This is the fourth part in a series recounting the 2005 Ashes, as it occurred a decade ago.

Morning

With Shane Warne’s dismissal proving to be the last ball of the second day, Brett Lee joins Katich at bat, and smashes the very first delivery for four. He is unable to add much more to that, as Giles runs him out in the fourth full over of the day. Gillespie’s blocking technique comes in handy, allowing Katich to play multiple boundaries as he closes in on a 50. That half-century comes, but not before Simon Jones bowls Gillespie. McGrath is able to survive until lunch, more than happy to let Katich play the majority of deliveries until then. Australia go into the break 372/9 with a lead of 407.

Afternoon

In the first over back, McGrath hits a rare boundary, putting him in double digits. The man nicknamed “Pigeon” eventually reaches 20, as Australia reach 100 overs, before Katich tries a daring shot to third man. Simon Jones is there to make the catch, though, and England can take solace that they managed 20 wickets without having Ponting declare. They will, however, require a much stronger batting performance than their first innings.

Australia finish their second innings 384 all out. England need 420 runs to win.

As is the norm with Test cricket, Trescothick & Strauss begin patiently, averaging less than a run per over to start. Neither shows signs of panic, but a calm temperament, capitalizing on occasional mistakes from the Aussie bowlers. McGrath is limiting the runs, but failing to take the early wickets he enjoyed in the first innings. Warne is brought in on the stroke of tea, nearly getting Trescothick lbw, but umpire Aleem Dar doesn’t raise his finger. England get to 65 without a wicket lost.

Evening

England still have over 350 to chase, but the longer their opening pair stays at bat, the more hope they get. But Strauss pops one in the air, taken on a superb catch by Lee. Warne strikes minutes later, when Trescothick edges to Hayden, falling agonizingly short of 50. Vaughan and Bell adopt an attitude of wanting to stay not out as long as possible, even if it means a poor strike rate. Warne, though, shows that he is still the greatest spin bowler in the game, even at age 35. Bell goes lbw, followed by Lee bowling Vaughan onto the stumps. Flintoff gets three off the first ball he faces, but only sees nine more dot balls before edging behind to Gilchrist. Pietersen & Geraint Jones bring the target down to under 300, with KP memorably sending a Lee delivery into the stands with a massive six. The South African-born sends a Warne ball to the boundary to end the day. England still have a glimmer of hope as long as Pietersen remains at the crease, but they’re growing desperate.

After Day 3, England are 156/5 in the second innings. They need 264 to win; Australia need five wickets.