Ashes 2019 2nd Test, England vs Australia Day 4 preview: Time running out fast for hosts

Only 24.1 overs of cricket was possible on Day 3 at Lord’s – entirely in a truncated first session. This, after the entire Day 1 was lost to rain. During the course of play, Australia crawled from 30/1 to 80/4. England now have just two days to pick up 16 wickets – and bat for a while between innings –and force a result to level the series.

Steven Smith (who else?) is still out there, along with Matthew Wade. Remember, the follow-on margin is now 150 runs, so Australia first need another 29 runs to make England bat again – not an easy task against Stuart Broad and co.

The Australians started the day cautiously. While Cameron Bancroft gritted it out at one end (he took 66 balls for his 13), Usman Khawaja (36 in 56) batted with more freedom. The partnership reached 49 when Jofra Archer rapped Bancroft on the pads. Bancroft reviewed the decision but could not prevent Archer from claiming his maiden Test wicket.

Four balls later – at the other end – Khawaja chased one outside off-stump and was caught behind off Chris Woakes. Broad then got Aleem Dar’s decision overturned to send Travis Head (7) back, leg-before. Smith (7*) and Wade (0*) ensured there was no more mishap.

Key players

Stuart Broad (England): Archer has his tail up after that wicket; Woakes has a terrific record here; but there is little doubt that England’s most senior fast bowler – who has been fantastic so far – is the one they will turn to if they have to get Australia out cheaply.

Steven Smith (Australia): Despite his unusual footwork, especially during the leaves, Smith has looked in firm control throughout his 40-ball stay at the crease. Two sessions of this and he will as good as bat England out of the Test.

Brief scores

England 258 (Rory Burns 53, Jonny Bairstow 52; Josh Hazlewood 3/58, Pat Cummins 3/61, Nathan Lyon 3/68) lead Australia 80/4 (Usman Khawaja 36; Stuart Broad 2/26) by 178 runs.

Prediction

England to get a sizeable lead and build on it.