Australia 492-9 dec. lead England 32-0 by 460 runs (England lead series 3-0)
Australia continued to dominate the fifth test as Steve Smith finished unbeaten on 138 before Australia declared on 492-9. It was a frustrating start for both teams as the rain delayed the start of play until 14.30. When play did resume, Anderson struck with an early wicket to dismiss Siddle for 23. Smith and Haddin put on a fifty partnership before Smith passed his century. Cook decided to change the bowling attack and brought in Trott who managed to bowl Haddin out for 30 as Australia went into the tea break 397-6. Woakes and Swann reduced Australia to 422-7 after dismissing both Faulkner and Starc. Anderson caught and bowled Harris for 33 before Australia decided to declare on 492-9 to bring England in before the close. However, Cook and Root managed to weather the storm as they guided England to the close of play safely at 32-0.
My Opinion:
It was good to see the rain disappear eventually in the afternoon and to see Anderson bowl Siddle early on into the resumption of play. Smith deserved his century after playing really well whilst Haddin provided a decent contribution before tea. England did well to take a further three wickets in the evening session and will be glad to have a bat after two days in the field. Good to see Cook and Root keep their wickets before the close as they look to chase down 460 runs. It looks like this game is heading for a draw unless Australia bowl England out cheaply tomorrow.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
11.00 Rain Delays start of play.
12.30: Lunch taken due to rain.
Afternoon Session:
14.33: Play resumes.
14.51: 320-5, Siddle 23 (27), 2 fours, bowled by Anderson.
15.32: 351-5, Smith 83*, Haddin 14*.
16.13: 370-5, 50 partnership berween Smith 93* and Haddin 23*.
16.21: 385-5, 100 for Smith.
16.22: 385-6, Haddin 30 (57), 5 fours, bowled by Trott.
16.40: Tea, 397-6, Smith 112*, Faulkner 1*.
Evening Session:
17.03: 401-6, Smith 113*, Faulkner 4*.
17.12: 422-7, Faulkner 23 (27), 4 fours, caught Trott, Woakes.
17.28: 446-8, Starc 13 (8), 1 four, bowled by Swann.
17.37: 453-8, Smith 130*, Harris 3*.
18.01: 491-9, Harris 33 (27), 1 four and 2 sixes, caught and bowled by Anderson.
18.08: Australia declare on 492-9, Smith 138*(241), 16 fours and 2 sixes.
England first Innings:
19.27: close of play, 32-0, Cook 17*, Root 13*. Australia lead by 460 runs.
Player of the Day: Steve Smith for finishing on 138 not out to bolster Australia's first innings.
Bowler of the Day: James Anderson for taking two wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Steve Smith for an unbeaten 138 off 241 balls.
Highlight of the Day: When the rain stopped.
Disappointment of the Day: England couldn't bowl Australia out.
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