Australia 385 & 369-6 declared lead England 251 & 251-5 by 253 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)
Australia only need five more wickets to win the Ashes. The morning session saw Watson race his way to a century before being dismissed for 103 via a Bresnan run out. Smith and Haddin both fell but Clarke decided to declare on 369-6, with a 503 run lead over England and five sessions left to play. England's second innings got off to the worst start possible as Cook was bowled by Harris for a golden duck as England went into lunch 24-1. Carberry and Root produced a fifty partnership before Carberry was caught lbw by Watson. England fell to 76-3 as Root was next to depart the innings. Pietersen reached 45 before being dismissed, leaving England to struggle on 121-4. Bell and Stokes settled the innings back down with a 99 run partnership before Bell was the last wicket to fall on day four, leaving the team 220-5. Stokes battled on to reach 72 not out at the close of day four but England still trail by 253 runs with only five wickets remaining.
My Opinion:
It seems inevitable that Australia win wrap the Test up tomorrow along with the Ashes Series. It was not the start the English Bowlers needed or wanted as Watson raced to 103 off 108 balls. Eventually the misery ended as the Australian lead passed 500 runs. However, Cook falling to the first ball on the second innings was disastrous and started the beginning of the end for me. Carberry and Root managed to stabilise things up but the loss of both of them before Tea was not ideal in any respect. Pietersen being dismissed was another nail in the coffin but Bell and Stokes seemed to be prepared to put up a fight. Unfortunately, Bell edged behind on 60, leaving England in a desperate state at 220-5. Stokes looks in good nick and it would be a tremendous achievement if he could convert the century. England finished the day 251-5 but they still require a further 253 runs. Everything points to the Aussies winning the Test and the Ashes. Hopefully, Stokes, Prior and the tail end can delay the inevitable and prolong the day but I don't hold out much hope of England batting out the day.
Match Guide: Key Moments
Morning Session:
0235: 256-3, Watson 49*, Smith 6*.
0242: 259-3, 50 for Watson.
0249: 273-3, 50 partnership between Watson 60* and Smith 12*.
0300: 301-3, Watson 84*, Smith 15*.
0305: 301-4, Smith 15 (50), caught Sub, Stokes.
0323: 328-4, 100 for Watson.
0336: 331-5, Watson 103 (108), 11 fours, 5 sixes, run out by Bresnan.
0341: 340-6, Haddin 5 (6), 1 four, caught Swann, Bresnan.
0345: 369-6, Clarke declares, Bailey 39*(30), 3 fours, 3 sixes, Johnson 0*(0). Australia lead by 503 runs.
Batsman of the Innings: Warner 112 (140)
Bowler of the Innings: Bresnan 2-53
England Second Innings:
0400: 0-1, Cook 0 (1), bowled by Harris.
0430: 24-1, Carberry 8*, Root 7*. Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
0541: 54-1, 50 partnership between Carberry 25* and Root 15*.
0602: 62-2, Carberry 31 (53), 6 fours, lbw Watson.
0645: 76-3, Root 19 (88), 1 four, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0712: 95-3, Pietersen 24*, Bell 6*. Tea.
Evening Session:
0737: 103-3, Pietersen 32*, Bell 6*.
0752: 121-4, Pietersen 45 (57), 6 fours, 1 six, caught Harris, Lyon.
0823: 152-4, Bell 20*, Stokes 21*.
0837: 172-4, 50 partnership between Bell 43* and Stokes 23*.
0858: 203-4, Bell 49*, Stokes 42*.
0908: 206-4, 50 for Bell.
0928: 220-5, Bell 60 (93), 7 fours, 1 six, caught Haddin, Siddle.
0930: 228-5, 50 for Stokes.
0958: 251-5, Stokes 72*, Prior 8*. Close of Play. England trail by 253 runs.
Batsman of the Day: Stokes 72*(96)
Bowler of the Day: Siddle 1-56
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