Key takeaways from Day 3 of fifth Ashes 2019 Test
England have gained solid authority in the fifth Ashes Test 2019 at The Oval. Resuming Day 3 at 9/0, England batted well to amass 313/8 at stumps. Joe Denly (94) was the main man behind England's resurgence. Australia were way off the mark as England gained a lead of 382. Here are the key takeaways from Day 3.
Denly was magnificent for the hosts as his patience and persistence paid off. The opening batsman amassed a 206-ball 94 to be the rock England needed. After adding 54 runs for the first wicket with Rory Burns (20), Denly's 124-run stand for the third wicket with Ben Stokes (67) was the best moment in the match. This helped England consolidate their lead.
England were positive throughout the day and the approach paid off. To score 304 runs on Day 3 is remarkable. Stokes continued to show his mettle in the middle order. And to have someone like a Jos Buttler coming in at number six and scoring freely is a real bonus. After a fifty in the first innings, Buttler scored a sparkling 47.
Australia have been sloppy since the start of the Test and several decisions have baffled one and all. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had a rare ineffective day. The visitors were made to pay for dropping Denly on nought in Day 2. The conditions were good for batting and England took advantage. Aussies did stage a fight back, however, the lead grew by then.
England got the major strength from the century-plus stand between Denly and Stokes. The southpaw's composure allowed Denly to keep himself going on. Both were dismissed in quick succession at 214/3 and 222/4, but Buttler's presence lifted the team. Australia saw Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne take blinders on the field. The side rallied back to pick wickets. But England took charge.
