Ashes 2017-18, 5th Test, Day 4, Review: Australia only 6 wickets away from a famous win

Australia completely owned the proceedings on the fourth day as they are only six wickets away from yet another famous win in the final Ashes Test. The writing is on the wall for England as they have no chance to win the match and also have to bat out of their skins to save the Test match. The day was a memorable one for Marsh brother as both Mitchell Marsh and Shaun Marsh slammed their respective centuries. However, it would be no less than a victory for England if they manage a fighting draw on the final day.

Earlier, Australia resumed their innings with a lead of 133 runs and looked in no fuss about the declaration. Shaun and Mitchell played themselves in on the day as the former completed his second century of the day. There was no pressure on them whatsoever as it seemed that the visitors were waiting for the declaration. Their shoulders were dropped as the duo just went on with their business. Soon Mitchell Marsh reached his ton, his second in two matches in the series but was castled right away by Tom Curran.

But Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh stitched a partnership of 52 runs before the latter was run-out for 156. Surprisingly, Steve Smith didn’t declare even after that with lower order piling on the agony for England. Finally, when the lead went past 300, Smith decided to have a crack at the visitors for the remaining half day. Australia declared after posting a mammoth score of 649/7 with a lead of 303 runs.

Tired England crumble again

England, with a huge deficit of more than 300 runs, had no option but to go for a draw. But the openers, Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman, failed to provide them with a good start once again. The latter was trapped in front of the stumps for duck summing up his poor tour despite promising a lot. His partner Cook too became bunny of Nathan Lyon who bowled a beautiful devliery which uprooted his top of off-stump. The woes of James Vince continued as he nicked the outside the off-stump ball behind for the sixth time in nine innings.

Dawid Malan, the most impressive batsman for the visitors on the tour, also failed in his last knock with Lyon pinning him in front for just 5. Amidst all the happenings, Joe Root looked solid and fought gamely for his team. He is the only one who can save the sinking ship for England now which also looks unlikely now. He continued to bat despite hurting his finger and remained unbeaten on 42 until stumps. Jonny Bairstow too looked assured in his 45-ball unbeaten stay at the crease for 17 runs as England finished the day on 93/4, still trailing by 210 runs.

Australian bowling attack bowled with hostility as all the bowlers troubled the hapless England batting line-up. Mitchell Starc once again provided the breakthrough which they missed in Melbourne and Pat Cummins was just magnificent. The stature of Lyon is increasing day-by-day as he too bowled well on a helpful SCG surface. They would love to clean up the visitors and claim the prestigious Ashes. England, on the other hand, would want to go back home with some pride by managing a draw in this game but Root has to break his century draught to make that happen.

Brief Scores:

England 346  (J Root 83, D Malan 62, P Cummins 4/80, J Hazlewood 2/65) & 93/4 (J Root 42*; N Lyon 2/31)

Australia 649/7decl (U Khawaja 171, S Marsh 156, M Marsh 101; M Ali 2/170)