Australia bounce back as England attack is blunted by brilliant Michael Clarke
ENGLAND’S planned Ashes party never even got started and they trooped off the Old Trafford pitch last night sore and grumpy with yet another technology row marring the day’s play.
Australia have demanded an official explanation from the International Cricket Council as to how young batsman Usman Khawaja was given out caught behind after referral when he clearly did not touch the ball.
But it was England who were feeling even hotter under the collar on a steamy day in Manchester as Australia fought back in the third Test to score 303-3, led by a superb unbeaten 125 from captain Michael Clarke.
It was not the script England had hoped to follow on a day when they moaned about the bowlers’ run-ups as footholes developed, Stuart Broad appeared to struggle with a calf injury and Graeme Swann suffered from a throat infection.
England, 2-0 up in the series and looking to wrap up victory in Manchester, thought they had Steve Smith, who added an unbeaten 174 with Clarke, out three times but the review system went against them.
Fast bowler Tim Bresnan admitted it had been a tough day: “We expect a fight every time we play Australia and they fought hard. They had their backs to the wall and they fought back.
“They played well and the conditions were pretty good for batting but we stuck in there and created chances and beat the bat a few times without getting the edges.”
On the umpiring debate which left England fuming, Bresnan said: “A couple of decisions were quite frustrating but you have to accept them and I thought we did that pretty well. You let the umpires do their job and respect their decision.”
The most glaring error was the dismissal of Australia No3 Khawaja as Broad acknowledged on Twitter afterwards.
“Tough day. Depending on how you view some decisions, the Australians could have been 300-1 or 300-6. That’s how cricket goes,” said Broad.
Australian opener Chris Rogers, who set the tone for his team with a bold 84, was batting when Khawaja was dismissed and said: “I was surprised he was given out, he wasn’t anywhere near it.”