England ended the fourth day of the first Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge on top and just four wickets from going up 1-0 against Australia. We’ll have live scores and commentary from Trent Bridge starting at 8.00pm AEST.
The target of 311 was never going to be an easy one but the manner in which Australia started would have given them hope.
In fact at 1/111 and Chris Rogers on the verge of a maiden half-century and Ed Cowan looking he had settled down after the early jitters, it would have been more confidence than hope.
But then came a stage of the innings which England had themselves endured in the second innings, a phase of the match when the ball went soft, the pitch came into play and both, the pace and the spin bowlers caused issues for the batsmen.
Cowan’s wicket was barely to do with the pitch as he went fishing outside the off stump to Joe Root in the last over before the tea break.
But credit must be given to the bowlers before Root who made batting a tough task for the batsman.
With Cowan gone and Rogers befuddled by a slower one from James Anderson early in the third session, things had begun to go awry for Australia.
Still, till Michael Clarke was at the crease, you knew they had a chance.
There was a period of resurrection as well. Clarke and Steven Smith batted with a lot of caution and survived more than a hour, bringing that lost hope back.
But Clarke then nicked one to the keeper and Smith departed very next ball to Graeme Swann to leave Australia in tatters.
And when three runs later Phil Hughes was adjudged lbw after England opted for a review, the writing looked like it was on the wall.
The seventh wicket stand between Brad Haddin and the newly-promoted number seven Ashton Agar has yielded only 13 runs but it played out 55 balls to push the game into the fifth day.
However with 137 runs still needed, the ball doing all sorts of things and the bowlers coming back fresh, a win may equate to a miracle for Australia.
England are perched on top and should sew up the game from here on, barring Agar – or someone else – repeating his heroics from the first innings. And such occurrences are rare.
Follow the live score and blog of the fifth day’s play of the opening Test from 8.00pm AEST. You can join me for this live blog and post your comments below.
Matt
Guest
His foot looks easy back? Though a 720p feed wouldn't hurt :)
steven
Guest
Broad walks aussies win . Should he be suspended ,thats the mail.
SandBox
Roar Guru
agreed, or he is so used to it, he no longer notices. Just sees the total and nothing else
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
That problem is wide open with the wind whistling through it. It's the solution that is so difficult to uncover.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
He's probably mad at Watson because he's been in great form in tour matches but did what he always did. Got a start and didn't go on with it. His last 2 years have been appalling with the bat. His bowling was excellent though. They couldn't do anything with him. His line and length showed the inexperienced bowlers up something terrible.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Yes, didn't it? In some ways, I can't blame him though. The batting has been shit for so long he probably just can't bear thinking about it anymore.
Varun
Guest
Aged tatah, can't wait for lords
Mervuk
Guest
Snicko takes too long to be used, it takes at least 5-10minutes to align the sound and pictures
Varun
Guest
Bradm I think what you are saying might have been true under Arthur but not boof, Cowan will be dropped for khawaja, he has to be
Varun
Guest
Well said poor, I would keep the bowling unchanged unless there are injury issues and have khawaja in for cowan, Haddin take a bow
SandBox
Guest
Would feel more confident about game 2 if Clarke acknowledged the top order needs to perform better, and that we were only in it because the tail wagged. His post match interview reeked of denial.
Disco
Roar Guru
And Michael Clarke has done what Broad did on at least THREE occasions.Don't suppose you minded then though, eh?
Disco
Roar Guru
So do Australia.
Cameron
Roar Guru
With or without DRS, cricket has always had this problem. Its still going strong after how many years?
Disco
Roar Guru
Not Clarke?
Disco
Roar Guru
Probably. Swann was very good in the first innings, mind you.
Michael
Roar Rookie
Starc took 5 wickets. As many as Pattinson and more than Agar
Ads
Guest
Great game, bring on game 2. What crisis?
Banjo
Guest
Agreed. Hot Spot and Snicko plus the audio replay also confirmed the inevitable. Not to take away anything from Haddin's performance, but I couldnt help but feel he was a bit lucky out there at times. Dropped twice plus a couple of play ons (chopped) and that Swan delivery that beat the bat and turned back and over leg stump missed by Prior (whoa). Alot of chances and half-chances there. Gee he played a fighting innings though didnt he; it just goes to show how much of an impact you can have if you just tough it out (and have a bit of luck go your way). Hats off to Haddin and what a great match. To me it looked like Englands game to lose - and they came mighty close to losing it.
pope paul v11
Guest
Looking forward to the wash up tomorrow. What a game! Old Braddles Haddin top effort and Patto too. For the Aussies some changes maybe; Harris and Birdy looked at instead of Starkers Khawaja for Cowan. Clarke ought to take a peek at the scorecard when they successfully chased 310 and see who his no.3 was. The poms have a few issues too Mainly providing relief for the Anderson, who is now officially competent having finally got his average below 30. Finn mostly provided the comic relief. Bressa might get back as a more dependable bowler. Also Root looks uncomfortable up top. Aussie can exploit that.