Ashes 3rd Test: Joe Root 75 not out gives England hope in 359 chase
England vs Australia, 3rd Test Day 3: Chasing a mammoth total of 359, England were jolted early when they lost Rory Burns and Jason Roy in quick succession but a valiant 126-run stand between Joe Root and Joe Denly has helped the hosts keep their hopes alive in Leeds.
In Short
- Joe Root remained unbeaten on 75
- England reached 156/3 at Stumps on Day 3
- Australia need 7 wickets in 2 days to retain the Urn
Captain Joe Root's defiance gave England hope of saving the Ashes series as his unbeaten 75 helped the hosts to 156-3 in their second innings on day three of the third Test at Headingley.
Australia sensed victory was in sight inside three days having set England a daunting 359 runs to win after they -- 1-0 up in the five-match series and needing only one win to retain the urn -- were all out for 246 in their second innings.
Ashes 2019 3rd Test, Day 3: Highlights
That meant England were set a target that, if reached, would be the second-highest run chase in test cricket at Headingley, and two quick wickets put the hosts in trouble at 15-2.
Out to avoid a third successive duck, however, Root dug in, putting on a vital 126 for the third wicket with Joe Denly (50), and the skipper was unbeaten alongside Ben Stokes (two not out) at the close with England needing 203 more runs for victory.
Australia would retain the Ashes with a win as England could only draw the series.
Also See: