England and Australia resumed battle this time in the 4th test match at Manchester which began on Wednesday. The two teams have played some amazing cricket over the last one month. The series stand 2-1 in favor of Australia who won the first two test matches. England, made a stirring comeback as they won the third test at Leeds by 3 wickets. The fourth game at Manchester is a chance for Australia to win the test and take home their first series win in England for 22 years. England on the other hand are looking to win the game to square the series 2-2.
The story so far –
Both the teams had already named their XI’s before the start of the test match. Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first. James Anderson was back for the English team in place of Ollie Robinson. Australia on the other hand made two changes with Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood coming in for Todd Murphy and Scott Boland.
Steve Smith survives a close call –
Australia were 61/2 in the 15th over with Chris Woakes having just dismissed David Warner. In walked Australian vice-captain Steve Smith who was greeted with a short ball by Woakes. Smith went for a hook shot as Mark Wood mis-judged the line of the ball and came in early and fumbled what was an easy catch. The ball went for four not before giving Steve Smith early scare in his innings.
Stuart Broad strikes early as Anderson’s struggles continue –
Australia walked into the 4th test with Khawaja and Warner as the openers yet again. Stuart Broad has made a habit of dismissing Warner early but this time he got his partner instead. Usman Khawaja was out for 3 off 19 balls when he was given out LBW to Broad. James Anderson who had missed the Leeds test wasn’t effective as he continued to struggle with the ball. The 41 year old had bowled 11 overs giving away 22 runs for no wickets.
Australia lose wickets at regular intervals –
David Warner came out all guns blazing and saw of the threat of Broad when he raced to 32. Chris Woakes though got Warner out for 32 off 38 balls with 3 fours having him caught behind by Bairstow. Smith was out a quick 41 off 52 balls with 5 fours and a six when he was out LBW to Mark Wood.
At the time of writing, Australia were 159/3 from 41 overs with Labuschagne on 40, while Travis Head was on 31.
— Octopus Yadav (@OctopusYadav) July 19, 2023
Steve Smith tries a hook off the first ball he faces, almost gets caught.
— Nimish Dubey (@nimishdubey) July 19, 2023
Not ONE word of criticism.
Imagine Harry Brook, Stokes, Root or Bairstow doing that, and the reaction.
That.
That is exactly what is disturbing.
Lol Steve Smith wanted to go on a duck so bad, wtf was that swivel pull to find the fielder?#Ashes #ENGvAUS #ENGvsAUS
— 🔁 (@Tutterdotcom) July 19, 2023
Steve Smith hits a bit hook shot for 4 on his first ball!#ENGvAUS #CricketTwitter #Ashes #Day1 #4thTest pic.twitter.com/rcDf3vYrdM
— duckcricket (@duckcrickpal) July 19, 2023
Steve Smith almost holes out in the deep first shot but it's just over Wood on the boundary#ENGvAUS #Ashes
— P J Hardy (@pjhardy4) July 19, 2023