Post by : Meena Ariff

On Saturday, England displayed remarkable perseverance as Zak Crawley and Joe Root helped maintain their slim prospects in the Ashes, battling through a crucial afternoon against Australia while pursuing an intimidating target of 435 runs in the third Test.

By the tea break on the fourth day, England had reached 106 for 2, with Crawley unbeaten on 36 and Root contributing 37 runs. They formed a critical partnership after Ollie Pope fell, becoming the sole wicket down during the session.

For England to keep their hopes alive in the five-Test series, victory is essential, following earlier defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Meanwhile, Australia, holding the Ashes, only require a draw to retain their title.

The challenge before England is unprecedented. No team has ever chased down more than 316 at the Adelaide Oval, and it was only on one occasion—when the West Indies chased 418 in 2003—that a higher target was successfully achieved.

Previously, England wrapped up Australia’s second innings at 349 just before lunch, taking six wickets in the session. Travis Head shone with a stunning 170, while Alex Carey added a brisk 72 to extend Australia’s lead considerably.

England’s innings began on shaky ground. Ben Duckett fell early, caught by second slip off Pat Cummins, creating immediate pressure. Pope, struggling throughout the series, managed only 17, brilliantly caught one-handed by Marnus Labuschagne.

Despite these setbacks, Crawley played carefully, navigating 80 deliveries with minimal risk. Root mirrored this approach, aware that a significant contribution is vital for England to achieve a remarkable turnaround.

Australia began the day at 271 for 4, with Head and Carey quickly augmenting their lead against a somewhat off-color England attack. Head celebrated reaching 150 with an ovation before falling while trying to accelerate the scoring, while Carey’s bid for consecutive centuries ended at leg slip.

As the end of the match looms, hopes for England now rest heavily on the shoulders of Crawley and Root, who are tasked with creating a historical innings.

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