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Mike Atherton's Ashes review - Day three

Athers on Smith's innings, Australia's hostile bowling and a Test match that has the Aussies in a dominant position

Michael Atherton

Cricket expert and columnist

Saturday 25 November 2017 11:03, UK

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Mike Atherton says Steve Smith was the undoubted star on day three of the first Ashes Test but the defining image was Joe Root being hit by Mitchell Starc's bouncer

“If there was a defining image of the last hour it was Joe Root getting his helmet rattled by Mitchell Starc." Michael Atherton reviews day three of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

WATCH Athers' review in the video at the top of the page, as he has his say on Steve Smith's masterful century on a day that Australia turned up the heat on England.

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England tried everything to dismiss Smith, who showed incredible discipline to end up 141 not out as the hosts were bowled out for 328. Michael was particularly impressed with the Australian captain's concentration as he wore down England's bowlers to grind out a 26-run first-innings lead.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Joe Root of England is struck in the helmet by a delivery from Mitchell Starc of Australia during day three of the Firs
Image: Michael Atherton: “If there was a defining image of the last hour it was Joe Root getting his helmet rattled by Mitchell Starc."

Australia then took control of the game with an hour of hostile bowling as Alastair Cook again fell cheaply and James Vince nicked off, leaving Mark Stoneman (19no) and Joe Root (5no) to battle through to stumps - England closing on 33-2 with a lead of only seven.

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Watch Athers' video reviews on skysports.com every day of the Test!

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