The Ashes 2013 – 5th Test, Day 3: England stabilise their position on a slow day

Joe Root top scored for England with 68 runs

England managed to score 246 runs for the loss of four wickets in a day that started off with both openers Alastair Cook and Joe Root not looking very comfortable facing the Australian bowlers. With the score on 68, Ryan Harris accounted for Cook, who nicked an away going delivery to Brad Haddin behind the stumps, for the third time in the series.

Jonathan Trott combined well with Root to put together a 50-run partnership for the second wicket, before Root was dismissed for 68 runs by Nathan Lyon who struck in the very first over of his second spell. England batsmen seemed content with the scoring rate hovering around 2.5 runs per over and on a pitch that did not have any demons, their lack of intent was inexplicable.

Having won the series, it looked like they were playing for a draw and to close down any little advantage that the Aussies could get for the return series in Australia later this year. Trott, who had meandered to a 134-ball 40 was sent back LBW while trying to play across the line to Mitchell Starc.

Nathan Lyon was particularly impressive making life difficult for Pietersen and Trott. Pietersen, playing away from the body, fell soon after getting to his fifty as Starc picked up his second wicket. As the day came towards an end, Chris Woakes and Ian Bell remained unbeaten on 14 and 29 runs respectively.