Ashes player ratings as England give away needless wickets vs Australia | Cricket | Sport
England are heading for a disappointing defeat in the second Ashes Test after a frustrating start to day three at the Gabba. Australia’s tail end punished the tourists’ wayward bowling and Mitchell Starc top-scored for his side with 77 runs. The Aussies were 511 all out with a lead of 177 runs ahead of England’s second innings and are closing in on retaining the Ashes.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made a bright start to their second innings and were 45-0 at the interval ahead of the final session. However, Australia quickly removed the two openers and Ollie Pope to set up a nervy day four. Joe Root was unable to repeat his first innings century after Starc sent him packing, before Harry Brook and Jamie Smith soon followed. England need a miracle from Ben Stokes to keep the Test alive and trail by 43 runs with six wickets down. Here’s how the express rated England’s players after day three at the Gabba.
Zak Crawley – 5
Looked so much better with the bat at the Gabba after a really poor Test in Perth. Flashed at a few but looked comfortable in both innings, until his dismissal in the second which was poor.
Ben Duckett – 3
Dropped two important catches yesterday but avoided a golden duck today. Made a bright start but England needed him to make a big score and went for just 15.
Ollie Pope – 4
Gave his wicket away needlessly in the second innings. England were in a good position at 90-1 but he’d flashed at two drives before playing an attacking shot down the ground that didn’t need to happen.
Joe Root – 7
He was England’s main man with the bat in the first innings and brought some much needed composure to the crease during a nervy period. Out for just 15 runs with Mitchell Starc getting the better of him in the second innings.
Harry Brook – 4
Hasn’t made a notable contribution after day one in Perth. England need more from him going into the final three Tests.
Ben Stokes – 5
Got the early wicket of Michael Neser and looked like a man on a mission. Looked like the only man capable of getting a wicket and is still at the crease for day four. All hopes rest on him.
Jamie Smith – 3
Looked more comfortable behind the wicket today and took a good claim high above his head to dismiss Alex Carey. However, was a rabbit in the headlights with the bat.
Will Jacks – 5
The Surrey all-rounder was given an opportunity on day three having bowled just once yesterday. Great catch to get rid of Steve Smith. England should have used him more on day two and all hopes rest on a good partnership with Stokes.
Gus Atkinson – 5
Kept the pressure on with the new ball and took his first wicket of the Ashes. Probably England’s best bowler across all three days albeit didn’t have the wickets to show for it. Yet to bat.
Brydon Carse – 4
Has four wickets to his name but struggled once again to find his line and length at the start of the day. Leaked 141 runs in just 25 overs. Yet to bat.
Jofra Archer – 5
Impressive with the bat in the first innings but took him a while to find his bowling groove and wasn’t anywhere near his best. Will be ruing those dropped catches on day two. Yet to bat.
To be the first to hear all the latest Ashes news, sign up to our newsletter The Cricket Drop here.
