Athers on Cook's "epic", a "reckless" knock from Moeen Ali and more after day three at the MCG...
Friday 29 December 2017 03:44, UK
Concentration, resilience, determination and no little skill… Michael Atherton reflects on Alastair Cook's "epic" double century on day three at the MCG.
Watch Athers' video review above after a day in which Cook scored an unbeaten 244, his highest score in and against Australia and the fifth double of his distinguished career.
SCORECARD | ASHES 2017/18 HOMEPAGE
After reeling off the list of records Cook has broken during his "staggering" knock, Athers moves on to discuss the "reckless" innings played by Moeen Ali, who smashed two fours and a six before slashing to extra-cover in a skittish 14-ball 20 to leave England 307-6.
Chris Woakes (26) and then Stuart Broad (56) gave Cook tremendous support, though - Broad and Cook putting on 100 for the ninth wicket - on a slow surface, meaning Cook could now become the first English opener since Athers in New Zealand in 1997 to carry his bat in a Test.
But will England, who lead Australia by 164, now go on to win in Melbourne? Athers says it won't be easy but that the tourists' attack will be aided by some reverse swing...
Head to skysports.com every day of the Ashes Tests for Athers' video reviews.
