England are finally showing some fighting spirit in the Ashes, with Australia under pressure for the first time in the series at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Day 4 from 10:30am (AEDT).
The tourists were bruised and battered throughout the first three Tests, and looked to be heading the same way after Boxing Day.
With the exception of the first session of the match, they kept Australia’s scoring rate in check and bowled reasonably well on a pitch which was doing little. They only took three wickets on Day 1, but then wrapped up the tail, taking the final seven wickets for just 67 runs.
Alastair Cook has then led the charge for England. Chasing 327, they reached stumps on Day 2 at 9 for 491, giving them a lead of 164. With the exception of Cook, only Joe Root and Stuart Broad made it past 50, but the going hasn’t been that tough with the tourists clicking along at 3.4 runs per over.
The former England captain sits on 244 not out at stumps, having batted for well over a day, setting out to prove his doubters wrong.
The pitch has played a little slow at times, but it’s not that difficult for batting and while England are on top, they will be keen to keep the game moving on Day 4.
Given the way Australia’s middle and lower order capitulated in the first innings, there will be a genuine level of concern in the hosts’ camp about what they will be able to achieve when they eventually get into their second innings.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Day 4 suggests there is a good chance of us losing some time through rain.
Day 4 Prediction
Despite the fact we have only seen 19 wickets in three days, this isn’t the easiest of pitches to bat on. Warner and Cook have made it look easy, and so England are certainly in the driver’s seat right now with their big lead, even having to bat last and potentially chase a total.
They will be trying to get it as close to batting once as possible. Of course, nine down, that’ll prove difficult, but if they can add another 20 or 30 runs this morning, it could make all the difference.
Whichever way you look at it, the Aussie batsmen are going to be under extreme pressure. This will be a superb test of their skills ahead of the upcoming South African series, but expect them to be on level terms or slightly ahead with some wickets in the shed come stumps today.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the Ashes from 10:30am (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Tony
Guest
I would throw in a smoky for the SA tour-Jack Wildermuth.I think to take a young guy on a tour would be a great experience for them.I can see him becoming a regular all-rounder in the aussie test team in a couple of years.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Stanlake reminds me a bit of Bruce Reid, although he managed to carve out a decent career at International level.
1st&10
Guest
Well done Cook, my missus favourite player.
1st&10
Guest
Uncovered sticky wickets
1st&10
Guest
Wrong mate . Usually like your comments Don, but being a Cricket historian pre war. It's very briefly this and its very brief Bodyline came about from obsessive study by Jardine of Bradman and only the Don. As a result , a theory came forth they called " leg theory" aka Bodyline". After the 1930 series, MCC were worried and Wanted answers to Bradman. Lord Harris (former MCC skipper and father of Indian cricket). He knew Jardines tenacity as a kid and admired Jardine and despised Surry Captain and Jardines best mate, Percy Fender. Harris was powerful . He once said to Jardine, "easier to destroy a player you hate". Harris also told Jardine, you want bowlers "go straight to the nearest coal mine". As a result, Larwood got another look in with selectors. Jardine and Lord Harris saw the power of Bradman way back in 1928 and noone believed him. This included Plum Warner.... Percy Fender stood down as Captain of Surry allowing Jardine to Captain the MCC and helped him study and design a team to defeat bradman. You could only Captain the MCC whilst captaining you county Pity, they forgot Stan McCabe on the 1st test (Bradman didn't play due to contract issues) Stan played one of the best innings ever
Zenn
Roar Rookie
My apologies Jez. I now understand the confusion. I was referring to Bird by his Christian name. I still find it amusing that Bird shares his name with a first grade NRL player who was certainly Jackson Bird when he played for St George
Alan
Guest
On a flat wicket it was boring as bat sh... I loved the Indian series recently, scoring was difficult and even when it was a real grind to score any runs it was gripping cricket. This test has been one of the most boring I’ve seen for awhile, albeit Cooks knock was fantastic and I don’t mean to diminish his innings as it was one of the best ashes knocks.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Cheers Scott, great job thanks mate. You don’t stop off to the Big Bash now !
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Hi Jez, I included this season's Test XII i.e. 5 bowlers (Bird,Starc, PC, JH and Lyons). My selections were for two bowlers and two bats. Ronan convinced me that Tremain should replace my left field selection of the left armer Rainbird. The SA squad selection was just some fun during the rain interval.
Rellum
Roar Guru
BBL form will get you a South African tour. Especially someone like Stonis.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Stanlake doesn't have numbers as his body is not up to one day or heaven forbid Shield cricket. He can only handle T20 cricket.
Maggie O
Guest
Am I the only one who thought it disappointing not to see Smith and Warmer play the ball. I understand they are preserving their wickets but sad for the spectators
cuzza
Guest
why are you so aggressive?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yep, so that's it. Play has been called off for the day with the rain still pelting down at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia have lost just two wickets and there are only 98 overs to go tomorrow, the hosts only behind by 61 runs. This match appears destined to be a draw. Whichever way it happens, I'll be back on deck from 10am (AEDT) tomorrow morning to take you through Day 5 right here on The Roar. Thanks for joining me today and hopefully you enjoyed the coverage today. I'll be live at 7:10pm (AEDT) tonight with the Big Bash League as the Melbourne Renegades host the Perth Scorchers. There won't be any delays over at Etihad Stadium with a roof over the top either! See you all then. Bye for now.
Onside
Guest
I get it Anon, it's so very frustrating, that's all. Many millions of dollars are involved, how can professional 'pitch makers ' get things so wrong. Unless of course they didn't .
Scott Pryde
Expert
Decision to be made in five minutes.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The rain seems to have eased, but the ground is very, very wet. Umpires inspecting things now with the umbrellas up.
Rob
Guest
Considering that Mitchell was put into the WACCA Test as a horses for courses selection by his supporters maybe Maxwell was worth considering for this Test. Don't forget both Mitchell and Shaun were both consider more deserving than Khawaja and Maxwell in India before coming down with injury again after falling to preform.
JoM
Roar Rookie
The MCG curator is going to the Gabba and the WACA curator is going to the MCG.
Don Freo
Guest
Bodyline came about, in part, because of the roads that passed for pitches back in the day. Perhaps do some research?