Australia dominated the fourth day of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test as they cut down the 384-run target. The Aussies are in a comfortable position to grab this test match, where they need 249 runs with 10 wickets in their hands. The Australian side will be looking to seal the series when they will be playing on the last day of the fifth Test.
On the fourth day of the fifth Ashes Test, rain made an appearance, causing interruptions. Nevertheless, this short play was enough for the Australian openers, David Warner and Usman Khawaja, to keep their team’s hopes of winning the series alive. The day began emotionally, as England’s unbeaten pair, Stuart Broad and James Anderson, walked out to bat, particularly special for Broad as it was his last Test match. The Australian fielders paid him respect with a guard of honor, and the crowd cheered for the star fast bowler.
During his innings, the 37-year-old Broad impressed spectators with a six off Mitchell Starc, but England’s total only increased by six runs, reaching 389 runs at the end of Day 3. Subsequently, Australia faced the daunting task of chasing 384 runs, but the openers, Warner and Khawaja, provided them with a promising start to potentially clinch the series. By the time rain interrupted play in the second session of Day 4, the duo remained unbeaten, guiding Australia to 135/0. Unfortunately, due to the rain, no further play was possible, and Australia required 249 runs to win, with England still ten wickets behind, adding pressure to the situation.
Notably, this was the first-century partnership in the Ashes since David Warner and Cameron Bancroft’s 122-run stand during the Melbourne Test in 2017/18. Warner, who faced criticism regarding his place in the team, effectively countered the threat of Stuart Broad with the new ball. The pitch didn’t offer much swing movement to the bowlers, and even the English bowlers seemed to lack their usual spark. Warner managed to reach his second half-century of the series, while Khawaja also contributed with a quick 69 runs.
In Australia’s chase, Stuart Broad created an early opportunity, but the ball didn’t carry to Ben Duckett at third slip. He struggled to trouble the batsmen, and Moeen Ali, who was nursing a groin injury, bowled loosely, failing to apply pressure on the Australian side. Some debate arose when Mark Wood was not brought into the attack until the 33rd over, despite his pace being a challenge for the batters. However, he couldn’t turn his efforts into wickets.
The Aussies still face a considerable challenge ahead of them. To win the match and clinch the series on English soil for the first time since 2001, Pat Cummins’ side needs to achieve their second-highest successful chase in Test cricket’s history, requiring 249 runs.
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