Key takeaways from Day 4 of fourth Ashes 2019 Test
What's the story
The Australian cricket team is eight wickets away from winning the ongoing fourth Ashes 2019 Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester. The five-match series is tied at 1-1 and a win on Sunday will see Australia take a 2-1 lead and retain the urn. England, who are in pursuit of 365, ended Day 4 at 18/2. Here's more.
Starc heroics
Starc produces magic to get Bairstow and Stokes
England got off to a decent start on Day 4 as Aussies looked for answers. The decision to play Mitchell Starc paid off. With the new ball, the left-arm pacer showed his magic. He got Jonny Bairstow with deadly in-swinging delivery and then got Ben Stokes. From there on, Aussies bowled England out for 301 after they had earlier resumed the day at 200/5.
Broad vs Warner
Broad's dominance against Warner continues to gain shape
Stuart Broad gave England the perfect start in Australia's second innings. The veteran pacer accounted for David Warner's wicket once again. This was the sixth time he dismissed Warner in this series. Warner (0) was cramped for space and was adjudged LBW. This was his third duck in a row. He is averaging 5.33 against Broad in Ashes 2019.
Smith
Steve Smith the hero for Aussies once again
After mustering a courageous 211 in the first innings, Australia's champion batsman Steve Smith guided Australia to a strong position once again. Smith scored 82 after the Aussies were 44/4 at one stage. He shared a 105-run stand with Matthew Wade. Australia got the cushion and declared their second innings at 186/6. Smith has 671 runs in Ashes 2019 from five innings.
Cummins
Cummins continues to excel for the Aussies
Pat Cummins showed why he is the best bowler in Test cricket. The world number one got Rory Burns and Joe Root for ducks in the first over of England's chase of 383 runs. Cummins got Burns caught after the latter tried to flick a delivery with a close bat. He then got Root playing the wrong line to be castled.
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How did Day 4 pan out?
Jos Buttler helped England save the follow-on in the first innings. Broad and Archer were superb, but Smith held on. Root's side is in need of a miracle at Old Trafford and things look bleak for them. Losing two wickets hurt them badly.