NEW DELHI: Australia’s lower-order batsmen put up a resilient performance, frustrating England as the visitors trailed 299-8 by the end of play on day one of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
With Australia holding a 2-1 lead in the five-game series, England’s chances of preventing their arch-rivals from retaining the Ashes hinge on a victory in Manchester. Given the unfavorable weather forecast for the weekend, early success could be imperative for England’s aspirations.
Throughout this series, momentum has swung back and forth, and Wednesday was no exception. Steve Smith, Marnus LabuschagneTravis Head and Mitchell Marsh looked set for substantial scoring, but England managed to stall their progress, preventing them from converting their starts into big innings.
With Australia holding a 2-1 lead in the five-game series, England’s chances of preventing their arch-rivals from retaining the Ashes hinge on a victory in Manchester. Given the unfavorable weather forecast for the weekend, early success could be imperative for England’s aspirations.
Throughout this series, momentum has swung back and forth, and Wednesday was no exception. Steve Smith, Marnus LabuschagneTravis Head and Mitchell Marsh looked set for substantial scoring, but England managed to stall their progress, preventing them from converting their starts into big innings.
With Australia seven wickets down at half past one, England were hoping to secure a few points on the board themselves before the close, but only one more wicket fell to ensure the tourists were back at bat on Thursday.
Stuart Broad took two Australian wickets to move to 600 in Test cricket, with home favorite James Anderson, on his return from the English side, left frustrated, like the rest of his side.
(With Reuters entries)
