Ashes 2021: England Fail To Capitalise On Malan And Root Knocks As Australia Grab Huge Lead

After losing both their openers on day 2 for 17, England were hoping captain Joe Root and Dawid Malan would lay a solid foundation on day three and the duo obliged. The in-form Malan bringing up his ninth Test 50.

Root also went past former Australian captain Michael Clarke for most Test runs scored in a calendar year. Root's 62 took him to fourth overall with 1,606 runs. Only Mohammed Yousuf, Sir Viv Richards and Graeme Smith have scored more in a calendar year than Root.

However, England's joy was short-lived as they lost Root and Malan within a space of six overs. Cameron Green struck to get rid of Root before Mitchell Starc dismissed Malan.

This triggered England's batting collapse as Starc and Nathan Lyon made short work of their batting line up. The visitors lost their last eight wickets for just 86 runs.

Starc finished with figures of 4-37 while Lyon took three wickets for 58 as England were bowled out for 236, trailing Australia by 237 runs. Aussie captain Steve Smith decided not to enforce the follow on opting instead to set England a target.

Australia's excellent day was spoilt right at the end as a mix up between openers David Warner and Marcus Harris resulted in the former being run out. Australia finished Day 3 on 45/1 with a lead of 282 runs.