England simply at the mercy of Australia
Probably one of the most dominant displays of test match batting that I have seen in a long time has taken place on day 3 during the third test at the WACA. Australia has finished the day in a ruthless position sitting at 4/549 at stumps.
One could say that having a bad day at the office is one thing but being absolutely humiliated is another. And without a shadow of a doubt, Steve Smith, the freak has punished England in every way with a sublime 229. His partner in crime Mitchell Marsh who was recalled to the test arena has silenced his critics with a blistering 181 not out to leave England hopeless on the third day.
Starting the day at 3/203, Australia had a decent mountain to climb, but Smith and Marsh (Mitchell) made it look like a minor hurdle. Losing Shaun Marsh for a fighting 28, that was the only highlight for the English, as Mitch and Smith produced boundaries after boundaries after boundaries. The duo has so far put on a record fifth-wicket partnership of 301 runs and still going into day 4 of the third test.
Steve Smith has simply gone from strength to strength as his almost faultless innings of 229 not out has given England no signs of hope of dismissing him. However, despite the brilliance of the player and the freakish form that he is, England's selection board must be heavily criticised. England has gone into this series so far with a very one-dimensional pace attack with no change-up of variety and little pace compared to the Australian attack. Therefore, without the inclusion of a genuine express bowler or a paceman who can provide variety is simply asking for trouble as they are made to look foolish against a motivated batting lineup.
I strongly believe that England's tactics and lack of intent from ball one are allowing Australia to compile the runs that they are. I am firm in the belief that whilst Australia are on top of this series, they are a team that can be exposed. But with the no real signs of energy from the first ball and the lack of pace and hostility that the English are showing is allowing Australia to mask their weaknesses and allow them to compile these massive scores.
Despite the glorious knock from Steve Smith, the innings of Mitchell Marsh too was a spectacular sight. From being one of the most heavily criticised players of the Australian cricket team and a controversial selection in this Ashes series, I am sure that he has answered his critics in tremendous style. Hence, I am sure that he will take the confidence from the third day into the next to hopefully go on and compile a maiden double century with his skipper.
It is fair to say that England has not had much to report as far as their bowling and fielding is concerned. They have for most of this day been at the mercy of the Australian batsmen, in particular, Marsh and Smith. The only positive that there is for the English, is most likely the bowling of Craig Overton. Despite his poor economy rate, he certainly showed the tourists where to bowl on that pitch.
With some heavy weather expected to arrive late on day 4, I would expect a declaration just before lunch. I would not be surprised if Australia takes a few overs to settle in before they go ballistic to set up a declaration with a deficit of around 300 runs. The psychology of the declaration will for sure play in the minds of the tourists and with some effective fast bowling, I am certain that we will witness a collapse late on day 4.
Overall it has been a very one-sided affair so far in this test match, with Australia standing on the throats of the English. I do not see England winning this game at all, but due to some concerns about the weather, the only hope they will have is to draw the game. But let's see how Australia approach the first session tomorrow, and will we see some fireworks from the Aussies or will they make England wait and wait out in the field and destroy their morale?
One could say that having a bad day at the office is one thing but being absolutely humiliated is another. And without a shadow of a doubt, Steve Smith, the freak has punished England in every way with a sublime 229. His partner in crime Mitchell Marsh who was recalled to the test arena has silenced his critics with a blistering 181 not out to leave England hopeless on the third day.Starting the day at 3/203, Australia had a decent mountain to climb, but Smith and Marsh (Mitchell) made it look like a minor hurdle. Losing Shaun Marsh for a fighting 28, that was the only highlight for the English, as Mitch and Smith produced boundaries after boundaries after boundaries. The duo has so far put on a record fifth-wicket partnership of 301 runs and still going into day 4 of the third test.
Steve Smith has simply gone from strength to strength as his almost faultless innings of 229 not out has given England no signs of hope of dismissing him. However, despite the brilliance of the player and the freakish form that he is, England's selection board must be heavily criticised. England has gone into this series so far with a very one-dimensional pace attack with no change-up of variety and little pace compared to the Australian attack. Therefore, without the inclusion of a genuine express bowler or a paceman who can provide variety is simply asking for trouble as they are made to look foolish against a motivated batting lineup.
I strongly believe that England's tactics and lack of intent from ball one are allowing Australia to compile the runs that they are. I am firm in the belief that whilst Australia are on top of this series, they are a team that can be exposed. But with the no real signs of energy from the first ball and the lack of pace and hostility that the English are showing is allowing Australia to mask their weaknesses and allow them to compile these massive scores.Despite the glorious knock from Steve Smith, the innings of Mitchell Marsh too was a spectacular sight. From being one of the most heavily criticised players of the Australian cricket team and a controversial selection in this Ashes series, I am sure that he has answered his critics in tremendous style. Hence, I am sure that he will take the confidence from the third day into the next to hopefully go on and compile a maiden double century with his skipper.
With some heavy weather expected to arrive late on day 4, I would expect a declaration just before lunch. I would not be surprised if Australia takes a few overs to settle in before they go ballistic to set up a declaration with a deficit of around 300 runs. The psychology of the declaration will for sure play in the minds of the tourists and with some effective fast bowling, I am certain that we will witness a collapse late on day 4.
Overall it has been a very one-sided affair so far in this test match, with Australia standing on the throats of the English. I do not see England winning this game at all, but due to some concerns about the weather, the only hope they will have is to draw the game. But let's see how Australia approach the first session tomorrow, and will we see some fireworks from the Aussies or will they make England wait and wait out in the field and destroy their morale?
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