Ashes

Australia build a fortress at the SCG

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Tom Curran looks as Australia build a lead

Australia exposed a weak England bowling attack as they ploughed on to 479-4 on day three of the final Ashes Test in Sydney.

Just two wickets fell in the day after Australia resumed on 193-2, while Usman Khawaja registered his first Ashes hundred with a magnificent 171, until he was stumped, giving legbreak spinner Mason Crane his first Test wicket.

At least England can claim the dubious honour of preventing Steve Smith reaching his fourth hundred of the series, when he was caught and bowled by Moeen Ali on 83.

By the time Khawaja departed, Australia were 29 runs ahead of England’s first innings’ offering of 346, and it was left to the Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, to build the fortress which will deny England any hope of winning an Ashes match in this series.

Shaun Marsh ended the day on 98 while his younger brother was on 68. The Australians lead by 133 with six wickets in hand and two days’ play remaining.

Unless the England attack, which has looked ineffective, can produce something remarkable, Australia will likely bat most of day four and leave England a mighty struggle just to save the game.

Australia lead the series 3-0.

Scorecard

Photo: David Moir/EPA/BackpagePix