England 238 and 234-5 lead by Australia 270 by 202 runs (England lead series 2-0)
Ian Bell put England back in control of the fourth test match after scoring an unbeaten century in England's second innings. It was a great start to the day for England who took five wickets before lunch to bowl Australia out for 270. Swann and Anderson both took two wickets each as the key wicket of Chris Rogers was taken within the first twenty minutes of play. Stuart Broad completed his five wicket haul by dismissing Harris lbw to end the Australian first innings for 270. England came out for their second innings just before lunch as they chased down their 32 run deficit. However, it was not the start they were looking for as Joe Root was bowled by Ryan Harris, leaving England going into lunch at 24-1. Cook and Trott guided England into the lead before both edging behind from the bowling of Harris as they were reduced to 49-3. Pietersen and Bell brought some stability to the middle order and guided England safely to Tea at 123-3. The pair put on a century partnership shortly before Pietersen was caught by Rogers for 44. Bad light interrupted play for a short spell but when play resumed Bairstow got in and got out to leave England 221-5. Ian Bell managed to make his century before the close of play after another brilliant performance and guided England home with the help of Tim Bresnan to the close of play for 234-5. England have a lead of 202 runs with two days left and will look to Bell to score heavily tomorrow.
My Opinion:
A great bowling effort in the morning from England helped end the Australian first innings. Swann and Anderson will be pleased with their two wicket spells but Broad will be delighted to get his five wicket haul. It was a poor start to the England second innings as Harris reduced them to 49-3. Thankfully Ian Bell is in the form of his life and produced yet another important and impressive century in England's time of need. Pietersen and Bairstow will be disappointed to have got themselves into their innings and then to get out before their fifties. A really interesting few days are in stall for us here as England hold a 202 run lead with five wickets left. Bell will be looking to bat on and score heavily with the help of the lower order. Ideally, England will be looking to score 400 and set a target of over 350 runs for Australia. Whatever happens, this will be a tense and thrilling result for either team.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Morning Session:
11.04: 224-6, Haddin 13 (22), 2 fours, lbw Swann.
11.20: 233-7, Rogers 110 (250), 14 fours, caught Prior, Swann.
11.27: 240-7, New ball taken and Australia take the lead by 2 runs.
11.46: 245-8, Siddle 5 (21), caught Cook, Anderson.
11.56: 253-8.
11.59: 258-9, Lyon 4 (7), 1 four, lbw Anderson.
12.16: 270 all out, Harris 28 (33), 5 fours, lbw Broad (Five wicket haul). Bird 0*(7). Australia lead by 32 runs.
England Second Innings:
12.50: 17-1, Root 2 (19), bowled by Harris.
13.03: Lunch, 24-1.
Afternoon Session:
13.51: 36-1, Cook 20*, Trott 13*, England lead by 4 runs.
13.58: 42-2, Cook 22 (37), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
14.06: 49-3, Trott 23 (29), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
14.10: 51-3, Pietersen 2*, Bell 1*.
15.07: 100-3, 50 partnership between Pietersen 26* and Bell 25*.
15.42: Tea, 123-3, Pietersen 37*, Bell 37*.
Evening Session:
16.30: 142-3, 50 for Bell.
16.43: 152-3, 100 partnership between Pietersen 44* and Bell 59*.
16.53: 155-4, Pietersen 44 (84), 6 fours, caught Rogers, Lyon.
17.46: Bad light stops play, 186-4.
18.09: 210-4, 50 partnership between Bell 89*, Bairstow 28*.
18.24: 221-5, Bairstow 28 (65), 6 fours, caught Haddin, Lyon.
18.37: 228-5, 100 for Bell.
18.47: Close of play, 234-5, Bell 105*, Bresnan 3*. England lead by 202 runs.
Player of the Day: Ian Bell for scoring 105 not out.
Bowler of the Day: Ryan Harris for taking three wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Ian Bell for his knock of 105 not out.
Disappointment of the Day: Losing Pietersen on 44.
No comments:
Post a Comment