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Hosts feel the heat after conceding 527

England are under pressure perhaps for the first time in this Ashes Series with a shaky position of 57 for 2 after Australia’s first innings total of 527 for 7 declared (3rd Ashes Test Scorecard). While England have the batsmen to bail them out of the situation, the pitch looks very conducive for Nathan Lyon who has managed to get square turn on the second day itself. England Skipper Alastair Cook survived some sharp turners to remain unbeaten on 36 (from 99 balls).

Graeme Swann bowling in the Ashes

Graeme Swann bowling in the Ashes (Photo credit: Sum_of_Marc)

Cook lost a couple of partners though in Joe Root and night watchman Tim Bresnan, who was sent in about 30 minutes to go for stumps. Root was caught behind off Siddle after digging in for 23.4 overs to score just 8 (from 57 balls). Bresnan was unlucky to be given caught behind when his attempted pull off Siddle went off the trouser. Bresnan could not convince his Skipper Alastair Cook in taking a review which was reserved for the better batsmen.

Earlier in the day, Michael Clarke missed out on a double century by 13 runs. The Aussie Skipper was bowled off a short ball from Stuart Broad which followed him around middle and rolled down off the arm. Clarke nevertheless recorded his career best against England, scoring his 187 (from 314 balls with 23 fours). Overnight batsman Steven Smith missed out on a maiden century and was first to be dismissed in the morning, trying to slog sweep Graeme Swann. Smith scored 89 from 196 balls with 8 fours.

The Aussies were at 430 for 7 when the pair of Brad Haddin and Mitchell Starc got together to ensure enough runs on the board for the visitors. Haddin scored an attacking 65* from 99 balls (with 6 fours) and Starc hammered the English bowlers for 66* from 71 balls with 9 fours. For England, Graeme Swann took his 17th five-wicket haul but had to toil hard for 43 overs.

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