England 215 and 375 lead Australia 280 and 174-6 by 136 runs.
The opening Ashes Test Match is up for grabs with both teams vying for victory. England added a further 49 runs to their second innings total before being bowled out for 375 half an hour before lunch. Ian Bell completed his century before edging behind whilst Stuart Broad claimed his fifty before falling for 65, ending his controversial innings. Australia got off to the perfect start as they went to 51-0. However, Broad broke the opening partnership by dismissing Watson for 46. Australia lost their second wicket just before the Tea break as Cowan was caught by Trott to give Root a rare Test wicket. Rogers completed his fifty before a tumble of wickets fell in the evening session. Both Rogers and Clarke were dismissed by Anderson and Broad respectively before Swann took a swift couple of wickets to dismiss Smith and Hughes. It meant Australia finished the day on 174-6, needing 137 runs to win.
My Opinion:
Excited, tense and nervous for tomorrow's crucial day of cricket. Both teams will be feeling confident about winning the opening Test. England just need four wickets whilst Australia only need a further 136 runs. It will be a close encounter on the final day. Bell will be happy to convert the century but disappointed not to have gone on to score more. Broad has some nerves of steel to bat well under the intense pressure the Aussies would have put him under. Australia looked to easily bat towards their target but a batting collapse could cost them dearly. I have faith in the English bowlers to finish the job tomorrow but I many be behind the sofa watching nervously.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
11.08: 339-6, 50 for Broad.
11.12: 341-6, 100 for Bell.
11.32: 355-6, Bell 100*, Broad 65*.
11.35: 356-7, Broad 65 (148), 7 fours, caught Haddin, Pattinson.
12.01: 371-8, Bell 109 (267), 15 fours, caught Haddin, Starc.
12.18: 375-9, Swann 9 (28), 1 four, caught Clarke, Siddle.
12.21: 375 all out, Anderson 0 (2), caught Hughes, Siddle. Finn 2* (8). England lead by 310 runs.
Australia Second Innings:
13.01: Lunch, 28-0, Watson 18*, Rogers 10*.
Afternoon Session:
14.08: 51-0, Watson 29*, Rogers 22*.
14.50: 84-1, Watson 46 (74), 8 fours, lbw Broad.
15.23: 104-1, Rogers 43*, Cowan 14*.
15.39: 111-2, Cowan 14 (43), 3 fours, caught Trott, Root.
15.43: Tea, 111-2, 50 for Rogers.
Evening Session:
16.25: 124-3, Rogers 52 (121), 8 fours, caught Bell, Anderson.
17.21: 151-3, Clarke 19*, Smith 11*.
17.37: 161-4, Clarke 23 (70), 2 fours, caught Prior, Broad.
17.40: 161-5, Smith 17 (48), 2 fours, lbw Swann.
17.54: 164-6, Hughes 0 (8), lbw Swann.
18.31: Close of play, 174-6, Haddin 11*, Agar 1*. Australia need 137 runs to win with four wickets left.
Player of the Day: Chris Rogers for scoring a half century in a tough scenario.
Bowler of the Day: Stuart Broad for taking two important wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Chris Rogers for his half century.
Disappointment of the Day: Letting Australia get off to a good start early in their second innings.
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