Ashes 2019: Joe Root makes fighting fifty as England keep faint third Test hopes alive
Catch-up on how all the action unfolded on Day Three at Headingley
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Your support makes all the difference.England fought their way to 155-3, but Australia remain favourites to win the third Ashes Test.
Joe Root and Joe Denly both passed fifty in pursuit of a target of 359, and though the latter departed soon after reaching his half-century, England’s captain remains unbeaten overnight on 75.
Root’s fine hand ensures England maintain slim hopes of pulling off the most remarkable of chases, and you can see how the third day’s action all unfolded below:
When is the third Test?
The third Test takes place on 22-26 August.
What time does it start?
The toss takes place at 10:30am in Thursday, with play scheduled to get underway at 11am each day.
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage of each day’s play will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports The Ashes from 10am.
Odds
England to win: 8/11
Australia to win: 21/10
Draw: 29/4
Prediction
England to win: As long as the weather plays ball, this could be the moment the series swings in England’s favour. With Jofra Archer set to renew his bowling assault and no Steve Smith to dig Australia out of trouble, England should be able to level the series here with bright sunshine forecast for the weekend.
89.1 England 226-4 (target 359), Bairstow 26, Stokes 29
Another huge roar as Stokes pulls a short ball away for six! The crowd are starting to believe.
90.0 England 228-4 (target 359), Bairstow 26, Stokes 30
Nine runs from the over as some sloppiness starts to creep into Australia's game. The last ball runs through to Paine, who can't take it into his gloves. It allows Bairstow and Stokes to run another single.
Australia need something to change here, so they'll turn to Lyon.
91.0 England 229-4 (target 359), Bairstow 27, Stokes 30
An excellent over from Lyon. Just one run comes from it, and he twice beats the bat of Stokes. The quick bowlers haven't delivered in this session, so Lyon needs to produce something.
92.0 England 229-4 (target 359), Bairstow 27, Stokes 30
A welcome maiden over for Cummins, who ends it by tempting Bairstow into a play and miss. WinViz now suggests England are favourites, though, with a 51% chance of victory.
93.0 England 235-4 (target 359), Bairstow 32, Stokes 31
This is a fascinating duel between Lyon and Stokes. The outside edge is passed again, but Stokes gets off strike and allows Bairstow to sweep to the boundary.
94.0 England 235-4 (target 359), Bairstow 32, Stokes 31
Another maiden from Cummins. We're just a few minutes away from lunch now, so Lyon will hope to get the wicket of Stokes before then. The off spinner looks the most likely at the moment.
95.0 England 235-4 (target 359), Bairstow 32, Stokes 31
No runs from another impressive Lyon over. Stokes stays vigilant, though, blocking well. The key for England is to reach lunch still with six wickets in hand.
95.0 England 235-4 (target 359), Bairstow 32, Stokes 31
Marnus Labuschagne will bowl an over of leg spin to end the session.
Lunch
96.0 England 238-4 (target 359), Bairstow 34, Stokes 32
That's the end of a brilliant first session! It's been riveting stuff. Bairstow and Stokes leave the pitch to a standing ovation from the Headingley crowd. They've been superb since the dismissal of Root, and England now have a real chance of completing what would be a memorable run chase.
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