ollie Robinson Zak Crawley England Cricket Britain Australia

United Kingdom, July 8, 2023 (AFP) -Chris Woakes led the way with the ball before England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett held firm to give England the upper hand in a must-win third Ashes Test for the hosts against Australia at Headingley on Saturday.

'Don't Have Any Other Work?': Ex-Pakistan Captain Slams England, Australian PMs Over Jonny Bairstow Saga

The 'Spirit of Cricket' debate took the center stage after Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey controversially stumped Jonny Bairstow on Day 5 of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's last week. Bairstow ducked a Cameron Green bouncer and left his crease to have a chat with England captain Ben Stokes, who was standing on the non-striker's end. However, Carey threw the ball into the stumps, leaving everyone, including Bairstow, in disbelief. The decision was referred to the third umpire and the decision went against Bairstow and England.

Ben Stokes Fires Fresh Shot At Australian Press Over Crybabies Dig

The conclusion of the second Ashes Test at Lord's didn't end the Australia vs England battle, with the media outlets of the two countries taking digs at the two teams, especially over the controversial Jonny Bairstow dismissal. Ahead of the start of the third Test in Leeds, England captain Ben Stokes took a fresh swipe at an Australian media outlet that had labelled the Ashes hosts as 'crybabies', with a picture of the England skipper in nappies in the newspaper. Seeing Stokes speak about the incident, the entire press room went ROFL.

"I Walked Out Of My Crease...": Australia Star Makes Stunning Jonny Bairstow Revelation From First Ashes Test

Since the controversial dismissal of England wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow on Day 5 of the Lord's Test, the cricketing fraternity is divided in deciding if it was right for Australia to play by the 'rules of the game' but keep the 'spirit of the game' aside. While England captain Ben Stokes said that he wouldn't want to win the game in such a manner, Australia batter Travis Head has revealed that Bairstow tired to dismiss him in the same manner during the Edgbaston Test, and the two even had a chat about it.

"Spirit Of Cricket Pushed...": Ex-Australia Star Fumes Over Jonny Bairstow's Dismissal In 2nd Ashes Test

Jonny Bairstow's dismissal on Day 5 of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia sparked major controversy at Lord's. The incident happened on the final ball of the 52nd over of England's 371-run chase when Bairstow ducked a bouncer from Cameron Green. While the ball was easily carried by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey, Bairstown decided to leave his crease in order to have a chat with his captain Ben Stokes, who was standing at the non-striker's end, as it was the final ball of the over.

"He Is A freak...": Australia Star Praises England Skipper Ben Stokes

Following his side's 43-run win over England in the second Ashes Test on Sunday, star Australian batter Steve Smith called Ben Stokes' innings "an unbelievable player who has done some incredible things." Ben Stokes' incredible knock of 155 runs couldn't secure the win for his side as Australian bowlers bounced and won the 2nd Ashes Test by 43 runs at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday.