By: Drcricket7 Staff
Australia are on the verge of winning the fifth Test against England at Oval. England, following on, were 203 for six their second innings on Day 3. The hosts were still short by 129 runs when the stumps were drawn on Day 3. Jos Buttler was 33 not out and nightwatchman Mark Wood unbeaten on nought.
Earlier, their captain Alastair Cook battled to make 85 and perhaps delayed the inevitable. They were already behind by 332 runs in the first innings and, then lost Adam Lyth (10), Ian Bell (13) and Joe Root (11) early in the second innings to put Australia in sight of a consolation win after losing the Ashes series
This Australian win, as and when it happens, will also prove a point that a top batsman of the team will always be in need to get that big hundred. For some time now, Australia have been riding on Steven Smith’s good form. But his form was scratchy in most of the Ashes innings.
But at Oval, he came back to his elements and drove Australia to an advantageous position on Day 2 with a fine 143. From there onward, England found devil on the pitch and surrender meekly in front of Australia bowlers.
With captain Michael Clarke saying goodbye to Test cricket for good and handling over the reins of his team to Smith, Australia will be embarking on a new journey after this Test match gets over.
A win at The Oval will not change the Ashes series verdict for sure, but it will keep the players going. The Aussies can’t undone their bad shows, but they will take back loads of lessons from this series loss. The biggest of them is to lose the series despite being the favorites!
