‘Sensational’ Joe Root and Dawid Malan stage England fightback against Australia to remind hosts of India wounds at Gabba as Brad Hogg insists tourists not done yet

Joe Root and Dawid Malan restored hope for England on day three of the first Ashes Test against Australia.

With an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 159, Root and Malan, on 86 and 80 respectively, brought the tourists to within 58 runs of their hosts as they reached 220 for two at close of play.

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Following their dismal first innings total of 147, England eventually bowled the Aussies out for 425 to trail by 278 runs.

And their chances looked increasingly bleak after slumping to 61-2 in the second innings, with openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hammed dismissed cheaply.

With Root arriving at the crease on a pair, many might've feared defeat by an innings plus by stumps on day three.

However, the England captain delivered his latest incredible knock of 2021, passing Michael Vaughan's record of 1,481 runs in a single calendar year in the process, while Malan backed him up.

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Australia had not lost at the Gabba since 1988 until earlier this year, when India pulled off a stunning win and eventually claimed an unlikely triumph in the series.

And Aussie legend Brad Hogg insists his nation might be reminded of that defeat as England fight their way back into the first Test.

"Root was absolutely sensational today," Hogg said.

"I said to Steve Harmison, 'Malan is the one who has to carry the batting with Root'.

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";And they showed today, this is a partnership the Aussies will have to break, not just now but throughout the series."

He added: "Full credit to them, they fought back, they've only lost two wickets.

"If they can bat until tea time tomorrow, or an hour after tea, then have a quick bowl at Australia - they can fight their way back into this Test match.

"Remember, Australia lost to India at this same venue, and lost that series, so there's a few wounds that will be in the back of their minds."