Australia dug out a hefty lead of 221 runs in opposition to England earlier than drizzle prematurely ended day three of the second Ashes take a look at at Lord’s on Friday.
Usman Khawaja fronted Australia’s dogged battle in bowler-friendly situations with an unbeaten 58 from 123 balls.
READ MORE: DAY 3 AS IT HAPPENED
His 60-odd partnerships with fellow opener David Warner after which Marnus Labuschagne saved Australia on prime. Khawaja had Steve Smith beside him on 6 when stumps was referred to as at 130-2 of their second innings, and 25 overs left unused within the day.
The Australians, already 1-0 up within the collection, could be aiming for a lead of round 450 and an opportunity to bowl at England earlier than tea on Saturday.
They’re conscious, although, of making an attempt to win with out Nathan Lyon, their frontline spinner who was out injured after hurting his proper calf working to the ball after tea on Thursday. He got here to Lord’s on crutches and had a “significant” pressure, Cricket Australia stated.
England squandered the good points it made on Thursday. The batters slumped to 325 all out, conceding a first-innings result in Australia of 91 runs, then the bowlers couldn’t make the inroads that the Australians may earlier in the identical situations.
Cool overcast situations that turned gloomier after noon provided swing and bounce to any bowlers who may discover the appropriate lengths. The Australians did so constantly and the English didn’t.
The Australians picked up the place they left off on Thursday, bowling brief and hostile to defensive fields. They dismissed England earlier than the brand new ball turned out there.
England resumed on 278-4 in reply to Australia’s 416, and the wicket of captain Ben Stokes to a depraved second ball of the day by Mitchell Starc began a rout of six wickets for 47 runs in lower than 90 minutes.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com