Australia continued to dominate the second Ashes Test match in Adelaide after Day 4, reducing England to 82/4 after setting 468. They need to take six wickets on the final day to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. At the time, it will also help them to maintain their 100% winning record in day/night Tests after nine matches.
Resuming on 45/1, Australia rode on fifties from Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head to reach 230/9 declared before Jhye Richardson’s double strike, followed by wickets from Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc sent England on the verge of their 11th defeat in the last 12 Tests down under.
After Joe Root fell off the last ball of Day 4 to Starc, England’s slim hopes of saving the Test match now lies on Ben Stokes’ shoulders. Stokes, has faced 40 balls so far. He batted well under lights on Day 4. However, he will require support from the next four – Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson – to make a match out of this.
Australia will be high on confidence on Day 5. They are aware of how English batters have struggled in this year without Root. Jhye Richardson, Starc, Michael Neser and Cam Green have looked ominous so far, and will be looking to carry the rhythm. Though Nathan Lyon bowled 14 wicketless overs on Day 4, he is likely to play a crucial role on the final day.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Starc and Lyon to scalp early wickets.
- Expect a fifty from Buttler. Stokes may keep the scoreboard ticking as well if he manages to stay an hour in the middle on Day 5.