In a day filled with high drama and intense cricketing action, the third Ashes Test in Adelaide saw England’s Ben Stokes and Australia’s Travis Head take center stage. The day was marked by a crucial dropped catch by Harry Brook and a fiery display from Stokes, who was visibly frustrated. Meanwhile, Travis Head capitalized on the opportunity to shine, adding to the excitement of the match.
Stokes’ Slow Grind and Explosive Reaction
England captain Ben Stokes began the day with a determined approach, reminiscent of his legendary innings at Headingley in 2019. However, his slow and steady 148-ball 50 raised eyebrows, particularly as it diverged from the aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy under coach Brendon McCullum. Stokes’ approach was a stark contrast to the attacking style that has characterized England’s play in recent years.
Former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark commented on the shift, stating,
“The top six have been told to play attacking … without consequence. It hasn’t worked and [Stokes has] gone ‘I’m gonna play like we’re supposed to play’. To me that is really, really confusing if I was a young player.”
Despite his efforts, Stokes fell short of a match-defining innings, dismissed for 83, leaving England in a precarious position.
Stokes’ Outburst on the Field
Stokes’ frustration was palpable when he was bowled by Mitchell Starc for the sixth time in Tests. His reaction was one of disbelief and anger, as he jumped and threw his bat in frustration. This emotional display was reminiscent of the passion seen in top players like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, who often linger at the crease after being dismissed.
Jofra Archer, Stokes’ batting partner, followed him to the boundary, offering a consolatory pat on the back, signaling no hard feelings from their earlier altercation.
Weatherald’s Controversial Walk
In another dramatic moment, Jake Weatherald’s decision to walk off after being given out LBW raised questions. England had a slender 85-run lead, and early wickets were crucial. Weatherald, after a brief discussion with Travis Head, chose not to review the decision. Technology later showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump, leaving fans and commentators baffled by his choice not to contest the call.
Green’s Struggles and Selection Speculations
Cameron Green’s ongoing struggles with the bat have sparked discussions about his place in the Australian team. Despite a promising start to his career, Green’s recent performances have been underwhelming, averaging just 21.8 in his last 15 innings.
Former Test fast bowler Jason Gillespie suggested possible changes, stating,
“There obviously will be discussions. They like Cam Green in the side, they obviously believe he’s a generational talent, and he certainly is a very fine young player, but ultimately they need a return on investment.”
Gillespie floated the idea of bringing in Beau Webster or Nathan McSweeney as potential replacements, highlighting the need for a strategic rethink.
Brook’s Costly Drop and Head’s Redemption
Harry Brook’s dropped catch of Travis Head on 99 proved costly for England. Head, who had been batting cautiously, was given a lifeline and went on to capitalize on the opportunity. This was not the first time Brook had missed a crucial catch, as he had earlier dropped Usman Khawaja, who went on to score 82.
Ben Stokes was off the field during Head’s drop, leaving Brook to bear the weight of the captaincy momentarily. The missed chance was a turning point, allowing Head to continue his impressive performance, much to the delight of Australian fans.
The third day of the Ashes Test in Adelaide was a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected turns, with key players making headlines for both their triumphs and tribulations. As the series progresses, both teams will need to address their strategies and performances to gain an edge in this fiercely contested rivalry.
