5th Ashes Test: England stare at massive innings defeat at end of Day 3

Alastair Cook loses his wicket in the 2nd innings, Michael Clarke exults

England trail Australia’s 1st innings score by 129 runs with 4 wickets left at stumps on Day 3, staring at a massive innings defeat in the 5th Ashes Test.

England could not add much to their overnight score of 107/8, being bundled up by strikes in consecutive balls by Mitchell Johnson, who would thus start the second innings on a hat-trick.

Michael Clarke, captaining Australia in his last Test, enforced follow-on for the first time in his career – he didn't do it for the last four times when he had got a chance.

Made to bat for a second time early on Day 3, England lost opener Adam Lyth early for 10, continuing England’s search for an able batting partner for Alastair Cook. Peter Siddle, brought in to play the last Test, was accurate with his line and length – bowling five maidens in a row in the morning session.

Alastair Cook stuck around till after tea, facing 234 balls for his 85. He lost partners consistently though, and the most support he received was from Jonathan Bairstow(26 off 48 balls), as Australian bowlers raced to a consolation victory.

Bairstow was dismissed in an unlucky manner after tea, when Adam Voges took a catch on the rebound after wobbling the first attempt, Nathan Lyon the bowler. Replays showed that the ball went onto Voges' grille and then came down before being caught.

According to the laws of the game, once the ball hits the fielder's protective equipment - in this case the helmet - it shouldn't be out. Had Bairstow been more aware of this rule, he would perhaps have argued his case instead of walking away.

Alastair Cook soon lost his wicket to the golden arm of Steven Smith, a brave resistance brought to an end by the part-timer, and the captain of Australia the next time they walk out in a Test.

Jos Buttler(33 off 80 balls) and Mark Wood(0 off 6 balls) will take crease for England on Day 4, staring at inevitable defeat.

The 2015 edition of the Ashes is, barring a major miracle, settled in the hosts’ favour 3-2.

This has been the most bizarre, topsy turvy Ashes series since I can remember. #WhatsGoinOn

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) August 22, 2015