Pressure mounts on England as day 3 draws to close
England look like they are in deep trouble after Alastair Cook was caught out at seven in the fourth over of England's second innings of the Ashes opener at Gabba. It didn't take the Aussies too long to pile the pressure as James Vince followed shortly, leaving England struggling at 33 for the loss of 2 at the end of day three.
Day three belonged to the Aussies
The Aussies had a fruitful day at office, ending their first innings at 328 earlier in the day. Captain Steve Smith was the architect with his masterful 141 not out. Smith spent over 9 hours in the middle, in Brisbane's scorching heat, giving his team a slender lead of 26 runs. In the process, Smith slammed his 21st Test century.
Hazlewood too hot to handle?
Josh Hazlewood was making all the plays with the ball for the Aussies. He dismissed the dangerous Alastair Cook in the fourth over and soon struck again to send James Vince who was caught by Smith. England captain Joe Root and Mark Stoneman now have a task at hand if England have to salvage something from this Test.
England in crisis after Steve Smith's brilliance
Day three started with England striking early, clinching three wickets in the morning session and giving them an opportunity to take the lead. But Pat Cummins along with his skipper made the Englishmen toil. Australia from 209-7 finished at 328 all out, with a precious advantage of 26 runs. When England came to bat Hazlewood struck twice and they ended the day at 33/2.
