Stokes: “Weather forecast could dictate how we play in 4th Ashes Test”
England eye an iconic Ashes victory over Australia and will look to beat the rain on day four after Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood put Ben Stokes’ side in a fine position.
Bairstow’s rapid 99 secured a huge first-innings lead on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. While Harry Brook and Ben Stokes both made 50s before the bowlers took centre stage.
A first innings of 592 earned a lead of 275 runs, with Mark Wood dismissing Usman Khawaja and Chris Woakes removing David Warner. Wood then broke up Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith’s partnership, adding the scalps of Smith and later Travis Head to boost hopes of levelling the series heading to the Oval. Follow all the live action from day four at Old Trafford as England face Australia:
The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out
Running off when stranded unbeaten 99 is not something often associated with Test batters, but it is a testament to the innings and the state of the game, that that’s just what Jonny Bairstow did when England were bowled out for 592 and a lead of 275.
The hero of the 2022 first Bazball summer, treated the Old Trafford crowd to a stunning innings and his ability with the bat that saw him preferred in the starting XI to specialist wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.
Yesterday it was Zak Crawley who dispelled the doubters with his stunning 189, but this time it was the time of Yorkshireman Bairstow, whose place had been criticised, with Foakes arguably the better wicketkeeper.
Jack Rathborn22 July 2023 09:10
England chase dominant victory at Old Trafford after Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood heroics
England chose not to make a bold declaration on Friday, but they were ruthless on their way to a score of 592 and left Australia ragged in the field, with the tourists finishing the day 113 for four in reply at Old Trafford.
Since the start of the Bazball era, England fans have learnt to expect the unexpected. But Jonny Bairstow’s stunning unbeaten 99 helped turn the screws on an increasingly struggling Australia, before Mark Wood claimed three crucial wickets as the tourists finished the day 162 runs behind.
England have not scored more than 592 against Australia since 2011 in Sydney, and it is rare that such a quality seam attack is left looking as tired as they did.
While Zak Crawley and Bairstow will make the headlines for their 189 and 99 respectively, it was a collective effort from England, who played in their typical attacking style, but without the reckless nature that has held them back at times earlier in the Ashes series.
Jack Rathborn22 July 2023 09:00
The Ashes – England vs Australia, fourth Test, day four
Good morning and welcome to day four of the fourth Test of the Ashes.
England are chasing a historic victory at Old Trafford, while Australia will hope for rain to move to the Oval with a 2-1 lead and securing the urn.
Ben Stokes’ side have thrilled fans with their swashbuckling style both with bat and ball and should play be possible today, there will be more aggressive cricket to force a result.
Follow for live updates from both the cricket field and weather updates as we anticipate long spells of no cricket.
(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn22 July 2023 08:53
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