Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 140-ball 103 helped England avoid the follow-on after they slipped to 36/4 on Day 3 of the fourth Ashes Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Bairstow was supported by Ben Stokes (66) and Mark Wood (39). Together, they took England to 258/7 at stumps. They still trail by 158 runs in the first innings.
England finally showed some gutsy performance on Day 3, especially after losing Joe Root without score. Both Stokes (side strain) and Bairstow (damaged thumb) were injured, but remained determined and attacked almost every time Australia bowled a bad ball. Wood played aggressively to reduce the deficit in quick time. And yet, they are nowhere close to pulling one back after already down to 0-3 in the five-match series.
There is up to 20mm of rain predicted in Sydney on Day 4 afternoon. The start of Day 3 was delayed by two hours as well, due to persistent rain and wet outfield. Australia also have an injury concern, of Scott Boland, Player of the Match in Melbourne in the Boxing Day Test. Thus, England may escape a 0-4 series scoreline before heading to Hobart for the fifth Test.
England’s primary target on Day 4 will be to go past 300 in the first innings. For that, Bairstow must stay for at least an hour. He has only Jack Leach (4*), Stuart Broad and James Anderson to count on..
Australia can claim the second new ball after 10 overs, but they would like to bowl out England before that. The opening spell, probably from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, holds the key. If Australia break through early, they will definitely score quickly to keep their whitewash hopes alive. Even if rain interrupts play, Australia may just have enough time to push for a win, considering England's recent batting woes .
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Expect Cummins and Starc to take all three wickets early.
- Bank on Marnus Labuschagne to score bulk of runs in Australia's second innings.