The Ashes 2021-22, 1st Test, Day 3

England employed the short-ball tactic to dislodge Mitchell Starc early on Day 3.

The 85-run stand between Starc and Head was eventually ended by Chris Woakes who had the former caught in the deep.

Travis Head was the last Australian batsman dismissed, finishing with a stunning 152 off 148. Australia took a first innings lead of 278.

Mark Wood took 2 of the 3 wickets to fall in the morning, finishing with 3 for 85 from 25.3 overs.

Mitchell Starc appeared to have dismissed Rory Burns in the first over again but the LBW decision was overturned by DRS.

Pat Cummins dismissed Rory Burns in the first over after Lunch.

Mitchell Starc dismissed Haseeb Hameed to leave England at 61/2.

Dawid Malan, in the company of Joe Root, held firm for the remainder of the second session.

Joe Root survived a spell from Josh Hazlewood and slowly grew into his innings.

Root and Malan completed half-centuries and effectively whittled down the lead.

The Barmy Army and England's supporters were in full cry as the Root-Malan partnership brought the visitors back into the game.

Josh Hazlewood bowled only 8 overs and none after Tea.

Joe Root was hit on the knee by a Mitchell Starc delivery but saw off the remainder of the day.

Nathan Lyon bowled 24 overs but couldn't get his elusive 400th wicket.

At Stumps on Day 3, the Root-Malan partnership was worth 159. Australia's lead had been whittled down to 58.