Ashes 2023 | Broad Leads English Fightback As Australia Stumble Late On Topsy-Turvy Day 4
England players celebrate a wicket on Day 4 (Twitter)
The 2023 Ashes opener is heading towards an exciting finish in Birmingham. After bowling out hosts England for 273 by Tea, Australia wiped out 107 runs from their target, all during the closing session of Day 4.
However, they did so at the expense of some causalities. After David Warner and first-innings centurion Usman Khawaja shared a 61-run opening stand, the visitors lost three quick wickets in a space of 30 minutes. Khawaja and night-watchman Scott Boland later guided their side through the twilight session without further damage, as they finish at 107-3 from 30 overs.
As the match stands, its advantage Australia by the end of a topsy-turvy Day 4. But the tide can turn to England’s favour at any instant, considering the unpredictable nature of fifth day jitters.
Talking Points
Warner and Khawaja consolidate run-chase at the top
David Warner, who scored just nine in the first innings, counter-attacked in the second on his way to forming a 61-run partnership with in-form partner Usman Khawaja. The 105-Test veteran whacked four boundaries to chart a brisk 36 before he became the first wicket of the innings.
Khawaja, on the other hand, reached 34* by stumps on Day 4. The batting barnacle washed up 81 deliveries from his end, and consolidated Australia’s response during a tense final session. He will resume his team’s run-chase on the deciding day, alongside Scott Boland, while being subjected to the wrath of England’s experience pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Stuart Broad strikes twice to lead English fightback
Ollie Robinson provided England their first breakthrough after the Australians had confidently reached 61 in 17 overs. The 29-year-old pacer pitched on a good length to nick David Warner behind the stumps, only to be safely pouched by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.
Bairstow plucked two more catches in the evening, both off Stuart Broad, when the speed merchant romped through world number one and number two ranked ICC batters, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, in quick succession.
Expectations from Day 5
With Australia reaching 107-3 from 30 overs, they require another 174 runs to generate a remarkable win on Day 5. However, the Englishmen will believe they are not out of the game yet, and a couple of wickets within the opening hour might well tilt the tide back in their favour. All in all, one can expect a gripping day of Test cricket on the deciding day of the Ashes opener.
Brief Score
Australia - 107-3 (30) (Second innings)
David Warner - 36 (57), Usman Khawaja - 34* (81),
Stuart Broad - 2/28 (9), Ollie Robinson - 1/22 (6)
Australia need 174 runs to win!
 "Aakash Saini")
