Superstar Mitchell Starc will be hoping to add to his Ashes all-round legend with more runs with the bat when play against England resumes for the third Test at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
Starc, who’s taken a series-high 18 wickets so far, was unbeaten on 33 alongside Nathan Lyon (0*) at stumps on a gripping — and sweltering — first day of play as Australia conjured 8-326 after temperatures topped 36 Celsius.
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And it’s going to be even hotter on Thursday, with a maximum temperature of 39 expected in Adelaide mid-afternoon. Play will recommence at 10.30am (AEDT).
It’s why Starc, who top-scored with 77 in Australia’s first innings total at the Gabba, will be hoping to boost his team’s while keeping England out in the field for as long as possible.
The England camp was left fuming after the first day’s play following a crucial error that led to a reprieve for Australia’s Alex Carey, who top-scored for the home side with 106 but had a lucky escape when he was on 72.
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England called for a review after their appeal for caught behind off Josh Tongue’s pace bowling was turned down by umpire Ahsan Raza.
The stump microphones picked up a clear sound, with the soundwave spiking, but the replay showed the noise before the ball passed Carey’s bat and TV umpire Chris Gaffaney upheld the on-field decision.
Carey suggested to reporters after the day’s play he believed he had hit the ball. And BBG Sports, the company that owns Snicko used to help match officials review decisions made by on-field umpires, accepted responsibility for the mistake.
England raised the matter with match referee Jeff Crowe.
“I don’t think we’ve done anything about it so far but after today, maybe that might go a bit further,” said England bowling consultant David Saker.
Aus v England: Test 3, Day 1 Highlights | 15:32
Despite the frustrating setback, England, down 0-2 in the series, won praise from Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan for finding some form and fight on the first day.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, Vaughan said Engand would’ve been thrilled to take eight wickets on a pitch that offered little swing and seam movement, but added the tourists now must take advantage with the bat.
“England have a great chance because this pitch will play nicely,” Vaughan said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.
“If England bat tomorrow, they have to bat all day and bat into day three.”
Former Englan player Isa Guha added: “They have to bat well, they have to put out their best batting performance of this series so far to keep them in it.”
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