Smith Half Century Moves Australia towards Parity

England’s day could not have got much worse, after the nightmare of a morning session, but despite an improved showing post-lunch, Australia still moved to within seven runs of parity.

The hosts added 96 runs in the session and progressed to 377 – 6, even with the loss of three wickets and England profiting from taking the new ball.

Steve Smith (65*) passed yet another half century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, ruthlessly punishing the England bowlers, whenever they wavered in line or length.

Australia’s stand-in captain has yet to register a century in this series and averages north of 60 at his home ground, whilst he looks set today for a significant contribution.

Aside from Smith’s resistance, England did pick up three wickets, including finally removing the dangerous Travis Head for a sparkling 163.

The part-time spin of Jacob Bethell eventually did the trick, as he trapped the slog sweeping Head LBW, just after the Australian opener had reached 600 runs for the series.

Despite getting starts, fellow left-handers Usman Khawaja (17) and Alex Carey (16) also followed Head back to the pavilion, after England had taken the new ball.

Khawaja was LBW to Brydon Carse, as he missed an attempted whip through the leg side and was struck on the pads, before departing to a standing ovation in what may have been his last innings as a Test batter.

After setting off like a train, Carey succumbed to a similar mode of dismissal that has plagued him already in this series, flicking Josh Tongue round the corner and straight to Bethell at leg slip.

With Cameron Green having joined Smith at the crease and the hosts boasting a lengthy tail, Australia are still odds on though to go well past England’s first innings 384 and establish a sizeable lead.

For the tourists, they need to swiftly polish off this Australian innings and get batting tonight, if they are to keep tabs of Australia and retain a chance of winnings this game.

Follow our commentary for the final session of day three via our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/bbKFqC_LpbQ?si=6RTfFfO5SZd9gVgf