Ashes 2019 1st Test, Day 4, England v Australia: Preview, predictions

Steven Smith came to Australia’s rescue yet again at Edgbaston. Having started their second innings 90 behind England, Australia were quickly reduced to 24/2. Smith counterattacked, finishing the day on an unbeaten 46 from 61 balls, adding 48 with Usman Khawaja and an unbroken 49 with Travis Head. At stumps, Australia are 34 ahead in the second innings with 7 wickets in hand.

Resuming at 267/4, England lost their first wicket of the day on 282, when Ben Stokes had a waft at one from Pat Cummins and was caught behind, immediately after he reached fifty. Rory Burns (133) edged a deceptively quick ball from Nathan Lyon; Moeen Ali fell four balls later, shouldering arms to a straight ball; and Peter Siddle had Jonny Bairstow caught at slips, leaving England reeling at 300/8.

But England were not done. Chris Woakes (37*) and Stuart Broad (29) batted cautiously, adding 65 for the ninth wicket. England eventually got 374.

Australia lost David Warner in the third over, caught behind off Broad via DRS, to help the latter reach 350 Test wickets. Then Moeen had Cameron Bancroft caught at bat-pad. And after a quick stand, Khawaja (40) was caught behind off Stokes.

Key players

Moeen Ali (England): The pitch is taking turn, especially with the old ball. The Australians have counterattacked against Moeen once he snared Bancroft, but there is little doubt that barring Smith, the others will not find things as easy as the innings progresses.

Steven Smith (Australia): Who else? First 144, then 46 not out – who else will Australia look up to at this hour? How many more will he score? Can he take Australia beyond 150? What about 200? Will he take the match beyond England’s grasp?

Brief scores

Australia 284 (Steven Smith 144, Peter Siddle 44; Stuart Broad 5/86, Chris Woakes 3/58) and 124/3 (Steven Smith 46*; Ben Stokes 1/18) lead England 374 (Rory Burns 133, Joe Root 57; Pat Cummins 3/84, Nathan Lyon 3/112) by 34 runs.

Prediction

England set to chase around 200.