Australia vs England, Ashes, 3rd Test, Day 2, Highlights: A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia. It came after the visitors -- who must win in Melbourne -- were rocked by four positive Covid cases in their camp, although no players were among them. Australia were all out for 267, earning an 82-run lead on England's first-innings 185 on an MCG pitch that was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Marcus Harris top-scored with a battling 76 against a dangerous English attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson, who was at his fearsome best with 4-33 off 23 overs. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.
Here are Highlights of The Ashes 2021-22, 3rd Test, Day 2, Australia vs England, from the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ashes 3rd Test, Day 2 Highlights
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Right then! The Boxing Day Test has folded up quickly. Australia with an unassailable lead of 3-0. From MCG now we move to Sydney as the 4th Test between Australia and England will start on Wednesday, 5th January 2022 at 10.30 am local (11.30 pm GMT, previous day). Till then, Adios!
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Easy to guess who will be the Player of the Match! The local boy, Scott Boland is the Player of the Match for his outstanding figures of 4-1-7-6. He says that even he can't believe what happened. Adds that he was told during Christmas eve in the morning that he is making his debut. Tells that things have changed since and he just wanted to make an impact. He appreciates the crowd for supporting him. Ends by saying that he is very happy to win the Player of the Match award.
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Joe Root, the skipper of England, says that they have been playing in these conditions for a while and adds that they have to concentrate on what's ahead of them, he credits Australia and says that they blew them away. On being asked about how he feels about his team's performance, he replies that the way they went about their cricket was good, and credits his teammates, for giving them a chance to win this game. Concludes by saying, there were pockets where they had done well, but they need to just stay strong and look forward to the next game.
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Pat Cummins, the winning skipper, he smiles when Adam Gilchrist tells him that he is now an Ashes winning captain. Says everything clicked for them and he is so happy for Scott Boland, who did well in front of his home crowd. Adds that they were relentless with both bat and the ball. Tells that all around they were brave and he is very happy. Says that Michael Neser was good but he did not get a chance for another match but it is a happy squad. Tells that any Ashes series stands as the watch-out series. Concludes by saying, they have dominated the last few Ashes and they want to make an identity for the new few years.
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Stay tuned for the presentation ...
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Now, what next for England, the Ashes is already out of hands now. They will have to wait to win back the Ashes. Talking about the remainder of this series, they can shuffle things up, play with more freedom, and at least avoid a whitewash.
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A dominant display from Australia. They needed 6 wickets to win and it didn't take a full morning session as well. In a blink of an eye, the whole of England innings got vanished. The visitors started well with Root and Stokes showing some intent but it did not last much. Stokes fell and that opened the gates for Australia and Joe Root's wicket was the final nail in the coffin. Scott Boland was incredible, he ended with the figures of 4-1-7-6 and wrapped things up quickly.
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AUSTRALIA WIN THE SERIES AND HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES. Before the start of the morning session, not even Scott Boland would have believed if someone had shown these figures to him. Someone pinch and tell him, this is not a dream. The results were inevitable but this would fold up so early was not deemed of. Scott Boland leads as the players of Australia applause the spectators. Australia win by an innings and 14 runs.
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27.4WCameron Green to James Anderson
OUT! TIMBER! Dominance, just dominance from Australia! Green takes his first wicket and runs with joy. Incredible scenes here at MCG! A cracker of delivery to seal the series though. This was on a length and around off, it lands and shapes in sharply. James Anderson is squared up as he looks to defend and the ball hits the off stump.
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We can see Ben Stokes sitting in the dugout with his head down. Not a good sight for England fans.
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27.31Cameron Green to Jos Buttler
Fuller delivery, outside off. Jos Buttler pushes it to covers and scampers through to the other end, which brings James Anderson on strike. Australia will be happy with that.
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27.20Cameron Green to Jos Buttler
A short ball, down the leg side. Jos Buttler looks to pull but misses.
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27.10Cameron Green to Jos Buttler
On a length, outside off. Jos Buttler looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
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26.60Scott Boland to James Anderson
Length and on off. James Anderson defends it out.
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26.50Scott Boland to James Anderson
Length and outside off. Left alone.
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26.42Scott Boland to James Anderson
Anti-climax! A length ball, on middle. James Anderson tucks it to deep square leg for a brace. The crowd is shouting Boalnd! Boland! Boalnd! They are loving the home boy right now.
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James Anderson comes to the crease.
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26.3WScott Boland to
OUT! TAKEN! We are running out of words for Scott Boland! What has he had for breakfast because England are not liking it at all! Unbelievable scenes here at MCG! A length ball, outside off, this one nips slightly away. Ollie Robinson has a poke at it and gets a thick outside edge to third slip where Marnus Labuschagne takes a good low catch. 6 wickets for just 5 runs. Extraordinary figures by Scott Boland.
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26.20Scott Boland to
Beaten! Another ripper by Scott Boland! A length delivery, around the fourth stump line. Ollie Robinson, on back foot, looks to defend but gets beaten as the ball whizzes past the outside edge. An appeal for caught behind. But the umpire says no.
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Ollie Robinson walks out to the middle now.