Live Update Snapshot: Cummins Strikes Duckett, England Face 435 to Win
The third Test of the Ashes 2025 is shaping up as a pivotal moment in the series. After a probing spell from Australia’s fast bowlers, Pat Cummins produced a sharp delivery to dismiss Harry Duckett, a moment England hoped would anchor their chase for a 435-run target. With the ball moving and the pitch offering something for the bowlers in patches, Australia will feel they have the upper hand, while England must regroup and plot a way to reach a challenging total.
Both teams have stressed the need for disciplined batting, with the English lineup looking to salvage the series from a tough position. The situation demands a measured approach, clear communication between players, and a willingness to grind out runs as conditions evolve through the day.
How We Got Here: Key Moments So Far
England’s decision to bat first set a demanding stage, but bright starts from their openers didn’t translate into a big second innings score. Australia’s bowlers have showed patience and accuracy, especially in the latter part of sessions, which kept England on the back foot through crucial periods. The dismissal of Duckett represents a significant early breakthrough for Cummins and a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in this format.
England’s middle order must now find stability. The challenge is not just about scoring runs but converting them into a comfortable run rate under pressure. England’s support staff have emphasized the importance of patience with the bat, while Australia will be keen to seize any window to apply pressure and swing the match in their favour.
Expert Opinions: Our Panel Weighs In
Cricket analysts have been weighing in on whether the match can be wrapped up today or if England will show resilience. A consensus appears to be that Australia holds a slight edge, but the series is not over until the last wicket falls. The pace and bounce on offer will be critical, and the team that can adapt quickest to the conditions will likely dictate the tempo of play for the remainder of the day.
We’ll publish more insights from our panel as the day progresses, including assessments of field placements, bowling strategies, and batsmen’s plans to attack or defend depending on the session’s context.
What England Need to Do to Stay Alive
To keep the series alive, England must execute a measured chase with focus on sustainability. A big partnership early would provide relief, but the priority should be to stay steady, rotate strike, and avoid risky strokes against the best deliveries. If Australia can break the opening stand, the pressure will intensify and England’s margin for error will shrink.
Key players will need to step up, with the middle order bearing the burden of building partnerships and the tail humbly contributing valuable runs when opportunities arise. England’s fielding and decision-making in the next sessions will be under close scrutiny as fans debate whether the match can end today.
Poll: Will England Keep the Series Alive?
We want your take: Do you think England can chase 435 and extend the series, or will Australia seal the deal at the third-Test stage? Vote in our poll and share your reasoning in the comments. We’ll reflect on crowd sentiment and expert opinions in our post-play analysis.
What to Watch For Next
Expect Australia to maintain a tight line, targeting the stumps and the edges. England will be looking for boundaries but may prioritize containment and survival to time the chase. The captaincy duo will be tested as tactical moves around field placements and bowler changes could prove decisive in the session ahead.
As the day unfolds, we’ll keep you updated with exclusive insights from the stands, dressing rooms, and post-session press conferences, delivering a complete narrative of the Ashes 2025 third Test as it happens.
