Shane Watson's 'poor' lbw decision caused some arguments in the commentary box - BUMBLE AT THE TEST

  • Australia are chasing a total of 412 in their second innings of the first Test
  • Shane Watson's lbw decision was branded as 'poor' by some people
  • Captain Alastair Cook was terrific in the field for England on Friday
  • The talented Ian Bell continues to show why he is undroppable
  • Adam Lyth is impressing and showing glimpses of his quality
  • England close in on Cardiff victory - Paul Newman's day three report 

By David Lloyd for the Daily Mail

Published: 13:24 EST, 10 July 2015 | Updated: 17:07 EST, 10 July 2015

On an exciting third day of Ashes cricket, England gave Australia a total of 412 to chase after dominating proceedings.

Alastair Cook's side had a terrific morning and the captain himself was outstanding in the field. Joe Root was solid with the bat once again as he scored 60 to help the run total. 

Sportsmail columnist and Sky Sports pundit David Lloyd looks back on the third day of Ashes action involving arguments over umpire decisions, Ian Bell and the Cambrian Tap.

 

BY TECH, IT'S CHANGED

Arguments raging in our commentary box about Shane Watson’s lbw being a ‘poor decision.’ In the old days the umpires would not even have considered it. Front foot, big stride and it hit him above the knee. Not out! But nowadays it’s precision cricket. Forget all that previous convention – technology predicts it’s hitting the stumps and that has changed the game completely!

Shane Watson trudges off after being given out following a Stuart Broad delivery but it's caused controversy 

Shane Watson trudges off after being given out following a Stuart Broad delivery but it's caused controversy 

The decision caused arguments in the commentary box with some believing it was 'poor'

The decision caused arguments in the commentary box with some believing it was 'poor'

 

COOK CALLS IT RIGHT 

Fabulous morning for England. Australia’s stickability in the lower order, which was so important in the last Ashes, was simply blown away. Alastair Cook again was outstanding in the field. He managed the 10 overs before the new ball perfectly and then got his big two on who did the job. He gave a fabulous lead.

Alastair Cook (centre) was brilliant in the field on Friday as he got his tactics spot on

Alastair Cook (centre) was brilliant in the field on Friday as he got his tactics spot on

The England captain didn't have as much success with the bat and was dismissed for just 12

The England captain didn't have as much success with the bat and was dismissed for just 12

BELL STILL CHIMES 

Will the real Ian Bell stand up, we said. Well, at 22 for two, with Australia back in the game, he stood up and played two of the greatest drives you will ever see. Everybody in Cardiff were drooling. He can still do it alright and there is absolutely no way England will consider dropping him. He’s got too much credit in the bank and pedigree for that.

Ian Bell showed that he still has the quality with two of the greatest drives you're likely to see

Ian Bell showed that he still has the quality with two of the greatest drives you're likely to see

LYTH SPIRIT 

We had a little glimpse of what Adam Lyth is capable of. He got a century against New Zealand and now there were some resounding shots. It took a good, spinning delivery from Nathan Lyon to get him out and that could be ominous for Australia. I’ve been out there up close and personal and this pitch is as rough as anything at the River Taff End.

 

LONG LIVE ASHES! 

Test cricket is seen as vulnerable in much of the cricketing world but there is something about the Ashes which captures the imagination. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be here. Cardiff has risen to the occasion, there are lots of families in an enthusiastic crowd, the weather’s been great and the cricket has been out of the top drawer. Long live the Ashes!

Adam Lyth continues to impress and showed glimpses of his class on the tough pitch

Adam Lyth continues to impress and showed glimpses of his class on the tough pitch

TASTING THE FUTURE 

Managed to pop into The Cambrian Tap in town and I’m happy to say it lived up to reports. These craft beers are all the rage and, as Peter Kay once said of garlic bread ‘I’ve tasted it. It’s the future!’ The only one I didn’t sample was the Atomic Blonde because I thought I’d save that until Saturday night. Discovered another belting spot right next to the Millennium Stadium, The City Arms. I bet that’s absolutely rammed on big rugby days. Bags of atmosphere.

 

HOLDING OUT 

Michael Holding kindly offered to give me a lift back to the hotel after Thursday’s play but we sat in the car park for ages. Just couldn’t get out. I know I said they get you in and out of the Swalec Stadium quickly on match days but the fact there only seems to be one exit here can be a problem. I felt like getting out and walking but I didn’t want to abandon Mikey. It’s not good during licensing hours to be stuck like that. 

Bell top-scored with Root as they hit 60 to give Australia a mountain to climb in their second innings

Bell top-scored with Root as they hit 60 to give Australia a mountain to climb in their second innings

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