Ashes score LIVE: Captain Joe Root leads England fightback against Australia on day three of 1st Test
England take on Australia in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane
England captain Joe Root was celebrating record-breaking 2021 as he and Dawid Malan dug deep to launch a brave fightback in the first Ashes Test at The Gabba.
After two despairing days at The Gabba, and a first-innings deficit of 278, the tourists finally landed some blows of their own to reach 220 for two on the third evening.
Dismissed for a duck in England’s underwhelming 147 all out, Root showed all his class and charisma to make 86 not out while Malan knuckled down for a highly impressive 80no.
Unlike Malan, Root has never scored a century Down Under but will spend the night dreaming of putting that right at the earliest opportunity as the duo resume their 159-run partnership.
While salvaging something from this match – a draw, the unlikeliest of wins, even just a measure of pride in defeat – would have been the only thing on Root’s mind, he scooped up a significant landmark along the way.
Until now no Englishman had ever scored more Test runs in a calendar year than the 1,481 Root’s mentor Michael Vaughan reeled off in 2002. But by the close he was sitting on a total of 1,541 and, with games at Adelaide and Melbourne still to come, he may have the Mohammad Yousuf’s world record of 1,788 in his sights.
Ashes 2021: David Warner praises England bowling on day two
“They did bowl well, didn’t they? They were relentless,” David Warner tells Fox. “What an entertaining innings by Travis Head.
“We’ve got smiles on our faces. It’s got to be up there for him personally. It was a tight battle with him and Uzzie but to come out the way he did... that’s the Travis Head we know.
“Obviously getting bowled off a no-ball... you’ve got to try and keep your feet behind the line as a bowler.
“I thought I left very well. Everyone was talking about my form in the T20 stuff but when you’re out of runs you deserve some luck.”
Ashes 2021 - Australia 332/7: Travis Head and Mitchell Starc boost lead
Mark Wood looks tired and weary as he thumps another down.
A desperate appeal that Joe Root eventually admits defeat on, opting against taking it upstairs.
Head up to 112 off 95 and Starc has made 10 from 22, the lead is 196.
Starc with a big heave there as Wood shapes one back towards leg stump, the hot spot shows a little nick on the inside edge but it doesn’t carry.
Ashes 2021 - Australia 332/7: Travis Head hit by Mark Wood beamer after making century
That's a beamer from Wood, it cannons off Head's glove and up to his chin, he's up and appears OK, but a shocking moment.
Ashes 2021 - Australia 325/7: Travis Head brings up century
Travis Head brings up his hundred, a fine knock, he’s made 102 off 86 balls following a fine punch down the ground.
An innings that puts the hosts in control of this first Test at the Gabba.
England already 179 runs behind now...
Joe Root takes down Cummins
Australian captain Cummins was highly disappointed after his wicket was taken by English captain Root. Root gets the stunning victory in the battle of captains.
It’s 306-7 with a lead of 159 runs.
Ollie Robinson leaves the field
Jack Leach is covering for Ollie Robinson after he signalled for a substitute twirling his hands.
Robinson seems to have developed a cramp but this doesn’t look good for England as Leach’s earlier 10 overs have cost 80.
Ben Stokes, who is also in on the field despite his injury, also does not look in great shape.
Australia 272-6
Head 61, and Cummins 4, have steadied the ship for Australia with a partnership of 38 runs. Head looks in form, swatting fours from his bat. It's 72 over now with 127 runs lead.
Travis Head gets a nasty hit in the arm
Head missed the ball by Wood and got it on his arm instead, but he turned away the final delivery for a single. He had to go to the dressing room after the bad hit on the arm.
Head returns to the field after drinks break. Head has hit half-century and scored an impressive 52 at 52 balls.
Chris Woakes breaks the partnership, dismisses Carey
Carey has been dismissed by Woakes at 12 runs as England turns the game around. First-time test Captain Pat Cummins on the field now to steady the ship.
Head at 29 as Australia leads with 89 runs, 139-6.
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