England need to produce something magical to save Ashes, says bowling coach

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Dec 19 - England need to produce something magical on day four of the third Ashes test against Australia if they are to have any chance of turning the tide, the visitors spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel said on Friday.

Travis Head scored ‍his second ​century of the Ashes to put Australia on the brink of a ‍series triumph at Adelaide Oval, with the hosts needing only a draw to retain the urn.

England, who have suffered 5-0, 4-0 and ​4-0 defeats ​in their last three series Down Under, trail Australia by 356 runs with the hosts on 271-4 in their second innings, but Patel had faith they could still pull off the win.

I still believe theres an opportunity ‍for us. It wont be easy. Were going to need something magical, he told reporters.

But I think its about time ​we saw something magical from us. Its three ⁠games in, weve thrown some (punches) but taken a lot, and I think its about time now were backed into a corner to throw some haymakers back.

I thought some of the plans we chose today, the way we executed at times, was fantastic, but didnt quite go ​our way. Weve just got to hold the belief.

England struggled to remove Australias batters, with captain Ben Stokes having opted not to bowl ‌in the second innings and part-time spinner Will ​Jacks hit for 107 runs from 19 overs with just the one wicket as his reward.

The 27-year-old all-rounder conceded 105 runs in the first innings and his performances have brought into question Englands decision to leave Shoaib Bashir out of the side on the more spin-friendly