Australia had their sights set on claiming a 3-0 win in the five-test Ashes series but England played to keep their hopes alive yesterday. English Captain, Ben Stokes, managed to get England within 26-runs of Australia’s first innings. Stokes scored 80 taking England to all out for 237.

After offspinner, Moeen Ali, took two wickets for two runs in just nine balls he removed both Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith before Australia reached stumps on Friday, he applauded Stokes’ efforts and stated;

"It's crucial that we get a couple of early wickets tomorrow and it's not too much of a big lead. Stokes is a brilliant player. I think it's the situation more than anything. He loves those situations and thrives off them. But we can't rely on him all the time. While he is there though, we always have a chance."

Supersport reported that Stokes’ heroics in the second innings brought back memories of his push to victory four years ago at Headingley when his unbeaten century secured England to a major one-wicket win. 

This gives England the hope to push past their current 2-0 loss. Winning the third test puts the side back in contention for an Ashes victory.

When the game begins, both sides have a lot to fight for. A win from Australia will take them to an unassailable 3-0 victory while a win from England sees the series pushing for the full five tests to crown a winner.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport