Live Update: Cummins strikes and the day unfolds
The Ashes 2025 third Test is delivering the kind of gripping cricket that fans crave, with Pat Cummins striking early to remove a key England man and set the tone for a tense chase. England were aiming to post a defendable target after a competitive first innings, but Australia’s attack hit the right areas, pinning England back at crucial moments. The mood in the stands is a blend of optimism and nervous anticipation as England, facing a daunting 435 to win, look for a way to weather the pressure and revive their campaign in the series.
England’s batting lineup showed flashes of resilience, with a number of players rotating the strike and building partnerships, yet they’ve struggled to convert starts into big scores. The pitch has offered something for the bowlers in patches, encouraging England’s top order to negotiate a variety of deliveries that keep the scoreboard ticking over without giving away too much at once. Australia’s fielding, especially in the slips and short-leg regions, has been sharp, and Cummins’ leadership in the attack remains a consistent factor in Chelsea-like concentration—pun intended by the scoreboard, not the commentary box.
Expert opinion: What the pundits are saying
The immediate reaction from cricket writers suggests a split view on whether England can take the game deep enough to force a result. One of the most pointed observations comes from Daniel Brettig, who argues there is enough in the pitch for Australia’s bowlers in the right areas to maintain the pressure. He notes the subtle movement and the slight nibble that could prove decisive if England’s batsmen fail to adapt. Brettig’s assessment centers on the idea that the Australian attack has the control needed to test England’s middle order, potentially creating the kind of mini-collapse that would tilt the match in favor of the home side.
Other pundits will weigh in with counterpoints—some pointing to England’s depth of batting and the chance for a practical chase where partnerships could steady the ship. The balance of the day’s play is likely to hinge on England’s ability to convert small, safe hits into meaningful stands and to keep fear at bay when Australia begins to apply sustained pressure in the evening session.
What England must do to keep the series alive
With a 435-run target looming, England needs a composed innings that prioritizes wickets in hand and steady accumulation. The key is to avoid repeating a top-order collapse and to build a platform where a sustained partnership could shift the match’s momentum. England’s middle order, if they can anchor the innings and convert 30s and 40s into 60s and 70s, will be crucial in setting a realistic path to victory.
Australia’s bowlers should maintain a consistent line and length, exploiting any slight seam or swing available. Field placement will be a quiet determinant of when England can finally gain a foothold—an extra runs-saving fielder in the corridor could make a measurable difference in pressure situations. The day’s outcome could hinge on small margins: a sharp misfield, a dropped catch, or a patient 20‑30 run stand that breathes life into England’s chase.
Your take: vote in our live poll
We’ve invited cricket fans to share their verdict on whether England can chase down 435. Cast your vote below and tell us who you think will prevail in this enthralling third Test:
[Poll widget: Will England chase 435 to win the third Test? Yes / No]
As the drama continues, our live blog will bring you updates, expert analysis, and reader reactions from around the globe. Stay with us for all the twists and turns of The Ashes 2025 third Test as Cummins, Duckett, and the rest of the players shape one of cricket’s classic battles.
