Ashes 2017-18, 4th Test, Day 5 - 5 Talking Points

A stubborn show from Australia to induce a stalemate saw the 4th Ashes Test at Melbourne eventually earn the fruit they wanted. David Warner missed out on a well-deserved century, but Steve Smith managed to register his 23rd Test ton. It was a high-class exhibition of defensive stroke play, executed with perfection, much to the disappointment of the English fans.

Australia remains unbeaten in the series and this was the closest they came to face a defeat in the series. In what has been a perfect series for the team from down under, this was one game where they were vulnerable without their spearhead Mitchell Starc. It wasn’t a particularly impressive performance from the English bowlers as well, but the Aussies conceded heavily without their talisman.

Alastair Cook’s outstanding double-century made a difference between the visitors losing and salvaging a draw. The southpaw shut all the critics with a flabbergasting exhibition of strokeplay, which shall be remembered for a long time. The rain towards the end of the fourth day and lack of intensity from the English bowlers on the final day didn’t help their cause and Australia held their 3-0 advantage.

Here are the five talking points of the final day.

1. Number 23 for Steve Smith

Whilst this guy keeps collecting centuries like seashells on a beach, the bowlers are doing nothing but watching him go about his business. Technically profound, an astute reader of the game and mentally stubborn, Steve Smith has everything in his arsenal to become one of the greatest ever cricketers. He got to his century just before the captains decided to consent to a draw and is leveled with Justin Langer on the 8th spot in the list of highest century-makers for Australia.

2. Moeen Ali – Once again, ineffective

It’s utterly disappointing to see a player of his caliber fail on so many occasions. The all-rounder hogged all the limelight the moment Ben Stokes was discarded from the Ashes. He failed to live up to the expectations would be an understatement. He works brilliantly in tandem with Ben Stokes, but individually, he seems too lackluster and fragile. He bowled just 13 overs in the game and picked up no wickets.

3. Lyon finishes as the highest wicket-taker of the year in Tests

What a moment for Nathan Lyon! The off-spinner from New South Wales finished as the highest wicket-taker in 2017 in the longest format, with 63 scalps after his name. No one would’ve placed their bet on him to achieve this when the year began, but it’s fair to say the lad has come a long way in his career. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’d want 2017 to stay for another year or so.

4. Root comes in the way of Warner and twin centuries!

No one in the world saw this coming. Warner was not exactly racing towards a hundred like he always does, but this time, he was crawling steadily towards it. It would’ve been a staggering, record-breaking 4th occasion when Warner made a century in both innings. He is on level terms right now with Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting, achieving the feet on 3 occasions. And much to the surprise of people, it was Joe Root who came in as a part-timer and got the big fish. He went for a slog and ended up giving a simple catch to James Vince at covers.

5. 85 runs partnership in 290 balls!

Well, that explains the whole story. Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh piled on 85 runs unbeaten for the 5th wicket and wait, they batted closely for 50 overs together to earn the stalemate. People can make as much fun as they want about their defensive approach, but it’s fair to say that these both individuals denied the English a victory. Marsh scored 29 runs in 166 balls whereas Smith remained unbeaten at 102 off 275 balls.