England is mounting a shock comeback in the fifth Ashes Test as Australia’s batting fell apart early on Day 3.
Welcome to news.com.au’s coverage of Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.
The match is intriguingly poised as Australia takes a 152-run lead into the third day of action at Blundstone Arena.
A total of 17 wickets fell on Day 2 as England collapsed yet again for 188 but Australia had its own issues with the bat under lights in the evening session.
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The Aussies are 3/37 and will be looking to push the lead beyond 200 to ensure a tricky fourth innings chase for England.
Scott Boland was the hero on Day 2 as he continued his stunning form with the ball — and he would have had two more wickets if his teammates held onto their catches.
He was then brought out as the nightwatchman and survived a perilous few overs of bowling to protect the recognised Aussie batters.
Carey survives tight no-ball decision
Alex Carey was given a life after Chris Woakes had bowled him, only for replays to show Woakes had overstepped the crease by the slimmest of margins.
Carey was on his way off the field but was called back, with the third umpire unable to see any part of Woakes’ foot behind the crease.
It was England’s 32nd no ball of the Ashes.
Australia capitulating as England fights back
Australia made a shaky start to Day 3, losing three early wickets at the hands of Mark Wood.
Nightwatchman Scott Boland didn’t last long and soon after Travis Head was heading back to the pavilion for eight.
Wood targeted Head with a barrage of short balls and it paid off, with Head unneccessarily playing at a ball that he gloved down the leg side.
Wood also used the short ball tactic on Steve Smith, who was caught at fine leg attempting a hook shot for 27.
Smith’s dismissal means this will be the first Ashes series since 2010-11 in which he hasn’t scored a century.
His career average has also fallen below 60 (to 59.87) for the first time since 2017.
Steve Waugh backs under fire Justin Langer
Even with a shaky start to the second batting dig, Australia appears on track to win the fifth Test and cap a 4-0 Ashes victory over the Poms.
There has been much discussion about the future of coach Justin Langer once his contract expires following Australia’s tour of Pakistan in March.
During last summer’s series against India, reports emerged of a rift in the dressing room, with many players said to be unhappy with Langer’s coaching style.
Captain Pat Cummins opted not to endorse Langer staying on, even after Australia retained the Ashes by winning the Boxing Day Test.
Cricket Australia has also said the players will have a say in the coming months on whether Langer will continue as coach.
But the legendary opener’s former captain Steve Waugh has gone into bat for him.
In an Instagram post on Saturday night, Waugh said Langer’s ability to turn around the team’s culture in the wake of the sandpaper scandal in 2018, as well winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes was proof he should remain as coach.
The ex-Aussie skipper said on Instagram: “Position in doubt? Influenced the culture and character of the team after the Cape Town debacle.
“Coached the team to a winning 20/20 World Cup and now to a commanding Ashes victory.
“Time to put the rumours and innuendo to rest. #respect #culture #character.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on Waugh’s post: “Totally agree.”
Originally published as Live: England fighting back as Australia capitulates
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