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.
120.1 England 313-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 87
More intelligent batting from Stokes. He nudges the ball to the leg side with just enough on it to comfortably run two.
120.3 England 319-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 93
Wow! Stokes is completely in ODI mode now. He brings out the scoop shot, hitting Cummins for six! 40 needed to win now.
120.4 England 321-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 95
Two more! Stokes hits it fine and runs as quick as he can. But he slips on his way back. Fortunately, the throw goes to the bowler's end where Leach is comfortably across.
120.5 England 322-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 96
Stokes takes the single. Leach has one ball to face from Cummins...
121.0 England 322-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 96
Leach blocks it! There's another huge roar from the crowd. England are 37 runs away from an incredible, historic victory.
121.1 England 326-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 100
Century for Ben Stokes! What an incredible innings! He smashes another boundary to bring it up, too.
121.2 England 332-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 106
Stokes goes again! It's a full toss and he powers it for yet another six. Ten runs off two balls!
121.3 England 338-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 112
WOW! This is astonishing cricket! Hazlewood pitches it up this time but it makes no difference to Stokes. He smashes it away on the leg side again and picks up another six.
121.4 England 340-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 114
Perfectly placed on the off side this time by Stokes and he collects another two. England need 19 runs to win.
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