Joe Root and Dawid Malan produced a superb partnership that finally brought joy and kudos to England in the First Test.
By the close of day three, the pair had added 159 for the third wicket and reduced Australia’s lead to a manageable 58 runs.
England spent two days being hammered and humiliated but now they were believing they could escape with a draw – or maybe even force a sensational victory.
Captain Root, who was out for a duck in England’s miserable first innings total of 147 all out, batted brilliantly and continued his remarkable form of 2021.
He became England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket in a calendar year, overhauling Michael Vaughan’s aggregate of 1,481 in 2002.
Root finished day three on 86 not out and has two further Test matches to add to his total. He is on the brink of his seventh Test century of the year.
Malan was recalled in the summer for his first Test appearances for three years. England wanted him in Australia because his play is suited to the quicker and bouncier pitches.
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