England rescued by rain – 3rd Investec Test vs. Australia

Aug 5, 2013

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England 368 (Kevin Pietersen 113, Ian Bell 60, peter Siddle 4-63) and 3-37(Joe Root 13*, Jonathan Trott 11, Ryan Harris 2-13) drew with Australia 7-527 (Michale Clarke 187, Steven Smith 89, Chris Rogers 84, Graeme Swann 5-159) and 7-172 (David Warner 41, Michael Clarke 30, Tim Bresnan 2-25)

The English batting line up started sliding towards decline against the lethal bowling of Australia as the hosts survived a most likely defeat due to weather.

The Kangaroos amassed 7-527 declared in the first innings followed by 7-172 declared in the second. The home side managed 368 in their first and 37 in 20.3 overs for the loss of three wickets in the second innings.

Michael Clarke, the Australian skipper, was declared ‘Player of the match’ for his outstanding batting in the game.

The Third Investec Test came to an end on Monday, August 5, 2013, at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Michael Clarke - Outstanding batting in the match — Michael Clarke – Outstanding batting in the match

Earlier, the Aussies declared their second innings at their overnight score of 7-172 from 36 overs and England was handed over a tough task of 332 runs to win the match. Alastair Cook was declared leg before wicket off Ryan Harris on the 3^rd ball of the third over without opening his account even after a review. Jonathan Trott got together with Joe Root and they opted to play a defensive knock and scored just five runs in the even overs.

Trott hit the first four of the innings in the following over and Root initiated his innings on the 26^th ball he faced. The first survived a review of lbw claimed by the tourists in the 11^th over but was caught behind by Brad Haddin off Harris for 11runs. Kevin Pietersen came in next and sent the ball out of the fence on the last delivery of the 13^th one and the score was pushed to 24 in 16 overs by the two batsmen. Pietersen became the next victim when he was caught behind by Haddin off Peter Siddle for just eight runs and England was reeling at 3-27.

Ian Bell walked in the park under cloudy conditions while Root hit his first four in the 18^th over. The game was called off after 20.3 overs because of rain and dark overhead clouds as the hosts reached 3-37 whereas Root and Bell were at the crease with 13 and 4 runs respectively.

The third Investec Test ended in a draw and England still leads the five match series 2-0. The fourth encounter will commence on August 9, 2013, at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.