Ashes 2017/18, 3rd Test Day 2: 5 Talking Points

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Having already lost the Adelaide Test, England went into the third Test knowing that they needed to win if they wanted to retain the Ashes. However, by the end of the third day’s play, even their biggest supporter would not place any bets on them.

It was evident at the close of Day 2 that Steve Smith was looking to counter-attack after England had gained an upper hand. Before lunch, he had found an ideal partner in Mitchell Marsh. The duo plundered England's attack to all parts of Perth as they put an unbeaten 301-run partnership.

Here are five talking points from Day 3:

#5 Craig Overton plays with a cracked rib

A couple of weeks back Craig Overton was not even in the starting XI picture. After making his debut in the Adelaide Test – where he took four wickets, including Steve Smith – the youngster was seemingly becoming more and more important for England.

The fast bowler got both the Aussie openers out and was even troubling Smith initially. However, he injured his rib while attempting a caught-and-bowled chance last afternoon and had to leave the field. It was the same area where he had been struck a painful blow to the ribs while batting in Adelaide.

After undergoing scans, which revealed a hairline rib crack, Overton was deemed fit to take the field. The 23-year-old, though, hardly made an impact as Smith and Mitchell Marsh made merry on Day 3.

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