Third Ashes Test: Fluctuating fortunes for England

England captain Joe Root is carrying the hope for his side keeping the third Ashes Test still alive for the hosts in Headingley at day three.

The home team closed the day on 156 for 3, needing another 203 runs to win the Test. Joe Root will start the fourth day with 75 runs in 189 balls. Australia, therefore, are in need of seven more wickets to retain the Ashes this season.

Setting 359 to win after a disastrous first innings of 67 runs, England seemed to get defeated all the while in day three as they lost two wickets with 15 runs on the board.

Rory Burns was the first to go, edging Josh Hazlewood in the slip to safe hands of David Warner.

He was soon followed by Jason Roy against a Pat Cummins delivery. Rather comically, Roy made it look quite unplayable; he nearly fell over his feet while the top of his off stump was struck.

But Root, under severe criticism for his captaincy, turned the stones for the opposition with a resilient 126-runs stand batting 53 overs together with Joe Denly who was the last wicket to fall in the day scoring 50 off 155.

Day Three close: England 156-3, that’s 203 runs more needed to win, chasing the 359 target

Joe Root 75 not out – just when England needed their captain!!https://t.co/GgcCOqIw5j

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) August 24, 2019

Josh Hazlewood gets his reward for a feisty spell as Joe Denly gloves the fast bowler to Tim Paine.

England 141-3 and need to regroup in their chase of 359. Follow over-by-over commentary and in-play video clips. Watch live on Sky Sports The Ashes 👉 https://t.co/vQR0JjlNPz pic.twitter.com/Fim9hOVILs

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 24, 2019

Archer does it again 🤩

England now need 359 to win 😬

Follow our over-by-over commentary and in-play video clips from Headingley. Watch live on Sky Sports The Ashes 👉 https://t.co/vQR0JjlNPz pic.twitter.com/mnp7NUqq8W

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 24, 2019