It’s all up to you, captain
Root unbeaten on 75 as England stage fightback in daunting chase Hosts need 203 more runs with seven wickets in hand to level series Root leads fight as England chase miracle comeback Smith ready to return for Australia in fourth Test
England insisted they can complete a miracle comeback against Australia today after a resurgent batting display from captain Joe Root gave the hosts a glimmer of hope of levelling the Ashes series at Headingley.
In a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, Root recovered form and composure at the crease with 75 not out to almost single-handedly restore home pride after a humiliating opening innings of 67 all out on Friday.
England’s vastly improved performance came as it emerged Australia are almost certain to have Steve Smith back within their ranks for the fourth Test. The star batsman, who was badly concussed by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second Test, was back in the practice nets yesterday, and went for his third jog since being injured.
England need 203 runs to level the series. Root, assisted by an impressive half-century innings from Joe Denly, will resume a partnership with Ben Stokes this morning, having guided England to 156 for three chasing down 359 in the third Test.
Denly thinks England will feed off their captain’s restored form and rates their chances “very highly”. “Any time Joe Root is scoring runs it puts belief in the side,” he said. “We feed off that.”
Asked to explain how the side recovered from criticism from fans for a woeful first innings, he added: “We were very disappointed. We talked about showing character and fight, so whatever the Aussies set us, we have to believe we can win. That’s the attitude we have and we have the players to chase these runs.”
Denly alluded to the spirit of England’s last-minute World Cup miracle against New Zealand as showing this team that anything is possible. “I wasn’t part of that side but with the team we have, we can win games from any position I believe,” he said.
The visitors remain firm favourites to secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead either today or tomorrow.
Denly insisted the team had never lost faith. “We understand there is a tricky period in the morning with the new ball coming up. But we have Rooty and Stokesy – two world-class batters in – so get through that and we will be in a great position.”
Denly was hit on the helmet by a bouncer midway through his innings but said last night that his head was “OK, a few grazes, but I’m good”.
England were on 141 for three as Stokes walked to the crease to join Root on 64 not out. However, the run rate slowed down dramatically and Stokes took just two runs off 50 balls as England ended the day on 156 for three.