England hit back to reach 220-2, trailing Australia by 58, at stumps on day three at The Gabba; Joe Root (86no) and Dawid Malan (80no) share an unbroken 159-run partnership after Travis Head made 152 to take the hosts up to 425 and a first-innings lead of 278
By Sam Drury
Last Updated: 10/12/21 7:46am
Joe Root and Dawid Malan led the England fightback on day three of the first Ashes Test at The Gabba.
After Australia extended their first-innings lead to 278 in the morning session, courtesy of Travis Head’s 152, the pair came together midway through the afternoon and were still together at stumps, putting on an unbroken 159 for the third wicket as England closed on 220-2, trailing by 58.
Root finished 86 not out, 14 runs shy of a first century on Australian soil, and set a new England record for most Test runs in a calendar year, while Dawid Malan is unbeaten on 80 going into day four.
The home side remain firm favourites to go 1-0 up in the five-match series but a much-improved batting effort second time around has given England a glimmer of hope.
More to follow…