While Australia continue to dictate terms in the Old Trafford Test they will be a touch unhappy they managed to pick up only five English wickets on the third day of the game. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 8.00pm AEST.
Kevin Pietersen’s century threatened to steal the show for England but Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris kept England at bay on the third day.
And while they picked up only five scalps, England is still 34 runs behind from making Australia bat again and have only three wickets standing.
What makes the situation slightly dicey for England is that their top six batsmen are all back into the pavillion.
Even Tim Bresnan, one of the better number eights in the world today, is out and it’s down to Matt Prior and Stuart Broad to first steer England to the safety of avoiding the follow-on and then push them closer to a draw.
There’s a possible 180 overs still to be bowled but weather could have an impact in this game. There is rain forecast on each of the next two days and if that’s the case, Australia might well be looking at pushing for the follow-on.
The trouble with that is the Australian bowlers have already sent down 120 overs. Expecting them to bowl at full efficiency through another day will be a difficult ask – especially given how injury-prone someone like Ryan Harris usually is.
Assuming England do not save the follow-on, Australia could still look to bat a second time around for a period of around 50-60 overs to try and get their lead up more than 350.
Changes in the batting order once a stable start has been provided by the top three could be in the offing as they will look for at least 110 overs to bowl England out the second time around.
From England’s perspective, strangely enough the situation has made the equation simpler. They need to bat on and on without looking at time.
It needs to begin with the two batsmen at the crease, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad, after which Graeme Swann and James Anderson need to try and continue with it.
So far, Broad’s had a good series with the bat, having scored a total of 122 runs at an average of more than 40.
The trouble has been at Prior’s end, a batsman who averages 43 in Test cricket but one who has lacked consistency in this series so far.
Prior would have seen how his counterpart Brad Haddin has counter-attacked to produce fifties on a couple of occasions when the going has been tough – the second innings at Trent Bridge and the first essay this game – and will hope to have learned a trick or two.
In fact, how he combines the need to survive with his positive stroke-play will make for a fascinating early battle.
So will the Australian batting in their second dig after having regained some of their confidence from the first innings.
Follow the live score and blog of the fourth day’s play of the third Test from 8.00pm AEST. You can join me for this live blog and post your comments below.
S Shrimp
Guest
It's time that the Australian cricketers grew some balls and stopped acting like a mob of spoilt 2 year olds. They need to learn respect and stop throwing tantrums. They are supposed to be men. That's a laugh, the Australian women's team acts with more respect for themselves and other people. They can win a game without chucking tantrums. GROW UP AUSTRALIAN MEN'S CRICKET TEAM.
JGK
Roar Guru
It's now nearly 630 am in Manchester. It's grey and raining reasonably heavily and has been for much of the night. No way there will be a full days play today somthe light decision is probably not going to influence anything. Australia's only hope is maybe 40 or 50 overs with the ball doing plenty. And a whole stack of luck.
SandBox
Guest
Cheers
WherethebloodyhellRya
Guest
Thanks for the first hand info JGK. See Suneer's entry earlier today on this blog, which highlighted how the umpires can be decisive and allow the batsmen the benefit of any doubt, if they are happy to stay out there. Clearly the umpires are influenced by the will of the home crowd and the reduced pressure they face as a draw becomes increasingly probable. No matter which way you like at it, "It's just not cricket". Something must be done....to see this match end a draw due to dubious bad light calls that clearly benefited the home side, is such an insipid, unacceptable and sad end to what should have been an enthralling and close finish with an unequivocal result.
buddha9
Guest
the other thing Red Kev is that Ponting and waugh started batting 6 -- they weren't tossed in as 3 before they were experienced enough to cope with it -- Khawaja has been given a real big ask -- he has to learn how to play Swann but Swann is a real class bowler esp in england -- lots of lefties have trouble against him and no on claims he's perfect yet -- one thing though he isn't hiding or ducking it which I admire
Ken Hambling
Guest
Nothing wrong with the shot, the ball was too good, would have got any leftie.
Ken Hambling
Guest
If Khawaja gets the full series he will be a future test batsman for us, very good talent.
Ken Hambling
Guest
Agree with Red v, hawaj is oe our best young batsman and i think he can be our long term number 3 but just needs a good hit at that role and not just 1-2 games. Make no misake that we won't find a Ponting anytime soon but i would take a solid test prospect in Khawaja anytime. He also looks fitter to me which means he is working hard off the field and his fielding is showing that, hopefully he fires for us in this series. As for his comments on the pitches, only suggestion i would make to CA is to let spinners come into the matches more as our batsman need more work against spin.
Ken Hambling
Guest
Khawaja is a better player of pace, Smith better against spin, i see both of them as key players as we build ou battinglineup
Ken Hambling
Guest
Khawjaa is our best 3, just needs time, he has only had 3 innings so far in his comeback and top scored in one of them
JGK
Roar Guru
I was at Old Trafford today. They should never have come off when they did for bad light.
WherethebloodyhellRya
Guest
Chris your opinions, humour and insights are much appreciated and welcome. Good work
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Ha ha! On second thoughts, I don't mind supporting the underdogs ;)
Chris
Guest
Neutral? NEUTRAL? Right that's it, get him lads!
Chris
Guest
I don't particularly agree Australia have had the worst of it. I just think they've had the most glaring examples. But I do agree it hasn't been good enough.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Thanks guys. I am a neutral here, so I certainly don't mind opinions from both teams' fans!
Chris
Guest
+1 Hope you guys don't mind the odd interjection from the enemy. It's all meant in good fun.
Chris
Guest
Ah, but according to some, that hands victory to England!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Thanks for following mate...let's hope for no rains for starters and a good, exciting day's cricket one way or the other!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Given over-rates all around the world, they might then have to extend the match into a 'reserve day'.