A pack of cards. Yes, that was probably the only way to describe the Australian batting lineup in the fourth innings of the first Ashes test. Chasing 412 to win the first test, Australia batted rather pathetically to lose the game by 169 runs. It was an underwhelming effort with the bat by the Australians as they collapsed like a pack of cards in front of the mighty English bowling.
England once again made it clear that they are a fabulous team at home. Stuart Broad was sensational once again as he bowled his heart out and troubled the Australian batsmen. Moeen Ali once again got the crucial breakthroughs and ended with 3 wickets. Joe Root was the deserving winner of the Man of the Match award as he played stellar knocks in both the innings.
In this article, we now have a look at the top 5 highlights of Day 4 of the first Ashes test –
1. David Warner’s wicket:
Warner was looking well set, and if Australia were to win the game, it would have been David Warner’s assault which could have possibly propelled them. But for England, Moeen Ali ensured that Warner had an off day as his golden arm did the trick yet again. Warner was looking good on 52, when Ali bowled a straighter one which cramped David Warner up. Warner, expecting the ball to turn went back, only to miss it. He was wrapped on the pads and made his way back. That was a decisive blow as it put Australia on the back foot.
2. Steve Smith’s failure:
Steve Smith might have been in dream form before this game, but that didn’t matter one bit! After Warner’s wicket at the top, Smith was expected to atleast hold up the middle order, so that the other batsmen could play around him. And Smith being a quick run getter should have got to a higher score if Australia had any chance of surviving. But Smith succumbed to the pressure as Stuart Broad got rid of him. He nicked one to slip which Ian Bell gleefully accepted.
3. Shane Watson’s LBW woes:
LBW. These three letters are enough to bog down any Shane Watson fan. Watson, for the 29th time in his career was dismissed through an LBW. To further embarrass himself, Watson reviewed the decision and doing so, only meant humiliation for him. Watson looked in horrible nick during his stay and struggled miserably. His failure in the game was a big blow to Australia’s chances of revival.
4. Johnson resisting well:
More than the runs, Mitchell Johnson sent a stern message to the Australian batsmen. Johnson made 77, before he was eventually dismissed. But the way Johnson batted, it was worth appreciating. He showed far more resistance than the actual batsmen. Despite not bowling well in the game, Johnson batted well and made it clear, that his mindset was still clear and confident.
5. The English aggression on display:
A key reason behind England’s win over Australia was that they were far more aggressive. England as a side prosper when they display aggression. Day 4 was another instance of their aggression on display. The bowlers were backed by some stern fielding and some tactically accurate captaincy. If England continue to remain aggressive throughout the Ashes, then viewers are in for some serious entertainment.