Ashes: Root, Malan Lead England's Fightback At The Gabba

It was a batting day at the Gabba where only five wickets fell throughout the three sessions, helping in England's fightback, led by Joe Root and Dawid Malan. 

Resuming the day at 343/7, Travis Head reached his second 150 in his test career as Australia got bowled out for 412. Head got good support from the lower order where Mitchell Starc scored 35 from 64 while Nathan Lyon hit 15 off 24 balls. 

Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood shared six wickets between them, while Chris Woakes got two. Jack Leach and Root picked a wicket each. 

With a deficit of 278, English openers - Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed - came out to bat and survived till lunch. However, Pat Cummins struck immediately after Lunch as Burns got out for 13. 

Hameed was once again looking solid while out there but Starc found the edge and he got out scoring 27. 

But after that, it was all about Root and Dawid Malan getting stuck at the crease and enjoying the conditions, which kept getting better and better as the day went on. Although they both had a few nervy moments, especially Malan, but luck was on their side today. 

Root, during his unbeaten 86-run knock, also became England's highest run-getter in a calendar year as his aggregate score went past 1500 runs in 2021. 

Root and Malan have so far added 159 runs for the third wicket and have played 49 overs together. With a trail of 58 runs still remaining, England would be hoping for them to play as long as possible to not only keep Australian bowlers on the field but give themselves enough on the board to defend in the final innings. 

Brief Scorecard: 

England - 147/10 & 220/2 
Australia - 425/10