- Updates from the third day of play at Old Trafford
- England’s inept afternoon conjures dark memories
- Any thoughts? Email or tweet @JPHowcroft
Yesterday, Vic Marks watched Steve Smith bat and bat and bat and bat, and England go through the motions. In return, he brought you this report.
By Thursday afternoon Smith had delivered a double century, the third in his Test career, all of which have been against England. It may not be a match-winning innings, though there is a strong likelihood of it. It certainly ensures that Australia will not lose this contest. It was not a flawless knock. Unusually he needed some assistance from his opponents. On 65 he offered a tough return catch to Jofra Archer from a low full-toss; on 118 he was caught at slip by Ben Stokes off Jack Leach but then came the realisation that the left-armer had overstepped.
Hello everybody and welcome to live OBO coverage of day three of the fourth Test from Old Trafford.
Not for the first time this summer the day begins with players and staff craning their necks and studying the sky, wondering when play might begin and how many overs might be possible. This is a very Manchester day. The clouds are gunmetal grey and hanging patiently, like an insistent parent holding a damp flannel in the direction of a toddler’s mucky face.
Written by Jonathan Howcroft (now), Adam Collins and Rob Smyth (later)
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/sep/06/ashes-2019-england-v-australia-fourth-test-day-three-live-cricket under the title “Ashes 2019: England v Australia fourth Test, day three – live!”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
