The Ashes 2013: 2nd Test at Lord's - Five talking points from Day 3

oe Root of England celebrates his century as Michael Clarke of Australia applauds during day three of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 20, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Day three witnessed the most one-sided contest of this year’s Ashes as England piled up over 300 runs losing only two wickets taking their lead closer to, might as well say, the million run mark.

Joe Root was promoted to open with Alastair Cook ahead of the Ashes given his fine run of form for England in the middle-order and the return of Kevin Pietersen, and he repaid the trust invested in him in full.

He batted out the entire-day and now stands at the verge of a double hundred. Australia were not without hope on day three in spite of their catastrophic batting display on day two that saw them, potentially and in all probability, lose the Test match in a single session.

Australia’s batting efforts in this series so far have been uninspiring and it is difficult to imagine them play out almost six sessions of the game. James Anderson and Graeme Swann have spelled doom with the ball and they will be all the more effective with a massive target to support them.

Cook will have the freedom to go all-out for a victory on day four with aggressive field settings. It is difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel for Australia.

Here are five talking points that were generated from play on day three: