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.
123.4 England 351-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 125
Stokes wants two but has to settle for the single. Leach has two balls to face this time.
123.5 England 351-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 125
A quick bouncer from Cummins and Leach moves out of the way! One more to go.
124.0 England 351-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 125
Cummins sends in a yorker that clatters into Leach's pad. It looks like it pitched outside leg stump, but Australia choose to review it!
124.0 England 351-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 125
It has indeed pitched outside leg, so the decision of not out stands! Eight runs needed. Stokes is on strike against Nathan Lyon.
124.3 England 357-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 131
SIX MORE! Lyon tosses one up and Stokes smashes it. Labuschagne came across at mid-off but it flies over his head. Two runs needed to win.
124.5 England 357-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 131
How has Leach not been run out! He thinks Stokes has called for a run and gets halfway down the pitch before he's called back. He looks stranded but Lyon fumbles the ball and misses the stumps. Incredible drama!
125.0 England 357-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 131
Huge appeals for lbw! Stokes misses the ball and it hits him on the pad in front of leg stump. It's extremely close, but the finger doesn't go up. And Australia have no reviews left!
125.0 England 357-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 131
If Australia had been able to review that, it would have been out! They may still have a chance. Leach is on strike against Cummins.
125.2 England 357-9 (target 359), Leach 0, Stokes 131
Leach plays it off his hip and almost finds the gap. It's well fielded, though, and Australia prevent the single.
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