England eye another cruising victory to take the series
The Australian team was in deep trouble at the end of fourth day’s play at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). England continued the dominance in the series as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 lost seven wickets until close of play.
The third session started with Australia on 77 for the loss of two wickets. The stand-in captain of the team Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729. Clarke looked positive and played a few strokes at the start of the session.
After a 65 run partnership with his captain, Khawaja was dismissed for 21. He got a good start in the first innings but failed to capitalize on it. The second innings was no different as he chased a wide delivery from James Anderson and edged the ball to
the hands of Matt Prior.
The disappointment continued for Australia as Clarke was out soon after the departure of Khawaja. Clarke played well for his 41 but his effort wasn’t enough to trouble the English team.
The wicket of Clarke brought Brad Haddin at the crease alongside Michael Hussey. Both the batsmen have been in good form for Australia but they had a huge task ahead of them on this occasion.
Hussey was unable to rescue his team today as he was dismissed for 12. He was out after a 37 run stand with Haddin when the total was 161. Two quick wickets fell just ten runs after the wicket of Hussey and Australia were 171 for 7. Australia reached 213
for the loss of 7 wickets until close of play.
All three fast bowlers for England were devastating for Australia. Tim Bresnan, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett took two wickets each to leave Australia in tatters. The only bowler who remained wicket-less was Graeme Swann but the damage done by the fast
bowlers was more than enough.
After retaining the Ashes in the last match, a series win is almost certain for England. Even if a miracle saves the defeat for the home team, the English team have already taken a lead of 2-1 in the series.
Australia have been criticized for a poor show and dip in form but nothing should be taken away from England for playing exceptional cricket in this series. Alastair Cook leads the batsmen for most runs whereas Anderson is the leading wicket-taker of the
series which clearly indicates the form England is in at this stage.
Tags: