The Ashes 2021/22, 1st Test, Day 3 Preview: England have a mountain to climb

Dec 09, 2021

The Ashes 2021/22, 1st Test, Day 3 Preview: England have a mountain to climb Image

Travis Head struck a brilliant century in just 85 balls to propel Australia to the driving seat in the first Ashes Test match, at the Gabba, Brisbane. By the end of Day 2, they have accrued a massive lead of 196 runs. Head is on 112, having already smashed 12 fours and two sixes. On Day 3, he will aim to add quick runs to inflate the lead. Mitchell Starc is batting on the other end on 10. 

England's primary fast bowlers were probing, but did not get much support from Ben Stokes and Jack Leach. There is a concern over Stokes, who injured his knee while fielding. Even Ollie Robinson walked off the field late in the third session, but perhaps it had more to do with fatigue than an injury.

The pace and bounce of Mark Wood will come in handy to wrap up Australia's innings. They are seven down, with only Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood to follow.

Once they wipe off the tail, England will have a mountain to climb when they come on to bat. Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed need to lay up the foundation with a solid start.

There is unlikely to be any stoppage on Day 3, as the weather is expected to remain clear.

Betway Fantasy Tips

  • Wood and Robinson are must-haves for your side. 
  • From England, Burns and Joe Root are good options. Burns got a duck in the first innings, but he is one of the better English batters. 
  • Pat Cummins and Hazlewood are two bowlers you can bank upon.