Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Ashes PHOTO: Brilliant Broad gives hosts the upperhand

Last updated on: June 20, 2023 00:14 IST

Images from Day 4 of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on Monday.

IMAGE: Stuart Broad handed England the advantage at the end of Day 4. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Stuart Broad revived England's hopes of winning an enthralling opening Ashes Test with a superb late burst just when Australia appeared to have taken the upper hand on Monday.

After bowling England out for 273 just before tea on the fourth day, Australia set about their 281 victory target in serene fashion but ended the day wobbling on 107 for three.

 

IMAGE: A dejected David Warner walks off after being dismissed. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Australia's opener David Warner and first innings centurion Usman Khawaja looked rock-solid in putting on 61 before Warner edged a beauty from Ollie Robinson having made a fluent 36.

With England off-spinner Moeen Ali struggling with a cut hand, Broad then returned for a second spell to swing the momentum back towards the hosts.

IMAGE: Ollie Robinson takes England’s lead past 250. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Whipping the raucous crowd into a frenzy, he had world number one test batsman Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for 13, having removed him for a duck in the first innings.

Steve Smith (6) then edged another Broad delivery into the waiting gloves of England keeper Jonny Bairstow.

IMAGE: Harry Brook bats during Day 4 of the Ashes. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Khawaja, who scored his first century in England in the first innings, remained unbeaten at the close on 34 with night watchman Scott Bolan on 13 not out.

Rain is expected early on Tuesday before drier conditions and, with Australia requiring a further 174 runs and England needing seven wickets, a draw looks a remote possibility.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.