The Ashes, First Test, Day 4 of 5 (November 26, 2006)
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0 commentsEngland managed to achieve some respectablity on Day 4 of the Ashes Test, but it is unlikely to be enough to save the game.
Australia declared when Langer reached 100 not out, Ponting was on 60 and Australia were 202/1. This left England 648 runs to win in an impossibly fast time - England had no chance.
England started badly as the score moved to 36/2, with the wickets of Bell and Strauss falling. It was 91/3 when Cook went for 43, and Australia were firmly on top. But then Collingwood and Pietersen batted excellently.
Collingwood got himself out on 96 when it looked like he'd get to 100. Also, Andrew Flintoff got himself out when going for a ridiculous shot for just 16. Pietersen was 92 not out at the close, with Geraint Jones on 12. The score is 293/5. The nominal figure of another 355 to win the game, but with the last two recognised batsmen currently at the crease, it is not going to happen.
England need to hope for a miracle, such as a torrential thunderstorm at about 10am Brisbane Time... Australia should go 1-0 up from the position they are currently in. If England want to bat all day for the draw, the two at the crease need to still be in at tea if they are to have a chance.
Date
November 26, 2006
