Crawley, Root, Bairstow's blinders innings helped England to be on top after day 3 in Oval test. England started being 12 behind of Australia. Their openers laid the platform for their other batters to come and start hitting. Crawley and Ben Duckett added 79 to the tally before the latter fell to Duckett for a brisk 42 off 55. Ben Stokes promoted himself up the order and came at number 3 due to Moeen Ali's injury.

Stokes and Crawley kept the truck going with their fearless approach. The duo made 61 run partnership before the former went back to the pavilion after scoring a fine 73. Stokes made 42 and Root was the standout performer with his glamorous 91 off 106 balls only.

Root in his knock smacked some delightful shots. He reversely ramped to Marsh, cover drive and some pull and hooks as well but couldn’t make 100 due to his recklessness. Jonny Bairstow nail the final coffin with his swashbuckling with his 78. Moeen Ali then came with his injury but made a serious and vital 29.

England are now 389-9 and have a lead of 377 on the boards. They're on top surely and got the runs to win the match and sqaure the series. On the other hand, Australia are in the backfoot and it's unlikely to make a comeback from this position.