Ashes 2023 | Australia Need 281 To Win as England's Bazball Tactics Fall Short

Ben Stokes walking off the field (AP Photo)

The first Ashes Test at Edgbaston is set for a thrilling finish as Australia need 281 to win after bundling out England for 273 in the second innings. It was Test cricket at its best with both teams fighting hard, but in the end, Aussies would be relatively more happy to chase 281 on a decent batting pitch at Edgbaston.

England batters were guilty of throwing away good starts and Root, Brook and Stokes all departed in their 40s to always keep Australia in the game. For the boys from Down Under, their skipper Pat Cummins and Lyon took four wickets each and showed their class when it mattered the most.

 So, it is advantage Australia but if England can take some early wickets in the evening session, they can surely put pressure on Australia going into Day 5.

Talking Points

 Bad shot-selection a product of Bazball?

England came into the afternoon session with five wickets down and a lead of 162 runs. They needed Stokes and Bairstow to bat long but Bairstow tried to play a fancy reverse-sweep against the run of play and paid a huge price as Lyon trapped him in front.

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Earlier, Root also lost his wicket in trying to play an outrageous shot when he was looking well-set for another big knock. After the wicket of Bairstow, England kept losing wickets regularly and from 196-5, they were reduced to 229-8. Also, Ollie Robinson who was batting well suddenly decided to run down the wicket and holed out at long on where he could have easily stayed a bit longer with a cautious approach.

Australia's Old-school bowling approach pays rich dividends

Pat Cummins was criticized by many for his defensive captaincy in England's first innings. However, in this second innings and especially in the second session, Australia showed classic Test cricket virtues. They showed patience in sticking to their lines and lengths and also used bodyline tactics nicely to rattle English batting line-up and made them commit mistakes by putting pressure with dot balls.

Expectations

The final session of day 4 could end up becoming the make-or-break session of this Test match as the team that will win it will most likely take a lead in this series. If Australian openers can tackle the new ball threat and led a strong foundation, England could find it very hard to come back in this Test match. Expect a fierce battle between bat and ball!

Brief Score

England - 273-10 (66.2) (Second innings)

Harry Brook - 46 (52), Joe Root - 46 (55)

 Pat Cummins - 4/63 (18.2) ,  Nathan Lyon - 4/80 (24)

England - 393 - 8 d (78) (First innings)

Australia - 386 - 10 (116.1) (First innings)

England need 281 runs to win!

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