By BV Swagath
Ian Bell, who scored a crucial century in the first innings, helped himself to 74 (from 103 balls with 11 fours) before pulling a long hop from Steven Smith to mid wicket. It was surprising that England decided to continue batting right till the end of the day and not opting to have a shot at the Aussies for a few awkward overs.
Update at Tea on Day 3: England stretched their overall lead to 404 and are minutes away from a declaration tonight. Joe Root is approaching a 2nd Test century and is just three runs away. Root has taken 237 balls to get his runs. Ian Bell is on 16 and had received a reprieve when he was given not out despite Steven Smith taking a clean low catch at gully.
The only wicket to fall in the afternoon session was that of Tim Bresnan who miscued a pull off Siddle to mid wicket. Bresnan scored a slow 38 from 137 balls while putting up a 99-run stand with Root for the fourth wicket.
Update at Lunch on Day 3: Australia went wicketless in the morning session of Day 3 at Lord’s as England stretched their lead to 347. The hosts are well set to go 2-0 up in the 5-match Ashes Series thanks to yesterday’s poor batting display from the Aussies.
The overnight pair of Joe Root and Tim Bresnan added 83 runs in 31 overs this morning. Root scored his 3rd Test fifty and has crawled to 63* from 154 balls (with 7 fours). Bresnan, who has come in as the night watchman, has collected 32* from 107 balls. England for sure have batted too slowly but they have enough time to win this Test match.