Australia versus England | The Ashes Cricket Series Since 1877

Third Day Report

Gillespie struck with his fourth ball of his first over today when he had Ian Ward trapped leg before without adding to his or England's overnight total. It was a bitter blow for England who had looked at one stage yesterday to be in complete control of the game.

In his very next over, Gillespie sent Robert Croft back to the dressing room without scoring when the Glamorgan spinner dragged the ball onto his stumps, the third ball of Dizzy's over. England had added only two runs to their total and the lead only 141 runs with two wickets left.

Despite two boundaries, one from Tudor, a superb cover drive and one from Caddick, it was the Somerset man that was the next casualty of war, easily caught by Adam Gilchrist behind the stumps best again off Gillespie. It was Dizzy's 100th wicket in Test cricket in his 24th Test match at a phenomenal strike rate of only 43.89. The strike rate is the 4th best of bowlers that have taken 100 wickets in Test cricket, a great achievement after fears he would never play Test cricket again after his collision with Steve Waugh in Sri Lanka.

With a lead of 151 and one wicket standing, Darren Gough faced one ball and the rain came down to halt the Australian charge. It didn't take long for the 10th and final wicket to fall, Shane Warne taking Tudor's wicket to end with his best figures in the UK - 6 for 33.

In a tense opening partnership, both Hayden and Slater survived confident appeals and started to eat into the ever decreasing English lead. Hayden making the most of his reprieve played positively, and scored quickly, making the most of the lack of third man.

Caddick had the last laugh however as he and Trescothick at third slip combined to dismiss Slater for 12 and the total on 36. With the introduction of Ricky Ponting, the Australian's continued to attack the bowling, but still both batsmen looked uneasy at the crease.

Atherton called on Robert Croft and his first ball was struck confidently by Ponting for four, however Ponting fell the very next ball when he had the slightest of deflections through to Alec Stewart. With only 72 on the board, England were well and truly back in the match. Mark Waugh on the final ball of the over hit Croft back over the bowler's head for four, after dancing down the track to meet the ball.

Croft was taken off after only one over, Atherton not happy with the 8 runs conceded, Caddick replaced the slow bowler. Alex Tudor, once again looked sharp, caused the Australian batsmen problems, culminating in Hayden's unfortunate leg before decision against him. The ball would have missed leg stump but umpire Vengkat thought it was out and gave the decision.

Steve Waugh came in, faced one ball and got off the mark immediately, but on doing so locked his left knee and had to be stretchered off - retired hurt. It doesn't look good for Australia at the moment, England have the upper hand and the tourists will be relying heavily on Waugh and Martyn.

After a lengthy delay with bad light and then rain, Tudor failed to find his earlier form and with it, Martyn hit three consecutive fours to put Australia right back in control of the game. Australia now needing only 41 runs to win with effectively 6 wickets left with Steve Waugh unable to bat. Steve Waugh has been told to isolate his left leg and x-rays will be taken to assess the damage over the next 24 hours. One thing we do know, Steve Waugh will play no further part in the game.

Martyn and Waugh continued to bat confidently after the resumption of play caused yet again by rain. The pair scored freely, and without too much effort guided Australia to a comfortable 7 wicket win. Gough was particularly punished by Martyn who managed to hit 5 fours off the Yorkshire bowler and scoring at a run rate of 5 and a half per over, Australia retained the ashes.

Australia have now held the ashes since 1989.

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