The Ashes: 2nd Test Day 3

England 361 and 333/5 (110.0 overs)
Australia 128
England lead by 566 runs

Well it has certainly gone from bad to worse for Australia with England piling on 302 runs on Day 3 for the loss of only two wickets to bat the visitors out of the match. Joe Root dominated to bat through the whole day and ended up on an unbeaten 178. He smacked the Australian bowlers all round Lord's for a well deserved century - his first after the promotion to opener. Him and Bresnan put on a 99 run partnership for the fourth wicket and it took Australia until the 42nd over of the day to get a wicket. Bresnan was out to a pull shot, while there was contoversy early on in Ian Bell's innings. It seems we can't get a day's play without some umpiring controversy. Bell edged a ball to Steven Smith who appeared to catch it. The umpires went upstairs to check whether the ball carried or not, and the third umpire incredibly decided upon a not out verdict. I'm not sure what quality screens the third umpire has access to, but that ball to Smith definitely carried.

Bell made the most of his close call by making another significant contribution this time with 74. He missed out on another hundred was involved in a 153 run partnership with Root which demoralised the Australians. He was out before the close of play which led Root and Bairstow to lead England to stumps at 333/5.

For Australia the past two days has been atrocious cricket from them. Their batting was horrible and their bowling yesterday lacked penetration for the most part. I guess the only good news is that I don't think they can play any worse. (I feel this statement may come back to bite me)

Hero of the Day: Joe Root
Remained at the crease for the whole day while amassing 160 runs on the way to his highest test score. A brilliant innings from the young man which has vindicated the selectors' decision to play him at the top of the order ahead of Compton.

Villain of the Day: Australia's bowlers
I could list the third umpire as the villain, but even with early wicket of Bell, I don't think Australia would have been able to make the most of it. Their bowling was poor for large parts of the day. Pattinson is struggling, and apparently Agar is suffering from a hip injury of some sort.

Who won the day? England
England's second convincing winning day in a row has put them in a commanding position in this test with a massive 566 run lead so far. Anything other than rain for the next two days will result in England taking a 2-0 lead to Old Trafford.