England pin hope on Root

LEEDS, August 24

Captain Joe Root’s defiance gave England hope of saving the Ashes series as his unbeaten 75 helped the hosts to 156/3 in their second innings on Day 3 of the third Test at Headingley.

Australia sensed victory was in sight inside three days having set England a daunting 359 runs to win after they — 1-0 up in the five-match series and needing only one win to retain the urn — were all out for 246 in their second innings. That meant England were set a target that, if reached, would be the second-highest run chase in Test cricket at Headingley, and two quick wickets put the hosts in trouble at 15/2. Out to avoid a third successive duck, however, Root dug in, putting on a vital 126 for the third wicket with Joe Denly (50), and the skipper was unbeaten alongside Ben Stokes (2*) at the close with England needing 203 more runs for victory. Australia would retain the Ashes with a win as England could only draw the series. — Reuters

Brief Scores 

Australia: 179 and 246 (Head 25, Labuschagne 80, M Wade 33; S Broad 2/52, B Stokes 3/56); England: 67 and 156/3 in 47 overs (J Root 75*, J Denly 50, B Stokes 2*; J Hazlewood 2/35)