Fourth Specsavers Ashes Test, Emirates Old Trafford (day three of five)
Australia 497-8 dec: Smith 211; Broad 3-97
England 200-5: Burns 81, Root 71; Hazlewood 4-48
England trail by 297 runs
Four wickets for Josh Hazlewood helped Australia keep their tight grip on this match on the third day of the fourth Specsavers Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
Hazlewood claimed 4-48 and bowled a terrific spell to dismiss three of England’s key batsmen – Rory Burns, Joe Root and Jason Roy.
With the morning session washed out, it didn’t take long for the 28-year-old to claim his first victim of the day. Craig Overton (5) guided the ball into the safe hands of yesterdays hero, Steve Smith at slip.
For the next four hours, the Australian bowling line-up toiled hard and threw everything at Rory Burns and Joe Root but both were resolute in defence and confident in attack.
They shared a 141-run partnership for the third wicket before a momentary lapse in concentration from Burns (81) gifted Hazlewood his second wicket. The Surrey man struck 10 boundaries during his five hour vigil.
Less than three overs later Root was trapped in front for 71. England’s Ashes hopes fading quickly.
Burns’ county team-mate, Roy, poked around to make 22 before receiving the ball of the day which saw his middle stump uprooted. England had lost three wickets for 30 runs in 50 balls.
With light fading, the umpires ended the day at 12 minutes to seven with Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow not out on seven and two respectively. England will need to bat for a long time tomorrow and pass the follow-on target, which is still 97 runs away.
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