• First Test, day three: Australia 284 & 124-3; England 374
• Smith unbeaten on 46 and looking ominous
Yet again Steve Smith is the obstacle driving the English to distraction. While he is still at the crease nothing can be guaranteed. In front of another packed house here England made some solid progress: a first-innings lead of 90 and three early scalps when Australia batted again. But Smith, who reminded us on the first day how he can transform an innings, remained.
Smith cruised through the final session, picking up runs at will, which meant that Australia’s response sped along at four runs per over, a rate well in excess of anything achieved in the match. By the close they were 124 for three from 31 overs and with Smith still at the crease there is no limit to what England’s victory target will be.
Written by Vic Marks at Edgbaston
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/aug/03/england-australia-ashes-first-test-day-three-match-report under the title “Steve Smith stands firm again as Australia establish lead against England”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
