England v Australia, 3rd Test, Day 3 - Australia's performance have been disappointing

England have taken a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Ashes series. Australia were in need of a fairy tale today and for which an extraordinary performance was needed either with the bat or ball. Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc showed enough spine in the first session of the third day and hinted the importance of resolve to the top order in bowling friendly conditions.  Yes, Nevill did have some lucky escapes, but fortune always favors the brave. At least, the tail did give Australia some runs to defend.

Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were needed to script a performance like   Fred Spofforth whose seven wickets against England in 1882 led to the birth of the Ashes. But nothing such happened at Edgbaston. Ian Bell and Joe Root finished the formalities without making the weather heavy.

Why Australia’s performance has been so shoddy? How to describe such a spineless display by the Australian cricket team? Well, I can only say that lost their way amid the momentum gained at Lord’s. It was a lackluster Australian unit, especially the top order. Australia need to regroup themselves ahead of the fourth Test match.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar