England 215 and 375 (149.5 overs)
Australia 280 and 174/6 (71.0 overs)
Australia require another 137 runs with four
wickets in hand to win
It was another closely fought day at Trent Bridge in the first but it
was again England who gained the momentum in the final session. Australia were
going along quite nicely firstly after an 84 run opening stand, and then at
161/4 with their captain Michael Clarke at the crease. They preceded to lose
three wickets in as many overs to lose any real chance of winning the match on
Day 5. Michael Clarke was dismissed caught behind although not without more
drama involving DRS. The umpires went to the video to check whether the ball
carried, which it did, but then Clarke decided to refer it as he thought he
didn't hit it. Hot Spot showed a very fine edge so Clarke was on his way. Smith
was gone next by Swann and then Hughes followed after England overturned a not
out lbw decision.
The Hughes dismissal was interesting as Dharmasena gave it not out but
seemed to indicate that the ball pitched outside leg. Now I'm not sure whether
I'm reading too much into this but I'm pretty sure umpires should just give
their decision and that's it. Sometimes the umpire may tell the bowler why he
didn't give it out when he is walking back to his mark, but I've never really
seen a reason given during the appeal like what Dharmasena did.
Earlier Bell reached a fantastic century which has fairly been described as one of his best for England. Without his partnership with Broad (who was finally out for 65) the match could be in a very different position right now. Australia led by Peter Siddle took the last three wickets for just four runs to set up an intriguing chase of 311.
Hero of the Day: Stuart Broad
Tough one here but I've given it to Broad. He continued on from the day before and reached an important half century before ending up making 65. He picked up the wicket of Watson who was looking dangerous and also the huge wicket of Michael Clarke for 23, who was Australia's best hope for a win.
Villain of the Day: Ed Cowan
Not a villain of such, however Cowan's dismissal for just 14 has put him in extreme doubt to retain his place in the side for te next test match. Apparently he has been quite sick, but nothing should really excuse his waft outside off stump (yet again) to part-timer Root in the last over before tea.
Who won the day? England
Australia were in front when they were on 161/4 however the last three wickets especially the wicket of Michael Clarke swung he match heavily in England's favour. Australia require another 137 runs to win with Brad Haddin and first innings hero Ashton Agar at the crease. It will be incredibly tough and England are certainly favourites, however Australia still have a small chance of pulling it off. Who can forget at Edgbaston in 2005 where Australia required 106 runs with two wickets in hand heading into what would be the final day of that historic test match.
Day 4 Evening Session Highlights
Courtesy of ecbcricket
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