Watch: Joe Root took a sharp return catch to dismiss Alex Carey as England opted against the second new ball in the dying stages of day five of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston today (June 20).

At 209-6 with Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey batting, Australia were looking in control of proceedings in their run chase of 281. However, an inspired bowling change that saw Stokes bring himself on led to the dismissal of Khawaja.

That meant Carey was the lone recognized batter left for Australia, with just three bowlers for support. He had been quietly trying to build a partnership with Khawaja while he was there. However, his dismissal made Carey change gears as he looked to attack.

Joe Root, who had come in for his second spell in the 56th over of the innings, had found a nice rhythm and was bowling unchanged ever since. In 12.2 overs in his second spell, he had conceded just 27 runs and had dried one end up, creating chances in the process as well.

Carey, who was joined by Pat Cummins after Khawaja’s wicket, was looking to take Root on down the ground. Both he and Cummins had been dropped by Root of his own bowling as they targeted the straight boundary. However, the third time turned out to be the charm for Root and England.

They decided to continue with him for the 81st over despite the second new ball being due. After playing out two dots in the first two balls of the over, Carey decided to come down the track and go straight once again. Once again he got too close to the ball and couldn’t get the elevation. This time Root made no mistake and grabbed the chance, leaving England just two wickets away from what would be a famous victory.

Watch Root take a sharp return catch to end Carey’s innings and bring England just two wickets away from victory

WHAT. A. GRAB.

Joe Root makes no mistake this time!

Eight down. #EnglandCricket |#Ashes pic.twitter.com/aUl8MeRbwm

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 20, 2023

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